“Go All The Way” Is A Sonic Treasure

by Kevin Burton    My tribute to the late Eric Carmen continues today with a closer look at The Raspberries’ rocking masterpiece, “Go All The Way.”    Carmen died in his sleep last weekend at age 74 according to his wife Amy. His songs, including “No Hard Feelings” and “Boats Against The Current,” which we …

“No Hard Feelings” By Eric Carmen Is A Gem

by Kevin Burton     You remember Eric Carmen for “All By Myself” and for the Raspberries’ “Go All The Way.” But it’s one of his B-sides that resonates most with me.    We got word last week that Carmen had died at age 74. The news sent my mind to several places, including to a …

50 Years Ago, Terry Jacks’ “Season In The Sun”

by Kevin Burton    When you move into a house, you see it and feel it in a way all your own. You inhabit that space with your special vitality.    The way others see that space, if they see it at all, may be interesting, but it lays no lasting hold on you.    …

Leap For Joy Leaplings, Today Is Your Big Day

by Kevin Burton    Steve Mingori was an excellent left-handed relief pitcher for Cleveland and Kansas City in the American League.  He finished a 10-year career with an ERA of 3.03.    I always thought of him as a “minus” pitcher. That means in my baseball board games, if a certain number came up and …

“It Only Takes A Minute” Has Strange Lyrics

  by Kevin Burton    We may have to file this under Benign Stupidity, but after (maybe not enough) careful thought, I’m going to do the story.    We’re talking 70s pop music as we often do on Tuesdays. I love this band, I love this song, please hear that up front. But what a load …

Billy Joel, We Love You Just The Way You Are

by Kevin Burton    I’m inclined to give Billy Joel a pass, aren’t you?     Hasn’t he proven his brilliance?  Hasn’t his place in music history been settled, certified for decades now?     Any music-related hall of fame that he is not in, he should be in. Hey, if Dolly Parton is in the Rock …

Billy Joel To Release New Song Thursday

by Kevin Burton    Is it just that easy, like flipping a switch?    Guess we’ll find out Thursday, when Columbia Records drops the first new Billy Joel single in 17 years, a song called “Turn The Lights Back On.”    “In a press release from his label, Columbia Records, the song is said to …

Steely Dan To Songwriters’ Hall of Fame

by Kevin Burton    Steely Dan and four others will be inducted into the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame this year, according to multiple reports.    R.E.M. and three non-performing songwriters, Hillary Lindsey, Timothy Moseley (Timberland) and Dean Pritchard will also be inducted.    I don’t know if the Songwriters’ hall has toxic politics the way …

What Is The Meaning Of Nyro’s “Stoney End”?

by Kevin Burton    One of the greatest vocal performances in my time as a consumer of pop music is on a song that leaves me deeply conflicted; Stoney End by Barbara Streisand.    The song grabbed me on some level immediately upon its 1971 release, even before I had the life experience to understand …

“Here Comes Foster!” There Goes Al Michaels

by Kevin Burton    I love me some Al Michaels. Our sportscaster-sports consumer relationship goes back more than 50 years.    How much do I love Al Michaels?  Well, I watched the entire unwatchable Raiders-Chargers game Thursday because he was calling it. I didn’t even have any fantasy players involved.   And I’ve been watching …