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Articles by Keith Higgons
3-2-1- June 14, 2025
What is an artist you had tickets to see live, but for whatever reason, you missed the show?
What we do now matters.
For the first time in ten years, I bought a home stereo, complete with a CD player. Here’s why. Recently, I read this article in Harpers discussing Spotify, AI, and its use of ghost artists and music. This is something the company has been doing for a while. Unbeknownst to me, it’s got a fancy name (Perfect Fit Content, or PFC). It’s become ingrained in both the company’s culture and bottom line and shows no sign of abating. Within the ecosystem of music, streaming has a place.
A Milestone in Australian Rock
The Sherbs — The Skill Keith R. Higgons · Follow Published in The Riff · 3 min read · -- Photo courtesy of Atco records Every now and then, I thumb through my record collection and stumble on an album I bought when vinyl was king. Recently, I found The Skill by The Sherbs — a gem of an abandoned album that transported me back to the early ‘80s. I first heard “I Have the Skill” and “No Turning Back” on my local radio station, which played them just enough to pique my curiosity.
Days Between Stations: Revitalizing Progressive Rock
The duo recently stopped by Thunderlove Studio. Keith R. Higgons · Follow Published in etc. Magazine · 2 min read · -- Days Between Stations, the Los Angeles-based progressive rock duo of Sepand Samzadeh and Oscar Fuentes, has consistently pushed the boundaries of art rock since their debut in 2007. Blending the genre’s classic roots with contemporary creativity, they have become a vital force in modern progressive rock.
You’ve Got the Music In You
You’ve Got the Music In You You remember 1998, don’t you? Those were the halcyon days of the music business. The artists were pretty diverse, as we all detoxed from grunge; the tunes were still good, albeit with a tinge of Brit-pop like Oasis, Blur, hell, and even Chumbawamba, and guys like Billy Corgan were figuring out where to go next.
The Caravan is Growing
Podcast car·a·van - /ˈkerəˌvan/ Noun a group of people, especially traders or music lovers (ed. note), traveling together. I had the real pleasure of chatting with Dan Pal of the PalCinema, Television, & Music Substack. A professor at DePaul University by day and full-blown film, television, and music fan by night. Perhaps that may not make him a superhero in the Marvel Universe, but it makes him damn near one in the Abandoned Albums Universe.
Live albums are hit or miss
From the soft opening notes of "Angelika Suspended" through the bombast and brilliance of "Complicated," Frank Orall and his music and dance collective Poi Dog Pondering take you on a sonic journey that has you feeling all the feels while keeping your feet tapping. Captured in Chicago, the Hawaiian band's adopted home, at the classic Vic Theater, Liquid White Light is the band at the peak of its powers.
Let's Cool It On the Nirvana Genuflecting
Grunge I am unsure what's going on lately, but I've seen Nirvana writing everywhere. Maybe I'm stuck in a bizarre Nirvana algorithm, which is certainly possible. Is there an anniversary that I missed? Oh, right, it's the thirtieth anniversary of his suicide. And that did suck. It still does. However, I blame Dave Grohl because he is everywhere. Can we expect a barrage of Nirvana and Dave Grohl sightings every time the Foo Fighters tour? God, I hope not. I've always had a soft spot for Pearl Jam.
I Survived the Satanic Panic
I was talking with a friend the other day, and we were talking about smoking weed as a teenager. I smoked a lot weed back then and said, with some bravado: "I grew up in the Reagan era...", I tilted my head, and lifted my eyebrows. Scoring weed in the 1980s must've been what scoring a fifth of whiskey was like during prohibition. In the Midwest, where I grew up, I might as well have been mainlining speedballs and worshipping Satan to some folks of a certain age.
To Be Seen and Hear(d)
Podcast Bad Mary, keep on rollin’! — Episode 802 What do you get when you combine a married couple, a father as drummer and his daughter as lead singer, and a college professor? You get Bad Mary. There is unadulterated rock and roll… and then there’s Bad Mary. A band whose essence is raw and untamed, the bellows with punk snark and rebellion.
The Art of the Dog Whistle
You either LOVE Donald Trump, or you LOATHE him. I do not love him. “Donald Trump said on Saturday if he does not win November’s presidential election it will mean the likely end of American democracy.” — Reuters. Now, unless you’ve forgotten, he was doing the same shit back in 2020. Granted, the election year 2020 was complicated, and we all had a lot on our minds. And if you only look at traditional media, much of his nonsense went ignored.
