RIP Adam Yauch

Posted by Lance Davis - May 5, 2012 - Adam Yauch, Beastie Boys

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In the wake of Levon Helm‘s death, not to mention the suicide of Junior Seau, who was 6 months my senior and a fellow southern California boy, Adam Yauch‘s sudden death at 47 hit me way harder than I could’ve possibly imagined. MCA was always the coolest Beastie (“cool as a cucumber in a […]

Deconstructing “Johnny Ryall”

Posted by Lance Davis - April 29, 2010 - Beastie Boys, David Bromberg, DJ Grand Wizard Theodore, Donny Hathaway, Jean Knight, Kurtis Blow, Los Angeles, Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd, Wild Style

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I think most sentient beings can agree that Paul’s Boutique is one of the greatest albums of the last 20-30 years. Catch me on the right day and I might say it’s the greatest album ever. Released in 1989, Paul’s was the by-product of 7 men: The Beastie Boys, an LA DJ named Matt Dike […]

Just Like Doug Sahm’s Blues

Posted by Lance Davis - May 21, 2009 - Alvin Crow, Atwood Allen, Beastie Boys, Bob Dylan, Doug Sahm

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How in the name of Billy Joe Shaver did I overlook the Sir Douglas Quintet covering “Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues?” It’s only one of my favorite Bob Dylan songs! Well, inspired by stewART’s link to the Dylan/Sahm rendition in last post’s comments, said oversight is now corrected — and hopefully improved upon. Sir Douglas […]

13 Songs: 1989 Reconsidered

Posted by Lance Davis - February 27, 2009 - 1989, Beastie Boys, Chico, Elvis Costello, Flat Duo Jets, Fugazi, KCSC, Maria McKee, Mudhoney, Neil Young, Nirvana, Operation Ivy, Pixies, Public Enemy, Superchunk, Thelonious Monster

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1989 had a profound impact on me. That was the year I started DJing at KCSC, Chico State’s campus radio station (see flyer below), and discovered so much greatness in the vast American rock ‘n’ roll underground. It was like seeing in color for the first time. Music didn’t suck, popular music sucked, mostly. Worst. […]