Dana Spiardi

The Capitol Records Tower of Power

by

On this date in 1949, RCA Records issued the first ever 45 rpm single. So, why am I featuring their rival, Capitol Records, in this post? Because, as we celebrate this anniversary, it gives me the perfect opportunity to show how the little vinyl disc influenced the design of one of the world’s most famous … Read more

The Boulevard is Not That Bad

by

I was ready to log out of Facebook, with a vow to shake that social-media-monkey off my back for the rest of the day and get some real work done. And then I saw a post about a new video directed by filmmaker Max Weiland, cut to one of Elton John’s classic songs: “Tiny Dancer.” … Read more

I’m a Believer…in Pop Power!

by

The year is 1967 and you’re just out of high school. You’re burning your draft card, experimenting with various herbs, and licking acid from blotter papers while listening to “Eight Miles High” and “Light My Fire.” And psychedelia-loving hipster that you are, you’re ready to pull your long hair out every time the opening organ … Read more

Carl Perkins: Spreading That Blue Suede All Around the World

by

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Rockabilly King Carl Perkins? Yes, “Blue Suede Shoes.” Congratulations. I hope no one out there thinks that Elvis wrote this rockin’ ditty. His version seems to be the one everybody remembers. Chalk it up to hair and hips. But it was the El’s … Read more