Unforgettable Unforgettable
"This is a book written in the presence of music." So begins Geoffrey O'Brien's sprawling memoir-cum-critical essay, and the reader is tempted to ask: What book isn't?
Apr 29, 2004 / Books & the Arts / Jody Rosen
Wishful Thinking Wishful Thinking
In early 1966, Leonard Bernstein threw a birthday party for Dmitri Shostakovich in Lincoln Center's Philharmonic Hall.
Apr 15, 2004 / Books & the Arts / Paul Mitchinson
Heart of Gold Heart of Gold
Courtney Love's new record is called America's Sweetheart. Take that. It's a name that has been used facetiously by the press to describe her.
Mar 25, 2004 / Books & the Arts / Priscilla Becker
Raw Material Raw Material
Since Miles Davis died on September 28, 1991, the merchandising machine has been in overdrive, pushing repackaged classics (Kind of Blue, Sketches of Spain), niche compilations a...
Mar 4, 2004 / Books & the Arts / Brian Morton
JC’s Resurrection JC’s Resurrection
The story of American popular music contains several moments when a career that has gone south is dramatically resurrected before an awed and grateful public.
Feb 19, 2004 / Books & the Arts / Benjamin Hedin
Men in Black Men in Black
Several generations of doomy, bookish youth have grown up listening to the Cure.
Jan 29, 2004 / Books & the Arts / Douglas Wolk
Ears Wide Open Ears Wide Open
It's a cliché to say that an artist draws his power from his contradictions, but the lives of the great composers provide easy grist for the mill.
Nov 20, 2003 / Books & the Arts / Russell Platt
Willie Nelson at 70 Willie Nelson at 70
On April 30, Willie Nelson turned 70, celebrating with the release of his latest greatest-hits collection.
Oct 30, 2003 / Books & the Arts / Gene Santoro
Pay Artists, Not ‘Owners’ Pay Artists, Not ‘Owners’
Eben Moglen has been representing parties sued by the recording industry and is working on a book about the death of intellectual property.
Oct 9, 2003 / Books & the Arts / Eben Moglen
Judgment Day Judgment Day
The antigay bias that permeates the Republican Party can be clearly seen in Bush's judicial appointments. Among the unalloyed homophobes Bush has nominated for the federal benc...
Oct 2, 2003 / Books & the Arts / Doug Ireland