Madonna was narcissistic, Kanye demonstrated he knows no limits, the Michael Jackson tribute was lacking oomph, a neutered Russell Brand was strangely unfunny, but none of that truly mattered.  What we saw last night was a television network that was once different, playing to a disenfranchised younger generation, employing the same damn playbook as the […]

I had a fascinating conversation with Don Was last night. Exiting February’s Grammy tribute to Neil Diamond, we got into a conversation about the new Delbert McClinton record Don was producing.  He was flying to Nashville imminently.  It was supposed to be remakes of Delbert’s classic songs.  I told Don he had to do "Sandy […]

No casual fans were in attendance.  Because you couldn’t get a ticket.  And why would you want to? At the juncture of art and commerce, for one slim moment in the nineties, an act playing less than mainstream music could make a video so riveting, enhancing the underlying sounds, that MTV could air it and […]

THE PLAYERS Keith Carlock "You noticed that?" Last night, during one of his solos, Keith Carlock changed his grip. Most rock drummers work their kit like Fred Flintstone, as if they’re wielding two chicken drumsticks, gripping both overhand.  But I remember from fifth grade drum class that you’re supposed to hold the left stick underhanded, […]