(Above: What a wacky college morning show looks like, apparently.) Thirty years ago this week I was starting my second year at Lewis University on the air at WLRA. I almost didn't come back; at the end of my first year I was left off of the management team and threatened to take my ball … Continue reading 30 years ago this week: The Billboard Hot 100, September 10, 1988
Author: Len
Great lost hit: Dean Friedman, “Ariel” (1977)
(Above: Was hoping for a photo of Ariel, but OK.) Way on the far south side of Chicago, there was a song that WLS played a lot.... The summer of 1977 is one that I always look back upon fondly. There was nothing more complicated in life at time than getting up, riding our bikes … Continue reading Great lost hit: Dean Friedman, “Ariel” (1977)
Rest in peace, Art Hellyer: Ray Charles, “America the Beautiful” (1972)
(Above: Art having fun at WCFL, circa 1951.) Sad news from the world of Chicagoland radio: Art Hellyer, longtime radio and television host, passed away last night. He was 95. Art held the distinction of being my oldest Facebook friend. Before becoming ill earlier this year, he was in the habit of sharing Facebook live … Continue reading Rest in peace, Art Hellyer: Ray Charles, “America the Beautiful” (1972)
Ten Albums: Bob Dylan, Blonde on Blonde (1966)
At long last, we have reached the top of my personal Top Ten. To recap: 10. Too Much Joy, Cereal Killers (1991) 9. R.E.M, Document (1987) 8. They Might Be Giants, Flood (1990) 7. Dire Straits, Making Movies (1980) 6. Simon and Garfunkel, Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme (1966) 5. The Who, Meaty Beaty Big … Continue reading Ten Albums: Bob Dylan, Blonde on Blonde (1966)
Ten Albums: The Beach Boys, Pet Sounds (1966)
We're getting closer to the top. #2. The Beach Boys - Pet Sounds (1966) I guess I was always a Beach Boys fan. When I got my first collection of 45s at the age of 4, one of the records in the pile was "Wouldn't It Be Nice." As a small child I played it … Continue reading Ten Albums: The Beach Boys, Pet Sounds (1966)
Ten Albums: Bruce Springsteen, Born To Run (1975)
(Above: This is not the version of the LP that I own, but I've been looking for one of these for years. It's the promo release.) We're getting to the top of the list of my favorite LPs. The list will become more predictable from this point, but I've got stories for each of them. … Continue reading Ten Albums: Bruce Springsteen, Born To Run (1975)
Rest in peace, Aretha Franklin: “Respect” (1967)
After a variety of media reports of ill health that swirled this week, it can be confirmed that Aretha Franklin, known as "The Queen of Soul," passed away at her Detroit home this morning at the age of 76. There are far better writers than can do a far better job of telling her life … Continue reading Rest in peace, Aretha Franklin: “Respect” (1967)
Ten Albums: The Beatles, Rubber Soul (1965)
Our Ten Albums list continues, and we have our first controversy: #4* - The Beatles, Rubber Soul (1965) So, why the asterisk? Well... I've limited myself to one album per artist, which is going to necessarily leave out some thing terrific. I've also spent time on this blog writing about Revolver, an album that I … Continue reading Ten Albums: The Beatles, Rubber Soul (1965)
Ten Albums: The Who, Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy (1971)
Ordinarily. I wouldn't allow a Greatest Hits compilation on a list like this. This isn't an ordinary LP, though, nor is the story of how it got here. #5. The Who - Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy (1971) There were several groups that I'd call myself "late to the party" in discovering. Led Zeppelin was … Continue reading Ten Albums: The Who, Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy (1971)
Ten Albums: Simon and Garfunkel, Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme (1966)
(Above: Paul Simon sports the puffy shirt years before Jerry Seinfeld.) Our series of Ten Albums continues today. #6 - Simon and Garfunkel, Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme (1966) Right around the time I turned 14 was when I made the second major raid on my parents' abandoned music collection. I've written much about taking … Continue reading Ten Albums: Simon and Garfunkel, Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme (1966)
45 Ruminations Per Megabyte 