If A Decade Under the Influence turned you on to American film in the ’70s, then this collection is for you. It’s also a great way to see Jack Nicholson before he entered the realm of self-parody. Also, Henry Jaglom!
Author: J T. Ramsay
Rick Nichols Talks SugarHouse Dining
Before SugarHouse Casino opened on the Delaware River waterfront, I thought that we’d at least get a fancy restaurant or two in the bargain. Rick Nichols disabuses us of that fantasy.
In Praise of Titus Andronicus
I’ve listened to this about 1,000 times. Don’t know if it’s the go-for-the-throat vocals, the clever Springsteen ref, or the Dinosaur Jr. guitars, but I’ve been completely captivated by a band I wrote off after their debut. ‘The Monitor’ blows away anything I remember from ‘The Airing of Grievances,’ which isn’t saying much, since I remember about zero from the latter. I may need to revisit that one.
Forgive me for being turned off by a lackluster performance at Johnny Brenda’s once. There was a stretch where every hyped indie act I saw proved disappointing on any level. Pretty sure they opened for the Ponys. I’m still recovering from that experience.
Suffice it to say that I have a very sensitive BS detector when it comes to bands that fall into that category of new truth in indie rock, but Titus Andronicus have defied all expectations. Solid. I mean, who even releases a sophomore album anyone pays attention to anymore? Congrats, dudes.
A Word on Music Discovery
I don’t know how many YEARS it took me to finally realize Einsturzende Neubauten were cool, but it took an awfully long time. And they were favorably compared to bands I liked all the while. So while it’s cheaper to download something today, it doesn’t mean people will instantaneously hit that tipping point, even if it’s free. Isn’t that the peril of the long tail in a nutshell?
Do you remember staring at the stack of CDs you found at the used record store, trying to figure out what you were buying and what you’d leave behind? Man, my stomach still turns just thinking about it.
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
It’s that time of year, people! Troegs Mad Elf has arrived!
Pretty sure winter seasonals are my favorite, but there’s a special place in my heart for Christmas brews. Goes back to my time in Denmark, where julebryg is a special event each year. They’re really something to look forward to.
This year I’m going the extra mile and I’m buying a two cases: one for drinking now and I’ll cellar the second for next year. Still have a bunch in my basement from last year, too. Can’t wait to sample those babies!