“The Star Club Tapes”: this very phrase inspires spirited debate among Beatles fans.

There’s a moment during the eight-disc set John & Yoko: I’m Not the Beatles when every Beatles fan will envy Village Voice journalist Howard Smith. You May Also Like: ‘The Smith Tapes 1969-1972: Lost Interviews with Rock Stars & Icons’ (2015): Books The ‘Mind Games’ Song That Pointed to JohnRead More

Some Beatles tracks forged new sonic territory, and others just rocked hard. “Hold Me Tight,” a track off 1963’s With the Beatles, harkens back to their beginnings in Hamburg and Liverpool You May Also Like: The Beatles, “Thank You Girl” from ‘Past Masters’ (1963): Deep Beatles The Beatles, “Please MisterRead More

I was finishing my senior year in college, and remember watching MTV’s announcement of Kurt Cobain’s suicide, 20 years ago today. I admit I wasn’t surprised, as he always seemed like a tortured soul. Two decades later, I must admit, I still feel ambivalent toward Nirvana. You May Also Like:Read More

Due to the overwhelmingly positive response to my last Deep Beatles column on “The Night Before,” this week shines the spotlight on another underrated Help! track: “I Need You,” an early George Harrison composition that still sounds haunting and airy. You May Also Like: The Beatles, “You’re Going to LoseRead More

Elton John was a star on the rise in 1973, having gained critical and commercial success in the UK and U.S. in just a few years. You May Also Like: Elton John’s ambitious Goodbye Yellow Brick Road was as over the top as its singer Elton John – Greatest HitsRead More