Guitars and Drums and Desperate Poetry

Late to the party again

First things first: Go read Holly Hughes on Frank Turner.

She's right -- this is what it's all about. A call to arms for people who love music. And a call to the stage for those who want to make music.



Second, I know I'm late to this party... but at least I'm here.

Yes, Frank Turner sounds like Billy Bragg with a better voice.

Yes, his playful populism is infectious.

Yes, he sold out Wembley and yet I'd never heard of him.

Yes, maybe others invented the genre of "Atheist Gospel" before, but Frank Turner might just be the one who perfected it.



Go, check out his music. Listen, dance, enjoy, celebrate.

And feel renewed.

Into a Brand-New Car

All You Ever Do Is Run Away

She drinks.

You know this. But you can't do anything about it.

And she's moody.

Again, this is not in your control.

So when she does both....

And drives off...

Into the black night...

With no lights on.

You wonder if you should have stopped her.

Even though you know you could not have done so.

Maybe that's the real message. Maybe.

Or maybe her guardian angels work overtime those nights.

Keeping her safe. Until she realizes what she's doing.

And turns on her lights.

RIP Faye Hunter

This makes me sad on so many levels.

Apparently, Faye Hunter (bassist for Let's Active in their jangle-pop heyday) has died at the age of 59. One report says she committed suicide after years of being primary caregiver for her sick mother.

A bit more info here.



I always thought of Let's Active as a band from an alternate reality.

The didn't quite understand what most music was, but they had a slightly warped perspective that, with the right amount of energy and exuberance, could be shaped into something that was almost recognizable, always compelling, and always just slightly out of reach.

In a kinder, more just world, they would have been superstars. Instead of cult heroes.

And our society isn't well equipped to take care of cult heroes. Especially when their time in the sun is over.

Condolences to her friends, family, and music lovers everywhere.

Loving this New David Bowie Video

Which seems like it's almost a mid-70s Bowie track.

Now if only I could stop thinking he looks frighteningly like Ronald Reagan in this clip....

Claymation Attacked My Youth

Again and again and again

There's a band down the street rehearsing.

And every one of their songs sounds good.

But every one of their songs sounds the same.

And they don't really care about this.

They think they have a signature. They think they can create a brand.

They might be right. Music these days is more about branding than sound. Or music. Or instrumentation. Or singing.

They asked me what I thought one day.

And I listened. I considered carefully.

I scratched my chin like I'd seen wise men do when I was younger.

And then I told them they needed some Claymation.

They laughed. Told me there was no such word.

And went back to playing another ten songs that all sounded alike.

And they didn't even notice when I slipped out the back, walked down the alley, and stopped in at a local bar.

Happy Birthday Ringo Starr

Your Moments of Ringo

73 years old today.



And drums still loom large in his legend.

Now Available: No, Mr. Bond, I Expect Your Dreams to Die

My book No, Mr. Bond, I Expect Your Dreams To Die is now available.

Thirty-six personal essays, stories, tone poems, and other short pieces.

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Click here for the paperback.

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For more information, visit alexmstein.com.