"We Can Stay the Night and Stay Together"- musical genius Brian Wilson dies at 82

 Haven't we all wanted the California lifestyle? The sunshine, the girls, the surf, sunsets, drag racing... For anyone anywhere else in America, that sounds like the true American dream. The Beach Boys were that answer, that hook up, that sweet escape. More importantly, Brian Wilson was the musical architect behind that. Yesterday, on May 11th, 2025, the world is grieving a lost of a genius. Brian Wilson was the creative genius behind America's greatest band. He was a summer poet masked as T.S. Elliot and Ernest Hemingway. Furthermore, he achieved this status with a horrific childhood. Brian Wilson was born on June 20th, 1942 in Inglewood, California and raised in nearby Hawthorne, California. He formed The Beach Boys in 1961 with younger brothers Dennis (drums) and Carl Wilson (guitar). Later on, cousin Mike Love and friend Al Jardine joined respectfully. Brain absorbed the catalog of The Four Freshmen and was drawn by their vocal harmonies.  In the early days, the band was managed by their abusive father Murray Wilson. Brian would struggle under the constant pressure of his fathers expectations and would eventually retire from touring in 1964 from a panic attack. While that was a setback for the band, having Brian home would change the course of music history forever. Influenced by producer Phil Spector and his 'wall of sound' studio approach, he became obsessed with The Ronette's "Be My Baby" and other notable works and of course from some friendly but lauded competition across the pond. Signs of his creative change can be heard in songs as "Please Let Me Wonder" from Beach Boys Today! and In My Room, which lyrical context explored more mature themes. In 1966, Pet Sounds was released and is now lauded as one of the greatest records of all time which is tied with Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. The result of  the Beatles work  was because of the influence of Pet Sounds. With full control, Brian crafted a true work of art thanks to the help of the famous session band 'The Wrrecking Crew" and a full orchestra. "Wouldn't it be Nice" explored themes of aging, "I Just Wasn't Made for these times" explores themes of depression, and of course "God Only Knows" one of the greatests songs of all time. It its also one of my favorite songs ever. I listen to tons of music , but if there is one song that I could listen to for the rest of my life, it's this one. It's just so beauitful. I can't even put into words how.  

The Beach Boys have been part of my life forever. My summers are ingraved with their sound. I struggle with mental illness and knowing Brian did defintily makes me feel more connect. Endless Summer Brian Wilson. Thank you for everything.  

Hands Still On The Wheel: Red Headed Stranger at 50

 By 1975, Willie Nelson was in his mid-40s. Born in 1933, he spent two decades busking his way through Nashville, trying to make a name for himself. In that time, he wrote songs that became classics thanks to other country artists like Patsy Cline (Crazy) and Faron Young (Hello Walls). By the early 1970s, country music was entering a new era. That era was to be dubbed the Outlaw Country movement. Fellow contemporaries like Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson, along with Willie Nelson, pushed back on the tamed, polished recordings of the Nashville sound. Nelson succeeded with Shotgun Willie and Phases and Stages, released on Atlantic Records. However, Atlantic soon dropped him, and he was back at square 1. He was able to score a deal with Columbia Records on the condition that Nelson had complete artistic control. 

Red Headed Stranger turned country music on its head. It's been documented that when recording was completed, Columbia Records (CBS) was hesitant to release it because to them, it sounded like incomplete demos. Furthermore, the production of the record is very sparse. The album is one of Willie Nelson's. Best. The classic concept record reads like an epic poem of the old American West. It tells the story of the Red Headed Stranger who rode into Blue Rock, Montana. Our main character finds out that the "yellow-haired lady" from the local tavern tried to steal his bay (horse), which belonged to his late wife. Out of frustration and anger, he shoots her and rides off into the night. What follows is an odyssey woven together by Nelson and Trigger, his sister Bobbie on piano, and the great Mickey Raphael on harmonica. Red Headed Stranger cemented Willie Nelson's outlaw image.

This album is a testament that less is more, and that stories can capture us and move us. It is that good. 

Underdressed At the Symphony: Faye Webster sells out Radio City Music Hall

Faye Webster is one of the best Indie artists today. She proved this last Wednesday at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, where she performed to a sold-out crowd. Webster was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 25th, 1997.  She grew up in a musical family. Her grandfather was a bluegrass player, her mother being a guitarist and fiddle player, and her younger brother was already playing in bands by high school.  Her band is tight and keeps in line with her Atlanta roots with the key component of Matt Stoesell, a phenomenal guitarist and pedal steel player. Charles Garner (drums) has incredible chops, and his fills are akin to those of famous session drummer Roger Hawkins. 

