Forever finding itself- Pet Sounds at 60

On May 16th, 1966 , rock/pop music became an artform. A true artform that not only can be listened to countless times, but also be studied to great lengths of even academic level. That's this album. The album; The Beach Boys Pet Sounds. Rock and Roll as we know it gave way in the mid 1950s. Ask who invented the art form? Many would point to three  key influences. Either Elvis and his legendary Sun Record sessions, Rocket 88 with the collaboration of Jackie Brenston/Ike Turner, or Bill Hailey’s Rock around the Clock, and they’d all be right. Come the next decade, by mid 60’s (63-65) you had The Beatles and in America producers like Phil Spector and his famous “wall of sound” production, and it was yet another cultural boom. The Beach Boys were a part of that scene at the right time. Their first record Surfin Safari laid their cards on the table as a force to be reckoned with. Brian Wilson’s influence from the vocal group The Four Freshmen, and musically inspired from Chuck Berry and early rock n roll, and the band had a sound that was completely their own. Listeners were whisked away to the California sur or to the drag races deep within the Wisconsin summer nights, it was pure bliss. Because of the Four Freshmen influence, the band was able to craft their own harmonies. Those harmonies on those early records and beyond are just beautiful. I would argue even on par if better than The Beatles. “409’, “Little Deuce Coupe” and early foreshadowing of “Don’t Worry Baby” showed the band craft on all angels. By the time 1966 emerged, Brian Wilson was officially retired from the road because of a panic attack while on tour in 1964. This worked to his advantage. He became infatuated with The Beatles Rubber Soul released in 1965. Throw in his love for the Phil Spector Wall of Sound, and he was on his way to making something amazing, he just didn’t know it yet. The end result was Pet Sounds and it’s the greatest album ever made.  Brian Wilson was able to marry both the songcraft of The Beatles and the sound. The album pushed boundaries never done before in pop music. “I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times” is a cry for help but blanketed with orchestral bliss. It’s the most personal song on the album as Brain was truly struggling as it’s been well documented of his rocky upbringing with his father Murrary Wilson and much more. “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” opens the album and once that snare is heard, it kicks off a magical tour and lyrically it makes seeing the future from an optimistic lens. “God Only Knows’ opens side 2. This song has had such an impact on my life. It’s one of my favorite songs. Of any genre and of any band. It’s a beautiful composition. The orchestral opening, to the walk up of Carl Kaye’s bass opens this masterpiece. Brian Wilson’s genius shines in the first verse. “I may not always love you.” Brilliant because it shows that love isn’t always on the straight path. Couples argue it’s bound to happen or else it isn’t a healthy relationship. Vocal duty is on Carl Wilson, and it's warm and inviting and oh so comforting. When it gets to the bridge, it changes keys only for a millisecond, and then it’s back to the original key. And then it’s over and you want to listen again and again.

“Caroline No” ends this masterpiece. It’s a melancholy lens of seeing someone you love change over time. And the last thing you hear is the sound of zoo animals, dogs barking, and a train blaring by. Then the needle lifts and then silence follows. And you can’t believe what you heard and you need your fix and listen again. 60 years on, this album continues to inspire, change, and break lives to help shape people. It’s forever finding itself again. 

Forever Truckin- Bob Weir dies at 78

 January 10th holds a sore spot for many musicians and fans of the art form. 10 years ago, David Bowie left us. A decade later, Bob Weir has passed. Bob Weir needs no introduction. At the age of 16, he co-founded the Grateful Dead alongside fellow members Jerry Garcia, Phil Lesh, Bill Kreutzmann, and Ron "Pigpen" McKernan in 1965 in San Fransicsco. The bands now legendary name came by random selection in the dictionary. In 1967, the band released their self-titled debut record and featured faster-paced shorter songs which is in stark contrast to what the band was about to become. That same year, a critical addition was added to the band. Mickey Hart was recurited which would help create the famous "Rythym Devils" percussuion sound for the band. The album did include a jam titled "Viola Lee Blues' which would foreshadow their jam band legacy. Furthermore, the albums that followed Anthem Of The Sun (1968) and Aoxomoxoa (1969) pushed their psycodleic influences to the forefront. Their live album Live/Dead (1969) would solified it annd included an epic "Dark Star" jam that lasted 20 minutes. Plus, the album has a killer jam of "St. Stephen." Come 1970, the band would return to their roots and release two critically acclaimed studio records that same year. Workingman's Dead  and American Beauty are both cherished albums 55 years later and includes the bands most enduring songs like "Truckin", "Casey Jones", "Sugar Magnolia" and "Dire Wolf". Come 1975, the band contunued the rest of the decade with gnere-fuising records like Blues For Allah, Terrapin Station (1977) and Shakedown Street (1978). All those albums feaature Weir as a creative rthymic force. He treated  rhythm  guitar as a "second lead voice" and doing so created a complex harmonic latricework that would define the bands sound. It was creative leap foreward since his coffee-house folk playing days. 

