Glancing Backward, Musically Speaking, in Order to Look Ahead

This is the time of year when the supporters of self-help, the boosters of betterment, the promoters of purposefulness, and everyone else who exalts in the ethics of uplift, start hymning the glories of making New Year’s resolutions. Oh, joy. The general belief is that the start of a new calendar year affords a kind… Continue reading Glancing Backward, Musically Speaking, in Order to Look Ahead

Get What's Coming to You: The Rest of Your New Music Review Tax Relief

This is a follow-up to last week’s post, in which I prattled on a bit about the reasons for my flagging desire to buy new music. I blamed it on a number of different factors, including the economy, the weather, iGreed, psychotic behavior, boredom, third-world pirates, the government, even The Beatles. Truth is, it’s me,… Continue reading Get What's Coming to You: The Rest of Your New Music Review Tax Relief

More (and More) Music to Hear Before the End of the Year

Are you an end-of-the-year top-list maker? For instance, have you written down your list of the top 10 best records of 2008 yet, in rank order? Or are you contemplating your top 25 favorite songs, by genre? Or your list of the year’s 5 biggest musical disappointments? I am not a list-maker, by nature, and am happy… Continue reading More (and More) Music to Hear Before the End of the Year