CultureSonar
@culturesonar.bsky.social
Music, films, TV, books and events for people who've lived a little and have plenty more they want to experience.
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“…Flowers, who improvised the infamous stand-up bass riff on “Walk on the Wild Side,” said that the entire tune took twenty minutes to record.”
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www.culturesonar.com/david-bowie-...
David Bowie As Producer: Reviving, Remaking Careers
Lou Reed, Mott the Hoople, Iggy Pop: their careers were given a major shot when David Bowie stepped in with some timely production help.
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December 11, 2025 at 9:52 PM
“…Flowers, who improvised the infamous stand-up bass riff on “Walk on the Wild Side,” said that the entire tune took twenty minutes to record.”
www.culturesonar.com/david-bowie-...
www.culturesonar.com/david-bowie-...
Happy birthday to Big Mama Thornton! “Her version, which exuded female empowerment and ownership of sexuality, sounded even more daring than Presley’s relatively tame reworking.”
www.culturesonar.com/big-mama-tho...
www.culturesonar.com/big-mama-tho...
Big Mama Thornton and "Hound Dog"
Before Elvis' version, Big Mama Thornton had her own hit with "Hound Dog." And there are some powerful contrasts.
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December 11, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Happy birthday to Big Mama Thornton! “Her version, which exuded female empowerment and ownership of sexuality, sounded even more daring than Presley’s relatively tame reworking.”
www.culturesonar.com/big-mama-tho...
www.culturesonar.com/big-mama-tho...
Some observations on the loss of Raul Malo.
www.culturesonar.com/5-reasons-to...
www.culturesonar.com/5-reasons-to...
5 Reasons to Love Raul Malo
Raul Malo was more than a profoundly gifted singer and musician. His magic was bigger even that that.
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December 10, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Some observations on the loss of Raul Malo.
www.culturesonar.com/5-reasons-to...
www.culturesonar.com/5-reasons-to...
“…he blurted out how he was a lonely boy…then a girl…then a frog; singing how he ain’t got no home in his own voice, a “girlish” falsetto and a croaky “frog voice.” Bordering on being a novelty song, it amazingly flew up the charts.”
www.culturesonar.com/last-new-orl...
www.culturesonar.com/last-new-orl...
Last New Orleans Man Standing: "Frogman" Henry
He was among the names who turned New Orleans into a hub for early rock n' roll. He didn't have many hits, but they sure were memorable ones.
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December 10, 2025 at 1:10 PM
“…he blurted out how he was a lonely boy…then a girl…then a frog; singing how he ain’t got no home in his own voice, a “girlish” falsetto and a croaky “frog voice.” Bordering on being a novelty song, it amazingly flew up the charts.”
www.culturesonar.com/last-new-orl...
www.culturesonar.com/last-new-orl...
“One of the contributing factors in the song's reception might have been that, with one exception, "Total Eclipse of the Heart" didn't sound like anything else on the pop charts at the time.”
www.culturesonar.com/the-epic-tra...
www.culturesonar.com/the-epic-tra...
The Epic Track: "Total Eclipse of the Heart"
The combination of Jim Steinman's song with the unique vocals of Bonnie Tyler created an epic track for the 80s. We dig in.
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December 9, 2025 at 9:47 PM
“One of the contributing factors in the song's reception might have been that, with one exception, "Total Eclipse of the Heart" didn't sound like anything else on the pop charts at the time.”
www.culturesonar.com/the-epic-tra...
www.culturesonar.com/the-epic-tra...
Today in ’65, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” first aired on TV. “Mendelson heard “Cast” on his car radio and realized that Guaraldi’s elegant jazz-funk hybrid was just what Peanuts needed.” www.culturesonar.com/charlie-brow...
Christmas Is Always Better With "Linus and Lucy"
“Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown!” The sweet story behind Vince Guaraldi’s recording of our favorite holiday soundtrack.
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December 9, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Today in ’65, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” first aired on TV. “Mendelson heard “Cast” on his car radio and realized that Guaraldi’s elegant jazz-funk hybrid was just what Peanuts needed.” www.culturesonar.com/charlie-brow...
