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In 1970, the riff-centric songwriting and dark atmosphere of Black Sabbath’s eponymous debut stood at the intersection of two emerging styles: metal and goth rock. … Continue reading
The Simpsons are responsible for my worldview, more so than any school, church or afterschool group. And as I get older, I start to understand … Continue reading
Roger Shimomura’s life story is, mostly, all-American. Born in Seattle in 1939, he studied art at the University of Washington, joined ROTC and then the … Continue reading
“Streisand.” It’s a name, crossing over from proper noun to verb — a synonym for fabulous, shot through with electricity. “Streisand,” it could be said, … Continue reading
Aaron Burr may be the main antagonist in the musical Hamilton, known for his lack of conviction and cutting ambition. But unlike Burr, Leslie Odom … Continue reading
Odd, offhanded things people say can stick in your head forever, and there’s no real accounting for why. Years ago, while we were both working … Continue reading
In 2018, Portland songwriter Mo Troper posted on social media that his song, the orchestral “Never Dream of Dying,” had been tapped as the next … Continue reading
When we think of “classical composers,” the image that generally springs to mind is some long-dead Euro dude, like the one whose birth a quarter … Continue reading