Articles by: Charlie Ricci

How Billy Joel’s ‘Turn the Lights Back On’ Recalls Past Glories

How Billy Joel’s ‘Turn the Lights Back On’ Recalls Past Glories

Billy Joel’s last album of pop-rock music was 1993’s mediocre ‘River of Dreams,’ but this single shows there is still talent burning.

‘George Harrison: The Reluctant Beatle’ by Philip Norman (2023): Books

‘George Harrison: The Reluctant Beatle’ by Philip Norman (2023): Books

Philip Norman’s ‘George Harrison: The Reluctant Beatle’ is a fine book, even if it’s not the best Beatles biography ever written.

Yes, ‘Now and Then’ Is an Actual Beatles Song

Yes, ‘Now and Then’ Is an Actual Beatles Song

Decades later, the Beatles’ uncanny penchant for composing easily hummable melodies remains in full bloom.

Why ‘Abandoned Luncheonette’ Is Still the Best Hall and Oates Album

Why ‘Abandoned Luncheonette’ Is Still the Best Hall and Oates Album

Best described as “acoustic soul,” Hall and Oates’ underrated ‘Abandoned Luncheonette” arrived 50 years ago today.

Paul Levinson – ‘It’s Real Life: An Alternate History of the Beatles’ (2022)

Paul Levinson – ‘It’s Real Life: An Alternate History of the Beatles’ (2022)

Winner of the Mary Shelley Award, Paul Levinson’s ‘It’s Real Life: An Alternate History of the Beatles’ is totally original, fascinating and a lot of fun.

How Gram Parsons Cemented His Legend With Posthumous ‘Grievous Angel’

How Gram Parsons Cemented His Legend With Posthumous ‘Grievous Angel’

Recorded 50 years ago, Gram Parsons’ ‘Grievous Angel’ was an artistic triumph even though it never climbed higher than No. 195 on Billboard’s album chart.

Brinsley Schwarz on His Eponymous Band, Graham Parker and New Solo Work

Brinsley Schwarz on His Eponymous Band, Graham Parker and New Solo Work

Brinsley Schwarz joins Charlie Ricci to discuss his latest LP, the possibility of a group reunion, collaborating with Graham Parker – and what’s next.

How Loretta Lynn Broke the Country Mold With ‘The Pill’

How Loretta Lynn Broke the Country Mold With ‘The Pill’

Country songs were seldom this brazen, especially those recorded by its female stars – and many radio stations banned Loretta Lynn’s “The Pill.”

Why Dennis Wilson’s Rough-Hewn Debut ‘Pacific Ocean Blue’ Was So Surprising

Why Dennis Wilson’s Rough-Hewn Debut ‘Pacific Ocean Blue’ Was So Surprising

‘Pacific Ocean Blue’ arrived 45 years ago today as a rare spotlight for the Beach Boys’ craggy-voiced bad boy Dennis Wilson.

How Tom Waits and Crystal Gayle Saved ‘One From the Heart’

How Tom Waits and Crystal Gayle Saved ‘One From the Heart’

An accompanying album by Tom Waits and Crystal Gayle from 40 years ago was the best thing about Francis Ford Coppola’s memorable flop ‘One From the Heart.’