By Ray McDonald On April 8th, Brad Paisley and LL Cool J triggered a spasm of public indignation by releasing a duet called “Accidental Racist.” I’ll cover the song in a few minutes – and I’ve posted the video at the bottom of the blog – but first: Brad Paisley and LL Cool J? […]
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…For Better, For Worse…
Posted April 5th, 2013 at 2:21 pm (UTC+0)
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By Ray McDonald When I read that Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora was leaving the band for the remainder of its North American tour, I immediately thought “he’s going into rehab.” The brief notice posted on the group”s official web site contained few details, merely noting that the shows would continue as planned. However, […]
Too Much, Too Soon?
Posted March 28th, 2013 at 3:05 pm (UTC+0)
By Ray McDonald Reviewing Justin Bieber’s list of recent woes, I keep coming back to one well-known saying: “Be careful what you wish for. It just may come true.” The former clean-cut teen idol is stumbling from one PR crisis to another: run-ins with paparazzi; sudden hospital visits; and most recently, a nasty episode with a […]
Librarians for Rock and Roll
Posted March 22nd, 2013 at 8:54 pm (UTC+0)
By Ray McDonald James H. Billington, I salute you. Mr. Billington is the United States Librarian of Congress, and among his duties is the annual selection of 25 recordings for the National Recording Registry. Recognized for their cultural, artistic, and historic importance, they run the gamut from the earliest recorded sounds to magnificent musical achievements. […]
Quincy And Michael
Posted March 14th, 2013 at 6:57 pm (UTC+0)
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By Ray McDonald Quincy Jones celebrated his 80th birthday on March 14th. Over the course of his seven-decade career, Quincy Delight Jones, Jr. has done it all: performer, composer, arranger, producer, businessman – if you want an idea of the scope of his career, this is a good place to begin. His achievements are far […]
Tags: Michael Jackson, Off the Wall, pop music, Quincy Jones, Thriller Posted in Pop/Rock, Uncategorized
Alvin Lee, 1944 – 2013
Posted March 7th, 2013 at 6:57 pm (UTC+0)
By Ray McDonald Last week, I wrote about “seizing the day” when it came to viewing and appreciating artists, especially those of advancing ages. We never know what tomorrow may bring, and today we mourn the passing of a great musician. On March 6th, guitarist Alvin Lee died from complications following what was reportedly a […]
The Clock Is Ticking
Posted February 28th, 2013 at 10:11 pm (UTC+0)
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By Ray McDonald Eric Clapton sounds tired. Talking to “Rolling Stone” Magazine, the 67-year-old guitar legend says he plans to stop touring once he hits 70. Eric says he still loves to perform, but the rigors of traveling – such as dealing with immigration officials and security checks – is proving too much. I can […]
And The Little Gold Guy Goes To…
Posted February 22nd, 2013 at 7:50 pm (UTC+0)
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By Ray McDonald Sunday, February 24 marks the 85th edition of the Academy Awards – now officially re-branded as “The Oscars.” The origins of that name, which attached long ago to the statuette awarded winners, are contested. Legendary actress Bette Davis claimed she gave the little gold guy the nickname “Oscar” because she said it […]
Tags: Academy Awards, Adele, Best Original Song, Best Song, Isaac Hayes, Oscar, Oscars, Over the Rainbow, Shaft, Skyfall Posted in Americana, Uncategorized
Who’s the Best New Artist?
Posted February 5th, 2013 at 10:15 pm (UTC+0)
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By Ray McDonald I’ve been following the Grammy awards for four decades and never tire of one category in particular: Best New Artist. It’s sheer entertainment finding out who the Recording Academy sees fit to nominate. Past winners have included such howlers as the Starland Vocal Band and A Taste Of Honey. And let’s not […]
Tags: Adele, Alabama Shakes, Beatles, Best New Artist, Frank Ocean, Fun, Grammy, Hunter Hayes, Lumineers, Mariah Carey Posted in Americana, Folk, Pop/Rock, Uncategorized
And The Best Rock Album Grammy Goes To…
Posted January 25th, 2013 at 4:21 pm (UTC+0)
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By Ray McDonald Two weeks from Sunday, the 55th annual Grammy Awards ceremony takes place in Los Angeles. Among the 81 categories will be Best Rock Album, one of just four trophies that will be given for Rock (the other three awards for the genre are Best Rock Song, Best Rock Performance, and Best Hard […]
Tags: Best Rock Album, Black Keys, Bruce Springsteen, Coldplay, Grammy, Jack White, Muse, rock, U2 Posted in Pop/Rock
