Alby's Latest Posts
Song of the Day 3/16: Magnolia Electric Co., “The Dark Don’t Hide It”
The best Americana singer-songwriter you never heard of, Jason Molina, died 12 years ago today of alcohol-induced organ failure at age 39. He was revered by his peers in the alt-country scene, many of whom, like Bonny “Prince” Billy, the Avett Brothers and My Morning Jacket, went on to the greater fame and fortune that […]
Song of the Day 3/15: R.E.M., “Pretty Persuasion”
When they broke up the band 14 years ago, the members of R.E.M. swore they would never reunite. We’ve seen enough bands go back on such pronouncements to take that with a DelDOT-sized pile of salt, especially considering that there was no acrimony behind the break-up. Still, they’ve kept their word – sort of. Michael […]
Song of the Day 3/14: Bobby Womack, “Across 110th Street”
Guest post by Nathan Arizona When Bobby Womack crosses 110th Street in the song by that name, he’s crossing the traditional demarcation line between Manhattan and Harlem. Harlem has the action in the 1973 “blaxploitation” crime movie “Across 110th Street” and Womack’s title track. Womack crossed other lines in his turbulent life, with less fortunate […]
Song of the Day 3/13: Sara Bareilles, “Brave”
I don’t care that Democrats haven’t made angry noises about the end of our constitutional republic because I only care what they do, not what they say. Now that it’s time to do something, let’s see how much courage they have. Will they show their prowess, be a lion, not a mowess? Will they change […]
Song of the Day 3/12: Dropkick Murphys, “Where the Trouble’s At”
If you’re only dimly aware of the Dropkick Murphys, chances are you think of the Celtic punk band as a bunch of white working-class louts, and probably sympathetic to Trump and the MAGA movement that caters to that demographic. But you’d be wrong. The Dropkicks are from Boston, where even working-class louts spurn Republicans, particularly […]
Song of the Day 3/11: Roy Ayers, “Running Away”
Vibraphonist Roy Ayers, an oft-sampled pioneer of jazz-funk fusion, died last week at age 84. Ayers started out in the post-bop jazz scene in the early ’60s. His first LP, “West Coast Vibes,” was released in 1963. It included his version of this Thelonius Monk composition. He teamed up with flutist Herbie Mann for a […]
Song of the Day 3/10: Red Hot Chili Peppers, “Soul to Squeeze”
Anthony Keidas doesn’t articulate what was squeezing his soul – he descends into babbling actual nonsense in the last verse – but if you read the news these days you know how he felt. Recorded for 1991’s “Blood Sugar Sex Magik” but left off the album because they thought it would be one ballad too […]
Song of the Day 3/9: Chris Cornell, “The Times They Are a-Changin’ Back”
Here’s a point in favor of those who believe Trump is not sui generis but rather the culmination of the reactionary right’s long war against equality and civil rights: The late, great Chris Cornell rewrote the lyrics to Bob Dylan’s classic before Trump was ever elected. Come gather ’round people from far & wide Keep […]
Song of the Day 3/8: Elvis Costello, “Two Little Hitlers”
Elvis Costello wrote this about a romantic relationship – “Armed Forces,” the 1979 album it appeared on, was going to be titled “Emotional Fascism” – but I can’t help thinking about Donald Trump and Elon Musk when he reaches the chorus: Two little Hitlers will fight it out until One little Hitler does the other […]
Song of the Day 3/7: Al Green, “Let’s Stay Together”
The U.S. House of Representatives censured Al Green yesterday. No, not Al Green the soul-singing preacher from Memphis. Al Green, the Democratic representative from Texas, who distinguished himself by heckling Donald Trump during his State of the Union speech the other night. Rep. Al Green’s full first name is Alexander. The Rev. Al Green’s is […]
Song of the Day 3/6: Gary Numan, “Cars”
As Dotard Donnie flaps about like his hair in a breeze, I keep seeing “explanations” for his erratic behavior, apparently from people unfamiliar with William of Ockham. “Oh, he’s trying to make the stock market fluctuate wildly so insiders can sell on the highs and buy on the dips.” “Oh, he’s taking revenge on (fill […]
Song of the Day 3/5: Warren Zevon, “Run Straight Down”
As America self-destructs, let’s hear from one of the most self-destructive artists of the rock era, Warren Zevon. He wrote this one for “Transverse City,” a 1989 concept album about the destruction of the environment and the tendency of Americans to retreat into suckling on the boob tube – hence the recitation of various chemicals […]
Song of the Day 3/4: Al “Carnival Time” Johnson, “Carnival Time/Mardi Gras Strut”
Hey, gang, it’s Mardi Gras! Yeah, I don’t feel much like celebrating either, but the celebration will still go on in New Orleans today, though the weather forced Krewes to move their parades to earlier in the day. Partiers are advised collect all the Mardi Gras throws they can before Trump’s tariffs take effect – […]
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