(Above: You really shouldn't store your cassettes in the middle like that, especially not for almost thirty years.) I was digging through a box of cassettes at home this week and found a cassette that I have alluded to in the past, said that "I should write about," and never did - until now. … Continue reading Mixtape review: “WJTW Backs Of the Racks” (1989)
WCFL
Going to the jack-o-lantern: Lyrics misheard by children, young and old
(Above: The lack of a pumpkin on the sleeve should have been my first clue.) I've always been one to judge a song by its lyrics. I should clarify that: if the song has lyrics, I want them to be great. (I'm a sucker for a terrific instrumental, but even then I probably start making … Continue reading Going to the jack-o-lantern: Lyrics misheard by children, young and old
Rest in peace, Dick Orkin: The Adventures of Chickenman (1967)
(Above: An LP I do not own, have been looking for for some time, and will have a harder time getting now.) Late Christmas night we got word from Lisa Orkin that her father, Dick Orkin, passed away at the age of 84. The name might not ring a bell for you unless you are … Continue reading Rest in peace, Dick Orkin: The Adventures of Chickenman (1967)
Happy 75th, Harry Chapin: “W*O*L*D” (1973)
(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)
How big was Batman, really? Neal Hefti and others (1966)
The death of Adam West on Saturday (June 10) at the age of 88 marked the end of an era for generations of TV fans. Sure, West was known for guest appearances in recent years on shows like Family Guy and The Simpsons, and did a lot of voiceover work, but was of course best … Continue reading How big was Batman, really? Neal Hefti and others (1966)
May the Quatro be with you: Suzi Quatro and Chris Norman, “Stumblin’ In” (1979)
(Above: Suzi Quatro's debut album, 1978.) Early this morning I saw a take on the Star Wars "May the Fourth be with you" trope invoking Suzi Quatro. I shared the meme, got a laugh, and then hopped in the shower. Damned if this song didn't get sung in the shower as a result, so here … Continue reading May the Quatro be with you: Suzi Quatro and Chris Norman, “Stumblin’ In” (1979)
“Who own the Chiefs?” Maxine Nightingale, “Right Back Where We Started From” (1976)
(Above: Jim Carr, about to be schooled on various hockey penalties.) Forty years ago this weekend one of my favorite films of all time made its premiere. Slap Shot is, in a variety of ways, offensive. It's also hilarious. Director George Roy Hill took a cast of legit stars (Paul Newman, Strother Martin) and unknowns … Continue reading “Who own the Chiefs?” Maxine Nightingale, “Right Back Where We Started From” (1976)
Mixtape review: “1984”
(Above: Non-Orwellian pop music.) A couple of weeks ago I spent a Saturday night going through boxes of 45s from the 1980s (read about that here and here) to see what sort of musical surprises lay within. On more than one occasion that evening I remarked about a mixtape of songs from in and around … Continue reading Mixtape review: “1984”
As I board my plane: The Ides of March, “L.A. Goodbye” (1971)
23 years ago this week I came back from my first trip to New Zealand to find myself unemployed, and at the same time caught up in a battle to obtain a visa as an immigrant worker that was rejected. Some context is required. At the end of 1993 two things happened. One was that … Continue reading As I board my plane: The Ides of March, “L.A. Goodbye” (1971)
Gruesome ghouls and grisly ghosts: Henry Mancini, “Experiment in Terror” (1962)
For Halloween, let's do three stories in one. The first has to do with haunted radio stations. I understand that many of you do not believe in ghosts, or a supernatural presence, or what have you. That's fine. Had you worked with me at WXLP in the Quad Cities, you may have an opinion that … Continue reading Gruesome ghouls and grisly ghosts: Henry Mancini, “Experiment in Terror” (1962)
45 Ruminations Per Megabyte 