On Netflix and Amazon now
On Netflix and Amazon now While Loudermilk doesn’t require you to be a snobby, misanthropic, Gen X music nerd to enjoy it, being so won’t hurt you. If only to better understand the somewhat arcane musical references and empathize with Sam Loudermilk (Ron Livingston) and life’s little annoyances that drive him to the precipice of derangement. Some of you fine folks might already be part of that Gen X crowd, nodding your heads knowingly.
What Becomes A Legend Most?
What Becomes A Legend Most? How do you get from Tim Buckley to Bette Midler to the Gun Club? From Air Supply to Broken Homes to John Cale? Fluck if I know how; but I know a guy who does — Jeff Eyrich. Jeff began his career in music like so many musicians. He moved to Los Angeles from Long Beach, earning his stripes gigging around LA.
Disturbingly Honest
Iso’s life’s been no picnic; it’s a saga scribbled with the ink of mental health battles, the kind that drags you through treatments, memory blackouts, and the sterile halls of hospitals till you forget what the sun looks like. But amid this maelstrom, the guy found a lifeline in music. The rhythms and rhymes became his escape hatch, a way to break free from the chains clamped down on his psyche, propelling him toward some semblance of sanity and salvation. Now, here’s where it gets interesting.
This is my confession.
This is my confession. Now is as good a time as any. If you’re reading this, then you already know I like music. Nay, I love it. Like so many of us, music isn’t simply something playing in the background; it’s a part of our lifeforce. It’s as essential to us as water. Or oxygen. I do very little when I don’t have music playing. If I’m cooking, definitely. If I’m exercising, almost certainly. If I’m walking the dog, it depends on my mood… it could be a podcast (about music) or straight-on music.
But Is It Power-Pop?
But Is It Power-Pop? When S.W. Lauden approached me about celebrating the 20th anniversary of the third album from Fountains of Wayne, Welcome Interstate Managers, with him and Nadja Dee, I didn’t even have to think about it for a couple of reasons: • His musical judgment is solid AF.
Discovering Glass Beams in the midnight hour.
I don’t sleep very well. Aside from my teen years (when I was mostly high) and my 20s (when I was mostly drunk) sleep has been as elusive as finding a tolerable Aerosmith song on anything released after Toys in the Attic. I often find myself scrolling through my Instagram feed at 3 a.m. — it’s not doom scrolling though, my feed is animals (talking and otherwise), music, and memes (thank god).
Coloring Outside of the Lines
Podcast Karina Deniké is a versatile, sought-after vocalist, songwriter, collaborator, and band leader who moves fluidly from intimate torch song chanteuse to soul singer, to punk powerhouse... and all points in between.
Fait Accompli
Fiction He rarely considered her anymore. Only when breathing. She doesn't consider him at all. He remembers her kiss. Always... the kiss. She thinks nothing of the past. It was easy. It was awkward. Sometimes fast. Sometimes hard. Sometimes noisy. Sometimes silent. Always open. Always seen. Always heard. Always honest. What one embraced, the other shunned. Was it love? Was it lust? It was neither. It existed somewhere in between. If it existed at all. She was never to be his fate. But she would always be his choice.
Staving the Slaughter
Podcast This album almost cost me my prestigious job as Assistant Manager at Record World. Along with The Replacements Don't Tell a Soul, I played the debut album by Detroit's Rhythm Corps, Common Ground, so often that my manager threatened to fire me. By the conclusion of my tenure, I played these two records solely to vex her. In the ever-evolving tapestry of post-punk and alternative rock, Rhythm Corps is a vibrant and overlooked gem.
Can We Meet on Common Ground?
Podcast This album almost cost me my prestigious Assistant Manager position at Record World. Along with The Replacements Don't Tell a Soul, I played the debut album by Detroit's Rhythm Corps, Common Ground, so often that my manager threatened to fire me. By the conclusion of my tenure, I played these two records solely to vex her. In the ever-evolving tapestry of post-punk and alternative rock, Rhythm Corps is a vibrant and overlooked gem.
The Talents of the Troubadour
Podcasting In the eclectic soundscape of contemporary music, where genres meld and distinctions blur, the songs of Darren Jessee emerge as a testament to musical finesse. Jessee stands as a quiet, introspective poet with an uncanny knack for crafting timeless melodies. Like the most honest embrace from a lover - past, present, or future - his work captures the bittersweet essence of life's experiences with an unassuming grace that draws you in, holds you close, and lets you know you're not alone.
What Could Be Said?