They were one of the omnipresent bands of the 80s. For good reason.
www.culturesonar.com/they-know-wh...
www.culturesonar.com/they-know-wh...
They Know What We Want: The Top 10 Songs by the Bangles
Flawless harmonies and sparkling guitar work make The Bangles one of the most memorable all-girl bands. Ten songs to convince you!
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December 9, 2025 at 12:34 PM
They were one of the omnipresent bands of the 80s. For good reason.
www.culturesonar.com/they-know-wh...
www.culturesonar.com/they-know-wh...
“…it’s no surprise that Mayfield’s score for the 1972 film Super Fly… is a thoughtful and soulful exploration of the issues facing the residents of America’s inner cities at the time.”
www.culturesonar.com/super-fly-at...
www.culturesonar.com/super-fly-at...
"Super Fly" At 50: Still The Funkiest Soundtrack
A half-century later, Curtis Mayfield's epic soundtrack to "Super Fly" remains the best of the blaxploitation soundtracks.
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December 8, 2025 at 9:44 PM
“…it’s no surprise that Mayfield’s score for the 1972 film Super Fly… is a thoughtful and soulful exploration of the issues facing the residents of America’s inner cities at the time.”
www.culturesonar.com/super-fly-at...
www.culturesonar.com/super-fly-at...
We lost John today in 1980. “On December 8, 1980, I was overflowing with excitement...as I approached the Dakota Apartments...I was there to play my part in John Lennon’s one and only US radio interview following the release of…Double Fantasy…”
www.culturesonar.com/john-lennons...
www.culturesonar.com/john-lennons...
John Lennon's Last Interview
Rock radio reporter Laurie Kaye was in the right place at a weird time, interviewing John Lennon mere hours before his death.
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December 8, 2025 at 2:45 PM
We lost John today in 1980. “On December 8, 1980, I was overflowing with excitement...as I approached the Dakota Apartments...I was there to play my part in John Lennon’s one and only US radio interview following the release of…Double Fantasy…”
www.culturesonar.com/john-lennons...
www.culturesonar.com/john-lennons...
If you need an antidote to hearing Mariah's song too many times...
www.culturesonar.com/four-songs-f...
www.culturesonar.com/four-songs-f...
Four Songs for the Season
Unlike many holiday pop songs, these four will get you in the spirit of the season without making you want to hurl.
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December 8, 2025 at 12:32 PM
If you need an antidote to hearing Mariah's song too many times...
www.culturesonar.com/four-songs-f...
www.culturesonar.com/four-songs-f...
Today in ’65, the Beatles released “Rubber Soul” in America. “…The Beatles weren’t just any group. They set about creating one of the greatest albums ever, Rubber Soul, an album full of spectacular songwriting and equally magnificent performances.”
www.culturesonar.com/beatles-rubb...
www.culturesonar.com/beatles-rubb...
From Zero-to-Masterpiece in 30 Days
"Rubber Soul" was a race against the clock, as The Beatles had only 30 days to write, record and mix an album -- from scratch!
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December 6, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Today in ’65, the Beatles released “Rubber Soul” in America. “…The Beatles weren’t just any group. They set about creating one of the greatest albums ever, Rubber Soul, an album full of spectacular songwriting and equally magnificent performances.”
www.culturesonar.com/beatles-rubb...
www.culturesonar.com/beatles-rubb...
His recent loss got us to thinking...
www.culturesonar.com/we-need-more...
www.culturesonar.com/we-need-more...
We Need More Artists Like D'Angelo
Neosoul pioneer D'Angelo was more than the shirtless hunk he was often portrayed as. His death is a chance to review his true impact.
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December 6, 2025 at 1:03 PM
His recent loss got us to thinking...
www.culturesonar.com/we-need-more...
www.culturesonar.com/we-need-more...
“Let It Bleed” was released today in 1969. We looked at a pivotal track on that album. “The result is seven and a half minutes of musical magnificence. Rolling Stone magazine ranked it 100th on their “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” list.”
www.culturesonar.com/the-epic-tra...
www.culturesonar.com/the-epic-tra...
