radio barz

Happy Birthday Rick Nielsen

Happy birthday to Rick Nielsen, one of my favorite guitarists from one of my favorite rock and roll bands. Long may you jam, Rick.

Radio Barz Best of 2009 (so far)

What a great year 2009 has been for music. Lots more to come, I'm sure. But let's pause before the fall and consider the Radio Barz top 7 of 2009 -- so far!

Who's in my five? (Albums that is...)

Yes, this list is subject to change, but not much. Here are my top 5 albums, selected because each in its way changed my world or at least the way I think about my world, each holds up on almost obsessive repeated listening. Each has provided layers of pleasure and continued delight and surprise. Here you go:

• Neil Young, Zuma
• The Pretenders, self-titled first album
• Fred Eaglesmith, Driven-In Movie
• Led Zeppelin II
• Lucinda Williams, Car Wheels on a Gravel Road

Who's in your five?

Willie P. Bennett, Rest in Peace

Willie P. Bennett died on February 15, too young at age 57. Willie was an amazing roots and bluegrass  artist. He's already missed.

I first became acquanited with Willie and his music through his work with Fred Eaglesmith as a member of Fred's Flying Squirrels.

I'll miss Willie's maniac mandolin solos and his lean, lonesome background vocals.  I was always amazed how Fred's live shows sounded straight out of the Ozarks instead of Ontario. Willie was a big part of the reason.

If you haven't had the pleasure of listening to Willie play, check out his work with Fred or his solo releases:

Donate to Willie's family.

Early Influences: Todd Rundgren

First album I bought: Todd Rundgren, Hello It's Me

First concert: Todd Rundgren and Utopia at Hara Arena in Dayton, Ohio.
Thanks to YouTube, I can relive that great SingRing ascent up the pyramid guitar solo. Now that's entertainment!

Rock & Roll Favorites, #2 in a Series

How do you survive adolescence in rural Ohio during the height of the the disco boom?

By reading CREEM, of course. CREEM is where I learned about Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, Cheap Trick and so much more. A new retrospective collecting classic CREEM articles and photos will be released later this month. Watch for CREEM: America's Only Rock 'N' Roll Magazine by Robert Matheu and Brian J. Bowe.

Rock & Roll Favorites, #1 in a Series: Robert's Backpages

Dean of American Rock Critics? I know if I were starting the Rock & Roll College, my first hire would be Robert Christgau (just after we open the Lester Bangs Student Center). Read Christgau's past work and listen to his reviews on NPR.