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The paradox is as old as artistry itself: groups that are forged in the fires of struggle often dissolve in the warmth of success. This truth spans domains—from military units to start-ups, from revolutionary movements to legendary rock bands. The tighter the early fight, the stronger the bond. But when the fight is over, cohesion …
Introduction: The Philosophical Depth of a Song The Grateful Dead’s Touch of Grey, beyond being a cultural touchstone and their only Top 10 hit, offers profound reflections on the human condition. With its famous refrain, "I will get by, I will survive," the song encapsulates a dual philosophical stance—combining the endurance of Stoicism with the …
Okay, so this song was never really a favorite of mine, but I can distinctly recall the first couple of times I heard it. The haunting tune and ominous lyrics were captivating and odd at the same time. Back in 1984, I was living in the Bay Area, and London and the UK felt like …
Continue reading "West End Girls: A Cultural and Historical Reflection: DeMarco Banter"
"In Dulce Decorum" by The Damned, released in 1986, captures a unique cultural and historical moment, blending the punk rock edge with a gothic aesthetic amidst the undercurrents of the waning Cold War. The song title, borrowing from a Latin phrase famously critiqued by poet Wilfred Owen during World War I, hints at a deeper …
Continue reading "In Dulce Decorum: The Damned, The Cold War, 1986 and DeMarco Banter"
As a fan of Joe Jackson since the early 1980s, I’ve witnessed the remarkable range of his music, spanning genres like punk, new wave, jazz, and pop. His song "I'm the Man" particularly stands out for its mix of humor and sharp social commentary. This track, with its witty lyrics and energetic rhythm, exemplifies Jackson's …
Continue reading "Gen-X Nostalgia: I’m The Man: Joe Jackson and DeMarco Banter"
My first brush with Pink Floyd was thanks to "The Wall". I recall heading to San Francisco to see it on a truly BIG screen and seeing the movie was like a WOW moment, and it got me digging deeper into what Pink Floyd was all about. Of course the follow on album was “The …
Continue reading "Animals, Pink Floyd, George Orwell, and DeMarco Banter"
THE BAND Talking Heads was an American rock band formed in New York City in 1975. The band consisted of David Byrne (vocals, guitar), Chris Frantz (drums), Tina Weymouth (bass), and Jerry Harrison (keyboards, guitar). Over the course of their career, Talking Heads became one of the leading bands of the New Wave movement, blending …
Continue reading "Talking Heads, CBGB, Stop Making Sense, and Burning Down The House"
High on a hillside, the trucks are loadingEverything's ready to rollI sleep in the daytime, I work in the nighttimeI might not ever get home This ain't no party, this ain't no discoThis ain't no fooling aroundThis ain't no Mudd Club, or CBGBI ain't got time for that now. --Life During Wartime, Talking Heads, 1979 …
I recently finished reading David Byrne’s 2019 book "How Music Works”. For those that don’t know David Byrne is a well-known musician, singer, and songwriter, best known as the lead singer and principal songwriter of the band Talking Heads. In "How Music Works", Byrne shares his extensive knowledge and experience in the music industry and …
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