Shot Of Rhythm

[ Thursday, May 04, 2006 ]

 

Update

I added a link on the left to WAY DOWN IN THE HOLE, a fine music blog that recently was kind enough to shout out our little operation here.

Also, I hope y'all have been checking out Living In Stereo's tribute to Buck Owens, where David Cantwell has written, in relatively little space, about as good and entertaining an appreciation of the late great as you're likely to see anywhere.

Now keep scrolling down, and listen to some girl-groups. I'll be back in a couple days with the new release round-up.

On the box right now: Ice Cube, AMERIKKKA'S MOST WANTED.

Peace...

Dove With Claws [3:50 PM]

 

Girl power

In honor of my talk on modern girl groups at the past weekend's EMP conference, here are three of the best examples, each a brash celebration of sexual affirmation and complex identity. The modern girl groups not only get at our deepest, strongest and most powerful paradoxes, but also remind us to keep one eye keenly on the pop world, where many of the most lasting snapshots of our complicated lives and loves come out of. (Not to mention most of each year's best singles.)

Destiny's Child - "Bootylicious"

Kelly Clarkson - "Since You've Been Gone"

Pussycat Dolls (feat. Busta Rhymes) - "Don't Cha"

On the box right now: Alejandro Escovedo, THE BOXING MIRROR.

Peace...

Dove With Claws [11:36 AM]

[ Monday, May 01, 2006 ]

 

Folk singers

Behold, two streaming broadsides from two of the last true believers. Springsteen's version of Alfred Reed's "How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times And Live?" is striking, as he remixes the Depression-era classic with three biting new verses about the aftermath of Katrina. As for Neil, the seven-month turnaround on this new album is clearly observable in its urgency, bite and (dare I say) ragged glory.

Thanks, guys...

Neil Young - LIVING WITH WAR

Bruce Springsteen - "How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times And Live?"

On the box right now: Bruce Springsteen, WE SHALL OVERCOME.

Peace...

Dove With Claws [11:17 AM]