The more the holidays change, the more they stay the same even in a world where change is the only constant

To the young, all is new.  They’re on the ride for the first time, making it near impossible to understand what it will feel like for the fiftieth.  To the old, the belief that we’ve seen it all before settles in along with the feeling that nothing can surprise us anymore.  It’s a bizarre irony… Continue reading The more the holidays change, the more they stay the same even in a world where change is the only constant

Springsteen’s “Radio Nowhere” and the tragedy of our connected disconnection

Upon its release, the entire human race was beginning perhaps its most radical evolution yet, as both traditional radio and music video was rapidly replaced by digital downloads and satellite music, both more more far reaching than anything before. “Radio Nowhere,” the first track on 2007’s Magic and one of the Boss’ best true rockers… Continue reading Springsteen’s “Radio Nowhere” and the tragedy of our connected disconnection

Tom Petty’s last hit, “The Last DJ” is more prescient than ever and other thoughts on a remarkable career

Mr. Petty, who sadly passed away in 2017, is not widely known for writing songs that comment on social issues, much less near-dystopian fiction like “The Last DJ,” generally preferring brilliant, catchy cop confections like “Free Fallin’” and “Running Down a Dream.” Released in 2002, what we might call the early days of digital media… Continue reading Tom Petty’s last hit, “The Last DJ” is more prescient than ever and other thoughts on a remarkable career