Advertisements In which I count a love minus zero On Monday the greatest lyrical poet of his generation turned 80. I’m going to eschew songwriter, although (or perhaps because) plenty call him that unhesitatingly—many artists of that generation, male and female, produced songs and/or albums that could justify their bid for the title. But hisContinue reading “Happy birthday, Bob!”
Tag Archives: #songwriting
Why TURNSTILES Made Billy Joel Great
Advertisements In which I say goodbye to Hollywood Today marks the 45th anniversary of the release of Billy Joel’s fourth studio album. This boils down to convenience; it simply gives me a chronological excuse to talk about something I’ve wanted to talk about for some time now. Mostly because I don’t hear anyone else doingContinue reading “Why TURNSTILES Made Billy Joel Great”
5 Times I Related Way Too Hard to Elton John’s ME
Advertisements In which I say “oh God same” *CW: addiction* Last weekend I listened to Elton John’s recent autobiography on Audible, read in alternating chapters by the man himself and Taron Egerton, who played him in Rocketman. And let me tell you: you do not need to have had a sixteen-year cocaine habit to findContinue reading “5 Times I Related Way Too Hard to Elton John’s ME”
6 Songs in A STAR IS BORN That Are Better Than “Shallow”
Advertisements In which I do not exactly go off the deep end So I rewatched the latest iteration of A Star is Born, mostly because I had bought it on iTunes in order to watch it the first time and wanted to get my money’s worth. To my pleasant surprise, I took a greater likingContinue reading “6 Songs in A STAR IS BORN That Are Better Than “Shallow””
The Wilsonian Institute
Advertisements In which some old, old feelings meet new context Maybe it was the gummi bears. When I sat down with a bag of Haribo Goldbären to Love & Mercy, the biopic covering (in)famous periods in the life of Brian Wilson and the career of The Beach Boys, I thought about how this piece ofContinue reading “The Wilsonian Institute”
Fine Arts Spotlight: Janelle Monáe
Advertisements In which I watch the finest tightrope act around We end the month on a high note (pun intended) with a artist with a finger in every pie, who is tirelessly bringing joy and empowerment to our very own time. I’ve been an acolyte of Janelle Monáe’s for over two years now. Her actingContinue reading “Fine Arts Spotlight: Janelle Monáe”
A Shot in the HEAD, A Tip of the (Green Wool) Hat
Advertisements In which the young generation is…still saying something I had reason to get the Monkees on the brain a couple months ago, so I wrote a post. I’ve had more reason since—reading Mike Nesmith’s autobiography Infinite Tuesday, catching references to them in The Queen’s Gambit—so here I am writing another post. Most of allContinue reading “A Shot in the HEAD, A Tip of the (Green Wool) Hat”
It’s getting to the point…
Advertisements In which it’s a matter of mind over music—or is it? Yesterday a favorite podcaster of mine who often engages in discussions of mental health issues—and who is herself studying to be a therapist—read out a message from a female listener who described her boyfriend’s unwillingness or inability to help her through an emotionallyContinue reading “It’s getting to the point…”
Every Beatles Reference in “You’ll Be Back”
Advertisements In which I send a fully armed battalion to remind you that all you need is love Hamilton’s George III, our favorite mad king, steps out in the middle of Act I to the most fanfare since, well, Hamilton stepped out. He proceeds to introduce himself with a tune I can only describe asContinue reading “Every Beatles Reference in “You’ll Be Back””
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?”