Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’ recently went over one billion streams on Spotify, an accomplishment that joins them with Queen (for Bohemian Rhapsody) as the only two bands to do so. Here are a few facts about the song: Famously, there is no “South Detroit” which has been the subject of much discussion over the years.... Continue Reading →
The Bachelor’s Reckoning with Race
Rather than my usual episode recap, I’m going to recap and comment on the stunning events of last week that culminated in Chris Harrison taking a leave of absence from The Bachelor franchise. It was the lens through which I was watching tonight's episode, anyway. I watch these shows with intentional blindness to the casts’... Continue Reading →
An Obsession . . . and a Mystery
That feeling when you find your new favorite band too late. The story and mystery of a music obsession . . . I recently accidentally rediscovered that I had accidentally previously discovered the band machineheart, i.e. after the rediscovery I found that I had already Liked one on their songs on Spotify. More like LOVED... Continue Reading →
Grammy Nominations – Initial Reactions
The Weeknd. Usually I save my outrage for the actual awards but how in the fresh %#*@ does The Weeknd not get a single nomination? Seriously?? His distinctive know-him-when-you-hear-him blend of pop, R&B, synth and Hip-Hop makes him as creative as any artist working right now. Oh, and his ubiquitous hit Blinding Lights has the... Continue Reading →
I Watched the CMAs? Seriously?
In a breaking news story that we continue to follow, Ray’s Musings has discovered that the Country Music Awards was televised Wednesday night for the 53rd time in their 54-year history. Personally, I have watched the show, uh . . . hmmmm . . . let’s see . . . uh . . . never.... Continue Reading →
Ode to Eddie Van Halen
In the beginning, in 1978 when Eddie Van Halen changed everything, I wasn’t there. At the time I was living in a particularly radio-starved area of upstate New York and found the music in my own collection far more interesting than the insubstantial stuff playing over those airwaves. Then I moved to the DC area... Continue Reading →
30-Day Song Challenge Encore – Every Damn Day in America
Yea, it makes me wanna holler/And throw up both my hands Today, I’m letting others speak for me. They've been speaking for decades. Maybe at some point, the point of their speaking will no longer be a point. That's what I hope for. 1987 Sign O the Times, Prince In France, a skinny man... Continue Reading →