I want to challenge you to pick up an old favorite. Like REALLY favorite. An album that you listened to from the first song to the last every day for like 3 months. And listen to it AGAIN from first to last. I am listening to Abbey Road right now. Do you know how surprised … Continue reading Listen to the Whole Album
albums
Cozy Up With Your Classic Christmas Standards Playlist!
Every year you think you want it - something new. You are so sure that you start messing with your iPod, maybe playing with your Pandora or buying a few of those "Target special purchase" CD's. But then you realize; it just doesn't matter. Some songs were done right that one time. You can … Continue reading Cozy Up With Your Classic Christmas Standards Playlist!
Gordon Lightfoot
I've been listening to Gordon Lightfoot for 44 of my 44 years. It's a gimme, isn't it? If you were alive in the 70's, you listened to Gordo. That doesn't mean I knew the ins and outs of the man. Actually.....I heard from a reliable source that his life took some serious wrong turns, … Continue reading Gordon Lightfoot
Blood Sweat and Tears
How will you be remembered? Will you be the guy who fought for a cause? Or will you be a guy who had an amazing idea for a band, a band that would turn into a pop sensation?! What if you don't want your band to be a pop sensation? You dig your heals in the … Continue reading Blood Sweat and Tears
There Must Be Some Misunderstanding – How a Missing Genesis Album was Eclipsed by Van Halen
This week's Raised on the Radio Guest Post, is by Doug Foster. Doug and I go waaaay back and I am thrilled to have him on Raised on the Radio. Please click this link to read this post about love and loss and Van Halen, There Must Be Some Misunderstanding As much as I have … Continue reading There Must Be Some Misunderstanding – How a Missing Genesis Album was Eclipsed by Van Halen
A Letter to Carole King Concerning Tapestry
Dear Carole, In 1971 you released an album called "Tapestry". This is an album in which you either wrote all the songs either by yourself, or with a little help from your friends, with the exception of "You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman" and "Will You Love Me Tomorrow." I say this not … Continue reading A Letter to Carole King Concerning Tapestry
Thanks Dad, For Raising Me on The Radio
The site happens to have an apt title that resonates with me,because I was almost literally raised on the radio by parents who were, and still are, drawn to the music of the '50s, '60s and '70s. The literal edge of being raised on the radio stems from the fact that Dad, Tony, is a … Continue reading Thanks Dad, For Raising Me on The Radio
Indie Artist William Steffey
Although we may be highly influenced by the music that came along before the digital age, the beauty of technology is how it has opened doors for Indie artists to record, produce and distribute their music without the 100s of thousands usually put up by a record company and promoters. William Steffey is one of … Continue reading Indie Artist William Steffey
I Thought Billy Joel and Billy Crystal Were the Same Person
I admit it, I watched a lot of TV as a kid in the 70's. So much TV, that as a virtual latch-key kid, my sister and I often joked that TV was our mother. That same kid somehow managed to watch SOAP when no one was looking, which was basically always. Except on those … Continue reading I Thought Billy Joel and Billy Crystal Were the Same Person
The Magical Mystery of Music
If there was no such thing as the magical mystery that is music, I wonder what humans would do to pass the time? If I couldn't hum to myself or learn to produce tonal incantations from odd and diverse objects, then how would I express myself beyond the fragmentary thoughts that bind my mind and … Continue reading The Magical Mystery of Music
How On Demand Is Cheating Our Kids
In an age when it’s too easy to become a Ninja Netflix addict, stealthily clicking “next episode” on the iPad at 2am, knowing that you’ll regret it, and not being able to resist doing so, because it’s RIGHT THERE, right NOW, on demand, it’s hard to imagine that there was a time when life was … Continue reading How On Demand Is Cheating Our Kids
Sly and The Family Stone takes you Higher!
Everybody is a Star The best thing that could have ever happened to me and Sly was the release of the new box set - Sly and the Family Stone, Higher! Growing up in the 70's I was spoon fed Sly. I wasn't living in San Francisco, and even if I was, I am pretty sure … Continue reading Sly and The Family Stone takes you Higher!
Deep Sleep: In Remembrance of DEVO’s Bob 2
Unlike he, I had by then passed the Bauhaus test, you see. Having previously purchased, initially hated, then grown to respect and finally admire their seminal album “Mask,” I was already well versed in the true nature, flavor and potential of what would eventually be coined as “alternative music.” My little brother, however, had no … Continue reading Deep Sleep: In Remembrance of DEVO’s Bob 2
New Releases by Classic Artists
Cher has just released yet another album. No, the plastic surgery hasn't hurt her singing voice. Still, the constant beat that accompanies her voice, one that we hear on 90% of the Pop tunes put out by idiotic record producers of today, tends to be annoying after a couple of songs. I wish it was … Continue reading New Releases by Classic Artists
Lessons Learned From a Cheap Trick Concert
It's the end of the summer; we try and make it to as many concerts at our local Ravinia Festival during their short season. It's a completely unique venue, sprawling lawn lot's of giant trees shading the area, planted in the middle of a residential neighborhood. It was originally built in the 1940's as the … Continue reading Lessons Learned From a Cheap Trick Concert