Music has always been more than just a background track for me; it’s a lens through which I view history, technology, and the occasional absurdity of life. Over the years, I’ve written about everything from the haunting serial-killer narratives of Springsteen’s Nebraska to the strange, democratized world of “song-poems” that paved the way for modern AI.
This page serves as a curated archive of my music journalism and personal reflections. Whether you’re looking for concert memories from 1990s Toronto, a deep dive into Canadian “sludgeabilly,” or a philosophical look at how we create, you’ll find it here. Grab a seat, pick a track, and enjoy the read.
From Springsteen’s Nebraska to North Carolina: Music, Murder, and a Chicken Plant Disaster
After decades of hype, I finally heard Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska and found it good, not revelatory. The post traces the title track’s serial-killer inspiration, then contrasts it with Jello Biafra and Mojo Nixon’s “Hamlet Chicken Plant Disaster,” where the same melody recounts a real fire that killed 25 workers. Read article.
- Listen to Nebraska by Springsteen
- Listen to Hamlet Chicken Plant Disaster by Mojo Nixon and Jello Biafra
Here’s your jukebox. Pick your article!
- From Springsteen’s Nebraska to North Carolina: Music, Murder, and a Chicken Plant Disaster
- Dick Valentine Takes Tracy Chapman’s Fast Car for a Spin
- Dick Valentine brought live music back. Better
- “AI” has existed in the music business for decades
- Exploring NYC’s Smalls Jazz Club: A Lifeline for Artists
- Did You Pick up Your Dry Cleaning?
- ChatGPT answers your burning Rock and Roll questions!
- Take my advice: Dance your doomsday gloom away, 80s style
- Kim Gordon’s album The Collective casts an enticing spell
- The Passenger: A song so good that not even Hasselhoff can ruin it
- Killdozer Cover Songs: A Unique Musical Experience
- Unexpected Encounter: A Harpist on the 11 Bus in Toronto
- Deja Voodoo all over again! Gerard Van Herk at The Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto
- Billy Bragg’s Unforgettable Toronto Concert in 1991
- Bless you, David Johansen
- A Joyful Bus Stop Encounter: Thumbs Up for Music (and Dusty Springfield)
- From Springsteen’s Nebraska to North Carolina: Music, Murder, and a Chicken Plant Disaster
Dick Valentine Takes Tracy Chapman’s Fast Car for a Spin
Dick Valentine, frontman for Electric Six, offers a unique take on Tracy Chapman’s iconic song “Fast Car.” Both versions deliver heartfelt intensity and transport listeners, contributing to their widespread acclaim. Valentine’s authentic rendition brings new appreciation to Chapman’s timeless blues hit. Additionally, his cover reflects on the significance of the original song and its enduring impact. Read article, Hear Dick!
Dick Valentine brought live music back. Better
Dick Valentine and his band Electric Six have embraced live streaming to keep music alive during lockdowns, hosting over 50 solo shows on StageIt. Their innovative format features a tournament-style competition of Valentine’s songs, fostering audience interaction and excitement. This approach offers a refreshing take on live music in challenging times.
Read article.
“AI” has existed in the music business for decades
How Song-Poems Paved the Way for Modern AI Artistry
In the 50s and 60s, individuals could send poems with $50 to create personalized records, primarily in country and pop genres, utilizing session musicians. This art form mirrored modern AI systems, as both produce results without true talent. Song-Poems democratized artistry, reflecting ongoing discussions about creativity’s essence in the AI era.
Read article.
Exploring NYC’s Smalls Jazz Club: A Lifeline for Artists
Smalls Jazz Club in NYC has provided essential livestreams for jazz enthusiasts during the pandemic. The author’s journey from misunderstanding jazz to passionately embracing it reflects the club’s significant impact on music lovers. By discovering new artists like Nicole Glover and Omer Avital, the club fosters community and artistic expression, even across borders.
Did You Pick up Your Dry Cleaning?
The post discusses the band Dry Cleaning and their music. It highlights the band’s similarity to The Fall and Sleaford Mods, as well as the thoughtful and refreshing presence of the band members. The singer’s lyrics and stage presence are compared to those of Mark E. Smith, emphasizing the band’s unique style. Read article.
