The Questions of Seba Safe’s “I Wonder”
The title of Seba Safe’s “I Wonder” doesn’t promise any answers. And indeed the song begins with questions: “What the hell is wrong with people? / What the hell is wrong with me?” Good questions; I wonder about that too. But instead of answers, the rest of verse one gives instructions: “Twist the hurt into […]
Steve Earle Dismantles Capital Punishment on “Ellis Unit One”
“I object to my government killing people because my government is meant to be me and I object to me killing people.” This is simply one of many damning quotes by legendary American folk artist Steve Earle regarding America’s arguably archaic capital punishment laws. It’s 1995 and famed actor/producer/director Tim Robbins (The Shawshank Redemption, Jacob’s […]
James Patterson Flashes Genius on “After Dark”
Most people in the music world hail the late, great Prince as a musical genius, but both James Patterson and Ben Ruttner (aka J-Patt and B-ROC from The Knocks) are geniuses, too. Now they’re getting the recognition they’ve long deserved, including a Grammy nomination last year and a coveted slot at this year’s Lollapalooza festival […]
Ashley Miers is a Multi-Talented Marvel
When you think of amazing multi-hyphenate talents, Padma Lakshmi and Lady Gaga spring to mind. L.A. artist Ashley Miers belongs in that select group, too. She’s a successful songwriter/musician, actress, chef and meditation/recovery advocate. It’s hard to image how one person – in one lifetime – can write fabulous songs, have a SAG card, host […]
“1979” – The Smashing Pumpkins’ best song
There’s three things I love about The Smashing Pumpkins. First, Billy Corgan’s look – watch the videos for “Ava Adore” or “Stand Inside Your Love” – he’s mesmerizing, a modern rock Nosferatu. Second, their name – it’s hilarious! And third, “1979” – their best song. There are other songs I like but “1979” has this […]
SubmitLink Review: Is This Playlisting Service Legit?
Quick take based on multiple campaigns: The platform isn’t huge, but it is legit.
“When You’re Breaking My Heart” by Gatlin: Game-playing and infectious pop in equal measure
Gatlin seems to have contradictions to deal with. She’s with someone and she likes them, you know, in that special way… until they reciprocate. Then she’s not so sure. Ah love! It’s a complicated game isn’t it? Luckily, Gatlin has a supremely catchy song with which to work through her feelings. As she explains at […]
Christina Meyer Takes On A Pressing Issue with “Every Woman You Know”
Christina Meyer is a Milwaukee-based songwriter who has won consecutive Best Song awards from the Songwriters of Wisconsin and has had sync placements on TV’s The Young and The Restless. Her song “Every Woman You Know” is perspective-changing for male listeners and a confirmation of what female listeners already understand: women walking alone at any […]
Sublime’s “Pool Shark”: Bradley Nowell’s Suicide Note
California, early 1990s. Despite the epicenter of popular music emerging from the Sunset Strip (think Guns n’ Roses) and Compton (think N.W.A. and Snoop Dogg,) a counterculture hotbed is simmering. Prior to boiling and spilling eastward, upward, and outward across the world with acts like No Doubt, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rage Against the Machine, […]
Bridget Rian’s Single “Milk” is Saccharine Sweet
Saccharine love songs are always a bit of a hit or miss. And by that I mean, it’s totally contextual to the exact moment you find it, not its inherent worth. When Bridget Rian intros into her newest single, “Milk” with, “If my skin were milk, you would drink it,” there are those of us […]
