Why Radio Still Matters
The key to radio’s survival is to embrace streaming, social media, and other means of establishing a global identity – all while maintaining a presence in your back yard.
27 Jun 2013
Recent
The Death Knell Sounds Again: The History of Music Industry Whining
A business which makes billions a year can’t stop whining about how illegal downloading, streaming, and Internet radio is sending it to the poor house.
24 Apr 2013
Anatomy of a Viral Smash: Bauuer's 'Harlem Shake'
So are you ready to gouge out your eyes and slice off your ears if forced to endure one more version of “Harlem Shake”? With 700 million views and counting, someone’s paying attention. The question is: What made it into such a viral smash?
17 Mar 2013
Why the Grammys Matter
So your favorites didn’t win, huh? Get over it. Bashing the Grammys is too easy. Try recognizing them as markers of what is happening in the music industry, not on your iPod.
17 Feb 2013
What James Bond Can’t Teach You About British Music History
If you want lessons in womanizing, dressing to the nines, or ordering martinis, James Bond is your man. If, however, you’re looking for a review of British music history over the last 50 years, the world’s favorite secret agent has no idea what he’s doing.
29 Jan 2013
Today’s "New" Music Is All Folked Up
One of today’s biggest musical trends owes a debt to one of music’s oldest traditions – buddies gathered on a front porch jamming with guitars, banjos, and mandolins. Some of today’s most popular groups sound like they belong in the Appalachian Mountains in the 1920s, not on alternative radio of the 2010s.
31 Oct 2012
Music in the '90s: When Alternative Became Mainstream
The genre once tied to college radio and indie record companies became mainstream in the '90s. Some of those icons of “alternative” are making comebacks – or never went away. Is this 2012 or 1996?
30 Sep 2012
Generation X Wants Its MTV, But It’s a VEVO World Now
Gen X’ers may still want their MTV, but the version they loved is as distant a memory as Valley Girl speak, parachute pants, and leg warmers. Wake up and smell the VEVO.
28 Aug 2012
An Open Letter to Tom Cruise: How to Make a Movie Rock
Dear Tom Cruise: We know you are hurting from the failure of Rock of Ages. However, if you learn the lessons from the best rock-themed movies, you can still make a rock film for the ages.
24 Jul 2012
Cock Roaches and Keith Richards: How Do Some Bands Seem to Last Forever?
The Rolling Stones, the Beach Boys, Metallica and other rock groups have been around for decades. What are the keys to their longevity?
20 Jun 2012
Rock 'n' Roll Is Dead? Again?
Actor Jack Black recently joined a long line of prognosticators shaking the death rattle for rock 'n' roll. However, Foo Fighter Dave Grohl says, "There will always be rock 'n' roll." If saltine crackers are any way of judging, I'm with Grohl on this.
30 May 2012
Record Store Day: Spend Your Money on Music — It's Better Than Therapy
Huddled behind the counter sat a thin-faced, sullen-looking guy hidden behind a pair of round, John Lennon-esque sunglasses hanging on the bridge of his nose.
17 Apr 2012
When Politicians Hit Wrong Notes
From Reagan in the '80s to Limbaugh in 2012, Republicans have an uncanny knack for linking themselves to musicians who don’t support them. Just ask Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, and John Mellencamp.
01 Apr 2012
I Heard You Missed Us (Says Van Halen and Many, Many Others) -- We're Back!
The David Lee Roth-fronted Van Halen returns after a 28-year absence. Who else has made fans wait that long? Quite a few, it turns out.
04 Mar 2012
Gleeks and Beliebers Rejoice: In Defense of Pop
Pop music makers like Rihanna, Justin Bieber and Katy Perry may get the kiss off from critics, but really, what's the harm in getting your pop groove on to their style of music?
17 Jan 2012
On Making that Holiday Music List and Checking It Twice
It's that time of the year, again. Music fans are making their lists of what they hope to find wrapped in pretty paper at Christmas, and music publications are making their lists of what should be on those lists. Now, I have something to say about lists.
22 Nov 2011
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