Channeling the Grievous Angel
I know it’s Friday night, and I know I should be kicking off the weekend with an upbeat, shit-kicking type number, but it ain’t gonna happen. Why? Because a few weeks ago on Vin Scelsa’s weekly radio show on Sirius,…
The Malcolm Burn Connection
Here’s a tune from Canadian band Junkhouse. The band hails from Hamilton, Ontario, home to Daniel Lanois and Malcolm Burn. Burn produced a bunch of Junkhouse tunes, but I’m not sure if he produced this one (anyone?). I found the…
Past Blast: Donnie Iris
You know that feeling you get that there’s a ton of great songs from years past lodged somewhere in your brain, and you’re resigned to the fact that you will never remember them or hear them again in your life?…
Sunday Grab Bag
A trio of tunes that sum up my mood this Sunday in the 115 degree Arizona desert. Morning: A Tribe Called Quest – Mr. Muhammad – A cup of coffee, the Sunday paper, and “Mr. Muhammad” piping through the household.…
They’re Not Down in London Town
This one goes out to all our brothers and sisters across the pond in London town. Other than some visits as a young child, I visited England twice in my twenties when my folks lived in Surrey. I was enamored…
Et tu, Mr. Earle?
I don’t know quite what to think. In the midst of the MLB All Star Game last night, I hear the bad-ass sounds of Steve Earle permeating the airwaves… IN A CHEVY COMMERCIAL. Yes, “The Revolution Starts Now” has gone…
4th of July – Alvin Style
Along with Springsteen’s “4th of July Asbury Park (Sandy)”, this song by Dave Alvin has worked its way into my July 4th music rotation over the years. This great song was released on Dave’s 1994 album ‘King of California’. Dave,…
My lungs are rattlin
1994 saw the release of Red Hot & Country, an AIDS-benefit album offering then contemporary versions of classic country tunes. One of the songs is a great version of Ernest Tubb’s 1937 song, “The TB is Whipping Me”, as performed…
RIP Luther Vandross
Sad news today. Luther Vandross is dead at the ridiculously young age of 54. Here’s my favorite Luther song. RIP Luther. Luther Vandross: If Only for One Night