Music
Wonk Rock: Why Do So Many of Washington DC’s Politicos Play in Bands?
Another Nail In the Coffin For Good Taste
The Oscars’ Disgraceful Nominees for Best Song
Who Are the Real Authors of 'Porgy and Bess'?
There’s a cheeky scene in Born Yesterday, George Cukor’s Americanized upending of Pygmalion,that casts light on the thinking behind the marquee at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway this season. About a third of the way into the Cukor film, William Holden, on assignment to instill class in Judy Holiday, takes her to the symphony. READ MORE >>
Jazz, Age, and the NEA
Barbara Lea: She Had No Superior
My Top Ten Albums of 2011
Best music of the year? I'll hedge and say only this: Here's a list of ten of my favorite albums of 2011, in no particular order. Elbow: Build a Rocket Boys! (Downtown/Cooperative Music) Seriously wonderful grown-up pop on the theme of growing up from a British band that sees no shame in charm or beauty. (Video below.) Sam Rivers and the Rivbea Orchestra: Trilogy (Mosaic Select) READ MORE >>