Fell down the rabbit hole of songs I used to play on my overnight radio show on WFNX back in the 90s and decided to throw together an hour or so random playlist to get through these isolating times. If you like it, maybe I'll share another one next week. (Originally shared on 3/20/2020) https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0xuDxS1QUAgJj4Kmiukcem?si=sTyNaZO7TlSOsdwOSW8nVg
Category: Local
Local tales of woe.
Top Five Easter Tunes, Mitch!
How one chooses to celebrate Easter is a personal decision. Some people will surround themselves with Easter Lilies, load up on candy, go on Easter Egg Hunts (sounds unnecessarily violent, if you ask me), get together with family for a traditional ham dinner, and many will go to religious services. There are countless options. Naturally, … Continue reading Top Five Easter Tunes, Mitch!
Rest in power, Barry Crimmins
I woke up this morning to the very sad news of Barry Crimmins’ passing yesterday. When I first met Barry in the mid to late 80s, I was an intern putting together 3-5 minute comedy segments to air on WFNX’s morning show and he was running comedy nights at the legendary Ding Ho in Harvard … Continue reading Rest in power, Barry Crimmins
The Duke’s Ten Halloween Tunes to Die For
I live in the bewitching City of Salem, the self-proclaimed capital of all things hallowed. Haunted Happenings delight visitors to the city for the entire month of October but for residents, at times, it can get a bit much. If self-preservation is an instinct one possesses, one needs to embrace the tunes! There are so … Continue reading The Duke’s Ten Halloween Tunes to Die For
International Overdose Awareness Day
It’s been a while since I posted a new blog entry and will do my best to change that over the next few weeks/months. Today is International Overdose Awareness Day. I have known many friends and loved ones who have battled addiction in all its ugliness and it seems to be so much more prevalent … Continue reading International Overdose Awareness Day
Music Therapy
Call it an occupational hazard from nearly twenty years of working in the music and radio biz but I often think in terms of song lyrics. Sometimes the most mundane conversations can trigger a lyrical response in my head. “Americans love their baseball.” Because I’m an American who is bored to tears by baseball I … Continue reading Music Therapy
Fairytale of Boston – Introducing Shane MacGowan onstage
When it comes to Christmas classics few songs warm the cockles of this cynical old heart like the Pogues’ “Fairytale of New York.” It’s simply the best! The song is almost 30 years old and still speaks volumes to many of us irreverent revelers. Too many Christmas Carols are just too damn sappy. I love … Continue reading Fairytale of Boston – Introducing Shane MacGowan onstage
VP Nominee Kaine a Replacements Fan?
It was recently reported that during an interview in 2006, Virginia Senator Tim Kaine, the Democratic Vice Presidential nominee, loves the Replacements. He stated that their 1984 album, Let It Be, is one of his all time favorites. If you had told me the album that contained such Alternative anthems as I Will Dare, Unsatisfied, … Continue reading VP Nominee Kaine a Replacements Fan?
St Paddy’s Day Top Ten Tunes
For St Patrick's Day, this is my top ten playlist of Irish tunes! Sláinte! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_klil_eOEY Clannad were a band of siblings and uncles from Donegal who mixed folk, tradition and spiritual (alright, new age) music. I always loved Máire Ní Bhraonáin's voice and it blends beautifully with a then young, up and coming singer … Continue reading St Paddy’s Day Top Ten Tunes
Dead Ringer
“Oh my God! How are you?” asked a man I’d never seen before. “I’m well,” I responded, not sure what to say next. “How are you?” “What’s it been? A dozen years?” he asked. “You look great!” “Ah, thanks.” I smiled. I studied his face and nothing rang any bells. Admittedly, I’d always been terrible … Continue reading Dead Ringer
Duke of Dead Air 