Search for the New Land
Sean MurphyThere are times when I need to simply post a song, without comment. This is easier when no comment is particularly necessary. This is one of those times. If you…
Improving Upon Perfection, Part Six
(Parts 1-5 of this series here, here, here, here and here) "On The Sunny Side of the Street" is a song with a long, wonderful history. Like so many jazz standards,…
A Week of Americana. Part Five: Chinatown
Chinatown does not usually make the short list of best American films. In fairness, it probably shouldn’t. It will have to settle for merely being the only perfect American film…
A Week of Americana. Part Four: James Brown
On this most American of holidays, it seems appropriate --if not obligatory-- to celebrate the most American of geniuses. It does not get any more American than James Brown, does…
A Week of Americana. Part Three: The Doors
If the discussion is going to turn to American rock bands, it would be impossible to avoid R.E.M. Fortunately, I already dealt with their legacy and am on record declaring…
A Week of Americana. Part Two: Captain Beefheart
Don Van Vliet (R.I.P.), with his idiosyncracies, individuality and iconoclasm, represents virtually everything that is profoundly beautiful about America both as a concept and actuality. Like his compatriots Syd Barrett…
A Week of Americana. Part One: Moby Dick
As our nation prepares to celebrate another birthday this week, it seems like an appropriate time to revisit some posts that celebrate art, American style. The first one, fittingly, is…
Wayne Shorter: National Treasure
Wayne Shorter is about to turn 80. He continues to record, play and inspire. Of the many musicians I admire and seek in some way to emulate (as artists, as…
A Not-So-Modest Proposal
Wouldn't it be fantastic if, in addition to bumper stickers and salutes at ball games, we supported funding and social programs (and give more than fleeting thoughts) for the well-being…
Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown… (Revisited)
How do you know you've made an indelible impact on culture? Here's how. Listen: this story has been told so many times it is inextricable from the history of America.…