Give me your music, your art, your huddled masses of words and rhythms yearning to breathe free.
Dana Spiardi 
Swan song is a term that refers to a final effort or performance. The phrase was derived from the ancient Greek belief that the swan, having been silent throughout its life, sang a beautiful song right before its death. But, when I think of swan song as it relates to The Beatles, their early hit … Read more
“What’s with all this telephone nonsense of “‘Press 1 for English, press 2 for Spanish’? You live in America. Speak American, you damn illegals, or go home.” Ah, the words of the xenophobes. Well, yer blogger has figuratively “pressed 2 for English” in every country she’s ever visited. In the 1970s, my little school offered … Read more
“Your Honor, the defense is trying to sway the jury with inane references to a counter-culture rock song,” said the District Attorney. So, what song could the defense attorney possibly be citing? It’s Bob Dylan’s word-twister from 1965, “Subterranean Homesick Blues,” one of the most influential and imitated songs in popular music. With its random … Read more
The first baby born to a Beatle inspired two of the band’s most famous songs before he turned five years old. As the legend goes, his drawing of classmate Lucy (in the sky, with diamonds) Vodden spurred John to write THE defining psychedelic song of the 1960s. He was also the inspiration behind the Beatles’ … Read more
Okay, rock fans of the ’60s and ’70s, it’s time to get brutally honest and swallow your hipster pride. Can you please admit you’ve heard of country singer Tammy Wynette? And, if you know the name, are you self-assured enough to admit you’ve heard, or even enjoyed, her 1968 chart-topping single, “D.I.V.O.R.C.E.”? C’mon, fess up! … Read more