Sunday Music: Alicia Keys Songs I Wish I wrote

At the 61st Grammys, Alicia Keys did a solo segment they called, “Songs I wish I Wrote.”  She did the Hazel Scott 2 pianos thing (and shouted it out). But not turned backwards or while spinning in circles. She did it in the Tori Amos feminist front-facing way, and I think both artists deserve that … Continue reading Sunday Music: Alicia Keys Songs I Wish I wrote

Sunday Music: Yer So Bad (Tom Petty Solo)

Ever since the expanded edition Wildflowers (and the Rick Rubin interviews with Petty’s daughter about making the album), I’m extra fascinated by Tom Petty’s demos and solo takes. Something else shines through. It’s easier to hear the nuance around the simplicity somehow.  Maybe it’s just me.  My history with Petty goes back to an obsession … Continue reading Sunday Music: Yer So Bad (Tom Petty Solo)

Show A Little Gratitude (Tracy Chapman Edition)

Tracy Chapman won her first CMA this year. It only took 35 years. And a Luke Combs cover of her song, “Fast Car.” Gratitude.  Grateful for the recognition.  Graceful during the long lags between receiving any.   Tracy Chapman knows a thing (or 35) about gratitude.  In 1988, when “Fast Car” was released as the first … Continue reading Show A Little Gratitude (Tracy Chapman Edition)

The Cuckoo (Hero’s Journey Alternates)

Joseph Campbell’s “hero’s journey” can work like a plug-and-play template. It’s a proven framework for creating tension and resolving conflict with plenty of main character development along the way. The artistic world is full of similar structures - one of my alternate favorites is a folk song format called “The Cuckoo.” Learning to spot any … Continue reading The Cuckoo (Hero’s Journey Alternates)

Bruce Springsteen On Turning Points And Making Nebraska

If Bruce had to pick one album to represent him 50 years from now, he’d pick Nebraska.  It’s a vibe. And it’s really cool how CBS took him back to the bedroom he wrote much of the album in all those years ago.  Nebraska came when he hit a personal “wall” of depression. Springsteen says … Continue reading Bruce Springsteen On Turning Points And Making Nebraska

Sunday Music: My Momma, She Loves Me (Happy Mother’s Day)

Oh, my mama loves me, she loves meShe get down on her knees and hug meLike she loves me like a… moo cow in a barn -(not entirely) Paul Simon You know those terrible jokes that make you and your brothers (re: siblings) laugh uncontrollably but don’t even make sense? Paul Simon’s “Loves Me Like … Continue reading Sunday Music: My Momma, She Loves Me (Happy Mother’s Day)