"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