For someone so young, her crowd control was awe-inspiring and her following is more so. Her lyrics resonate with tons of fans and there wasn't a single person who wasn't singing. Furthermore, the crowd raley took a seat. 

Her music is the perfect blend of R&B, alternative, and alternative country accompanied with lyrics that are characterized as personal and poetic. Themes include repressed emotions and the little things in life to name a few. All of those elements were on display in her diverse setlist, which included songs from her latest record Underdressed at the Symphony, along with songs from 2019's Atlanta Millionaires Club, and 2021's I Know I'm Funny Hahah. I will attach a Spotify playlist that includes her current tour setlist. 

She finished off the night with "Kingston" which is her most popular song to date. With gorgeous pedal steel and a space like vibe, the song manages to blend folk, R&B, and hip-hop all in one to create a truly unique song.  Faye Webster is truly keeping the torch lit for the indie genre and is just a joy to see live. Catch her if you can next time she's in town. 

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7xFg41HIgMGgd3sE5XXK2o?si=14d718c35a3b4275

Christmas Time is Here: Vince Guaraldi's masterpiece is forever timeless.

 Ah, the holiday season. Thanksgiving has come and gone, and now it is time to either buy or take your tree out of hiding and load up on eggnog. Yes, it's that time of year again. I dig Christmas music. I love the classics. However, because the holidays come once a year, there's only so much music you can withstand. I say that because my heart goes out to all the people who have to endure Maria Carey's thawing. A Charlie Brown's Christmas LP stands in a class of its own because of how timeless it is and that it will never go out of style. 

Guaraldi's name is synonymous with the Peanuts franchise, and ACBC was the first collaboration between the two, starting in 1965, the same year the classic special aired on television. Peanuts, as they have been around for a decade, had already become a success due to themes of politics, philosophy, and ethics, which, for a comic strip, is ahead of its time. The genre of Jazz itself was in a tough position as folk dominated the early 60s and Beatlemania and the British invasion occurred just a year prior. 

A Charlie Brown's Christmas, if it could be described as a feeling, that feeling would be warmth. From the opening notes of "O Tannenbaum," you feel cozy. You want to make a cup of hot chocolate or a warm cup of coffee. The musicianship on this record has always been a key component that gets overlooked because of the legacy of the special (which is understandable). It might be a holiday record, but listening to it, you wouldn't be able to tell because Guaraldi and his trio are just cooking. Brushing has always been a troupe in Jazz, and drummer Jerry Granelli showcases its strengths in the instrumental take on "Christmas Time is Here" as it lulls you into a dreamlike state accompanied by Vince's elegant piano. "Linus and Lucy," which is a standout on the album, is unofficially the Peanuts anthem and is so instantly recognizable. "Christmas Time is Here" is again reprised with vocals provided by St. Paul's Epispical Church choir and opens the special with the iconic skating sequence.  

This holiday, cozy up with a holiday classic. It's essential in my tradition, why don't you make it yours?

Forever echoing through the canyon: Remebering Kris Kristoifferson

 Country music is a beloved genre of music but not eveyrone (surprinsgly) loves the genre. However, there are very few artists who come around once in a lifetime that trendsends the genre and whose lyrics are raw, emotional and timeless. That man was Kris Kristofferson. Kirsotfferson was country's answer to Bob Dylan in terms of poetry and expert songcraft. Furhtumore, Kristofferson was a pioneer in the Outlaw Country movement of the 1970s with lauded company including Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings. Kristofferson was born on June 22, 1936 in Brownsville Texas and grew up as an air force kid frequently relocating with is family. Eventually setteling in San Mateo, California, Kris grauduated Pomona College with a degree in creative writing and went on to attend Oxford Univeristy as a Rhoads Scholar. Kris was scheduled to start work at West Point academy teaching English but before accepting, he decided to take a 2 week leave in Nashville. Good thing he did. Once settled in Nashville, he paid his dues working and writing songs. After a brief time away from Nashville, Kristofferson returned to word of mouth praise thanks to friends like Johnny Cash. With that endoursement in mind, Krisoffereson started wroking on his self titled debut Kristofferson. While lauded by critics it tanked comerically. The album was the birth of his incrdible songwriting icluding tunes like "To Beat The Devil", "Best Of All Possilbe Worlds", "Help Me Make It Through The Night" and of course the immortal "Me And Bobby Mcgee" which became Janis Joplin's only #1 hit . After Kristofferson,  he followed up with 1971's The Silver Tongued Devil and I and spawned hits with "Loving Her Was Easier (Than anyting I'll ever do), the title track, and the fan favorite "The Pilgrim-Chapter 33." Later in the decade, Krisoffereson starred in Martin Scorseses Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore  (1974) and of course his breakout role alongisde Barbara Streistand in 1976's A Star Is Born in which he won a Golden Globe. In the 80s, Kris teamed with fellow freinds Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash to form THe Highwaymen.  

