essay Archive
09 Dec 2023
Take Five: Classic Singles from The Romantics
With their signature sound – a deft blend of hard-edged, primal rock and roll and strong pop values – The Romantics were exemplars of the best 1980s tuneful, uptempo rock. […]
02 Dec 2023
Take Five: Randy Bachman
Guitarist, singer and songwriter Randy Bachman has had a varied and illustrious career. Still going strong as he celebrated his 80th birthday last month (September 27), Bachman recently reunited with […]
17 Nov 2023
Take Five: Great Zak Starkey Performances
The son of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, Zak Starkey wasn’t actively encouraged by his dad to take up the family business. But encouraged by his father’s dear friend Keith Moon […]
14 Nov 2023
My Toastmasters ‘Icebreaker’
Earlier this year, I joined the local chapter of Toastmasters International. According to the organization’s website, “Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that builds confidence and teaches public speaking […]
02 Nov 2023
Preview: Nerd Nite Asheville – The Mellotron!
In my part of the country, there’s a vibrant storytelling tradition. Here in Asheville, there’s a hip spin on that, one that combines beer (always a good thing) and the […]
31 Oct 2023
Take Five: Roger Waters
Regardless of what some might think of him as an individual, Roger Waters is a songwriter and conceptual artist par excellence. His political views and pronouncements raise the ire of […]
28 Oct 2023
Take Five: Keith Moon Outside The Who
Keith Moon was a force of nature. A wild, flamboyant and uncontrollable personality, he burned brightly and quickly. Had he lived this long, Moon would have celebrated his 77th birthday […]
24 Oct 2023
Take Five: Ian Anderson Beyond Jethro Tull
With due respect to the various superb musicians who have passed through the ranks of the band – guitarist Martin Barre most notable among them – for more than a […]
21 Oct 2023
Take Five: Matthew Sweet Obscurities
Matthew Sweet embodies the best qualities of what is known as power pop. His inerrant sense of melody, knowing way with a hook, accessible lyrics and superb taste in musical […]
20 Oct 2023
Take Five: Notable XTC Tracks by Colin Moulding
Singer-songwriter-bassist Colin Moulding came to fame as a founding member of new wave/art pop band XTC. The Swindon, England-based group is perhaps best known as a vehicle for the songs […]