Archive for June, 2012
Richard Rodgers
A look back at the life of legendary composer Richard Rodgers and his work including Sound of Music and Oklahoma with co-writers Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein.
Elvis’ Manager, Colonel Tom Parker
These aren’t your garden variety rock managers. They are the bigger than life, Svengali-meets-Al Capone figures. The ones who can turn a great band into world-conquering icons, or conversely, ruin them. Step inside the bilking parlor and meet Colonel Tom Parker, Allen Klein, Peter Grant and Don Arden.
Jerry Douglas: Traveler
This world-renowned Dobrist has gathered a circle of friends—including Eric Clapton, Paul Simon, Alison Krauss, Keb’ Mo’ and Mumford & Sons—for a musical tour de force.
Ray Davies on The Kinks’ “Picture Book”
I always knew that song would have its day,” Ray Davies says of 1968’s “Picture Book.” “Sometimes you just know. It was never a hit, but it’s become a hit in another way.” Tucked away as an album track for 36 years, “Picture Book” finally had its day when it was featured in an innovative […]
Sylvie Lewis: It’s All True
One of the most charming collections of the year, Sylvie Lewis delivers a delightful serving of acoustic tunes with a voice so beautiful it will make you weep. Produced by The Shins’ Richard Swift, the CD is a joy from beginning to end.
Happy Birthday, Lamont Dozier!
There are songwriters who follow trends. There are songwriters who create trends. And then there are songwriters whose catalogs go beyond any trends, who create the sound of an era and whose influence is still felt decades later. The team of Lamont Dozier, Eddie Holland and Brian Holland fall into that third category. Motown songwriting […]
Mary Chapin Carpenter: Ashes and Roses
Mary Chapin Carpenter’s offers a baker’s dozen of acoustic gems on her most personal release to date.
Jim’s Big Ego: Stay
Smart, witty and delightfully absurd aptly cover the descriptive bases of Jim’s Big Ego—a group that is, according to them, “The Greatest Band in the History of Recorded Music.”