The great Randy Newman is allowed to add yet another pop song about cuckolded men and unfaithful women. The fact that three uncles were Golden Age film composers–including the composer of 20th Century Fox’s fanfare!–explains how he is able to incorporate horns so effectively.
Horn Sections Make Rock Better: I Want a New Drug
The first vinyl I ever owned were two 45s my parents bought me: Juice Newton’s “Queen of Hearts” and Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5.” I’m not sure what that says about me or my parents. But you can probably guess my age. The second pop acquisition: My friend’s older brother taped a Huey Lewis song off of Power 94½. You …
Are your employees punk?
Do you want employees with green mohawks and safety pins in their cheek? How about employees who understand their work, say what’s really going on, strive to strip away what’s not working, willingly suffer to point out problems and pursue joy in their work? This fascinating article details “principles of punk rock at work” that may resonate with you. If …
Horn Sections Make Rock Better: Never Young
Last week was jazzy … this week is funky. It is Mardi Gras soon, after all. I love Harry Connick Jr.’s jazz, but I appreciate him stepping into funk–especially this, his second album of the sort.
Horn Sections Make Rock Better: Good Enough for Grandad
Today I am cheating. This is not a rock song. The Zips transcend rock. And jazz. And klezmer and swing and everything else. One of my saddest moments is traveling with college friends, realizing we were a walk away from one of their gigs–arriving after it sold out. This song from their first album announces their intent, I’d say. It …
Horn Sections Make Rock Better: Get Up Offa that Thing
Come for the James Brown ’70s mustache and Wolfman Jack intro, stay for the James brown steps and uncomfortably rhythmic side dancers.
Horn Sections Make Rock Better: Popscene
I love Britpop, this album and this song. Blur–portrayed as a boy band in the British press, including a manufactured rivalry with Oasis–were really an art school band. Many of their songs are commentaries on modern life. This one fits right in, almost three decades later.
Horn Sections Make Rock Better: No One Knows My Plan
Like the Bunnymen and their Echo, They Might Be Giants originally performed and recorded with a drum machine. That includes all the way to their breakthrough album, Flood. Flood turned 30 last year, which is weird since I’m pretty sure it was just yesterday. The Giants have been churning out genius for decades now. I’ve always imagined John Henry, the …
Horn Sections Make Rock Better: Sweet Pear
This is the song that inspired this series. I already had Elvis Costello in my top 5. But when I first heard this song a few decades back, I had a new favorite Elvis song. You’re hearing the Dirty Dozen Brass Band take EC to a new level.
Horn Sections Make Rock Better: Feelin’ Stronger Every Day
My final horn-related rock song of the year: Chicago. Thanks to a good dad, I grew up with a lot of vinyl in rotation: Statler Brothers and Marty Robbins. Willie Nelson and Barry Manilow. Santana and Pink Floyd. This weird New Age band called Mannheim Steamroller (before the Christmas albums) and folk groups like Steeleye Span. And Chicago. Lots of …
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