Sorry Miley, But Vanity Will Get You Every Time April 29, 2008

Let’s first state the obvious. She’s 15. That pretty much ends the debate over the “appropriateness” of the “Vanity Fair” photo controversy involving tween multi-media superstar Miley Cyrus.
Does that mean I buy her I’m so “embarrassed” routine? Not for a New York minute.
So what’s really going on here? Mostly a heavy [...]

The Drowsy Chaperone: Wide Eyed and Wonderful April 25, 2008

I’m so glad I didn’t buy the soundtrack before seeing the show. That may seem an odd thing to say about a musical — isn’t it the songs that make or break the production? In most cases that’s absolutely true, but not in the case of “The Drowsy Chaperone” — this clever, wise and endearing [...]

Danny Federici: Pillar of Springsteen Sound Stood the Test of Time April 20, 2008

I was 15 when “Born to Run” came out, and first fell in love with the sound of E Street. I didn’t know Phil Spector from a hole in the wall — I didn’t even know there were two previous Springsteen albums — I just knew that epic ballads like “Backstreets” soothed my bruised [...]

Pandora Radio: A Box You Should Open April 13, 2008

I admit I have some serious miles on my music odometer, but I’ve never stopped looking for that after-market part that would help keep my rock and roll engine running. With the music industry desperately looking for a new business model, and commercial radio often bottom feeding in frat boy boorishness, it’s hard for [...]

Hail To The Geeks April 9, 2008

My personal geek pride is on the serious upswing right now, and why wouldn’t it. Boston is suddenly riding a wave of class over crass, substance over sleaze, and brains over brutes. Puff up those chests in your sweater vests fellas, we’re the cool kids now.
So what’s up? Well, let’s start with [...]

Block Heads April 4, 2008

I know, I know it’s a girl thing.

Even so, I’m still a little stunned at the squeals of delight for the return of The New Kids On The Block — did you really miss these guys that much? I mean judging by the enraptured throngs who flocked to the “Today” show this morning [...]

Tween Punk Rock and a Hard Place April 2, 2008

It’s 9:30 on this April 1 Tuesday night — so right now, Avril Lavigne is probably taking the stage at Boston University’s Agganis Arena, I’m really curious about who’s there to see her. It’s an awfully big room for an act that isn’t exactly burning up the charts right now. Just a few [...]