Elton John, a cat named “Hercules,” an “Indian Sunset,” and the persistence of my lovely wife

Before the age of political correctness, they used to say that behind every successful man was a special woman.  While this is true for me, I don’t think it was intended to apply to expanding one’s taste in music. Shortly before I got married, a colleague asked me to describe my future wife in three… Continue reading Elton John, a cat named “Hercules,” an “Indian Sunset,” and the persistence of my lovely wife

This Fourth of July, progressives have officially lost their minds

“In this authoritarian and suffocating climate where being an American feels like a curse,” she began, “where just breathing here feels like complicity with genocide, psychotic imperialism, misogyny and endless racism, it is hard to move, let alone imagine what one can do to transform this horror to good.” If we should give credit where… Continue reading This Fourth of July, progressives have officially lost their minds

Today is a good day to remember your Billy Joel, for life goes on no matter who was wrong or right

After the counting is done and the music stops, you still have only one life to live, one country to live in, and one world to share with both those who agree and those who disagree. You need to find a way to continue onward, hopefully upward.  I believe I’ve passed the ageOf consciousness and… Continue reading Today is a good day to remember your Billy Joel, for life goes on no matter who was wrong or right

Springsteen’s 75th birthday, and recent epic performances of “Darlington County” and “Youngstown” in Baltimore

It’s almost inconceivable that he can keep this up much longer, but it’s a near miracle that we can still marvel at it right now while we can.  If you don’t believe me, you don’t need to take my word for it any longer.  My lovely wife finally agrees after a rousing performance at Camden… Continue reading Springsteen’s 75th birthday, and recent epic performances of “Darlington County” and “Youngstown” in Baltimore

Springsteen’s “Rosalita” is the ultimate party song and the rare classic that cannot be overplayed

The song exists entirely in the moment, purely for the unrestrained joy of what music can do for you in a single moment.  It’s a party in seven minutes, but most classics aren’t built this way. Thankfully, there is no shortage of classic songs in the rock and roll world.  The rare tracks that rise… Continue reading Springsteen’s “Rosalita” is the ultimate party song and the rare classic that cannot be overplayed

Bruce Springsteen has no equal or even an apt comparison

A 73 year old rocker and his equally old band are still playing close-to three hour shows, doubling the length and intensity of acts half their age.  We’re in uncharted territory and few things illustrate it better than a live performance of “Jungleland” at Madison Square Garden. Last Saturday, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street… Continue reading Bruce Springsteen has no equal or even an apt comparison

Duran Duran and the magic of the aging rock star

From Paul McCartney to Bruce Springsteen with Duran Duran in between, nobody imagined rock stars would still be performing decades after their debut, continuing to captivate fans around the world.  There was no template for this in the early 1960’s but the music and the live performance is a magic all its own. Everyone, or… Continue reading Duran Duran and the magic of the aging rock star