This whole Olivia Nuzzi thing is wild. I remember reading one of her pieces a few years back, when she first rose to prominence, and thinking she was trying too hard to make herself part of the story. Little did I know! Another example here of a writer who only dabbles in politics cutting through an issue better than the…

I just found this fantastic profile of American Treasure Katie Crutchfield that came out last spring. I knew she had a twin sister – more on that later this week – but did not know there was a third sister in the family. Turns out that sister’s story is a huge, emotional part of the music Katie has made in…

Steven Hyden with a wonderful retrospective on one of the great American bands that never really went away, at least on classic rock radio, but also never had a big revival. Listen to the Cars in 2025, and you’ll hear the accumulated history of 20th-century rock music—the elemental directness of Buddy Holly and Elvis records, the songwriting sturdiness of the…

I’m off to the eye doctor shortly, which means he’ll dilate my eyes, which means I’m going to be worthless all afternoon. So rather than finish another post I was working on, I’ll share some links instead. I offer this one without comment, lest any of you report me to my boss and get me fired. How to Tell the…

A terrible day for America, but this is A+++ headline writing. In win for infectious diseases, Florida to end all school vaccine requirements I was never a full-time journalist, but this piece brought back some memories of my days at the Daily Journal. Especially the footnote about keeping a running box score of a high school football game. I’ll get…

Short week. I’m sure none of you working stiffs want to do anything productive. Here are some links to help get you a little closer to the coming weekend. Here is the oral history that led to my re-watching The 40 Year Old Virgin a couple weeks ago. I loved this tidbit. Apatow: Steve talked about chest waxing like he had…

I just read Niko Stratis’ book, which is part memoir, part reflection and analysis of the music she has loved. I found this interview with her, and this passage really struck me. I strive for my posts that are about music and memory to be accurate, but I often wonder how accurate my recollections really are. Ultimately, I’m never going…

Steven Hyden on seeing Oasis in London. Noel Gallagher is not a great or even cogent lyricist, and his melodies can sometimes seem a little samey. But when it comes to writing songs that large groups of individuals in various states of inebriation can sing in unison, perfectly, Bob Dylan and Beethoven have nothing on him. He is the absolute genius…

Too late to implement this idea for the summer of ’25, but something for parents to keep in mind for next year. Just like the 1890s and the 2020s, they’ll play with the unvaccinated kids down the street and drink raw milk until dark. Then at daybreak, I’ll hand my children their metal lunch pails, button their fifty-button shoes, and…

Bruce Springsteen’s Tracks II set came out a few weeks ago. I’m not a big enough fan to wade through all the songs, but I did sample the ones highlighted in the various articles that dropped at the same time. Naturally, Steven Hyden had the best of the bunch. Another Side of Bruce Springsteen At some point I lost touch…