Advertisements John Winston Ono Lennon 9 October 1940–8 December 1980 (9 December in Europe) #40Years
Tag Archives: #popmusic
Is “I’m a Believer” a Perfect Song?
Advertisements In which I pose a rhetorical question Today is the feast of St. Cecilia, patron of musicians (also poets, less relevant to the forthcoming discussion). On an unrelated-yet-related note, I listen to a podcast called Punch Up the Jam wherein the hosts and guests end each episode by offering an ‘unpunchable jam’—a song theyContinue reading “Is “I’m a Believer” a Perfect Song?”
A Far-Too-Close Reading of “Your Song”
Advertisements In which I, well, never mind This week we arrive at something that has been on my mind all year: the half-century of the release of one of the most special songs in popular music. I’ll execute a smooth transition out of last week by introducing it as the song that prompted Lennon toContinue reading “A Far-Too-Close Reading of “Your Song””
80 Years
Advertisements In which I renew my vows I fell in love with John Lennon a few months after turning thirteen. This might not sound like much to people who grew up in an era when everyone and their cat classified themselves by their favorite Beatle, a question that echoes through subsequent generations. But it wasContinue reading “80 Years”
Any Tom, Dick, or Karen; Any Tom, Karen, or Dick
Advertisements In which I face the facts (i.e., the cold-hearted cynic I am inside) This title cleverly references not only a number from Cole Porter’s Kiss Me, Kate, but also the one-time husband of Karen Carpenter, Tom Burris. He serves no other purpose in this post. It came as absolute and very recent news toContinue reading “Any Tom, Dick, or Karen; Any Tom, Karen, or Dick”
Warren Beatty Reacts to “You’re So Vain” (A McSweeney’s Castoff)
Advertisements In which I house a homeless monologue Here follows a piece which was rejected by not one but TWO online humor mags, one being the illustrious McSweeney’s Internet Tendency of Boston. Given the double distinction, I felt it merited self-publication. It is, I think, no meaner than the song. • It was a yachtContinue reading “Warren Beatty Reacts to “You’re So Vain” (A McSweeney’s Castoff)”
The Manly Men of Motown (& More)
Advertisements In which I give into temptation (I’m so sorry, please don’t leave) This week is the week I sit down and hash out something I’ve had on the brain for years now, which involves taking a closer look at two musical factions which were essential to my musical education. I do say factions, becauseContinue reading “The Manly Men of Motown (& More)”
Every Musical Biopic Ever
Advertisements In which I map it out (trailer is a miniature of the following) ACT I Establishment of band of hometown/university friends. Shots of small-time gigs at local clubs. Unrecognizable snippets/early drafts of what will evolve into hits. Idiosyncratic performance methods (e.g., dancing) which lead family/naysayers to ridicule the band’s dream of mainstream success. BandContinue reading “Every Musical Biopic Ever”
Anti-Show-Ponying
Advertisements In which I ponder the virtues of not playing to the room Lately I’ve stumbled upon a wealth of bootlegs (audio and video) of early R.E.M. shows. As the kids say, it’s giving me life. This owes partly to the sheer volume of the catalogue: there are so many songs, some popping up yearsContinue reading “Anti-Show-Ponying”
Album Review: FINE LINE
Advertisements In which a former boy-band darling goes in yet another direction Harry Styles has become a god. This was clear enough on his solo debut back in the spring of 2017; now, on the eve of his sophomore release, it’s only getting progressively clearer, what with the imaginative glimpses we’ve been treated to. AndContinue reading “Album Review: FINE LINE”