Alby's Latest Posts
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 – […]
Song of the Day 3/3: Tears for Fears, “Shout”
This seems to be a preferred response to the Trusk administration. Though Tears for Fears took its name from Arthur Janov’s writings about his primal scream therapy, Roland Orzabal said it’s a general protest song. That could be because after Orzabal and bandmate Curt Smith met Janov they decided he was a self-promoting asshole. The […]
Song of the Day 3/2: Rhiannon Giddens and the Resistance Revival Chorus, “All You Fascists Bound to Lose”
Rhiannon Giddens was scheduled to play the Kennedy Center in May, but instead she’s become the latest performer to tell the Trump-controlled venue to shove it up their ass. Not in those words, of course – she was a lot classier about it than I would be. I kept quiet until now because I wanted […]
DL Open Thread Saturday, March 1, 2024
Elect a professional-wrestling president, you get professional-wrestling kayfabe. Everyone knew the moment Trump was elected that the U.S. would abandon Ukraine. Everything else is Trump’s reality show. Historian Timothy Snyder’s take. The U.S., Russia and Israel are the new Axis of Evil. Discuss. The floor’s yours.
DL Open Thread Friday, Feb. 28, 2024
In case you hadn’t heard, you’re supposed to refrain from buying anything today, which supposedly will teach Corporate America a lesson. It’s a nice thought, but I don’t think a single-day action will make much difference – people will just buy what they need tomorrow instead. As a retired person, I buy something maybe two […]
Song of the Day 2/27: Neil Diamond, “America”
I wanted to get this one on the record before the Trusk Administration fuckwads ban it. Don’t laugh – Clear Channel, now iHeart Radio, banned its stations from playing it after the 9/11 attacks, so it’s already on notice. That might not be necessary anymore. The song was released as a single from the soundtrack […]
DL Open Thread Thursday, Feb. 27, 2024
Progressive politicians’ Sisyphean struggle to increase Delaware’s tax rate on high earners has resumed. Spotlight Delaware runs down the proposal in Sean Lynn’s bill: Income above $250,000 would be taxed at 6.95%. Income between $125,000 and $250,000 would be taxed at 6.75%. Income between $60,000 and $125,000 would remain taxed at 6.6%. Income between $20,000 […]
Oscar the Obscure
Guest post by Gary Mullinax Which of these movies have you seen? “Anora,” “I’m Still Here,” “Emilia Perez,” “Conclave,” “Nickel Boys,” “The Substance.” None, I’m guessing. But they’re all nominated for a best-picture Oscar, which will handed out Sunday night with all the rest of them. Of the other four, only two have wide appeal. […]
Recent Comments