Stevie Ray Vaughan “Love Struck Baby”
The greatest guitarist I've ever heard, or will ever hear. This song changed my life.... Read More
ZZ Top “La Grange” (1973)
Is the funniest thing about ZZ Top the fact that 2 of its 3 members are famed for their massive signature beards, and the 3rd member who completely lacks one is named – it’s true – Frank Beard? Well if not then it must be their song content. I recently heard ‘Tube Snake Boogie,’ the...... Read More
Rolling Stones “Before They Make Me Run” (1978)
It’s said that only cockroaches will survive a nuclear event, but I’d suggest cockroaches and Keith Richards. Keith is 75 and seems about double that; He doesn’t look to have been merely touched by father time, he looks like father time gave him a nasty beating. But against all logic this Stone is still rolling...... Read More
America “Ventura Highway” (1972)
Prince of thieves: how Prince stole his most iconic two words - purple rain - from America's Ventura Highway... Read More
Grateful Dead “Box Of Rain” (1970)
It was a long, strange trip to learn to appreciate the greatness of The Grateful Dead, and it took separating The Dead from Deadheads.... Read More
Dr. John “Such A Night” (1978)
Whether performed by Dr. John or Mac Rebennack, "Such A Night" from The Last Waltz was unforgettable by any name.... Read More
Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes “I’ve Been Working Too Hard” (1991)
Behind Bruce & E Street, the #2 icon of NJ rock and roll? Southside Johnny & the Jukes, of course (and please don't give me poser Bon Jovi).... Read More
Led Zeppelin “Fool In The Rain”
For one Led Zeppelin song, the sound of rock's most recognizable drummer, John Bonham, was quite unfamiliar... Read More
Creedence Clearwater Revival “Tombstone Shadow”
Creedence Clearwater Revival: among so many incredible things, they're the only hugely successful rock band ever with absolutely no bad songs. Here's one of them, note for note.... Read More