Sidetwo’s Decade Ending List, Part 3

And the hits just keep on coming, as we climb from 30 to 21. Dave Matthews Band, Alicia Keys, Elvis Costello, a couple of fine Canadian bands and…Neil Diamond? Say what? Yes, it’s true. 30. Why I Am–Dave Matthews Band (Big Whiskey And The GrooGrux King) While I have always like the DMB, I haven’t [...]

Sidetwo’s Decade Ending List, Part 1

Hey, if Rolling Stone can do it, why can’t I? Actually, while Rolling Stone asked a number of journalists and musicians to submit their own picks of the decade (both whole albums and songs) and then come up with a Top 100 list of each, I’m keeping it simple. 50 songs from some of my [...]

The “Ugh. It’s Monday. Glad it’s over.” Shuffle Report

The Shuffle Report: 10 songs I listened to, in order, on my iPod in shuffle mode at a given point in time. No editing, no skipping. It is what it is. Seriously, does anyone like Mondays? Today was one of those days where I should have just stayed in bed. Stayed late at work, too. [...]

Elvis Costello Finally Makes a Spectacle of Himself

I’ve been a fan of the musical chameleon otherwise known as Elvis Costello for a long time. Not that everything he’s ever released has appealed to me but for the most part I’ve been happy to be along for the musical ride for the last 30-plus years. In his first season as TV host with [...]

The “I really hope this week goes well” shuffle report

The Shuffle Report: 10 songs I listened to, in order, on my iPod in shuffle mode at a given point in time. No editing, no skipping. It is what it is. It’s Monday. Here’s hoping the week goes well for everyone. Joining me on the subway ride this morning for a little distraction: 1. Taxman—Stevie [...]

Cover Me: (What’s So Funny ’bout) Peace, Love & Understanding?

Just to get it out of the way, I think people need to listen to more Elvis Costello. So there. Written by the criminally underrated Nick Lowe and originally performed by Lowe and his bandmates in Brinsley Schwarz, Elvis Costello’s version of “(What’s So Funny ’bout) Peace, Love & Understanding” first appeared on his 1979 [...]

“Hello Cleveland!”

As much as I enjoy listening to, discussing and sharing music, I’ve always felt that there’s nothing like seeing your favourite artist in concert for the first, second or in the case of Bruce Springsteen, the 10th time. There’s the thrill when you first find out your fave is coming to town, the anticipation of [...]

The Best of Both Worlds

So it’s Sunday night, and the weekend’s winding down. I was relaxing, doing a little channel surfing on the ol’ Aquos when I landed on an episode of the Simpsons from 2002 called “How I Spent My Strummer Vacation”. It’s one of my favourites. It’s the episode when Homer goes to a rock and roll [...]

My Favourite Dance: The iPod Shuffle

Not to sound like a commercial, but our house has always been an Apple house. We’ve gone through several Mac computers, and several iPods. But a couple of years ago, when my wife asked me if I was interested in owning an iPod, I said no. I figured the only way I’d be happy with [...]