Shakin' the Bushes, Boss...

Farewell, Cool Hand Luke...

The Best and the Worst

Scanning the AM dial this week (against the advice of loved ones who for some reason are concerned about my blood pressure) I came across examples of the best - and the worst - in 2008 spoken-word radio.

First (naturally) the worst: a well-known syndicated "host" (who I won't mention by name) took a call from a very scary female who rattled off a list of celebrities she is "boycotting" because of their real or imagined politcal bias. Naturally, the host proceeded to pull out his own little list...

Now, one of the best: my pal Jon Grayson, from St. Louis. Thursday night I caught about an hour of Jon's show: one slam-bang interview after another, tons of energy and momentum, and not a political geek within a light year of the show. (Check out Jon's show here.)

Thanks Jon...you made my week...

Brain Salad Surgery

A friend of mine underwent brain surgery this week. Today I got a note from someone named “Dean” reporting on my friend’s progress (I’m happy to report he’s doing well, and resting in comfort).

Only one small thing bothered me about the note: when the author, the aforementioned “Dean,” asked us all to “thank the Lord,” for said friend’s recovery.

Gee, dontcha think the doctors might merit at least some of the credit…

The Future Starts...Here?

A couple of guys in my home state are starting up a Delaware Talk website. I can't comment yet on the actual performance (it goes up Monday), but they certainly talk a good game, and from the look of the site, they've done their homework. Go get 'em, guys...

Sweet Soul Suite

I'm back from vacation, two days in...and until I can drum up some new, wacky, creative musings, I hope you'll enjoy some of my favorite R&B rarities:

We'll start with Billy Abbott and Groovy Baby...

...followed by The Volcanos' Storm Warning...

...the Intrigues and In A Moment...

...A Philly favorite, the Formations' At The Top Of The Stairs...

...The Mighty Marvelows, with the original version of I Do...

...blue-eyed soul from The Magnificent Men, Peace Of Mind...

...a big favorite with the East L.A. lowriders, Patty Drew and the Drew-Vels with Tell Him...

...and last but not least, from the nation's capital, The Royalettes and It's Gonna Take A Miracle...

Somwehere, Georgie Woods is smiling...