Author: John Smistad

John Smistad is a multi-published author living in the sensational south Puget Sound area of Washington state with his fabulous family. He is passionate about music, movies, sports and his Norwegian heritage. Uff da! John has enjoyed concert performances ranging from Paul McCartney to Melissa Manchester, The Stones to Barry Manilow. Rock on, man. Fun facts: John has no middle name (really) and once rode in a DeLorean he swears flew to the future. And back again. Hey, you don’t know.

by John Smistad March 25, 2024 Comments13

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Pop Music’s Most Unlikely Hits

From a French nun’s song to a 7 1/2 minute classic, these tracks defied chart logic by becoming huge hits.

by John Smistad February 20, 2024 Comments23

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10 Accordion Songs That Rock

The accordion is not the first instrument you think of when it comes to rock music. And yet it shows up in a surprising number of hit songs.

by John Smistad January 25, 2024 Comments22

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Extended Guitar Solos That Deserve More Love

The phrase “guitar solo” calls to mind Zeppelin, Skynyrd, and other favorites. But there are a few others that deserve more attention.

by John Smistad December 27, 2023 Comments7

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Saluting the Rock n’ Roll Sax

There are times in a song when the saxophone gets a bit overlooked. Here are some rock classics that wouldn’t be the same without it.

linda ronstadt

by John Smistad December 5, 2023 Comments20

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Covers That Are Better Than The Original?

Taking on a remake of a beloved song can be tricky. But these covers have qualities that elevate them in their own unique way.