Thunder Pie | A Horse That Looks Hard At The Sun
“We die. That may be the meaning of life. But we do language. That may be the measure of our lives.”
— Toni Morrison
At the stoplight before I hook the...
Area Resident’s Stylus Counsel | Bands With Fake Accents
Man, we used to really laugh at Klaatu. No question the late ’70s Canadian band had some great songs — and even a fairly major hit, made even bigger...
Area Resident’s Stylus Counsel | Ugh, Let’s Make A Record
Even in the throes of writer's block or technical difficulties, I can’t imagine having to be forced to make an album. It’s usually something I get very excited about....
Thunder Pie | Powder Burns: A Pocket-Sized Essay Collection
CougarPineBeaverDeath.
My left hand is numb lately. My whole left arm feels strange to be honest. It started a few weeks ago, just when the mega rapid heartbeat days from...
Back Stories | My 2016 Interview With David Crosby
I was sad to hear that David Crosby died at age 81. I was lucky enough to interview the folk-rock legend back in 2016. I had never spoken to...
Area Resident’s Stylus Counsel | The Beatles’ Solo Studio Albums Up to 1980, Ranked...
This isn’t gonna be pretty, Ringo. I’ve decided, seeing as I almost have all of them, to rank the solo albums by Beatles members from best to worst. Well,...
Area Resident’s Stylus Counsel | Great Bands, Awful Names
I'm not sure how great a band they are — they for sure have at least one awesome song — but there's no question Fartbarf is the worst band...
Thunder Pie | After All This Time
“To love is to burn, to be on fire.” – Jane Austen
Charlie crushes back into the dirty bean bag chair in front of the TV glow. I watch him...
Back Stories | My 1999 + 2011 Interviews With Jeff Beck
In a world of copycats and clones, Jeff Beck was a true original. Indisputably one of the greatest guitars in rock, the maverick musician played what he wanted, when...
Now Hear This: Bob Gaulke | The Humanities (Part 1 + Part 2)
Sorry, James Brown fans: There's a new artist vying for the title of Hardest-Working Man In Show Biz. Or at least Hardest-Recording Man In The Bronx.
His name is Bob...
Area Resident’s Stylus Counsel | Rockin’ The Suburbs
As we were driving through the suburban sprawl spreading into Ottawa's outskirts, my partner started singing something about the "ticky tacky" houses. I had no idea what she was...
Area Resident’s Stylus Counsel | Headband On The Run!
When we think of 1980s fashion accessories, we think of leg warmers, zipper ties, Swatches and fingerless gloves. But a vintage KISS advertisement about their 1980 album Music From...
Thunder Pie | Wintersong
The rain is coming down in sheets. As I turn the corner by the church down the street from the house, I see this young mom with an umbrella...
Area Resident’s Stylus Counsel | Chorus, Schmorus
A little while ago, a buddy of mine brought me a box of records he wanted me to sell for him, in exchange for a small fee — plus...
Area Resident’s Stylus Counsel | Kazoo-Recorder Overdrive
Everybody dislikes the sound of some musical instrument. My girlfriend hates bagpipes. I don't care for the saxophone in rock music (though it's awesome when used for jazz). I...
