By 1981, punk pop purveyors The Undertones had moved beyond the teenage kicks of the past, enough to write would could be considered their "anti-teenage kicks" single, "Julie Ocean". Here's the story.

and I feel fine

This was such fun to write about one of my favourite songwriters, Ron Sexsmith. It was both easy and very difficult to choose which songs to list. So I took an unconventional approach.

Lasagna: is it just wet pizza?

I just used the word "hijinks" in a sentence and my mood improved, however slightly.

Far out, man.

Happy flowers under a shadow.

Psychedelic pop - a short-lived but highly influential subgenre of pop music that helped to define the spirit of the times. Here are 20 obscure cuts of psychedelic delight to tune into and get turned on by.

The distinct presence of autumn, friends.

A chirpy song about grief, featuring a ghostly visitation.

We've created an absurd society for ourselves, part one million.

Eric Satie is a *great* musical choice for a rainy day.

My middle-aged life: 1)Wondering if that new pain is going to hang around, or is it just for today. 2) Grocery stores - general topics (prices, sales, what we're running out of, which chain is better, et al.) 3) Looking up slang words one doesn't understand. Rock 'n' roll. 🎸 🎸 🎸

Written as a song about his sister who passed away, EELS creative head Mark Oliver Everett wrote a bright tune about saying goodbye to a loved one, inverting the narrative to make it from his sister's point of view. What does it say about grief and what's needed to process it? Read more.

I've written a bunch of music articles for thedeletebin.com quite far into next year by now (be sure and subscribe, Good People). At this point, I worry about artists more than ever now who may pop their clogs before the article I wrote about them goes live. ☹️

The Beta Band reformed!

It's investment in the *public good*.

Can one suddenly get a craving for tater tots before 9 a.m.?

Acoustic bassist Danny Thompson has passed away, age 86. RIP. Here's one of his many great performances, this one with folk-jazz supergroup Pentangle. This is one of my favourites.

Well, the bus was pretty packed today, so shame on us. OK, That's my last rapture joke.

So, rapture-wise, do we have until midnight to know if we qualified, or?

If you told me I could have a great review of my new book from the NYT or from Cory Doctorow, I'd take the latter in a heartbeat pluralistic.net/2025/09/23/o...

Eat some cars, bars, and guitars while you can, Good People.

When is the rapture again?

I've come to the conclusion that I can live quite happily without a "suggested for you" function on any platform.

Haw haw haw haw ...

A big hit in 1979, The Buggles version of "Video Killed the Radio Star" came off as an anthem to a new era in time for MTV. But it's also a lament for the past. What themes around technology and media does it still communicate to audiences today?

I've been thinking about the paradox of what it means to grow older and to try and gain insight on things. I feel like I know more about the world after living in it a bit. But the more I know about it, the less I know about it at the same time. Sheesh.

I had no idea. Blancmange had some great ones. "Don't Tell Me" was always my favourite. RIP, Stephen.

What's with transit today? Every bus late/packed. I had No Headphones Guy, Loud Talking Guy, Hectoring Prick Who Berates Fellow Riders For Not Moving Back Guy. Is it a full moon tonight?

Me: I would like you to heat up my food, please. Microwave: How about lukewarm food and a bowl that is as hot as the sun? Me: I'd really rather ... Microwave: Then we have a deal.

Far as I can tell, Robert Redford was: * successful at everything he tried * genuinely intelligent & insightful * desired by women * envied by men * an absolute mensch to everyone he dealt with * a tireless, lifelong philanthropist ... and he died peacefully in his sleep. 10/10 life. No notes.

Singer-songwriter Emma Swift took her harrowing experiences with a nervous breakdown and turned them into an evocative selection of songs on her new record *The Resurrection Game*. This one is a highlight. What does it say about how sometimes emotions and episodes combine to become transformative?

More than just an ad. It is a generational folk tale.

It's a jazzy Sunday with lots of 60s Blue Note and other like-minded music going as I make a big batch of chili.

Unsung, yet essential, invention: frozen vegetables.

Do I have views on the subject of political violence and the wide range of definitions that implies? Boy howdy, I sure do. -30-

"What a great mix!" I thought to myself. "Dude," said another part of myself, "you're listening to your "Liked Songs" playlist.

The last song I reviewed came out in 1981.

"Just the Two of Us" is an expression of a perfect combination of elements struck between two major artists. How does it turn the musically intricate into such a simple expression that embodies an era and goes well beyond it at the same time?

"Just the Two of Us" is an expression of a perfect combination of elements struck between two major artists. How does it turn the musically intricate into such a simple expression that embodies an era and goes well beyond it at the same time?

I'm proud of this one. #PowerPop #MusicSky

Hey, y'know. You can subscribe to read things about music that I've written. It's actually pretty easy. Look! #musicSky

I can't see Mount Baker out of our window. I demand a refund. Also the air quality issue sucks.

Country-folk duo First Aid Kit took the inspiration of a country music elder to fashion one of their most heartfelt songs. But in addition to being a tribute to their hero, the song turns out to be a tribute to something else - each other. Read more.

The fact is, and it may be more than obvious to those who know me and/or followed me for a while, that too many things in headlines and other people's posts sound like band names to me.

"You've read your last free article" sounds a bit ominous, frankly.

As a person of a certain generation, it brings me a certain amount of joy/mirth to see so many *Weekend at Bernie's* references in 2025 and that everyone knows what that means.

Country-folk duo First Aid Kit took the inspiration of a country music elder to fashion one of their most heartfelt songs. But in addition to being a tribute to their hero, the song turns out to be a tribute to something else - each other. Read more.

I've got this song by folk/dream pop band, Darlingside on repeat. It's an ethereal and otherworldly song about the future - acknowledging anxiety, but being ultimately hopeful. Plus, banjo and fiddle and acoustic guitar, and tight CSN vocals.