The cover song is a tricky thing.
On the one hand, it’s nice to hear a new version of a great song. On the other hand, you don’t want some hack (a.k.a., “Kid Rock”) screwing up a classic.
In today’s Ticket, I asked Tommy Emmanuel, the Australian guitar virtuoso who frequently covers other artists, what he thinks makes […]
Posted on September 18th, 2008 by Pat
Filed under: Music | 3 Comments »
See? I told you.
Okay, technically, “The Daily Show” said it first. And maybe a few others after that. But I was right up there, saying that VP nominee Sarah Palin looks a lot like “30 Rock” creator/star Tina Fey. And now, wer’e told, Fey might make a special appearance on this week’s “Saturday Night Live” as […]
Posted on September 12th, 2008 by Pat
Filed under: Music, TV | 3 Comments »
On September 11, 2001, my phone rang at an insanely early hour.
It was my friend Eric, who said only one thing: “Turn on your TV.”
“Dude, what are you doing?” I said, my eyes burning. “Do you know what time it is here?”
“Just turn on your TV,” he said. And it was clear he wasn’t going […]
Posted on September 11th, 2008 by Pat
Filed under: Music | 1 Comment »
I hate to admit this, but my first real memory of the Beatles was the murder of John Lennon.
In fact, as TV stations aired news about the death non-stop, I got a little annoyed by all the attention Lennon’s death was getting.
“Why is this such a big deal?” I thought.
He was a singer, not a […]
Posted on September 10th, 2008 by Pat
Filed under: Music | 2 Comments »
As ultimate fighter Chuck Liddell prepares to re-enter the octagon this weekend, I thought it’d be a good time to explore his humble beginnings — as a child actor.
Okay, so he was no MacCaulay Culkin. But at age ten, he did have a bit part in the movie “The Postman Always Rings Twice” with Jack […]
Posted on September 5th, 2008 by Pat
Filed under: Music | 1 Comment »
Beatles Covers Are Easy To Come By, But A Few Stand Out
Just when you think you’re up to speed on the Beatles . . .
While interviewing local musician Loren Radis – a big Beatles fan himself — I learned of a Beatles tribute album called “In My Life.” Radis told me it featured actors like […]
Posted on August 28th, 2008 by Pat
Filed under: Music | 4 Comments »
While I’m always impressed with great singers, a great voice doesn’t do that much for me without great songs. So to me a great songwriter with an average voice is worth much more than a great singer who can’t write songs (a.k.a., ”American Idol” contestants).
But every now and then you get someone who can both sing and […]
Posted on August 25th, 2008 by Pat
Filed under: Music | 2 Comments »
For musicians slipping into mental illness, there’s usually a pattern of behavior:
1.) You take lots of drugs.
2.) You do erratic things onstage.
3.) You abruptly give up music.
4.) You move in with your parents.
5.) You become the subject of a VH1 special.
Okay, maybe it doesn’t always go that way. But often.
I started thinking about musicians with […]
Posted on August 21st, 2008 by Pat
Filed under: Music | 4 Comments »
It must be tough being a Republican running for office these days.
Because, as a candidate, you want to be introduced with a song that gets the crowd excited. Yet most entertainers — especially musicians — are liberal. And they tend to get peeved when they learn a conservative is using their song.
The latest example is Jackson Browne, […]
Posted on August 18th, 2008 by Pat
Filed under: Music | 1 Comment »
Well, I never considered myself a love child. But the day I was born, “Love Child” by Diana Ross and the Supreme was the #1 single, according to Billboard’s Top 100 charts.
My friend Scott sent me a link to this web site, which allows you to look up the #1 song the day you were born. […]
Posted on August 7th, 2008 by Pat
Filed under: Music | 4 Comments »
