Song of the Day 1/6: Brian Wilson, “Love and Mercy”
Perhaps the most beautiful and poignant composition of Brian Wilson's late period was the lead single to his self-titled 1988 album, recorded near the end of his relationship with disgraced…
Song of the Day 1/5: Edwin Starr, “War”
Sorry for being so obvious, but back in the days of the draft most people didn't need so much convincing that war was a racket. Of course, back then it…
Delaware’s Shittiest Democrats: Bob Byrd, Part II
Lobbyist Bob Byrd, who registers as a Democrat, had lots to say to Dace Blaskovitz in the radio interview sent out by the Caesar Rodney Institute -- more than one…
Song of the Day 1/4: The Beatles, “Rain”
For many years after its 1966 release, this song was one of the most difficult Beatles songs to find. Though recorded during the sessions for "Revolver," it didn't appear on…
Song of the Day 1/3: R. Crumb & His Cheap Suit Serenaders, “Alabama Jubilee”
The Mummers Parade is in trouble again, this time because two members of the Froggy Carr comic brigade wore blackface during their march. This has elicited, yet again, calls from…
Delaware’s Shittiest Democrats: Lobbyist Bob Byrd
Every few years Delaware Today or some other publication prints what purports to be a list of the "10 Most Influential People in Delaware." It's always a joke, because it's…
Song of the Day 1/2: Neil Innes, “Protest Song”
The obituaries mostly said "Neil Innes of Monty Python" died Dec. 29, age 75, but that shortchanges one of the best comedy-music composers since Spike Jones. Before he worked with…
Song of the Day 1/1: 20/20, “Yellow Pills”
This track, which appeared on the band's strong debut album, was one of the signature songs of the power pop/new wave boom of the late '70s. Its title was borrowed…
Biden’s Delusions of Comity Reach New Level
Maybe now people will understand why Barack Obama hasn't endorsed Joe Biden for president. Biden, who served loyally as Obama's vice president, told a New Hampshire town hall last night…
Song of the Day 12/31: Aqua String Band, “Auld Lang Syne”
As a poem, "Auld Lang Syne" dates to 1788, when Robert Burns sent it to the Scots Musical Museum with a note that read, ""The following song, an old song,…
So They Beat On, Boats Against the Current
Most people who aren't members of Cult 45 can see that Donald Trump and the GOP are peddling an idealized past to enchant their supporters. But the same people seem…
Song of the Day 12/30: Kai Winding, “Time Is On My Side”
This one's for Nancy Pelosi. Everybody recognizes this as a Rolling Stones song or, among soul music buffs, a track by Irma Thomas. But the first to record this tune…
Song of the Day 12/29: Jefferson Airplane, “Volunteers”
Some political scientists say the U.S. meets all the conditions for a country on the brink of a revolution. Much as I'd like to believe it, I've heard all that…