Articles by: Kit OTooleKit OToole
Kit O'Toole is a lifelong music enthusiast who maintains a stand-alone music blog called Listen to the Band. In addition, she is the internet columnist and a contributing editor for Beatlefan magazine. She also holds an Ed.D. in Instructional Technology. Contact Something Else! at reviews@somethingelsereviews.com.

by / on May 17, 2013 at 7:11 am / in Jazz, Uncategorized

Billy Vera – Big Band Jazz (2013)

Anyone who came of age in the 1980s can instantly visualize one scene when hearing the name “Billy Vera and the Beaters”: Michael J. Fox and future wife Tracy Pollan slow dancing to “At This Moment” on the TV sitcom Family Ties.

Read more ›
by / on May 10, 2013 at 10:31 am / in Deep Beatles, Pop Music, Rock Music, Uncategorized

Deep Beatles: “Nothin’ Shakin’ [But the Leaves on the Trees]” (BBC version, 1963)

Concluding our three-week look at select BBC performances, Deep Beatles focuses on a memorable George Harrison performance: “Nothin’ Shakin’ (But the Leaves on the Trees),” a rocker the Beatles had performed since their Hamburg days.

Read more ›
by / on April 26, 2013 at 11:47 am / in Deep Beatles, Rock Music, Uncategorized

Deep Beatles: “Some Other Guy” (BBC version, 1963)

Years ago, low-quality footage surfaced of the Beatles performing “Some Other Guy” at the Cavern Club on October 22, 1962. Filmed by Manchester-based Grenada Television, the brief clip captures the Beatles playing before a packed lunchtime crowd at the Cavern.

Read more ›
by / on April 12, 2013 at 8:32 am / in Deep Beatles, Pop Music, Rock Music, Uncategorized

Deep Beatles: “Honey Don’t” (BBC version, 1963)

For the next few columns, Deep Beatles shines a spotlight on their BBC performances. Before incessant screaming and the rigors of touring took their toll, the Beatles had become one of the most polished live bands on the road.

Read more ›
by / on April 8, 2013 at 8:41 am / in Concerts, Pop Music, Rock Music, Shows I'll Never Forget, Uncategorized

Shows I’ll Never Forget: Michael Nesmith, April 6, 2013

At the Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago: Michael Nesmith’s appearance was not just a concert — it was an evening with a raconteur, an artist weaving stories with words and music.

Read more ›
by / on April 2, 2013 at 10:01 am / in Almost Hits, Rock Music, Uncategorized

Almost Hits: Joe Walsh, “Life of Illusion” (1981)

Growing up in Chicago, I listened to WLS-AM before it became all-talk radio. It served as one of my earliest introductions to rock and helped form my musical tastes.

Read more ›
by / on March 29, 2013 at 8:26 am / in Deep Beatles, Pop Music, Uncategorized

Deep Beatles: “Misery” (1963)

Last week marked the 50th anniversary of a cultural revolution: the release of the Beatles’ Please Please Me. Their first effort, recorded over 12 hours on a single day, stands as one of the most impressive debuts in rock history.

Read more ›
by / on March 25, 2013 at 7:15 pm / in Pop Music, Rhythm and Blues, Uncategorized

Michael Jackson moonwalked into history, 30 years ago on ‘Motown 25′

Thirty years ago today, a “big bang” of sorts occurred on television. This moment would profoundly affect R&B, rock, pop, MTV, and general pop culture.

Read more ›
by / on March 22, 2013 at 7:44 am / in Books, Pop Music, Rock Music, Uncategorized

Books: The Beatle Who Vanished by Jim Berkenstadt (2013)

Just when you think no other aspect of Beatles history could possibly be overlooked, a book comes along revealing a little-known corner of their story.

Read more ›
by / on March 15, 2013 at 8:29 am / in Deep Beatles, Pop Music, Rock Music, Uncategorized

Deep Beatles: “Hello Little Girl” (1962)

Last week’s Deep Beatles took a closer look at the Beatles’ 1962 audition for Decca Records. Since manager Brian Epstein wanted to present Decca’s A&R department with a vivid picture of the Beatles’ live shows, he asked the band to perform covers

Read more ›