The Who “The Real Me” (1973)
John Entwistle always said he did not play the bass. He insisted he played the bass guitar. The difference was not merely semantic. The man nicknamed “The Ox” established a treble-rich sound unlike most anyone in his era or since (per Entwistle’s own description: “Full treble, full volume”). And I would suggest, nowhere is it...... Read More
Rod Stewart “You Wear It Well” (1972)
Like a picture being worth a thousand words, sometimes one example is worth a thousand lyrics. Co-written with guitarist Martin Quittenton, 'You Wear It Well' is Rod Stewart’s musical recital of a letter sent one hot afternoon by a bored guy to his ex-girlfriend... Read More
Don Henley “Boys of Summer” (1984)
One of this blog's regular readers, perhaps motivated by my apparent dismissiveness for lyrics, first in a post on the Drive-by Truckers and then in a follow up with Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, has written in to be heard from. For our first-ever... Read More
Beach Boys “God Only Knows” (1966)
Here’s an absolutely ridiculous question I posed to myself recently: What’s the most perfect pop song ever? Is it a classic hit, an obscurity, some underappreciated gem? God only knows, right? Again, the premise is absurd, picking one song as most sublime among all others. But hey, let’s give it a shot: For me, what...... Read More
Steely Dan “Deacon Blues” (1977)
This is a great song, and like most great songs, it’s exceptional for many reasons. I love the easy feel throughout, right from the opening 12-seconds of 10 jazz-inflected, matching guitar and piano chords. I love Donald Fagen and Walter Becker’s typically convoluted, largely indecipherable Steely Dan lyrics – is it about a loser’s mid-life...... Read More
Shooter Jennings “4th Of July” (2005)
I could’ve picked a more conspicuous song today: Bruce Springsteen’s ‘4th Of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)’ probably would’ve been the most obvious choice. And though definitely not about fireworks and celebration, another Bruce tune, ‘Independence Day’, might’ve even fit. No go for either one (though when I get my courage up I do hope to...... 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
R.E.M. “What’s The Frequency, Kenneth?” (1994)
The change in R.E.M.'s sound on the monster album "Monster" was definitely in the guitar. The meaning of references in its best song, 'What's The Frequency, Kenneth,' are still up for debate.... Read More
Drive-By Truckers “The Perilous Night”
Both words and music used with powerful force; righteous indignation rarely sounds this good.... Read More