Music and Literature – The Philosophy of Contemporary Song

High Fidelity, Then and Now

High Fidelity then starred John Cusack as an immature, self-absorbed record store owner who, because of a recent, painful breakup with his girlfriend Laura (perf. Iben Hjejle), went on a tour of self-discovery through conversations with all of his ex girlfriends. He handles his breakup, which is the opening scene of the film, with theContinue reading “High Fidelity, Then and Now”

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U2’s Songs of Surrender: Another Creative Reinvention

U2’s Songs of Surrender give us an opportunity to love music without hype, volume, and crowds. Let it do that for you.

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Alice Cooper: An Overview

I’ve recently created three iTunes playlists covering Alice Cooper’s career from 1969 to the present. These playlists are based on his studio discography. I’ll be meditating on my impressions of him as a long time fan — since the 70s — and my recent listening to his work. Cooper has meant a lot to meContinue reading “Alice Cooper: An Overview”

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Frontwomen in Rock

I just created an iTunes playlist titled “Frontwomen in Rock” inspired by Samantha Fish’s recent live performance in Ft. Lauderdale, where she was opening for Kenny Wayne Shepherd. But it’s a very small playlist because I have narrow criteria: So I’m not thinking of your usual frontwomen — singer only, or singer and rhythm orContinue reading “Frontwomen in Rock”

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Pete Townshend and World War II

I have three iTunes playlists dedicated to The Who — 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s to the present — and I can’t listen through them without being impressed, over and over again, by Pete Townshend’s genius. Record sales aside, his creative accomplishments exceed that of the Beatles, Dylan, or the Rolling Stones throughout the 60s andContinue reading “Pete Townshend and World War II”