If there’s one artist who sums up American rock and roll, there’s a good argument to be made that this artist is Bruce Springsteen. Over the last five decades and change, The Boss has released 21 studio albums and several compilations; written an autobiography and performed a one-man show on Broadway; won 20 Grammy awards;  … Continue reading Bruce Springsteen: 25 Most Essential Songs →

2024 is shaping up to be a big year for Billy Joel. The Piano Man announced awhile back that he will be wrapping up his longtime residency at Madison Square Garden in July (after his 150th show).  He will turning 75 on May 9th. And — perhaps most significantly — he released his first new … Continue reading Billy Joel: 20 Deep Cuts →

Sometimes he was known as “the smart one.” Sometimes he was known as The Walrus. On occasion, he was known as Dr. Winston O’Boogie. He was The Beatles’ rhythm guitarist and many considered him the best songwriter of the four. Certainly, his solo career was the most adventurous — even if it was cut short. … Continue reading John Lennon’s 25 Greatest Songs →

When one goes through the annals of rock and roll history in search of a life well led, it would be hard to find a better example than Ringo Starr. Like all the Beatles, the erstwhile Richard Starkey was born to a working class family in Liverpool.  Unlike John Lennon and Paul McCartney — both … Continue reading 20 Essential Ringo Starr Songs →

As anyone knows, the supergroup is a risky proposition in rock and roll. Since the ‘60s, there have been quite a few supergroups — bands made up exclusively (or at least primarily) of musicians who have already achieved success with other bands. Sometimes even ideas that sound good on paper don’t necessarily gel on vinyl. … Continue reading Top 10 Rock Supergroups →

Call him Sir Paul, call him “the cute one,” call him Percy Thrillington… Whatever you call him, there’s no denying that Paul McCartney is a living legend. And today (June 18, 2022), that living legend turns 80. There are few (if any) people in rock and roll history whose careers have rivaled McCartney’s — in … Continue reading 25 Most Essential Paul McCartney Songs →

George Harrison was often referred to as “the quiet Beatle” — but context is important. When he got that nickname, George was not only the youngest member of the band, he was also — to use his words — “an economy class Beatle,” forever in the shadows of John Lennon and Paul McCartney. In fact, … Continue reading George Harrison: 20 Essential Songs →

He hasn’t released an album of new material since 1993, but Billy Joel’s place in the pop-rock pantheon is secure nonetheless. His concerts are still massively popular, of course. But beyond that, Joel’s back catalog — the first half of which is the subject of The Vinyl Collection, Vol. 1, a new box set from … Continue reading Billy Joel’s Top 10 Albums →