Elvis Costello’s ‘Armed Forces’ Remains a Potent Critique of Power
Forty-five years after Elvis Costello’s Armed Forces first arrived in record stores, its commentary on fascism is extremely relevant to today’s politics.
Jordan Kessler
A Chicago native, Jordan Kessler has worked in the non-profit arena for 25 years, including helping to launch the Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis. He lives in New York City, where he was a long-time host on WKCR 89.9 FM and event DJ, performing live with multiple Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees.
Robert Finley Ain’t Wasting Any Time
Blues legend Robert Finley’s blues-rock sound is hitting a whole new generation of fans, and his unbridled energy shows that age ain’t nothin’ but a number.
The Who’s ‘Quadrophenia’ Shines Brightly on Its Golden Anniversary
A tale of UK Mod culture and failed dreams, Quadrophenia is easily the Who’s best album, and perhaps, it’s the best rock opera ever.
In Music Doc ‘Born in Chicago’ Chicago Blues Cross Color Line
Music documentary Born in Chicago captures the white musicians who bristled at 1950s American conformity and turned to Chicago blues for a whole new world.
Telling His Story: An Interview with Bernie Taupin
Bernie Taupin, legendary songwriting partner of Elton John, reveals all in a new book detailing his creative partnership, hatred of touring, and love of cowboys.
Living Colour’s Time’s Up Isn’t Over
Rock-loving professor Kimberly Mack spends some time with Living Colour’s Time’s Up, giving the album and the band well-deserved attention and appreciation.
Lou Reed on Illness and Death: Revisiting ‘Magic and Loss’
Lou Reed most dramatically stepped off rock’s beaten path when he recorded an entire record about death by illness, Magic and Loss, 31 years ago.
A Hero’s Homecoming: Jon Batiste Steals the Show at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
A show with this many moving pieces could easily have devolved into chaos, but in Jon Batiste’s hands, it was a wonderfully diverse, talented vision of what America can be at its best.
Trombone Shorty and Jon Batiste: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest
Trombone Shorty and Jon Batiste bring the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest to a rousing conclusion.
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Living Colour’s ‘Vivid’ Turns 35: An Interview with Vernon Reid
What better way to celebrate Living Colour’s landmark album Vivid on its 35th birthday than talking to the band’s guitarist and primary songwriter, Vernon Reid.
New Orleans Jazz Fest Returns For Its Second Post-Pandemic Run
This year’s Jazz Fest will feature Dead & Company, Tedeschi Trucks, Buddy Guy, Jon Batiste, Steve Miller, Wu-Tang Clan, Irma Thomas, and more great artists.
Iggy Pop Is in a Frenzy on ‘Every Loser’
After more than 35 minutes of masterful music on Every Loser, does Iggy Pop seem to be a winner, a loser, or somewhere between the two? He is true to himself.