#739: J is for Jackson, Joe

At first, Joe Jackson struck meas the “other” Elvis Costello, and at the time, in my teens, I could not imagine needing another one. I was wrong aboutthat, of course, and I knew itas soon as Jackson released the big band album, Jumpin’Jive. He actually beat Costelloto the punch with the genrehopping. But this, NightContinue reading “#739: J is for Jackson, Joe”

#705: F is for Folds, Ben

Ben Folds Five, a 90’s era rock trio, was for me the antidote to grunge. Here was a band with a pianoat the center that rocked harderthan any guitar. Ben was like a punk rock Elton John. Joined by two guys who seemed neitherpunk nor grunge, looked a littlebit like a couple of jazz nerds,Continue reading “#705: F is for Folds, Ben”

#675: D is for The Dresden Dolls

I remember thatI came across this albumyears after its releaseat a sidewalk sale at oneof Portland’s most historicrecord stores. I had heard of them, nothing else, so I decided, maybe intriguedby the art work and by a screaming deal, to buy thisalbum. Later when I became interested briefly in Amanda Palmer’s solo stuff, it tookContinue reading “#675: D is for The Dresden Dolls”