A Tribute to Teri Garr: A Comic Genius
Comic film actress Teri Garr flourished in the 1970s and 1980s, bringing an innate likability and charm to her roles and giving the characters dignity.
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Kris Kristofferson and the Myth of American Freedom
If, as Kris Kristofferson wrote, “freedom’s just another word”, questioning dominant ideas of American freedom is a potently important endeavor.
In Memory of Maggie Smith, the Stealth Comedy Queen
Maggie Smith had the most expressive face. She could say and do more with a roll of an eye or purse of her lips than most of her peers with pages of dialogue.
Why Steve Albini Mattered So Much to Music
The death of artist and recording engineer Steve Albini leaves popular music bereft of one of its staunchest defenders against corporatized greed and conformity.
Pub Rock Guitarist Wilko Johnson Was an Inspiration to a Generation of “Twitchy Dorks”
Guitarist Wilko Johnson of pub rock band Dr. Feelgood created a polyrhythmic down-and-up chop on open chords that inspired Paul Weller (the Jam), Hugh Cornwell (the Stranglers), and Jon King (Gang of Four) – and many more.
Warm and Cool: Thoughts on Television’s Tom Verlaine (1949-2023)
Tom Verlaine’s death symbolizes the continued denouement of a certain period of New York City history, a time when the word “bohemian” still held some meaning.
Love Has Flown: Remembering Olivia Newton-John
Losing Olivia Newton-John this week made for summer dreams ripped at the seams. Like so many of you, she was my first love.
There’s a Well That Howls My Name: Remembering Mark Lanegan
Mark Lanegan brought an air of authenticity to everything he was involved in, which was a lot. If he was involved, the project was worth listening to.
They Said She Was Different: The Late, Great Betty Davis
Electrifying funk singer-songwriter Betty Davis passed away last week at 77. Her music inspired everyone from Miles Davis to Janelle Monáe.
A Man of Wealth and Taste: Charlie Watts Remembered
Drummer for arguably the world’s greatest rock and roll band, Charlie Watts wasn’t even a rock star, and that’s one of the many things that made him so great.
Remembering Chris Wall: A Cowboy Poet Passes
Remembering and appreciating the great cowboy poet, Texas singer-songwriter Chris Wall, who passed away in July 2021. God speed, cowboy.
We’re All SOPHIE’s Children Now
It was thrilling to think of where SOPHIE was going to take us next after having deconstructed both club music and pop. But even without her here to lead us, the tenacity and impactfulness of her bold body of work can guide us.