and make it a good one
“What art offers is space, a certain breathing room for the spirit,’’ John Updike once wrote. In novels, short stories, essays, and poems, Updike, who died last January, crafted a spacious and brilliantly conceived body of work that placed him among the noteworthy figures who passed from the scene in 2009.
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Recalling the many we lost (Boston Globe)
These selections from the years that have flown by since obtaining this computer will hopefully give readers reminders and perhaps items to search for until my Top 10 Plus 2009 is ready for next week.
ST. LOUIS — Fans of David Lowery’s music will get a rare two-for-one treat next Friday night when the two bands he fronts — Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven — perform together.
More here: Cracker/Camper twofer tour starts year in St. Louis (The Telegraph)
John O’Neil struggled to come to terms with his son’s autism until he began to write about it.
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Harmonies from the heart (The Star-Ledger)
You are a maestro of air. Ever since you were a teen, you played with the best. Air guitar with Steven Tyler. Air piano with Billy Joel. Air drums with Keith Moon. Air sax with Clarence Clemons.
More here: 'Elton John' will be music to the eyes (Pahrump Valley Times)
Simply stated, Old Crow Medicine Show is a modern-day folk band. They play acoustic instruments in the old-time Appalachian style, sometimes covering traditional tunes and sometimes offering original observations on their travels.
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Old Crow Medicine Show's Live DVD Captures Their Folk Essence (cmt.com)
Recorded music only takes you so far. My soundtrack is constantly recharged by live music. I saw more than 40 shows in 2009, some notable ones out of town. What follows are my favorite concerts close to home -- in Madison and Milwaukee and, as it happened, Fort Atkinson.
Continue here: My favorite concerts of 2009, in Madison and (slightly) beyond (Isthmus)
"Buzz! Quiz World"
Continue here: Video games (Arizona Daily Star)
2009 was a big year for reunions. Here are some of the most read stories about the reunions that took place this year.
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Rage Against The Machine Reunite Against Simon Cowell, Blink-182, Creed, Limp Bizkit, Faith No More, Stooges and more ... (antiMUSIC)
York Minster is to throw open its doors at night, to give local residents and tourists a rare chance to see behind the scenes.
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Rare midnight opening session in York Minster (York Press)