Adam Ellsworth

Book Review: Love, Death, the Beatles, and James Bond — Britain, for Better or Worse

February 7, 2023
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There’s no question the Beatles come out of John Higgs’ superb book Love and Let Die looking far better than James Bond. Love tends to play better than death and it’s easier to root for working class underdogs than Establishment snobs.

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Book Review: “The Search for John Lennon” — Going Down the Wrong Road

April 7, 2021
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In her search for John Lennon, the author follows her fancy and picks and chooses which rocks she wants to look under, all the while giving herself the space to wax poetic on whatever theme moves her. It’s an appealing approach. Too bad then that the book is a let down.

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Book/Music Review: “Barrett: The Definitive Visual Companion” and Pink Floyd’s “Delicate Sound of Thunder”

November 27, 2020
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For fans of Pink Floyd, the book’s first half, with its treasure trove of early Floyd photos, is the main draw; the remastered release of Delicate Sound of Thunder offers a definitive picture of what Pink Floyd actually performed during the 1987 tour.

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Rock Album Review: Fontaines D.C.’s “A Hero’s Death” — Eyes Wide Open

July 29, 2020
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When in doubt, lean towards letting the world in, advises Fontaines D.C.. It’s scary. In fact, you will probably be terrified most of the time. But do it anyway. With eyes open.

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Film Review: “WBCN and the American Revolution” …. The Revolution Continues

July 6, 2020
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‘BCN left behind some big shoes, but they can be filled. And there are inspiring signs that the kids, not the grizzled veterans of last century, will do the filling.

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Podcast Review: Ode to “36 From the Vault”: My COVID-19 Escape

May 15, 2020
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Who wants timely now? I sure as hell don’t. I want an escape and a podcast dedicated to the Grateful Dead’s live career is easy to get blissfully lost in.

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Arts Remembrance: An Appreciation of Little Richard

May 9, 2020
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Awopbopaloobop alopbamboom.

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Book Review: “Bring That Beat Back” — A Stellar History of the Art of Sampling

April 27, 2020
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Nate Patrin’s magnificently written and wildly informative new book argues for the artistry of sampling, its potential for beauty.

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Book Review: “Rocking the Closet” — Queering the Mainstream

January 6, 2020
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Audiences knew (or at least thought they knew) something was up, and that something was what made these performers unique.

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Rock Concert Review: The National in Boston — Highly Engaged

October 31, 2019
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No one would classify the National as “arena rock,” but Matt Berninger and the group proved at Agganis that they’re quite capable of filling an arena and then putting on a show worthy of the space.

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