(Above: There's a lot going on on this album cover.) Harry Chapin would have been 75 today. The singer-songwriter is probably best known to classic rock audiences (and classic rock DJs in need of bathroom breaks) for his epic "Taxi," which tells of a cabdriver's chance meeting with an ex-lover one evening. To pop audiences, … Continue reading Happy 75th, Harry Chapin: “W*O*L*D” (1973)
1970s
Rest in peace, David Cassidy: The Partridge Family, “Doesn’t Somebody Want to Be Wanted” (1971)
(Above: The 45 picture sleeve, which - depending on your preference - you saved either for David Cassidy or Susan Dey.) The news of the passing of David Cassidy this week at the age of 67 wasn't entirely a surprise. Earlier this year, he had shared that he was suffering from dementia, and earlier this … Continue reading Rest in peace, David Cassidy: The Partridge Family, “Doesn’t Somebody Want to Be Wanted” (1971)
Rest in peace, Malcolm Young: AC/DC, “Rocker” (1976)
(Above: Hey, I think I know those guys.) Word spread over the weekend that Malcolm Young, one of the co-founders of Australian rock mainstay AC/DC, lost his battle with dementia at the age of only 64. It was just a few weeks ago that I wrote about the passing of Malcolm's older brother George Young … Continue reading Rest in peace, Malcolm Young: AC/DC, “Rocker” (1976)
Movin’ out: Songs of Relocation (Various)
(Above: Celebrating the first night in the new home with what's available.) You'll notice that creative output of this blog has tapered off in the last several weeks. That's because my wife and I have been in the process of packing up everything we own (and some things we don't but are caretakers for) and … Continue reading Movin’ out: Songs of Relocation (Various)
RIP George Young: The Easybeats, “Friday On My Mind” (1967)
(Above: The Easybeats, riding their bikes.) Got word this morning from Australia that George Young passed away at the age of 70. The Guardian wrote a full obit, which you can find here. In Australian pop music circles George is one of the most famous names there is, despite most Americans not being familiar with … Continue reading RIP George Young: The Easybeats, “Friday On My Mind” (1967)
Rest in peace, Skip Haynes: Aliotta, Haynes, and Jeremiah, “Lake Shore Drive” (1971)
(Above: AHJ around the time of LSD) As if the music world hadn't suffered enough this week, the Chicago music scene took a specific hit as word spread that Skip Haynes passed away in Los Angeles on October 5 at the age of 71 after a long bout with cancer. Skip was the Haynes in … Continue reading Rest in peace, Skip Haynes: Aliotta, Haynes, and Jeremiah, “Lake Shore Drive” (1971)
Positively Petty: A TP Top 40
The news early this morning confirming the death of rock legend Tom Petty is still a shock. Petty, just 66, had completed a major tour this summer and was active on his Twitter account as recently as Saturday. I alluded in yesterday's post to a long-lost mixtape of all Petty songs being a staple in … Continue reading Positively Petty: A TP Top 40
The Day of the Big Gulp: WLS Top 45s, August 1979
(Above: The Brementowne pool. Not pictured: the WLS Magic Bus.) Yesterday's piece on how going back home is impossible got me thinking: What if time travel is possible on a blog? What if we try to preserve the memories in print? (If I can jog enough memories, can they take on a life of their … Continue reading The Day of the Big Gulp: WLS Top 45s, August 1979
Soundtrack for the first day of school (Various)
(Above: First day of school, 1974.) Today is the first day of school for Grand Valley State University (and for many other colleges, high schools, grade schools, etc.) Many schools have started already: you've no doubt noticed your time line filling up with pictures of kids heading off for school as relieved parents plan to … Continue reading Soundtrack for the first day of school (Various)
A celestial soundtrack: Music To Watch an Eclipse By, August 21, 2017
(No, she's not on it.) In case you have been avoiding any and all news coverage for the last week, today's the day when a good portion of the United States is plunged into darkness for reasons other than someone saying "Hold my beer while I do this a sec." For the first time since … Continue reading A celestial soundtrack: Music To Watch an Eclipse By, August 21, 2017
45 Ruminations Per Megabyte 