“Kick Out the Amps!”
Whether out of frustration or by accident, some musicians find a whole new sound by messing up the tools of their trade. Some examples.
Shane MacGowan and The Greatest Christmas Song Ever?
The late Shane MacGowan left a wild man’s legacy of punk, chaos, and memorable headlines. But he also created a unique holiday song.
The One-Hit-Wonder File: “96 Tears”
That distinctive organ riff helped make “96 Tears” a classic hit. And its appeal wasn’t lost on other artists, including The Ramones and Aretha.
“Glass Houses”: Billy Joel’s (Mostly) Rockin’ 80s Album
A literal sound of breaking glass announced Billy Joel’s 80s album, “Glass Houses.” A look back at this eclectic project.
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.