-
Inspired Rants: musings on societal visions of beauty
Unlikely lady on a hot tin roof. Exposed to the elements. Half-clothed and pondering why the world has gone mad. I’m not a commodity. I don’t need to jut my hip out when a photo is taken. I don’t need to plump my lips, firm my ass. Everyone’s a brand, a false sense of high-fashion. […]
-
Pearl Jam: proper rock in Detroit city
“It’s evolution baby,” Vedder proclaimed after a cheeky joke that left the audience roaring for more. It was a dick joke, and it was appropriate. Because, while the band has evolved, they’ve remained relevant, they’ve remained rock and roll. And it’s that ever-present air of charisma that keeps them packing arenas.
-
Paolo Nutini: life as soulful fodder
In reading past interviews, the thing that intrigued me most about Paolo Nutini was his mention of the item he cherished most, a wooden rocking horse handmade for him by his grandfather. My intention was to learn to whittle, fashion a miniature wooden horse, and hand it to the young powerhouse-of-tune after watching
-
Rebecca Rego&The Trainmen: homespun acquaintance
I’m listening to superb Americana dosed with a unique blend of antiquated folk. The album presents as a conduit that carries you off, back in time, to the sun-porch at your grandma’s house. That porch, where you’d sit to sift through old photographs and reminisce, learn a thing or two. There, records were played on […]
-
Wax Poetic: Frank Zappa presents Freak Out
It’s not that deep… no resounding nor epic thought patterns provoked my foray into Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention. It was quite the opposite. This album, it was a breach of epic proportions… a breach of steadfast moral and virtue. Some perverted little lyrics wrapped up in shiny
-
Sidewalk Chalk: in exclusive company
Staying true to my recent theme of relevancy, it’s important to draw attention to an incredibly well polished group. With a ripened freshness that can be attributed to stellar collaborations, Sidewalk Chalk creates a uniquely blended and beautifully splattered portrait atop a spotlessly perfect canvas. Drawing inspiration from
-
The Westies: with the tender side of a fist
The Westies were Hell’s Kitchen’s most notorious Irish-American gang. Between the late 60s and mid-80s, they were responsible for more than 100 deaths and a myriad of other crimes. Quite the accomplishment when their numbers never boasted more than 20. An accumulation of political power and criminal
-
Michael McDermott: not fade away
In the era of technological babble and white noise, it’s easy to lose track of what’s important in the world of music. Any schmoe with an internet connection can hastily blog and immediately publish for hundreds, thousands, to see. Almost a game of luck, having a rock-solid internet presence in the land of amateur
-
John Splithoff: tales of a nomadic lothario
John Splithoff has a long, confident stride. Head held high, chin up. He has a lot to be proud of. He walks into the coffee shop where we agreed to meet. A firm handshake (the first good sign), and a warm smile, he introduces himself. Splithoff is something of a misnomer. Tall, charming, and attractive […]