First things first… Happy Father’s Day to all of the fathers out there, especially my own! Your randomly selected Song of the Day is a serenade by Carrie Underwood. Not bad.
Speaking of Underwood… American Idol is returning to TV less than a year after its cancellation by Fox. Today’s Random SOTD is a reminder that, unlike its cooler cousin The Voice, Idol has actually produced some stars over the course of its run. Continue reading
Here’s another track by a recent contender in Montauk Madness. Brad Paisley held an early lead over Lana Del Rey, but did he hang on to win? And will those turned off by this full-throated celebration of beer-swilling, football-watching country music fans regret voting for him over the enigmatic chanteuse?
This song is a good example of why I ultimately voted against Paisley. He’s good for one or two of these anthems per album, and that feels way too much like a formula. Continue reading
Two innovative indie bands face off today in Round Two of Montauk Madness.
Vampire Weekend got here by defeating Pink Floyd with 70% of the vote. Ben Folds Five had a slightly harder path, taking down Aimee Mann with 60%. I voted for Vampire Weekend and against Ben Folds Five in the first round, but would have reversed those votes had they switched their opponents. Continue reading
Sting and Paul Simon lived in the same New York apartment building in the 80s, and collaborated on a concert tour in 2014. Now they come together again for a Montauk Madness Round Two death match.
Much to my chagrin, Sting defeated Sinead O’Connor in Round One rather easily, earning 70% of the vote. Paul Simon, surprisingly, had an even easier time dispatching Elton John, with 73%. Continue reading
None of the Round Two Montauk Madness matchups have been laughers so far, but this is the first one I’ve found truly difficult.
Lucinda Williams advanced easily over Garbage, picking up 91% of the votes, while The Shins won in more of a squeaker, besting Coldplay with 55%. I voted for both of them in those battles. But who should I vote for here? Continue reading
Meet Me In Montauk 