Stop trying to make “Donroe Doctrine” happen.

I set my Goodreads Challenge to 40 books for the year, time to get crackin’ #goodreadschallenge

Zuma and I hope your 2026 is off to a great start

Good lord, this arrangement is absolutely stunning youtu.be/6jWBiFMlGVQ?...

I read 15 books this year - not my best by a long shot, but not terrible. I hear about people who literally haven’t read a book in years and I can’t comprehend that

Kerrin Connolly’s new album is out in February. I don’t mean to brag (ok maybe a little bit), but I’ve heard the whole thing and it’s fantastic

With Bardot's passing, the only named individuals in Billy Joel's We Didn't Start The Fire that are still alive are Bob Dylan, Chubby Checker, and Bernie Goetz. The last one standing will claim The Prize.

My father in the navy circa 1953, looking like the cover of a Smiths single sleeve

Bombing Nigeria? There goes your FIFA peace prize, bro

William Richert’s “Winter Kills” (1979) has EVERYTHING. Soft, mystical music, picturesque desert vistas, young Jeff Bridges with a sweater draped over his shoulders

Aguirre, Wrath of God is a Christmas movie

Thanks, Santa! And thanks, @bradleymorgan.bsky.social

A friendly reminder

This morning’s soundtrack

Mike Keneally: Born Dec. 20 Frank Zappa: Born Dec. 21 Edgard Varese: Born Dec. 22 This is a great weekend to listen to really weird music.

Zappa “Them Or Us” poster in a Law & Order episode is pretty wild

I just realized that the song “Bang the Drum All Day” has a bass solo, but no drum solo

Like many people, the news of Rob Reiner‘s death has hit me very hard. I wrote about him for PopMatters.

Seems about right

Holy shit I forgot that Cuba Gooding, Jr. was in A Few Good Men

I have grown to believe that excessive wealth does something to your brain that is analogous to a serious head injury

You will be visited by three spirits

Me in kindergarten

Clay. Bill Clay.

“Mulled wine? Fuck off, Ellis” - me watching Die Hard for the zillionth time #HansBubby

Duffy, taking care of all the important issues

Multi-talented New Orleans-based musician Laura Fisher (Matron, Tranche) released a gorgeous album of solo piano improvisation and I reviewed it for PopMatters.

Hey, I really like Dirty Projectors. Why didn’t any of you deadbeats tell me about them

Can we please not make a big deal about Quentin Tarantino making public statements about how he doesn’t think Paul Dano is a good actor? He’s basically been saying stupid shit in public since day one, and everyone knows Dano is a great actor. Nothing to see here

Frank Zappa, 12/21/40-12/04/93

I’ve been a fan of Budokan Boys for years, and their latest album, “The Ooze,” is a delight. Sleazy, no-wave experimental psychedelic funk. Get it now via @strategictaper.bsky.social strategictapereserve.bandcamp.com/album/the-ooze

Farewell to one of the all-time greats variety.com/2025/music/n...

OK, that’s enough internet for today

The funniest thing that happened in our house today so far is when my wife called our dog a dickhead (he deserved it)

Am I the only person who has a strong dislike for the phrase “come correct”

Jazz trombonist Kalia Vandever released a new album last month and it’s a mesmerizing beauty. I reviewed “Another View” for PopMatters. www.popmatters.com/kalia-vandev...

Tangerine Dream’s iconic masterpiece “Rubycon” turns 50 this year, and a deluxe edition boxed set is now available to commemorate the occasion. I reviewed it for PopMatters.

Was reminded of my very favorite tweet of all time today:

A ton of great experimental music records came out this year. I teamed up with fellow PopMatters writer @forestpunk.bsky.social and we whittled it down to an even 20. Enjoy.

Fuck yeah www.avclub.com/mad-men-4k-h...

“Death is just where your suit falls off and now you're in your other suit. You can't see it on this level, but it's all right. Don't worry.” - George Harrison, whose suit fell off 24 years ago today

Finally getting some theological clarity on the ethics of reclining in one’s plane seat

This is a Jack Soo appreciation post

Repost to save a life from motion smoothing

Fun update to the Frank Black Friday story: I was at Newbury Comics for Record Store Day this morning, and look what I found in the sale bin

You’ve heard of Black Friday? Get ready for Frank Black Friday, where @rfwilhelm.bsky.social and I talk about our love for Frank Black, specifically his iconic sophomore solo album - how we discovered it and how it brought us together.

I’ve been a fan of Dan Knishkowy’s Adeline Hotel moniker for years, and his new one does not disappoint. I reviewed “Watch the Sunflowers” for PopMatters.

Experimental music fans, you’re going to love this new one from JOBS bassist Ro(b)//ert Lundberg. A fascinating album that I recently reviewed for PopMatters.

Laura Ann Singh’s new album is a unique, refreshing take on vocal jazz with bits of post-punk snark. “Mean Reds” is an unpredictable delight and I reviewed it for PopMatters.

This idiot is on the precipice of becoming the world’s first trillionaire and this is the kind of shit he’s doing with his unlimited financial resources