Criticism

Why you should read Feast Day of Fools by James Lee Burke

October 16, 2011

Because he is the most profound American crime writer. I am currently listening to Feast Day of Fools narrated brilliantly by Will Patton. If you like mysteries and thrillers you must read James Lee Burke.  No one writes more poetically and movingly about American culture.  Another of my authors, Michael Connelly, writes this in his review: It [...]

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Songs from my iPod – 3

March 5, 2011

1 – 40,000 Headmen – Blood, Sweat & Tears 2 – Lamont's Lament – The Sea and Cake 3 – All Along the Watchtower – Jimi Hendrix I suspect everyone knows this song, after all, almost everyone has covered it.  Originally a Bob Dylan composition, Hendrix borrowed it, but never returned it.  I have heard [...]

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Songs from my iPod – 2

March 4, 2011

1 – 40,000 Headmen – Blood, Sweat & Tears 2 – Lamont's Lament – The Sea and Cake In thinking about my list, I decided to alternate older stuff with newer stuff.  I had heard of The Sea and Cake, but had mistakenly ignored them … until, I found Car Alarm on a workout list.  [...]

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Songs from my iPod – 1

March 3, 2011

Just for a change of pace, I have decided to write about some of my favorite songs.  I got this idea while flying across country today.  These songs are not in any order, but I will try to post daily for awhile. Song #1 – 40,000 Headmen by Blood,Sweat and Tears Yes I know that [...]

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Admiral Fell – Sun Kil Moon

July 28, 2010

I do not often write media criticism.  Sometimes a book, movie or CD just captivates me.  The above CD – Admiral Fell – has done that. Sun Kil Moon is the current name that Mark Kozelek uses.  His first band was Red House Painters.  This CD is quiet and haunting.  Apparently Mark became entranced with [...]

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Why I like The Blind Side?

November 21, 2009

Last night we went to see The Blind Side.  All 4 in my party loved the movie.  As I often do after seeing a movie, I read reviews on returning home.  The reviews were generally positive – 65% on the tomatometer. The movie, based on a book, is (as Miracle Max might say) mostly true.  [...]

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Glorious golfing experience

September 14, 2009

Almost home after 4 days of glorious golf at Bandon Dunes on the Oregon coast. Vacations often induce great expectations. The higher the expectations, the less likely that they are met. But this golfing experience exceeded my incredibly high expectations. Currently the resort has 3 courses and 10 holes open on the 4th (opening completely [...]

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Addicted to “A Strange Arrangement”

September 2, 2009

This post has nothing to do with medicine. Tonight I am writing about music. One of my greatest pleasures is finding a new artist who infects me. I remember the week I discovered Nick Drake, and could not listen to anything else. Few CDs have that infectious quality. Mayer Hawthorne’s “A Strange Arrangement” has me [...]

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Media recommendations updated

December 22, 2008

  I am slow updating my media recommendations.  This weekend I took some time to consider the music I am listening to, the books I have read (or listened to) and the movies I admired. Music Veneer – Jose Gonzalez In our nature – Jose Gonzalez Time without consequence – Alexi Murdoch Narrow Stairs – Death [...]

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On a completely different note

October 25, 2007

Today I am departing from my usual blogging and focusing solely on criticism. I will address music, movies and books and hopefully stimulate some modest discussion. Music Despite my age, I still listen to new rock music. Today I will comment on two bands that current have captured my focus – Radiohead and Spoon. The [...]

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