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Fear of Flying: The Most Inappropriate Songs for In-Flight Radio
A few weeks ago, I was invited to speak on some panels at Diversafest in Tulsa, Okla. On my flight back home to Atlanta, both my iPod and laptop were dead, so I decided to check out some in-flight radio. I surfed the dozen or so stations until—as we reached cruising altitude—I settled on one with a ’50/early-’60s golden-oldies format. After tunes from Dion & the Belmonts, The Platters and—if I remember correctly—The Shangri-Las, what should come on but Santo & Johnny’s classic 1959 instrumental “Sleepwalk.” Now, normally, I love “Sleepwalk”—it’s one of the most wistful, nostalgic, emotive pieces of... read more
Found in: Blogs, List of the DayNickel Creek/Toad the Wet Sprocket Supergroup Preps Debut
It seems like hardly a day goes by that we're not reporting on new supergroup shenanigans, and today is going to be no exception. On Sept. 15, the eight-member group WPA (Works Progress Administration), whose members have played with everyone from Toad the Wet Sprocket to Elvis Costello, will release its self-titled album.... read more
Found in: Music, NewsTop Ten Father/Daughter Songs
Last week, you guys helped me narrow down my first-dance song choices (haven’t made a decision yet, but we love all the suggestions). This week, I present my father/daughter song picks. Every time I turn on the radio I hear another cheesy country song that would work—Tim McGraw 's “My Little Girl”, Trace Adkins' “Then They Do,” Gary Allan's “Tough Little Boys,” Heartland's “I Loved Her First,” you name it. But I inherited my love for country-pop from my mom and not my dad, so the twang isn't gonna fly. Here are my top ten—you can listen below. Too sappy?... read more
Found in: Blogs, List of the DayEight Songs to Soundtrack this Morning's Michael Phelps Interview on NBC's Today
At 7 a.m. this morning, NBC's Today will run Matt Lauer's exclusive interview with twentysomething Olympic swimmer and multiple gold medalist Michael Phelps, during which Phelps will hilariously pretend to apologize for smoking a bong at a party (or at least for being stoned enough to get photographed smoking a bong at a party). But while he's being all penitent and fielding the hard questions from Lauer about his "bad mistake" so he can re-score that Wheaties contract, this is the music that'll likely be playing in Phelps' head—and on my home stereo system, as I provide my own personal soundtrack to... read more
Found in: Blogs, List of the DayCurrent Events: "Joe the Plumber" Megamix
Last Wednesday night, a blue-collar hero went down in history. Toledo, Ohio’s own Joe Wurzelbacher—aka “Joe the Plumber”—was invoked no less than 26 times, making him more central to the third presidential debate between John McCain and Barack Obama than anything else, including taxes, education, the war, terrorism, the environment and energy independence.Seeing as how a playlist about plumbers would’ve been pretty short, today’s Current Events megamix will focus simply on great songs about guys named Joe. Here’s to you, plumber man!... read more
Found in: Blogs, Ctrl-VPemberton 2008 - Day 2
Above: Mates of StatePhotos taken at Pemberton Festival 2008 by Mark C. Austin... read more
Found in: Blogs, 1000 WordsMile High fest includes Tom Petty, Dave Matthews, more
Not to be left out of the music festival bonanza that is summer 2008, Denver, Colo., will host the first Mile High Music Festival this weekend on July 19 and 20. Five stages at Dick's Sporting Goods Park will hold approximately 50 bands, including headliners Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Dave Matthews Band.... read more
Found in: Music, NewsTom Petty reunites Mudcrutch for new album, shows
Before the Heartbreakers, there was Mudcrutch. A less appealing name perhaps, but Mudcrutch, Tom Petty’s original band, recently reunited for a new album. The group has finished recording, and in promotion of the new release (available April 29), has announced a number of intimate California shows this spring. Petty fronted Mudcrutch in the early '70s after dropping out of high school at age 17 to join the band made up of guitarist Tom Leadon, drummer Randall Marsh, future Heartbreakers’ keyboardist Bemmont Tench and guitarist Mike Campbell. The group gained a following and fan base out of its native Florida, but... read more
Found in: Music, NewsTom Petty - Highway Companion
Bare-bones production draws attention to lackluster lyrics on Petty’s latest read more
Found in: Music, ReviewsConversations with Tom Petty
Author helps Tom Petty share his fascinating story read more
Found in: Books, Reviews
Where Have All The Weird Girls Gone?…
Evil Dead to Rise Again to Theaters…
The 50 Best Movies of the Decade…
The 17 Best Romantic Comedies This Decade
Heather Greene - Moon Hangs Fire
Dawes - When My Time Comes
James Yuill - This Sweet Love (Earth…
Blind Pilot - One Red Thread
Pete Yorn - Last Summer
