The Shins Embrace The Beach Boys, Madonna’s MDNA Is A Let Down and More Music Reviews!

Some interesting new music out there these days, not the least of which is Port Of Morrow by The Shins.  Upon hearing the lead-off single, “Simple Song”, I immediately thought … Continue reading The Shins Embrace The Beach Boys, Madonna’s MDNA Is A Let Down and More Music Reviews!

Hello…Is It Lionel Richie Doing Country You’re Looking For?

When I was a mere 10 years old I found Lionel Richie almost inescapable.  I wasn’t a fan – was more of a pop/rock guy at the time – and … Continue reading Hello…Is It Lionel Richie Doing Country You’re Looking For?

Big Wreck Return To Canadian Airwaves With a Big Sound

In the late 90’s, modern-rock radio was phasing out the sounds of grunge and embracing ‘alternative’ acts like Radiohead, The Verve, Blur and Oasis.  On pop radio, electronic acts like … Continue reading Big Wreck Return To Canadian Airwaves With a Big Sound

Saturday At The Movies: Journey 2: Mysterious Island Is Pure Family Fun

Last week I took my two kids, ages 7 and 9 to see Journey 2: Mysterious Island.  I’d heard good things about the film and I think Dwayne “The Rock” … Continue reading Saturday At The Movies: Journey 2: Mysterious Island Is Pure Family Fun

Bruce Springsteen Takes a Wrecking Ball To The American Dream

Somehow Bruce Springsteen has managed to do what thousands have been trying to do for months with very little success.  Without occupying anything, Springsteen has created an album of new … Continue reading Bruce Springsteen Takes a Wrecking Ball To The American Dream

March Madness: Madmen Of The Studio – Brian Wilson and Phil Spector Bring The Crazy To Some Of The Best Pop Recordings Of All Times

Rock ‘n’ roll mythology is filled with stories of madness.  Most of these tales are less about mental instability and more an example of what happens when fame, fortune and … Continue reading March Madness: Madmen Of The Studio – Brian Wilson and Phil Spector Bring The Crazy To Some Of The Best Pop Recordings Of All Times

There’s Prog Rock and now there’s Newgrass: Punch Brothers, Carolina Chocolate Drops and The Cranberries Take Traditional Music To Untraditional Places

Bluegrass and old-time traditional folk or string band music isn’t exactly mainstream these days, but acts like Mumford & Sons, The Avett Brothers, The Band Perry and The Civil Wars … Continue reading There’s Prog Rock and now there’s Newgrass: Punch Brothers, Carolina Chocolate Drops and The Cranberries Take Traditional Music To Untraditional Places

Van Halen Follows Up 1984 With A Different Kind Of Truth: 28 Years Late, But It Was Worth The Wait

I was skeptical.  I didn’t think it would be any good.  I figured it was a cash grab.  I was wrong.  Well, it might still be a cash grab, but … Continue reading Van Halen Follows Up 1984 With A Different Kind Of Truth: 28 Years Late, But It Was Worth The Wait

New Year, Old Artists, New Music – Reunions lead the way so far in 2012.

Late in 2011 the buzz started building around 2012 being the ‘year of the reunion’.  Both Van Halen and The Beach Boys were rumoured to be getting back together and … Continue reading New Year, Old Artists, New Music – Reunions lead the way so far in 2012.

Van Halen releases “Tattoo” – What Do You Think?

The web is abuzz about the brand new Van Halen single, “Tattoo”. It’s the first song to feature David Lee Roth on vocals since 1996’s single “Me Wise Magic” and … Continue reading Van Halen releases “Tattoo” – What Do You Think?