ChatGPT answers your burning Rock and Roll questions!
This blog post features an AI-driven interview where ChatGPT discusses classic rock songs and their meanings, drawing on influential musicians like The Beatles and The Clash. The author reflects on the decline of substantive interviews and collaborates with AI to provide valuable insights into rock music’s cultural impact. Read article.
Take my advice: Dance your doomsday gloom away, 80s style
In this article, George Perry addresses modern anxieties like inflation and global conflict by revisiting 1980s protest music. He explores how artists like Spandau Ballet, Tears for Fears, and Dead Kennedys used music to process “doomsday gloom,” suggesting that dancing and shouting remain powerful tools for coping with today’s world. Read article.
Kim Gordon’s album The Collective casts an enticing spell
The Collective, Kim Gordon’s new album, initially perplexes me, but its allure grows with each play. At first, I deemed it fitting for a particular ambiance, yet now I question this conclusion. It’s as if the future collided with the past. The music video for Psychedelic Orgasm enhances the experience. I’m intrigued and hooked.
The Passenger: A song so good that not even Hasselhoff can ruin it
A friend shared David Hasselhoff’s cover of Iggy Pop’s “The Passenger,” urging me to appreciate it. Originally from the 1977 album “Lust for Life,” the song reminded me of Paul Westerberg’s wit during an interview, where he humorously expressed a desire to have written “Happy Birthday,” showcasing the universal appeal of great songs.
Killdozer Cover Songs: A Unique Musical Experience
George Perry highlights ten cover songs by Wisconsin rock band Killdozer, praising their “fact-checked” deconstructions of classics like Neil Young’s “Cinnamon Girl” and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama.” He explores how Killdozer strips away commercial polish to reveal raw, authentic, and often uncomfortable truths buried within famous tracks.
Read the article. Enjoy the playlist!
Unexpected Encounter: A Harpist on the 11 Bus in Toronto
In this blog post, George Perry recounts a colorful encounter on a Toronto bus with a sequin-clad harpist he nicknames “Harpeux.” The man played snippets of “Amazing Grace” while engaging in a loud French conversation about local landmarks, leaving Perry wondering whether it was performance art or a symptom of urban eccentricity. Read article.
Deja Voodoo all over again! Gerard Van Herk at The Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto
Deja Voodoo, a Montreal-based two-piece band active in the 80s, featured Gerard van Herk and Tony Dewald. They were known for their minimalist sound and prolific songwriting, producing albums filled with short songs. After the band split, van Herk became a professor while Dewald was a notable brewmaster until his recent passing.
Billy Bragg’s Unforgettable Toronto Concert in 1991
In this post, George Perry recalls a 1991 Billy Bragg concert in Toronto, highlighting Bragg’s witty rants and topical lyric changes, including a nod to Wayne Gretzky. He also discusses the minimalist opening set by Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy and emphasizes the importance of paying musical heritage forward.
Bless you, David Johansen
David Johansen’s theatrical background enabled him to navigate his artistic roles with clarity, separating onstage personas from private life. In contrast, some musicians, including Morrissey and certain Canadian rock acts, struggle to maintain this distinction, which can lead to negative consequences. Authenticity in performance doesn’t necessitate a complete identity merge.
A Joyful Bus Stop Encounter: Thumbs Up for Music (and Dusty Springfield)
In this lighthearted anecdote, the author recounts a pleasant encounter at a Toronto bus stop. While waiting in the sun, he and another commuter enjoy music played from a passerby’s Bluetooth speaker. They later bond over identifying the song: Dusty Springfield’s classic, “Son of a Preacher Man.”
From Springsteen’s Nebraska to North Carolina: Music, Murder, and a Chicken Plant Disaster
After decades of hype, I finally heard Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska and found it good, not revelatory. The post traces the title track’s serial-killer inspiration, then contrasts it with Jello Biafra and Mojo Nixon’s “Hamlet Chicken Plant Disaster,” where the same melody recounts a real fire that killed 25 workers. Read article.
Perry's Pen 