Cue the Inspiration: “For the Good Times”
Tuesday, December 14th, 2010 Posted in Interviews & Appreciations, Music | No Comments »This morning I was listening to the remarkable new double-CD by Jamey Johnson, "The Guitar Song," and toward the end he covered one of the Truly Great Songs, Kris Kristofferson's 1970 classic, "For the Good Times." 1970, Monterey Pop Festival. Photo: ...
Boys Meets Youtube, Answers Back, Naturally
Tuesday, September 28th, 2010 Posted in Family, Music | 3 Comments »I've talked about my son Gavin's interest in music before. Recently turned eleven, he's played piano since age four, and then picked up guitar about three years ago. An extremely self-motivated kid, he often goes to Youtube for guitar lessons. ...
Music Video Weekend: “I’d Rather Go Blind”
Friday, September 3rd, 2010 Posted in Music | No Comments »"Something told me it was over When I saw you and her talkin'" -- Ellington Jordan & Billy Foster I was happy to discover this new cover of the classic tune, "I'd Rather Go Blind," by pop-noir songstress, Gemma Ray. In ...
Cue the Inspiration: Hey Jude
Thursday, July 15th, 2010 Posted in Music, the writing process | 2 Comments »Two days ago I handed in the first draft for my next book, an untitled Young Adult novel. Actually, the working title has been Jude, Adrift, but I wonder about the commercial appeal of that title. Does it sound like ...
Music Video Weekend: “Devil’s Spoke,” “Alpha Shallows,” and “Rambling Man” by Laura Marling
Saturday, July 3rd, 2010 Posted in Music | No Comments »I'm working over the holidays while my family plays. I hear it's beautiful outside, but that's just an ugly rumor to me, the devil whispering in my ear. I want to finish this book today, stuck in this windowless basement. ...
Cue the Inspiration: “Home” by the Foo Fighters
Thursday, June 24th, 2010 Posted in Music, the writing process | No Comments »My son, Gavin, who recently turned eleven -- or as Maggie said, holding up ten fingers, "now he's off both hands!" -- found this song and I immediately loved it. An unexpected track from Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters. ...
Music Video Weekend: Mumford & Sons
Friday, June 4th, 2010 Posted in Music, Uncategorized | No Comments »" And my head told my heart, 'Let love grow.' But my heart told my head, 'This time no, This time no.' " -- Mumford & Sons, "Winter Winds." I'm 49 years old and I've been chasing the next great new band for the past ...
Music Video Weekend: Tracey Thorn, “Oh, the Divorces!”
Saturday, April 24th, 2010 Posted in Music | No Comments »"Who's next? Who's next? Always the ones that you least expect." Today I'm not going to try to illuminate, educate, or pontificate. Which, come to think of it, leaves my cupboard bare. No, folks, we're here to hear an amazing NEW song -- ...
Weekend Music Video: Richard Manuel, Remembered
Friday, April 9th, 2010 Posted in Music | 1 Comment »"For if I live again, these hopes will never die I can feel you standing there But I don't see you anywhere." It was one of the world's great bands, filled with five extraordinary musicians melting into one: Robbie Robertson, Rick Danko, Levon ...
Cue the Inspiration: “It’s the End of the World”
Monday, March 29th, 2010 Posted in Music, the writing process | 1 Comment »"Why do the birds go on singing? Why do the stars glow above?" I've been writing my first YA novel, and as much as I've enjoyed the process, it's often felt like a death match. I'm like that guy on the ...