Campaign Soundtrack
Jun 3, 2008 Crank up your iPods, everyone. Herewith, a musical guide to the endgame of the epic contest for the Democratic nomination.Utah Phillips Has Left the Stage
May 29, 2008 "Utah" Phillips died this week at the age of 73. He was a musician, labor organizer, peace activist and co-founder of his local homeless shelter.
Jazz Fest ’08: Homecoming on Muddy Ground
May 27, 2008 It's easy in New Orleans these days to read meaning and purpose into every lyric or song choice -- was Sheryl Crow commenting on the housing crisis by covering "Gimme Shelter," or was she just doing a Stones tune? Also, it's impossible to take in all the music and all the messages emanating from the Jazz Fest's 10 stages. Still, a good deal of what I did catch was timely, topical and worth remembering.
The Boss Hires Obama
Apr 16, 2008 Bruce Springsteen, the iconic musician of the working-class U.S., endorsed Barack Obama on Wednesday. The announcement comes less than a week before the Pennsylvania primary, in which blue-collar voters may play a significant role in determining the Democratic nominee.
Anthony Heilbut on MaryBeth Hamilton’s ‘In Search of the Blues’
Mar 21, 2008 What accounts for the strange need of some white scholars -- from the plantation nostalgists of the late 1890s to the "Blues Mafia" of the 1960s -- to honor African-American culture by trying to save black people from themselves?
Anne Frank: The Musical
Feb 23, 2008 There's an adage that cautions against making jokes about such categorically unfunny topics as the Holocaust but how about making musicals? This just in: The BBC brings word from Spain of the staging of a new musical, "Anne Frank: A Song to Life," which at times features "Kitty," a perhaps unwisely (and too literally) conceived character.Worst. Campaign. Song. Ever.
Feb 15, 2008 Let's just put it out there that this is not a critique of Hillary Clinton the candidate. Having said that, we'll also say that it's quite possible that this is the worst campaign song/video of all time. Somewhere, the members of the Jackson 5 are cringing. No parody necessary.Stars Sing for Obama
Feb 4, 2008 Pop star and producer will.i.am and director Jesse Dylan (son of Bob) put together this independent, star-filled tribute to Barack Obama's New Hampshire concession speech. Whether it's inspirational or just cheesy is up to you, but we've got nothing bad to say about Herbie Hancock on the piano.
