I'm somehow just seeing this, but let me say that, while I have no strong opinions on Bob Dylan either way (he's great, sure. we all get it), seeing him described as "a bag of lukewarm piss" is perfect review for any legendary figure, whether fitting or not. Kudos!

What I love most about this is that someone had to clear this song. There were multiple phone calls (or at least emails) involved. "Yes, and how long is your usage? Uh-huh. Okay, and you don't need the master recording as well? You're providing your own? Okay. And who is the artist?"

Haven't read the article (though I always like Ann Powers on that VH-1 "Four On The Floor" show), but saw a picture of Joni Mitchell and rushed to comment. Anything that gets people listening to more Joni Mitchell is worthwhile. The live version of "Free Man In Paris" with Jaco Pastorius, Path Metheny, and Michael…

I know that Prince did his "best" and most important work with in the 80s, much of with the Revolution, but his live bands in the 90s and 00s were far and away my favorite. Sheila E is a hugely talented and charismatic drummer, but my heart has always belonged to Michael B and John Blackwell. When Michael B left, I…

Thanks for sharing. That was a really cool. Cooler still to think that the BBC paid for what often amounted to experimentation. Must say, though, that the descriptions of all his films made me think, "Ouch. This will probably depress the hell out of me." I'm no great cinephile, but I never heard Clarke's name when the…

I didn't realize Gus Van Sant's "Elephant" had been inspired by another film. Man, IV keeps this place alive. This is a really fascinating read about a director I'd never heard of and a film I imagine I couldn't handle. But the power of IV compels me!

I've been waiting to read one decent article on Cornell since 7am this morning. Finally, someone delivers. Of course it was O'Neal. A fitting tribute to one of rock's last great frontmen. I only saw Cornell twice in concert, but those were indelible experiences. I was a jamband guy in high school, and when…

Love those Odds records. Nest boasts some of the best power pop songs of the late 90s. Would make even Sloan jealous!

I forgot about Spiraling Shape. I could hum that one right now as well. Was that They Might Be Giants? Like I said, I was never an indie rock guy. That was my only exposure to most of those bands. But I can see how it would be an awesome comp for people who love that music. It just wasn't for me. But that movie! So…

I'm about the same age as O'Neal, and while I was never an indie rock fan, I was absolutely obsessed with indie/alt-comedy in the mid-90s. I taped this video off MTV and used to watch it all the time. It did feel like a big deal at the time. Similarly, the Kids In The Hall Brain Candy soundtrack (on Matador) seemed…

If I was James Gray I would be bummed that I (apparently) make consistently great movies in a variety of genres, and yet am hardly a "name" director. On the other hand, I'd be super psyched that the mighty IV was my most biggest champion. I mean, in this day and age, you can't ask for a better advocate than IV. When…

I love when IV goes for the jugular. He gets all that quality snark in, but still manages to offer some real info and insight.

George Michael wrote, produced and performed (vocals and instruments) some of the finest pop music of the 80s and early 90s. He was a massive talent whose beautiful melodies masked a lot of sadness. The first track on Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 (which is an all-around terrific album) has some lyrics that are…

My first rock concert was the Black Crowes "High As The Moon Tour" in 1992, which had some unique staging and a real sense of "show" to it. Part of that included unveiling a massive ceiling-to-floor image of Leon at the piano as a backdrop during the extended version of "Remedy." No one on stage ever said his name. It…

I saw Shanghai Noon once. I remember literally nothing about it apart from one prime Owen Wilson moment where he and Chan are both tied up with bags on their heads (or something covering their eyes). A guy hits them a bunch of times, and then you see some other heavy walk into the room, and with the sound of these…

Jon Polito was so perfect in every Coen brothers role that I routinely forget he's appeared in anything else. In my mind, he just is those characters and exists only in those movies. He's as important an on-screen collaborator as any the Coens have had. RIP.

I've posted this screed before, but whenever the Hornsby signal goes up, I feel compelled to do it again.

I've got two kids, 8 and 5, so I've read precisely one bajillion children's books in recent years. Corduroy is flawless. The final page is like the weepiest parts of the Toy Story movies condensed into a single line and image. Perfect.

I just started the Jellyfish bio. Well-written so far, especially for a low-budget passion project.

In a movie chock full o' great exchanges, that's one of my favorites. Like he saved the best for last.