Kristofferson made country poetic. He was able to push against the norm of what country lyrics could be. He marched to the beat of his own drum. He was the definiton of a cosimic cowboy. Rest easy Kris. Legends don't die, they fade away. In Kristoffereson's case, fading away is ironic. His legacy will live forever. 

Talking to the Trees- The Jayhawks and Hollywood Town Hall

Alternative country is a subgenre of country music that draws influence from country (primarily outlaw) with mixes of poetic lyrics and more of a rock and roll backbone. The Jayhawks are one of the many pioneers in the genre, along with bands such as Uncle Tupelo, Wilco,  and Whiskeytown. The Jayhawks were formed in 1985 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The original core lineup consisted of Mark Olson (guitar and vocals), Norm Rogers (drums), and guitarist-turned-bassist Marc Perlman, later joined by Gary Louris (guitar and vocals). The band released their self-titled debut in 1986, followed by 1989's Blue Earth. The band gained national fame with the release of Hollywood Town Hall on September 15th, 1992.  That's the record we're dissecting today. I would also like to note that this was my first time fully listening to the record. 

The album begins with "Waiting For The Sun". Right from the get-go, this record is going to be special. The band was influenced by Neil Young and The Rolling Stones, and the track is oozing with a Crazy Horse swagger. Clouds" is a prolific and critical jab at one's wealth and well-being and makes you stop and ponder. 'Two Angels' is the standout track on the album as it blends classic country pedal steel that merges with Neil Young-inspired lyrics. Moreover, Olson's vocals echo the late great Gram Parsons, a pioneer in alternative country, and that's beautiful. 

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nGfdDtythVg0bQVBX8k4F_U1BB7iOa5MM&si=u8JNqNqZ8-uFt--U

Above is a link to the full record for you to listen. This album is unquestionable The Jayhawks at their creative peak. An "Exile On Main Street," if you will. 

Yankee Hotel Foxtrot: Wilco rocks The Beacon Theater

On Friday, June 21st, 2024 I was treated to a rock odyssey. That odyssey was in the translation of Wilco. Wilco has had an incredible lasting legacy, clocking in now for almost 30 years. Wilco was the brainchild of Jeff Tweedy, formerly a member of the alternative country legend that was Uncle Tupelo, whose legacy is the blueprint of the subgenera. Founded in 1995, the band released their debut album A.M. The album was a word-of-mouth success as critic reviews were mixed. Their sophomore album Being There, now a lauded masterpiece, made them a fan favorite for millions, including me. Wilco didn't slow down from there. The band has grown both lyrically and musically since then. With releases like the ultra-personal Summerteeth, and the Cinderella story epic that is Yankee Hotel Foxtrot it was clear that the band wanted to prove that they could graduate from the alt-country genre. Safe to say they transitioned smoothly. 

I was fortunate enough to get tickets for the show thanks to my old man. However, it's still going to take time to show the genius of Wilco for him. Fortunately, I was able to bring along my amazing girlfriend as she was familiar with their catalog. The show was held at the historic Beacon Theater in New York City whose house residents are quite notable. Notable alumni include The Allman Brothers Band and indie giants My Morning Jacket. Nice company. 

Wilco bought down the house that night. As a concertgoer, I can sometimes get skeptical of a setlist. I meditate toward one that covers both hits and deep cuts. Safe to say I got both that night. The band opened with Misunderstood" the track that kicks off their masterpiece Being There. Right out of the gate, I knew this band was so special in a live environment. Jeff Tweedy had the crowd singing to every word. A maestro leading his orchestra of fans. Afterward, I recognized the first 3 notes of "Forget The Flowers" a Johnny Cash-inspired song both lyrically and musically, and I was over the moon. The band covered all of their catalog including fan favorites "I'm Trying To Break Your Heart", 'Jesus Etc.", "Cruel Country" and the epic "Impossible Germany". 

At the end of the encore, a fellow fan turned to me and said "Did your dad introduce you to Wilco?" 

I responded "Nope. Discovered them all on my own." That's the ticket on why this concert was so special to me.  To be able to see a band live from your own crate digging and research is a satisfying treat. I suggest you do the same.