Be the first to comment Last week punk poet Jim Carroll (of “People Who Died” fame) passed away at age 59.
Today marks the sad anniversary of another punk’s passing: On this day in 2004 Johnny Ramone, influential guitarist of the Ramones, passed away at age 55 due to prostate cancer.
In honor of Johnny, today’s quiz has a punk rock theme.
Think you’re a music expert? Let’s find out! Continue reading »
ABOVE: Jonathan Richman shows the world how dinosaurs dance.
Long before audiences knew him as the troubadour in There’s Something About Mary, Massachusetts singer/songwriter Jonathan Richman was spreading his poppy proto-punk with the Modern Lovers. The influential group’s 1976 debut album remains a classic, and Richman has gone on to have an enduring career as a solo artist. His music is by turns clever, funny and heartbreaking, but regardless of whether he’s singing silly songs about airplanes (”I’m a Little Airplane“), “Dancing in a Lesbian Bar” or having his heart broken (”Let Her Go into the Darkness“), Richman’s knack for writing a fun, memorable melody remains constant.
Richman is currently on tour with Athens, GA singer/songwriter Vic Chestnutt, a musician whose film resume includes an appearance in Billy Bob Thornton’s Sling Blade, oddly enough. Thankfully, his music is much better than Thornton’s.
Tuesday and Wednesday the duo play NYC’s Bowery Ballroom, and additional tour dates are scheduled throughout the summer. Full Jonathan Richman Tour Dates below: Continue reading »
Left: Phil Spector wearing his usual weirdo wig. His wigless mugshot photo is even scarier.
Phil Spector has always been an interesting, and terrifying character.
Initially known for his innovative work producing music by ’60s girl-groups like the Ronettes, and later remembered for his infamous incident pulling a gun on punk rockers the Ramones, Spector’s most recent turn in the spotlight has come courtesy of a murder trial.
In April, Spector was found guilty of shooting and killing actress Lana Clarkson in 2003, and was later sentenced to 19 years-to-life in prison. Clearly, this is no laughing matter, and we have nothing but sympathy for the victim and her family.
However, prison time means mugshots and, unfortunately for this eccentric, wig-loving beast, hairpieces are not allowed in the big house.
See 69-year-old Spector in his un-wigged horror in his mug shot photo, but don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Actually, we think he kinda looks the like butler from the Rocky Horror Picture Show…What do you think?
Mummies Reunion Tour 2009: Shows in NY, NJ, France and Italy | Music Vixen Blog
Good news for garage-rock fans: the Oblivians are back together for a reunion tour!
Oh, and it gets even better: The Oblivians are playing with the newly reunited Gories (featuring Mick Collins of the Dirtbombs). It’s a double reunion tour!
This is the best day EVER.
These two groups have spawned more rowdy garage-punk bands than you can shake an out-of-tune Sears guitar at, so if you don’t already know ‘em, here’s your chance.
Keep reading for the whole scoop and the complete list of Oblivians reunion tour dates (US and Europe). Continue reading »
