Gimme Five: Songs of despair by Townes Van Zandt, Nick Drake, Phil Ochs, others
A visit with singers who know what it means to lose heart.
Other News
On Second Thought: The June – Magic Circles (2009)
The surprise is a cover of a lesser-known gem from Badfinger’s Pete Ham.
One Track Mind: Lucinda Williams, “East Side of Town” from Down Where the Spirit Meets the Bone (2014)
Every detail is given the kind of weight only Lucinda Williams can provide.
‘They started nicknaming me the Colonel’: Hilarious moment led to new moniker for Steve Cropper
Steve Cropper says his direct approach actually traces back to childhood.
Tony and Pete Levin – Levin Brothers (2014)
The Levins offer a jazz album of warm intimacy, and no small connective power.
Books: Encyclopedia Walking: Pop Culture and the Alchemy Of Rock ‘n’ Roll, by Jon Kanis
Jon Kanis’ writing is interesting, intelligent, and intimate.
Something Else! sneak peek: Aram Bajakian + Julia Úlehla, “Ej, lásko, lásko” (2014)
Bajakian and Úlehla make “Ej, lásko, lásko” fresh and edgy, despite it’s long-ago, faraway origins.
‘A very haunting guitar run down’: How ‘Dazed and Confused’ came to be a Yardbirds, Led Zeppelin staple
A late-1960s opening act changed everything for two of rock’s signature bands.
‘Kind of an emotional one for me’: Paul McCartney (reluctantly) selects his favorite Paul McCartney songs
After choosing, McCartney hastily adds: “That’s my three – for today.”
‘It’s never left my head’: For Stevie Nicks, 24 Karat Gold: Songs From The Vault has transportive quality
“Lady” speaks to an earlier time, when her future was far more uncertain.
