Dim Night at VMAs
Seems like every year of the MTV Video Music Awards is the worst one ever, but this year’s, on Thursday, may have actually been. With a terribly, forcefully unfunny host…
Music at the Democratic Convention
Because I made a similar post about last week’s convention, I figure I should follow up with the other party’s musical selections. Say what you will about Republicans, at least…
Remembering Hal David, 1921-2012
Sad to hear the death Saturday of Hal David, the great lyricists whose simple, profound words were indelibly paired with Burt Bacharach’s often complex melodies to create a sophisticated soundtrack…
Do Conservatives and Rock Mix?
To show how darn more youthful he is than the top of his ticket, Paul Ryan in his Republican National Convention showcase Wednesday night gently mocked the “elevator music” on…
Music at the Republican Convention
It was all Chris Christie could do to keep from using snippets of his hero Bruce Springsteen in his keynote address at the Republican National Convention Tuesday. As it was,…
NBC’s History of British Rock: No Kinks, No Kate Bush
NBC has already altered Olympic reality enough to make you think beach volleyball is a much greater sport than dozens of others (dominated by foreigners) who never made their prime…
Jack White Zeppelin
Wild haired and bug eyed, like a Johnny Depp character in a Tim Burton movie, Jack White brought a raft of expectations in the show under his own name at…
New Dylan Album ‘Tempest’ Due Sept. 11
Bob Dylan releases his 35th studio album, “Tempest,” on Sept. 11, 2012, his label announced Tuesday. It will mark the 50th anniversary of Dylan’s first album on Columbia. Ten new…
‘History Detectives’ Search for Dylan’s 1965 Newport Guitar
History isn’t what it used to be. At least on “The History Detectives” (PBS, 9 p.m., check local listings). Here it is their 100th episode, kicking off its 10th season…
The Clash’s Messy End
Joe Strummer would have been bemused to see, on the 100th birthday of Woody Guthrie, a couple hundred of his old fans gathered in an un-air conditioned church to watch…