“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 …

Do Not Buy Me Ice Skates For My Birthday

by Kevin Burton    My wife told my granddaughter that I am “good” at skating. This is the topic on today’s installment of Fun With Adjectives!   My name is Kevin. I’ll be your host.   I am fond of saying that my wife is tall and beautiful. Both “tall” and “beautiful” are adjectives modifying Jeannette. …

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 …

“If You Could Read My Mind” Is A Masterpiece

by Kevin Burton    The greatest songwriters will leave room in their songs so you can climb in, look around and make yourself at home.    Just be careful, there is going to be a mirror in there in the place you least expect. You’re going to see yourself.  You’re going to be confronted. If …

Karen Carpenter, Born 72 Years Ago Today

by Kevin Burton    No rock and roll artist discussion can make me more happy, but at the same time more sad and more angry than that of Karen Carpenter.     None of my other favorites, from Steely Dan to Gerry Rafferty, Motown to the Beatles, to Supertramp, Billy Joel, Elton John, Flans from Mexico, …

Letters From Hamburg: Sophomore Studies

by Kevin Burton    Well here it is, go day for me, a musical milestone of sorts, at least I hope.     This is the day I get into a local studio for an assessment of sixteen of my original songs. Publishing this post is one of the final things I will do before heading …