The Epic Track: "You Can't Always Get What You Want"
"You Can't Always Get What You Want" was written during the darkest days of 1969. Yet, this Epic Track held a note of hope.
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December 5, 2025 at 9:25 PM
“Let It Bleed” was released today in 1969. We looked at a pivotal track on that album. “The result is seven and a half minutes of musical magnificence. Rolling Stone magazine ranked it 100th on their “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” list.”
www.culturesonar.com/the-epic-tra...
www.culturesonar.com/the-epic-tra...
Happy birthday to Little Richard. A few years ago, we looked at a documentary about this architect of rock.
www.culturesonar.com/little-richa...
www.culturesonar.com/little-richa...
"Little Richard: I Am Everything"
Little Richard burst onto the fledgeling rock scene like no one else before or since. A new documentary shows the depth of his influence.
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December 5, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Happy birthday to Little Richard. A few years ago, we looked at a documentary about this architect of rock.
www.culturesonar.com/little-richa...
www.culturesonar.com/little-richa...
“The new book Graham Parker's Howlin' Wind finds the songwriter in a wistful mood, discussing his memories of that decade with author Jay Nachman.”
www.culturesonar.com/graham-parke...
www.culturesonar.com/graham-parke...
"Graham Parker's Howlin Wind": A Review
"Howlin' Wind" was a seminal album from Graham Parker and The Rumour. A new book digs deep into the making of it.
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December 4, 2025 at 10:37 PM
“The new book Graham Parker's Howlin' Wind finds the songwriter in a wistful mood, discussing his memories of that decade with author Jay Nachman.”
www.culturesonar.com/graham-parke...
www.culturesonar.com/graham-parke...
Happy birthday, Southside Johnny! “But some bar bands are so much more than that. Case in point: Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes.”
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www.culturesonar.com/southside-jo...
You Haven't Heard Southside Johnny Until You've Seen Him Live
Southside Johnny’s passionate vocals, the band’s musical chops, and those ever-present R&B horns will make you wish the night would go on forever.
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December 4, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Happy birthday, Southside Johnny! “But some bar bands are so much more than that. Case in point: Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes.”
www.culturesonar.com/southside-jo...
www.culturesonar.com/southside-jo...
We just lost a guitar giant.
www.culturesonar.com/appreciating...
www.culturesonar.com/appreciating...
Appreciating Steve Cropper: A Master of Concision and Taste
Steve Cropper's astounding career is proof that greatness lies not in saying everything, but in saying the right thing at the right time.
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December 4, 2025 at 12:48 PM
We just lost a guitar giant.
www.culturesonar.com/appreciating...
www.culturesonar.com/appreciating...
“The Sonics recorded very cheaply on a two-track and they just used one microphone over the drums, and they got the most amazing drum sound I’ve ever heard. To this day, it’s still my favorite drum sound.”
www.culturesonar.com/the-sonics-n...
www.culturesonar.com/the-sonics-n...
The Sonics: No One Sounded Like 'Em
The sound of The Sonics pre-dated punk by more than a decade. Their influence shaped Nirvana, The White Stripes and more.
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December 3, 2025 at 10:20 PM
“The Sonics recorded very cheaply on a two-track and they just used one microphone over the drums, and they got the most amazing drum sound I’ve ever heard. To this day, it’s still my favorite drum sound.”
www.culturesonar.com/the-sonics-n...
www.culturesonar.com/the-sonics-n...
“Despite their history being steeped in ongoing tragedy, the founding members, Gregg Allman, Dickey Betts, Berry Oakley, Butch Trucks, and Jaimoe Johanson kept it together through the power of their extraordinary musicianship.”
www.culturesonar.com/brothers-and...
www.culturesonar.com/brothers-and...
"Brothers and Sisters": Peak Allman Brothers
The story of The Allman Brothers is almost Southern gothic. But one year, and one album, put them on a better path. A new book explores it.
