Cleaning out the musical attic
A few thoughts while thinking about the passing of Davy Jones:
- Valerie was an underrated Monkees tune. The guitar riff in the intro was impressive. I wonder if Mike Nesmith actually played or if it was done by some LA studio ace. Me and my grade school musician buddies were in awe.
- My daughter Nina is into American Idol. I was watching a little with her and Steven Tyler actually started tearing up during a very mediocre a cappella performance by one of the contestants. I know getting older can make you sentimental and we're in the new sensitive-guy age but, come on Steven; you sing Walk This Way remember?
- I think one of the criteria to being selected to play on Saturday Night Live is that you not rock.
- Satellite has saved radio. Two of my favorite stations are Outlaw Country and Little Steven's Underground Garage. I can't get enough.
- Speaking of Little Steven; has that guy had great second act or what? First the Sopranos and then starting one of the great rock radio stations on the air today (and doing a fantastic job as a DJ) and lately starring in a TV show streaming on Netflix called Lillehammer which is excellent.
- My three favorite stations to stream while I work are KJazz in Long Beach, WFUV in New York and the mighty WMBR in Cambridge.
- John Funke who does the Backwoods show on WMBR Saturdays at 10:00 AM is the funniest guy on the dial.
- Springsteen has written and performed some great songs: Adam Raised a Cain, It's Hard to be a Saint in the City and Tunnel of Love are a few of my favorites. But his political shtick has completely turned me off.
Oh well, signing off for now. Feel free to tell me how full of crap I am.