How Mr. Chokepear Keeps A Merry Christmas.

From a December 25, 1841 issue of the British humor and satire magazine PUNCH, a story satirizing a heartless one-percenter's self-absorbed Christmas rituals.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Torn Between Two Bosses, Not Feeling Like a Fool

BOB AUSTIN and SID PARNES were partners as the owners of RECORD WORLD magazine but otherwise had no use for each other. As RW editor, MICHAEL SIGMAN had to get along with both.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Pogues Reuniting for Philip Chevron’s Funeral

From our Irish music editor, word that THE POGUES are reuniting for PHILIP CHEVRON's funeral tomorrow.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Reality Check

An ad from Malaysian Airlines that needs to be retired, if it isn't already...
by David McGee
 

 

 

Pt. I: ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’ & The Lost Punctuation Mark

What Americans hear when they listen to 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen' is not anything like what the English peasants meant when they first sang this song more than 500 years ago. So claims best selling author ACE COLLINS.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Remembering Pete Seeger

Remembering PETE SEEGER by those who knew him and in his own words. The first of a two-part tribute.
by David McGee
 

 

 

What Comes After the Blues?: Considering Jason Molina

Ravaged by alcoholism, JASON MOLINA died at age 39. A question arises: Is there a 'teachable moment' in how his passing underscores the plight of those attempting to live by their art?
by David McGee
 

 
 

Stone Cold Country

STONE COLD COUNTRY: Remembering the music and the life of GEORGE JONES, 1931-2013
by David McGee
 

 

 

Charles Ives Home Has Date With Wrecking Ball

Efforts to save the Redding, CT, home where composer CHARLES IVES lived and work appear to have failed, and developers may now raze the house, pave paradise and put up a parking lot. The Charles Ives Society continues to fight ...
by David McGee
 

 
 

New Version of Ukrainian Carol Supports Refugee Center

A joint effort by composer ROXANNA PANUFNIK and Signum Classics to raise funds for the U.K.-based REFUGEE CENTER
by David McGee
 

 

 

The Elite Half-Hundred of 2020, Part 2

The best of the rest of the rest of our ELITE HALF-HUNDRED OF 2020, featuring JOHN FINBURY, ALBERT CUMMINGS, NEW MOON JELLYROLL FREEDOM ROCKERS, DIANE SCHUUR, MIGHTY MEN OF FAITH, THE CAMBRIDGE SINGERS and others.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Beatles ’64: Surmounting Media Skeptics, Fab Four Carve Out a Career

THE BEATLES were greeted by a skeptical, sometimes dismissive mainstream media as Beatlemania broke out abroad. On Feb. 9, 1964, the Fab Four dismissed the naysayers. Plus: The Beat Alls on The PowerPuff Girls.
by David McGee