What’s Going On? New Marvin Gaye Music?

by Kevin Burton    There might be some court wrangling first, but there is a chance the world will get to hear some new Marvin Gaye music.    According to multiple reports, a collection of  tapes of previously unheard Gaye songs has been discovered in Belgium. The troubled genius moved there in 1981 to get …

Ten Expressions With Musical Origins

Dictionary Scoop    Music influences almost every single aspect of our modern world, and our language is no exception. We have gathered ten of our favorite musical terms that have found their way into becoming everyday words: 1  Gig    The word “gig” refers to a job, usually a single-time event for which a musician …

Karaoke Machine Inventor Dies At Age 100

by Kevin Burton    Shigeichi Negishi, the inventor of the world’s first commercially-available karaoke machine, has died in Japan at age 100, according to National Public Radio.    Never knew the man, but boy has he filled up my Saturday nights.    You take a character from Billy Joel’s Piano Man who is“sure that I …

“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.    …

Singer Lachi Lifts Up Her Voice For The Blind

by Peter D. Kramer lohud.com    “Hello, my name is Lachi. Like Versace,” says the woman in the fabulous dress and the beaming smile. Then the New York-based singer-songwriter takes more time than most people, to describe herself.    She offers a visual self-description for blind people in her audience, saying she is a Black …

“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 …

Updates on Robinson Statue, Dirty Dancing

by Kevin Burton    Wichita police have arrested 45-year-old Ricky Aldrete for multiple crimes, including the theft and destruction of a bronze Jackie Robinson statue, according to published reports.    Page 7 reported on the story after Major League Baseball stepped forward to pay for replacing the statue, (MLB To Replace Vandalized Robinson Statue, Feb …

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 …