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December 3, 2025 at 1:45 PM
“Despite their history being steeped in ongoing tragedy, the founding members, Gregg Allman, Dickey Betts, Berry Oakley, Butch Trucks, and Jaimoe Johanson kept it together through the power of their extraordinary musicianship.”
www.culturesonar.com/brothers-and...
www.culturesonar.com/brothers-and...
“It’s very similar to the southern technique of ham-boning and is meant to allow the performer to create unique rhythms using the slapping of body parts…clapping, and making guttural noises.”
www.culturesonar.com/that-catchy-...
www.culturesonar.com/that-catchy-...
That Catchy Bo Diddley Beat
Drawing from African and Caribbean rhythms, Bo Diddley create a unique beat that's found its way into some of the catchiest hits.
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December 2, 2025 at 9:46 PM
“It’s very similar to the southern technique of ham-boning and is meant to allow the performer to create unique rhythms using the slapping of body parts…clapping, and making guttural noises.”
www.culturesonar.com/that-catchy-...
www.culturesonar.com/that-catchy-...
In case you missed weighing in...
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www.culturesonar.com/favorite-bar...
Your 10 Favorite Bar Bands
We all love a good bar band. And we all have our favorites. Here's a list of your Top Ten choices for rockin' groups that'd rule any pub, anywhere.
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December 2, 2025 at 4:40 PM
In case you missed weighing in...
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www.culturesonar.com/favorite-bar...
“There was an unexplained “grown-up-ness” to these items. I’d sit on the living room floor with them spread out around me, willing the music into me by osmosis.”
www.culturesonar.com/my-first-alb...
www.culturesonar.com/my-first-alb...
My First Album: "Magical Mystery Tour"
The first time you buy a record with your own money is a big moment. "Magical Mystery Tour" set this writer on an adventure.
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December 1, 2025 at 9:34 PM
“There was an unexplained “grown-up-ness” to these items. I’d sit on the living room floor with them spread out around me, willing the music into me by osmosis.”
www.culturesonar.com/my-first-alb...
www.culturesonar.com/my-first-alb...
“It’s disturbingly depicted as a terrifying hellhole on the eve of Y2K. We’re shocked to learn that "La La Land" has descended into an anarchistic police state of relentless malice and mayhem.”
www.culturesonar.com/six-under-th...
www.culturesonar.com/six-under-th...
Six Under-the-Radar 90s Films
Dysfunction, dystopia, and sheer derangement. These are some common characteristics of these intriguing 90s films.
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December 1, 2025 at 4:18 PM
“It’s disturbingly depicted as a terrifying hellhole on the eve of Y2K. We’re shocked to learn that "La La Land" has descended into an anarchistic police state of relentless malice and mayhem.”
www.culturesonar.com/six-under-th...
www.culturesonar.com/six-under-th...
You don't ALWAYS love your co-worker...
www.culturesonar.com/lennon-mccar...
www.culturesonar.com/lennon-mccar...
Lennon/McCartney Songs Hated...by Lennon
Their unique music tastes made their collaboration historic. But John Lennon wasn't a fan of every song done with his partner.
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December 1, 2025 at 12:19 PM
You don't ALWAYS love your co-worker...
www.culturesonar.com/lennon-mccar...
www.culturesonar.com/lennon-mccar...
“We get analyses of his work by Paul McCartney, Jackson Browne, Nas, Sting, Bruce Springsteen, and Itzhak Perlman. But the best intel comes from family members, friends, present and former bandmates…”
www.culturesonar.com/and-so-it-go...
www.culturesonar.com/and-so-it-go...
"And So It Goes": Billy Joel's Epic Journey
The Billy Joel documentary digs deep into the Piano Man's story. The revelations are raw and surprising. We had a look.
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November 30, 2025 at 10:04 PM
“We get analyses of his work by Paul McCartney, Jackson Browne, Nas, Sting, Bruce Springsteen, and Itzhak Perlman. But the best intel comes from family members, friends, present and former bandmates…”
www.culturesonar.com/and-so-it-go...
www.culturesonar.com/and-so-it-go...