It was said of the man that he lost love as quickly as he had found it. They sat in their pews wondering what - or who - it was that did him in. They ignored the things they always had. They listened to tunes, but didn't hear the music. No one noticed her as she walked in. She watched them all: friends, family, colleagues, and sat not in judgement; but in horror. She saw them. She heard them. She wondered who loved him. Sitting in the back, she whispered: "I loved you." She knew he died as he had lived.
Cool Sorcery is Cool!
A few weeks ago, Geoff sent me a text "What do you think of DEVO?" I prattled about watching them on Saturday Night Live performing " Satisfaction," and that I liked it, but was perplexed more than anything. And when "Whip It!" hit, I had the same feelings. Although to be honest, as a young teenager, the video for "Whip It!" added a whole other layer of indeterminate bewilderment - a story for another time.
I Don't Like Punk Rock Music
I know, I know, as a purveyor of music, perhaps I should like it. Maybe I'm supposed to like it. If you're of a certain demographic it's damn near blasphemy to say such a thing. But the truth is, I like melody, I like a hook, and I like structure. I mean one of the first songs I recall falling in love with was "Love Will Keep Us Together" by The Captain and Tennille. Elton John and Kiki Dee's "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" was a close second. In any event, I've tried to like punk rock over the years.
Chronicles
Stories about some, but not all, of my dating experiences.
Episode 502 - Marvin Etzioni
By Keith R. Higgons Talks Lone Justice, producing, songwriting, and a whole lot more! Marvin Etzioni aka The Mandolin Man I've been a fan of Marvin's work for a long time, and booking him has been at the top of my list since I began this project. So, when he agreed to step into Thunderlove Studio to talk with Geoff and me, I was pretty happy - to say the least.
Ivy's Nightclub Jitters
Sep 2 • 3M Andy Chase, of the band Ivy, talks about the band's first live performance. Open in playerListen on ); Audio playback is not supported on your browser. Please upgrade. Keith R. Higgons once weekly micro-podcast. Anywhere from 1-3 minutes... and always music related. Dominique Durand and Andy Chase, of Ivy, recently dropped by Thunderlove Studios to talk about the band, their album Apartment Life, and the late Adam Schlesinger.
I'm Not Ready.
By Keith R. Higgons 100 Naked Words A story in 100 words. Photo by Alexandru Zdrobău on Unsplash She said: "I'm not ready." He replied: "I know." "I don't if I will be." "I know." They laughed. They cried. Time went by.
Memo: Joe Biden’s Mandate for Climate Action
The 2020 presidential election presented a stark contrast between former Vice President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump on every imaginable issue — but most notably on the climate crisis. While Donald Trump’s closing message centered his support for fossil fuel polluters, the roll back bedrock environmental protections, and abdication American climate leadership on the international stage, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris ran — and won — on the boldest presidential climate plan in history.
How changing our mindset can lead to increased productivity
Traditional, productivity is known as the units of output per hour or units of output per unit of inputs. This way of measurement though is more relevant to factory production or similar types of work that can be measured in units of inputs and outputs. For many of us, the direct measurement between input and output is more blurred that what is meant in a traditional sense.
Racism Exists At St. Louis Public Radio. Acknowledge it.
As people all over the world rise up to reaffirm the value of Black lives, journalists are turning the lens on news organizations across the country that have almost entirely white newsrooms, leadership teams, and boards. St. Louis Public Radio is one of many public media organizations that are stained by this legacy of structural racism. Our station’s leaders need to take responsibility for their role in cultivating a culture that perpetuates racism.
Hubert Lenoir on Creating his Next Album in Isolation, and Being a French-Speaking Artist in an English World
Image by Noémie Doyon, via Exclaim. This piece was written as a final assignment for one of my journalism classes at The New School last semester. It was a personal dream of mine to interview Hubert Lenoir, so I am very excited to share this piece. Enjoy! Hubert Lenoir shook up Quebec’s music scene with the release of his debut album Darlène in 2018, a glam-rock concept album about the love story between Darlène, a young adult from Quebec, and Ashton, a suicidal American tourist.
Is It High Noon for Elizabeth Warren & Wall Street?
Bernie Sanders is in the hospital, Joe Biden’s lead is shrinking while Warren’s is rising — could a shootout between these two enemies be far behind? In a recent CNN/Des Moines Register/Midiacom poll, Elizabeth Warren has risen to the top of the Democratic Presidential Nominees in Iowa. In another poll at the Daily Kos, her closest competitor, Bernie Sanders, is 25 points behind her while the alleged front-runner Joe Biden is 30 points behind.
