Word circulated late this afternoon that Adam Schlesinger, co-founder of the group Fountains of Wayne and composer of the music for TV's Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, passed away at the age of 52. The cause of death was complications from the COVID-19 virus. Schlesinger was nominated for Oscars and Tonys, and won Emmys and Grammys. The Grammy … Continue reading Rest in peace, Adam Schlesinger: The Wonders, “That Thing You Do!” (1996)
WJMK
Pop perfection: The Left Banke, “Walk Away Renee” (1966)
(Above: An Album I have yet to find, but need.) Today I debut a tag for articles that I've been kicking around for a while now - "Pop Perfection." I think of it often when I'm driving, and I hear a song, and I think "Man, that's absolutely perfect, and I don't have to think … Continue reading Pop perfection: The Left Banke, “Walk Away Renee” (1966)
An appreciation of Dick Biondi: “The Pizza Song”
(Above: "The Pizza Song" had a picture sleeve, which my copy is missing.) I never imagined radio without Dick Biondi on it somewhere. Don't get me wrong: I'm nothing if not something of a realist. No one lives forever, nor works forever, nor should they. And, hell - years ago I didn't imagine a world … Continue reading An appreciation of Dick Biondi: “The Pizza Song”
Hitting the big time: The Isley Brothers, “Shout (Parts 1 and 2)” (1959)
(Above: Rock, brother.) "Dude - you made it!" The first phone call I got on my first shift at WJMK in Chicago - 21 years ago today - was shortly after the start of the first song that I played on the station. It was from my friend Dave. Dave had been there since the … Continue reading Hitting the big time: The Isley Brothers, “Shout (Parts 1 and 2)” (1959)
Support your local rock, Michigan edition: The Unrelated Segments, “Where You Gonna Go?” (1967)
One of the things I've most enjoyed about delving into music history and local charts is finding regional hits. If you stick to the Billboard Top 10 or even Top 20, you are missing out on a lot of great music. A bit of context is necessary. Once upon a time, kids, radio stations enjoyed … Continue reading Support your local rock, Michigan edition: The Unrelated Segments, “Where You Gonna Go?” (1967)
Rainy day music: Dee Clark, “Raindrops” (1961)
The image that I use for the blog is a Panasonic phonograph model SG-336. It is identical to the one that was probably the most important birthday present I ever received. When I turned 4, my parents decided that I could probably handle my own phonograph. This may have been partly motivated that I was … Continue reading Rainy day music: Dee Clark, “Raindrops” (1961)
45 Ruminations Per Megabyte 