essay Archive
18 Feb 2026
Take Five: Great Covers by The Smithereens
The Smithereens are one of America’s great rock bands. With a deep sense of history and an understanding of what makes rock a vital force, the New Jersey band has […]
17 Feb 2026
Take Five: Oasis’ Biggest Smash Hits
Considering the always volatile and contentious relationship among brothers Noel and Ian Gallagher, the idea that Oasis would ever reunite seemed unlikely. But here we are in 2025/6, and the […]
09 Feb 2026
Take Five: Classics from The Cars
The Cars were at the forefront of the American new wave movement. Debuting in 1978, the Boston-based group combined the best qualities of power pop, stripped-down rock and intelligent use […]
14 Jan 2026
Take Five: Songs John Lennon Wrote for (or With) Other Artists
John Lennon’s body of work is staggeringly impressive. With the Beatles and as a solo artist, he created some of the most enduring music of the rock era. And though […]
13 Jan 2026
Music Blurbs, Vol. 18
The Darkness Glam rock experienced its apex in the early 1970s. Primarily a British phenomenon, glam rock was characterized by a heavy emphasis on boundary-pushing fashion, androgyny and over-the-top production […]
12 Jan 2026
Music Blurbs Vol. 17
The Beta Band The Beta Band’s “Dry the Rain” came to worldwide attention when it was featured in the 2000 film adaptation of Nick Hornby’s High Fidelity. The song wasn’t […]
07 Jan 2026
Take Five: Pop-leaning Tracks from the Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground are one of rock’s paradoxes. During the group’s time together, the New York City based band never achieved widespread popularity; their most commercially successful album – the […]
27 Dec 2025
Howie Klein, 1948-2025
In late 2020 I received a press release that would eventually change my life. I stumbled upon an opportunity to write a feature for SF Weekly, and the connections and […]
26 Dec 2025
Take Five: Standout Tracks from Foghat
It’s inconceivable to imagine the ‘70s rock era without thinking of Foghat. Neither the biggest commercial success nor the most celebrated critics’ darling, Foghat nonetheless made a significant mark on […]
05 Dec 2025
Take Five: Early Al Stewart Classics
Al Stewart came to worldwide fame with the release of 1976’s Year of the Cat. That lush album skillfully combined the Scottish singer-songwriter’s vivid, cinematic storytelling lyrics and superbly catchy […]