Shhh…Don’t Tell A Soul
The Replacements much maligned album gets the release it deserves…30 years later. Photo by Keagan Henman on Unsplash The Replacements (Paul Westerberg, Tommy Stinson, Chris Mars, Slim Dunlap and Bob Stinson) have a fan base that can best be described as committed. We committed, of which I am one, include some of the biggest stars in music, movies and television, but it’s mostly music nerds like me. Probably no band of the generation they call X better captures that “us against them” spirit.
That’s It - I’m Completely Over Dating Apps.
I’ve tried them and you know what? If I have to be single for the rest of my life, I’m fine with that. NOT THE AUTHOR — Photo by Chase Wilson on Unsplash I’ve been single for a while now. As an introvert, I like being alone anyway so it’s not that big of a deal. But we humans are wired to connect with people. Not necessarily “connect” but at the very least interact with them. Because I work from home, am single and in a town where I don’t know anyone, my interactions, shall we say, are limited.
Review: Fleabag on Amazon - Series 2
Now that the show has won a bunch of Emmy’s will you watch it? Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay A few years ago, I made the bold claim that Phoebe Waller-Bridge and her show Fleabag would change television. I wasn’t entirely wrong. While the first series of Fleabag (Brits call seasons “series”) on Amazon Prime failed to create a groundswell, Hollywood did take notice.
These are not your parents psychedelics.
“Life is only a dream and we are the imagination of ourselves.” — Bill Hicks Photo by Amy Treasure on Unsplash I’m a supporter of psychedelics. Not in a communal “let’s hang out and listen to Phish” kind of way…or any other mediocre band that you think may sound good when you’re tripping. To be clear, there is nothing wrong with the experimental and social use of psychedelics (the music discussion we can table for now). It’s just not my thing, anymore.
What’s One More Broken Promise?
So much for ending endless wars. Photo by Zbynek Burival on Unsplash “God created war so that Americans would learn geography.” ― Mark Twain This past weekend’s attack on Saudi Arabia’s oil refineries has deepened tensions in the region. In response to their on-going war with the Saudis, the Houthi rebels of Yemen have announced responsibility. But it sounds as though no one is listening to the Houthi. The blame is being almost entirely attributed to the Houthi supporters, Iran.
Review: Unbelievable on Netflix
Crime stories are to Hollywood as peanut butter is to jelly — reliable and almost always delicious. Unbelievable promotional photo courtesy of Netflix Last night I tore through the new Netflix miniseries Unbelievable, starring Merritt Weaver and Toni Collette. The show takes you on an odyssey to catch a serial rapist. If you’re looking for a show that is spectacularly written, methodically paced and brilliantly acted, you don’t need to look any further than Unbelievable.
Just the Tip - Tips on Modern Dating
11 Suggestions to help you through the labyrinth that is modern dating. Why 11? Why not? I just finished reading Sady Doyle’s article “Democrats Are Falling for the #MeToo Backlash” and have to say I agree. It got me thinking that unless you’ve been living in a cave or been in a coma for the past couple of years, you should be more than familiar #MeToo movement. Unless you’re dense or completely devoid of decency.
Tips For Getting A Service Dog
Make Sure You Can Handle It Like any pet, a service dog is a big responsibility. Be sure your family can handle the financial, emotional and physical responsibilities of having a service dog in your lives. Look into whether or not the agency you’re working with is a member of an organization such as Assistance Dogs International. In addition, look into the agency’s standing with the IRS and Better Business Bureau.
How Dogs Inspired the Invention of Velcro®
Last week I veered off into some brush while walking dogs in order to maintain some distance from an untrustworthy dog coming the other way. Heading off the trail from time to time is an easy way to avoid trouble, and I don’t consider it a big deal—usually. This time, though, I managed to take the dogs straight through what must have been a burr convention. We were all covered with these annoying seeds. The soft fine hair behind their ears and along their legs picked up hundreds of them.
An Open Letter to People Who Walk Their Dog Without a Leash
Hi! I’m the guy with the tan pit bull mix named Rufus. I want to take a moment and ask you to walk your dog with a leash. No, I get it. Your dog is amazing and well-trained. You’ve been through extensive training and your dog knows a slew of verbal commands. Your dog is a service animal and visits children’s cancer wards and retirement communities and is the best-behaved dog you’ve ever had. I get that. The truth is, I don’t care about your dog.
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