One Track Mind

I Don’t Understand Styx’s ‘Mr. Roboto,’ But I Can’t Get Enough of It

I Don’t Understand Styx’s ‘Mr. Roboto,’ But I Can’t Get Enough of It

Secret, secret – I’ve got a secret: Styx’s “Mr. Roboto” arrived 40 years ago today as a nonsensical band-busting hit. I turn it up every time.

Walter Becker, “Cringemaker [Swamp Version]” (circa 1994)

Walter Becker, “Cringemaker [Swamp Version]” (circa 1994)

A swampy alternate version of Walter Becker’s twangy delight “Cringemaker” bowed for the occasion of his 73rd birthday. Check it out at Walter Becker Media.

Why Donny Hathaway’s ‘This Christmas’ Stands Apart From Other Yuletide Songs

Why Donny Hathaway’s ‘This Christmas’ Stands Apart From Other Yuletide Songs

He departed much too early, but fortunately Donny Hathaway left us with several memorable songs – including this one.

Animal Logic, “Can You Tell Me” (2022): One Track Mind

Animal Logic, “Can You Tell Me” (2022): One Track Mind

Animal Logic’s “Can You Tell Me” is an effective tease of things to come, and a welcome return from Deborah Holland, Stanley Clarke and Stewart Copeland.

The 1957 Tail-Fin Fiasco, “Christmas ’57” (2022): One Track Mind

The 1957 Tail-Fin Fiasco, “Christmas ’57” (2022): One Track Mind

Here is a light-hearted new Christmas ditty from the 1957 Tail-Fin Fiasco, based on a John Hughes short story that gave rise to the classic film ‘Christmas Vacation.’

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.”

Susie Blue and the Lonesome Fellas, “The House is Haunted” (2022): One Track Mind

Susie Blue and the Lonesome Fellas, “The House is Haunted” (2022): One Track Mind

Fun, convincing and powerful, Susie Blue and the Lonesome Fellas make Halloween – or at least Halloween-inspired music – bearable for me.

So Long Seven, “Mad Nomad,” (2022): Something Else video premiere

So Long Seven, “Mad Nomad,” (2022): Something Else video premiere

Here is the video premiere of “Mad Nomad,” from the appealing world-music quartet So Long Seven.

How Bruce Hornsby and the Range Went Out on a High Note

How Bruce Hornsby and the Range Went Out on a High Note

Bruce Hornsby had already put out two LPs credited with the Range before he finally released a proper group album. “Another Day” showed what they could do.

Why the Weird Specificity of ‘MacArthur Park’ Actually Works

Why the Weird Specificity of ‘MacArthur Park’ Actually Works

If we’ve had and lost love, we know what it’s like to remember minute details like those in Jimmy Webb’s “MacArthur Park.”