Appreciations

The Night When David Crosby (Justifiably) Flipped Me Off

The Night When David Crosby (Justifiably) Flipped Me Off

David Crosby was a little ways off, walking away from where I stood — then I shouted out. His quick acknowledgement amused me greatly.

Jeff Beck (1944-2023): An Appreciation

Jeff Beck (1944-2023): An Appreciation

Tom Wilmeth remembers the gone-too-soon Jeff Beck, a supremely talented guitarist with a restless soul.

In Defense of the Often-Overlooked Mott the Hoople

In Defense of the Often-Overlooked Mott the Hoople

Mott the Hoople deserves wider fame for their eclectic mix of Dylan-esque folk rock, glam leanings, prog-type forays, proto punk/metal and rock ‘n’ roll.

Alan White, the Beatles, and Me: An Appreciation

Alan White, the Beatles, and Me: An Appreciation

Mike Tiano remembers how music and Microsoft brought the legendary drummer Alan White into his life.

This Is a Tough One: Saying Goodbye to My Guy, Meat Loaf

This Is a Tough One: Saying Goodbye to My Guy, Meat Loaf

Songwriter Erik Ritland reflects on the impact Meat Loaf had on his music – and his life.

Jim Pembroke, of Wigwam (1946-2021): An Appreciation

Jim Pembroke, of Wigwam (1946-2021): An Appreciation

Jim Pembroke is lost, but thankfully not without a trace. Here’s an appreciation of this legend from the Finnish prog band Wigwam, written “in gratitude.”

Don Everly (1937-2021): An Appreciation

Don Everly (1937-2021): An Appreciation

“See, it takes two of us to make an Everly Brothers record,” Don Everly once told me, “and there’s just no way around it.”

For the Love of Vinyl: An Appreciation

For the Love of Vinyl: An Appreciation

Music is the sound of feelings whose names haven’t yet been invented. Similarly, the experience of vinyl isn’t something words do justice to.

Jim Steinman (1947-2021): An Appreciation

Jim Steinman (1947-2021): An Appreciation

Thank you, Jim Steinman, for showing the world what feelings sound like when we let ourselves experience them at their loudest.

Chick Corea (1941-2021): An Appreciation

Chick Corea (1941-2021): An Appreciation

This is one of those massive losses in both the jazz and piano worlds. It’s simply impossible to even summarize Chick Corea’s impact.