My first bicycle was a sixth birthday present: A blue Montgomery Ward knockoff of a Schwinn Stingray; sissy bar and ape hanger handlebars; a black banana seat with a white racing stripe. […]
James Stafford
Deep Cuts: Ten Covers Done Right
Sure every garage band when I was growing up played “Freebird,” but that doesn’t mean they played it well or brought anything new to the table. That’s what makes a good cover […]
38. What Song Is It You Want to Hear?
My first major breakup didn’t even involve me. My sister dumped Mike, no doubt for valid hell-raising reasons, but without considering me. How was I supposed to find my path to the […]
37. Loneliness Will Haunt You, Will You Sacrifice?
Moravia, Iowa is a small farm town. It was even smaller back in 1920, but it grew by one with arrival of a baby boy named Otis. I imagine he was a […]
Goodbye, Amy Winehouse
I don’t really have anything new to say on the topic. Six weeks later and I’m already in repeats: https://jamesostafford.wordpress.com/2011/06/07/30-strewn-with-times-dead-flowers/
36. So I Lit A Fire, Isn’t It Good?
I have been listening to The Beatles since I was four years old. I’ve heard “Norwegian Wood” so many times that I don’t really hear it anymore. It is like a tree […]
Guys In Black Tee Shirts Who Jam, 2011 Edition
Yeah, it’s like seeing a ghost.
Deep Cuts: Moby Frank
I’ve mentioned previously my quest for the white whale that is the complete Frank Zappa CD discography. It is a mighty beast, and I’m starting to lose track and buy duplicates that I’m […]
35. Take Your Time, Don’t Live Too Fast
I was a certified loser now. There would be no more advanced classes for me. My eighth grade classmates were the average and the rowdy: Tony, who actually pulled the “dick in […]
34. Little John the Conqueroo
Hal and I walked over to Time Out after school and waited for his mother. I was a school bus kid, so this was my first time in the legendary junior high […]
Why It Matters 