In October 2025, Angelenos marked the 50th anniversary of Elton John’s two-night stand at Dodger Stadium. Elton’s inspired performances mesmerized his fans, while newspapers splashed photos of his dazzling Dodger-blue-and-white sequined costume worldwide. As we head over the crest of another twenty-first century decade, it’s easy for us aging boomers to bemoan the swift passage … Read more
Tension drives the best rock ’n’ roll songs, followed by release. Chords that fill layers of frequencies get balanced out by space. Some artists use tried-and-true formats, like verse, chorus, and bridge; others meander in magical ways and somehow still capture our fancy. I’m always pleased to hear a surprise frame tacked onto the melody. … Read more
Many artists treat the transition from one song to another as a subtle form of communication. When the occasion arises, they seamlessly blend two songs. The Grateful Dead specialized in this sort of misdirection. Many of their tunes locate and inhabit wormholes leading to other musical galaxies. For example, “Slipknot” evolved as a means to … Read more
If you’re the type of person who visits theme parks for the sudden, intense rush of motion simulators, the Sphere will act like cotton candy on your brain. For those of us who prefer slow, old-fashioned rides and choose to remain in control of our adventures in outer space, I strongly suggest you stay away. … Read more
What rock ’n’ roll songs made you laugh out loud the first time you heard them? I’m not talking witty, sardonic, or smug. What’s flat-out funny? Certain artists specialize in the theater of the clever and absurd. Frank Zappa, Randy Newman, Warren Zevon, and Steely Dan come to mind. Even the Eagles gave us the … Read more
The songs, performances, and archival clips in Bruce Springsteen’s new Hulu documentary will satisfy most fans of the E Street Band. Primarily a concert film, it righteously delivers classics, recent tunes, and up-close views of the players. But the producers made two major mistakes, starting with the film’s name: Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the … Read more
I try to find humor in every situation, no matter how bleak. As the old adage goes, funny things happen to funny people. Why? Because we’re stalkers. We watch, wait, and then snatch the moment when it trips into our traps. I’ve often wondered, is my need to provoke chuckles lodged in my DNA, born … Read more
Over the years, I’ve found that rock ’n’ rollers play their most inspired shows when riding high on the momentum of a fresh album that stands among their best work. In 2024, Pearl Jam proved the veracity of that statement with their energetic concerts promoting Dark Matter. On August 12, 2025, at YouTube Theater in … Read more
In the early ’70s, when smog saturated the new skyscrapers in LA, hope and faith hung in the haze. The filthy air expelled by autos and factories created spectacular sunsets at the beach, paradoxically. Longhairs wore Nehru jackets, tie-dyed shirts, and hippie beads, while a sense of adventure wafted in the Venice boardwalk’s breeze. Our … Read more
Most composers incorporate transitional bridges into the structure of their tunes. These short sections, commonly called the “middle eight,” distract us from the main theme long enough to create a sense of anticipation so the melody can reestablish itself with a bang. It’s an essential element of Songwriting 101. Of course, some next-level artists vibrate … Read more