Charlie Watts, the drummer for the greatest rock and roll band ever, has died at the age of 80. Just last week Watts decided that he would not be taking part in the Rolling Stones' tour this fall. He had beaten cancer once, but decided that the rigors of the road - and his ongoing … Continue reading Rest in peace, Charlie Watts: The Rolling Stones, “Mixed Emotions” (1989)
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Rest in peace, Ric Ocasek: The Cars, “Since You’re Gone”
(Above: "How does he walk on the pool?" we asked, dumbfounded.) The news of the death of Cars frontman Ric Ocasek came as a bit of a surprise yesterday. I was perhaps more surprised by the fact that he was 75. That would have made him about 34 when the band hit it big initially, … Continue reading Rest in peace, Ric Ocasek: The Cars, “Since You’re Gone”
“Born in the USA” at 35: Ranking the tracks
It was 35 years ago today - June 4, 1984 - that the album that may be Bruce Springsteen's best known, Born in the U.S.A., was released. If I didn't buy it that day, I bought it on the 5th. It was during my junior year of high school, which would also have ended about … Continue reading “Born in the USA” at 35: Ranking the tracks
Rest in peace, James Ingram: “Just Once” (1981)
Word circulated this afternoon that Grammy-award winning singer James Ingram passed away today at the age of 66. In total Ingram put 21 records on the Billboard R&B chart and crossed over to the Pop chart 11 times. All but three of those songs made the Top 40, and two of them - "Baby Come … Continue reading Rest in peace, James Ingram: “Just Once” (1981)
1984 turns 35: Van Halen, “Jump” (1984)
(Above: An album cover that doesn't need explanation.) For the past few days on Facebook, many have taken the "How has aging treated you?" challenge. The premise, basically, is that you post your first profile picture, and then your current, and see how time has treated you. In most cases, the span is about ten … Continue reading 1984 turns 35: Van Halen, “Jump” (1984)
School’s out for winter: The Billboard Hot 100 for December 15, 1984 (and what we probably listened to instead)
(Above: I was clearly enjoying my junior year of high school and in no hurry to go on break.) Friday, December 14, 1984 was the last day of school before the Christmas break began. If I remember correctly, we got out early from school that day, and a bunch of us went to Dave-we-called-Fritz's house, … Continue reading School’s out for winter: The Billboard Hot 100 for December 15, 1984 (and what we probably listened to instead)
Songs of senior year: The Billboard Hot 100, September 21, 1985
(Above: The new sign in front of Andrew High. I never sped past this playing the "Miami Vice" theme.) September 21, 1985 is a Saturday - which is the day that all of the Billboard charts come out. It was a hectic time at the start of my senior year of high school. The night … Continue reading Songs of senior year: The Billboard Hot 100, September 21, 1985
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: 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)
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)
45 Ruminations Per Megabyte 