For more than 6 decades, Weir has toured playing the music of the dead. After the passing of Jerry Garcia in 1995, the band continued to delgiht deadheads. Furthermore, the past decade saw Weir on the road as "Dead And Co." which included band members Kreutzmann and Hart along with John Mayer filling in for Garcia. Lots of deadheads were skeptical, given Mayer's musical repuation and ego. Nonetheless, they succeeded. 

For anyone boxing the band in as the 'hippie jam band' I urge you to rethink your thoughts and give Europe 72 a listen. Weir and the band shine on there. From the mythical "Jack Straw" to the blues romp "Mr. Charlie" and the integrate "China Cat Sunflower/ I know Your Rider" theres something for everyone. And of course, listerns can dive into the legendary Dick Picks collection for mind- blowing live jams. 

Bob Weir lived the ultimate life. Changing the world of music and its capabilities, while also serving as the ultimate  guru on life-lessons, meditation and living in the moment. He truly was the last hippie. We can all take a page from the book of Weir. Thank You Mr. Weir for your contributions. You and Jerry must be having a blast now reuinted again. Fly high brother.

The bird has stayed- The Beatles Rubber Soul at 60

,"Rubber Soul, for me, is the beginning of my adult life"- Paul McCartney. 

That's a very valid statement from the legend himself. 60 years ago, The Beatles released Rubber Soul; The record that showcased the band maturing not only physically, but also in their songwriting. With help from the great Mary Jane introduced to them by Bob Dylan. of course. 1965 was the year rock n roll was growing up. So were the Fab Four. Though the band would perform their final show as a band the following year, the band was finally free to record and write in a continuous period. Because of the band being free of any commitments, it planted the seed that sprouted their creativity even further. The result was and is still a masterpiece. For example, in the context of their songwriting, take for example Lennon's composition 'Girl" compared to an earlier hit like "Eight Days A Week". "Was She told when she was young that pain would lead to pleasure." Lennon wrote the lyric as a critique of the Catholic religion that suffering is a path to salvation. That's an insane lyrical jump from a man who was just 25 at the time. That is mindboggling.  

The album kicks off with "Drive My Car' an upbeat, Motown feel thanks to George Harrison wanting to simulate a heavy bass-guitar part in ode to Otis Redding. Filled with sexual overtones, it's a romping song to ease the listener in. Then we are  treated to Norwegian Wood (This Bird has flown). This is when the listener realizes that the band was truly fermenting their songwriting oats. It was also the first modern pop song to feature a sitar. This song is in ¾ time which is known as a waltz and has its Lennon lyrical genius as usual. 

“Think For Yourself” sung by George Harrison for me is a song that doesn’t get as much love as it deserves. The guitar driven crunch from a Fender Strat and the Rickenbacker bass are precise and bright while Starr’s drumming is really cooking.

“Nowhere Man” is John Lennon’s first philosophical, solely written song that included no romantic perception whatsoever. It’s beautifully written, the three part harmonies, and the blissful trebly guitar  tones accompanied by the harmonic finish on the guitar solo really makes it one of the standout tracks. 

“I’m Looking Through You”, is a McCartney song that was written about his troubled relationship with then girlfriend Jane Asher who was a famous British actress. “Love has a nasty habit of disappearing overnight”. When you go through the motions of love through your mid to late 20’s, that hits home pretty hard. 

“In My Life” is Lennon’s best on the record. Legend has it it was written from an autobiographical standpoint from Lennon, and the beauty is that the poetry written can be connected with anyone. That’s genius. 

Happy 60th Rubber Soul. It was the first record I truly remember listening to my sophomore year of college. I was only allowed to bring a certain amount of records in a crate so I had to pick wisely. I bought the record a while back but truly had to pick a Beatles record in case someone wanted to inspect it. Glad I picked this one. Easy to say, this album holds a special place for me. Cheers. 

"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?