The Way the (Real) Music Dies
The arrival of new music AI’s is frightening. Look over a cliff and you might see the end of the human music business…
Everybody Needs a Good Editor (Right?)
Everybody needs a good editor. You know, someone who lets us know when an idea’s not quite ready or goes on too long or could be more succinct? Well, Taylor Swift is testing the idea.
Flashback: Responding to Injustice: What Would We Have Done?
The new film Zone of Interest raises wrenching questions about what we would have done to stop what was happening if we were living in Nazi Germany. In this piece (originally written in August 2023) I try to wrestle with how we answer questions like that.
Beyoncé and the Question: What is “Country” Music?
“Cowboy Carter” is raising tough questions about what country music is — and whether Black women can sing it.
The Three R’s of Recovery
Plants close. Relationships end. Jobs disappear. Change sucks. How do we get better at it?
Why Is It So Hard to Hear Good News?: Velcro, Algorithms, Politics and Snickers Bars
A further look at why, when some things are going well in the US, so many people feel so negative about so many things. It’s not just our negativity bias.
2023: A Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Year (Not)
Don’t buy the hype; there was plenty to be happy about in 2023 — if you look for it.
Stocking Stuffers - 5 Songs New This Year
What kind of grownup did Cindy Lou Who turn out to be? This question and more answered in 5 new Christmas songs…
5 Gems in the Nontraditional Christmas Song Bag of Coal
It’s hard to squeegee an original song into the traditional Christmas play list. Here are five worth listening to.
Hit “Refresh” on Your Christmas Song Standards
You won’t hear Rudolph’s reaction to the rhino-shaming he endured on the standard version of the song, but you will if you read this post. Treat yourself to that and 9 other fun or moving versions of Christmas favorites.
Beauty and the Beech
You don’t have to be a professional photographer to see beauty. But you do have to look up from your phone.