Category Archives: Song

(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding, by Elvis Costello

Elvis Costello is a songwriters’ songwriter. He has written some truly special pop and rock songs throughout his lengthy career of over 40 years. If that weren’t enough, in addition to his solo work, he has written with the likes of Paul McCartney, Burt Bacharach, Allen Toussaint and even The Roots. Costello is an artist.Continue reading “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding, by Elvis Costello”

Fight the Power, by Public Enemy

“Yet our best trained, best educated, best equipped, best prepared troops refuse to fight. Matter of fact, it’s safe to say they would rather switchhhh…than fight.” Thomas “TNT” Todd And through this sample, a recording of a civil rights speech, so begins “Fight the Power” which, as introduction to the movie Do the Right Thing,Continue reading “Fight the Power, by Public Enemy”

Rain on the Scarecrow, by John Cougar Mellencamp

Songwriters write what they know about. Bruce Springsteen writes about New Jersey and the plight of the working man (though he never had a 9 to 5 job). Brian Wilson writes about Southern California and surfing (though he never surfed). Loretta Lynn writes about the challenges of romance and relationships growing up in the DeepContinue reading “Rain on the Scarecrow, by John Cougar Mellencamp”

Black, by Pearl Jam

Musicians can’t hide. Their creative and artistic development is laid bare before our ears and eyes. While they may achieve early success due to their passion and energy, it is often their later recordings make transparent an artistry that is truly a work in progress. The beginning of a creative statement that develops and maturesContinue reading “Black, by Pearl Jam”