This one’s hard. Obviously I respected and admired Kaleb’s work and had the same experience trying to convey how so many others saw him. One lovely hang in LA years ago. He apparently passed from a seizure, which Ive also suffered from. God damn it. Hug your people.

Look what showed up today from @johnlingan.bsky.social: his next book! Out November 11. I’m looking forward to arguing with him about it. He once called me a cockroach (complimentary).

Too bad for Lyle Lovett, who lacks the country bona fides of Bush and Third Eye Blind.

She could’ve chosen any metaphor and Stephen miller’s wife said “Sexually, he resembles a sport built on torture and gruesome death.”

Are there any other people out there whose 2025 concert experiences included Vince Gill at the Opry and John Zorn at the Vanguard? Let’s meet up. First time with venue and artist, ideal introduction for both. Incredible group, Zorn on fire, Wollesen one of my favorites, Lage is an alien.

My favorite writer? Most days. His books are hard enough to find, let alone signed first editions.

One way to put it.

I’ve been working on this for a while. (I tried to find Bobbie more than a decade ago and failed.) Please do give it a read.

If you love the song “Me and Bobby McGee” you absolutely must read @elongreen.bsky.social on the life of the woman who inspired the song.

God only knows what I'd be without you (derogatory)

So they’re in agreement then.

how about that time that Prince showed up to play with Sheryl Crow on the 1999 Lilith Fair: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuh8...

This novel—a 600-page faux anthropological study of a human society living in a post-apocalyptic Napa Valley 500 years from now, complete with drawings, maps, and songs—is one of the most audacious concepts I’ve ever come across. World-class opening sentence too.

Sk8ter Barolo

John Fogerty’s media tour rolls into CBS Sunday Morning, where he once again refuses to acknowledge any contribution by his former band mates to the music CCR made. Also refuses to acknowledge that he himself insisted on acting as CCR’s business manager when they signed the deal with Fantasy.

We’re all honoring Robert Redford in our own way.

Interesting essay about the treatment of country music in “Nashville,” which to me falls short of Altman’s greatest because it is, like Natalie says, a little cartoony. The best parts are shots of people’s face while they watch performances, especially Lily Tomlin watching David Carradine.

finished this book this morning. i've been trying to read slower rather than trying to read like a hundred+ books a year. took this one at a two-chapter-a-day pace. it was great @johnlingan.bsky.social! much more enjoyable than his autobiography.

Enlightened 🙌🏻

🎵If you loathe Black people enough You’ll send troops wherever they go That’s why the guard’s in Memphis That’s why the guard’s in Memphis

Important point. If demonstrably horrible people treat you kindly and you choose to believe that this somehow reflects their true character, you’re an utter rube at best.

reading just one book could drive you psychotically insane

My first Le Guin, which despite being a book for teenagers about magic, has better prose than most realistic fiction for adults.

Coming to nyc in late September and think I’ll see John zorn.

Seated. Ready. I want this to work.

This a federally-monitored website. The regime is on highest alert. Anyone posting advocacy for violence right now is a fedposter or a fool. This has nothing to do with what is right or wrong or what you have a right to say. It's simply a fact.

I’ve tried watching “Inherent Vice” on tv multiple times and never finished. Will tonight’s 35mm screening do the trick?

Silliest indie rock guy of the last 25 years, non-complimentary division.

Fact checking has forced me to ask a question I’d never thought about before: Given there’s no “year zero,” does “the 20th century” last from 1900-1999 or from 1901-2000? This is real, please answer.

In honor of Buckley’s legacy, this stamp is so racist it won’t even stick to manila envelopes.

“Preorder BACKBEATS, rockin’ dudes.”

“Be gay, do crimes.”

The first in a series, The Ebert Cantos, found poems consisting solely of unbroken fragments from Roger Ebert’s movie reviews. No AI in sight.

The Spike Lee version of Adam Sandler’s Netflix movies that he does to go on vacation with his friends.

Highest 2 Lowest is unbelievably silly.

Fair to call this the most important record of my life and I finally have a vinyl copy. Best $20 I’ve spent this year.

FRIENDS > FASCISTS

I love Big Thief so much.

My biography of Justin Townes Earle will be released on January 13th, 2026, the week after what would’ve been his 44th birthday. It’s called ‘What Do You Do When You’re Lonesome’ If you’d like to support a debut author, you can pre-order here: www.hbglibrary.com/titles/jonat...

Recorded the intro for my audiobook today, for those who prefer their rock and roll history in dulcet tones. BACKBEATS is out in just over 2 months! www.simonandschuster.com/books/Backbe...

Lord have mercy this was disturbing. That’s an endorsement.

If I had to choose the most undervalued artist in the US, I’d probably choose Ross McElwee. Thrilled he’s got a new one.

Corduroy Hail, Hail Nothingman Faithfull Rearviewmirror

Greetings from one of the four unmarked, dipshit-filled black SUVs that just assembled in Columbia Heights, DC. Someone told them they’re not wanted in the neighborhood and one replied, “Well when we find another child molester we’ll bring them your house.”

Been hearing about Davenport’s brilliance for years and now that I’m finally digging into the rare, signed small-press version I have of his masterpiece, my neck hurts from nodding along. A truly commendable stylist and TV-hater.