A Thanksgiving Thank-you
Maybe you’re the sort who doesn’t spend Thanksgiving in front of a television, watching men run up and down a field in funny costumes. Further, maybe you didn’t eat so much turkey on Thanksgiving to cause a tryptophan-induced coma (or maybe it hasn’t kicked in yet). Or maybe you’re not reading this humble little note on the day it was published (Thanksgiving Day 2011). In any event, if you’ve wandered here (or arrived on purpose), I might direct your attention to some recent interviews you might find enjoyable.
- Van Dyke Parks was the lyricist with composer Brian Wilson for the decades-delayed SMiLE album arguably a milestone of popular music of any era. Parks and I sat down for coffee and a chat not long ago.
- The recently-concluded Two of a Perfect Trio tour brought together three veterans of King Crimson with three younger (yet equally impressive) musicians. I spent some time at soundcheck and then backstage with the band, and they patiently fielded my questions, both arcane and pertinent.
- The Grip Weeds are keepers of the rock’n’roll flame, though they try to avoid the term powerpop. Whatever you call it, it’s good stuff. The Grip Weeds’ Kurt Reil discusses the group’s Strange Change Machine and previews some upcoming projects.
- Tommy Keene released Behind the Parade — the latest in a long line of ace albums – in 2011. He took time to discuss his approach to songwriting and production in this illuminating interview (the second time I’ve interviewed him, by the way).
There’s loads more. Look around, and tell your friends. On this day of giving thanks, allow me the indulgence of thanking all of the artists, publicists, label reps and promoters who help me do what I do. And, of course, a sincere thanks to all of my readers. Happy Thanksgiving.
P.S. here’s another Thanksgiving tradition…
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.