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.
culturesonar.com
culturesonar.com
Some 80s throwback fun for the weekend.
www.culturesonar.com/miami-vice-t...
www.culturesonar.com/miami-vice-t...
Miami Vice: The Top 10 Musician Guest Stars
Phil Collins, Willie Nelson, Glenn Frey and Little Richard were among the musicians who made memorable guest-star appearances. Oh yes, this hit '80s TV show made waves as much for its sound as for its...
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November 15, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Some 80s throwback fun for the weekend.
www.culturesonar.com/miami-vice-t...
www.culturesonar.com/miami-vice-t...
On "Katy, "they scrapped the rest of the band, shut themselves off in the studio, and hired out musicians on a song-by-song basis.
www.culturesonar.com/katy-lied-at...
www.culturesonar.com/katy-lied-at...
"Katy Lied" At 50
These days, many artists are going the DIY route because of the state of the industry. Steely Dan set the pattern with "Katy Lied."
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November 14, 2025 at 9:35 PM
On "Katy, "they scrapped the rest of the band, shut themselves off in the studio, and hired out musicians on a song-by-song basis.
www.culturesonar.com/katy-lied-at...
www.culturesonar.com/katy-lied-at...
It just got a long standing ovation at a festival. We checked it out.
www.culturesonar.com/frankenstein...
www.culturesonar.com/frankenstein...
"Frankenstein": Guillermo del Toro's Creation
Director Guillermo del Toro has been captivated by the "Frankenstein" tale since childhood. His new version is haunting.
www.culturesonar.com
November 14, 2025 at 4:41 PM
It just got a long standing ovation at a festival. We checked it out.
www.culturesonar.com/frankenstein...
www.culturesonar.com/frankenstein...
“There were times when I blundered and got the dreaded look from the lads. But that was a good sign. It showed I'd attempted something I'd not tried before.”
www.culturesonar.com/becoming-joh...
www.culturesonar.com/becoming-joh...
Becoming John Bonham
With "Becoming Led Zeppelin" in theaters and "Physical Graffiti" marking its 50th, a chance to revisit the genius of John Bonham.
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November 13, 2025 at 10:25 PM
“There were times when I blundered and got the dreaded look from the lads. But that was a good sign. It showed I'd attempted something I'd not tried before.”
www.culturesonar.com/becoming-joh...
www.culturesonar.com/becoming-joh...
“…when he arrived at Colorado’s Caribou Ranch studio to begin work on his tenth album, there were changes afoot, in both the band's lineup and Elton’s signature sound.”
www.culturesonar.com/revisiting-e...
www.culturesonar.com/revisiting-e...
Revisiting Elton John's "Rock of the Westies"
After a streak of monster albums, "Rock of the Westies" was a bit of a departure for Elton John. Does it hold up? Should it?
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November 13, 2025 at 12:52 PM
“…when he arrived at Colorado’s Caribou Ranch studio to begin work on his tenth album, there were changes afoot, in both the band's lineup and Elton’s signature sound.”
www.culturesonar.com/revisiting-e...
www.culturesonar.com/revisiting-e...
“Infectious rockers like “Evangeline,” “Divine Intervention,” and “The Ugly Truth” featured Sweet’s gifted guitar licks together with tight, Beatles-esque band harmonies to boot.”
www.culturesonar.com/nine-underra...
www.culturesonar.com/nine-underra...
Nine Underrated 90s Artists
Outside of the boy bands and grunge, these 9 artists made 90s music worth a deeper listen. Who'd we miss?
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November 12, 2025 at 10:18 PM
“Infectious rockers like “Evangeline,” “Divine Intervention,” and “The Ugly Truth” featured Sweet’s gifted guitar licks together with tight, Beatles-esque band harmonies to boot.”
www.culturesonar.com/nine-underra...
www.culturesonar.com/nine-underra...
Happy birthday, Neil! We looked at his signature album a few years back.
www.culturesonar.com/harvest-at-5...
www.culturesonar.com/harvest-at-5...
"Harvest" At 50: Neil Young Finds Gold
This month marks the 50th anniversary of the release of Neil Young's "Harvest." We dig into this pivotal album.
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November 12, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Happy birthday, Neil! We looked at his signature album a few years back.
www.culturesonar.com/harvest-at-5...
www.culturesonar.com/harvest-at-5...
What's AI's role in creative stuff? We have some thoughts.
www.culturesonar.com/star-trek-ze...
www.culturesonar.com/star-trek-ze...
"Star Trek," Zeppelin, and Why I Hate AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere -- and it's infringing on the creative space. Can it, will it replace human inspiration?
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November 12, 2025 at 12:42 PM
What's AI's role in creative stuff? We have some thoughts.
www.culturesonar.com/star-trek-ze...
www.culturesonar.com/star-trek-ze...
“I was immersed in some guitar geekery not long ago and came across some absolutely killer tunes and tones from this rockabilly/punk/new wave band from, yes, Zurich. It was one of those “How did I miss this?” moments, but better late than never…”
www.culturesonar.com/discovering-...
www.culturesonar.com/discovering-...
"Discovering" a 26-Year-Old Band
It's never too late to discover something wonderful. Case in point: Hillbilly Moon Explosion.
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November 11, 2025 at 11:06 PM
“I was immersed in some guitar geekery not long ago and came across some absolutely killer tunes and tones from this rockabilly/punk/new wave band from, yes, Zurich. It was one of those “How did I miss this?” moments, but better late than never…”
www.culturesonar.com/discovering-...
www.culturesonar.com/discovering-...
Happy birthday to Andy Partridge! “Sony’s insistence that the band re-record a tamed down version as a 45 only emphasized the point being made.”
www.culturesonar.com/top-10-xtc-s...
www.culturesonar.com/top-10-xtc-s...
They’re Really Super: The Top 10 XTC Songs
This punk band blended serious pop hooks, edgy lyrics and pounding rhythms to create New Wave songs unlike any other. They’ve been compared to the Beatles and the Kinks, but Andy Partridge has always ...
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November 11, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Happy birthday to Andy Partridge! “Sony’s insistence that the band re-record a tamed down version as a 45 only emphasized the point being made.”
www.culturesonar.com/top-10-xtc-s...
www.culturesonar.com/top-10-xtc-s...
Annie Lennox has just released a compelling new photo book documenting her life. And so...
www.culturesonar.com/whos-that-gi...
www.culturesonar.com/whos-that-gi...
Who’s That Girl? Annie Lennox’s Top 10 Songs
Happy b'day, Annie! From Eurythmics to amazing solo projects, she's continually surprised. Our Top 10 list showcases some of her very best.
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November 11, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Annie Lennox has just released a compelling new photo book documenting her life. And so...
www.culturesonar.com/whos-that-gi...
www.culturesonar.com/whos-that-gi...
“Long before social media, the conspiracy theory spread like wildfire. Some believed it completely. Some thought it was a hoax – perhaps one the Beatles had designed themselves.”
www.culturesonar.com/paul-is-dead...
www.culturesonar.com/paul-is-dead...
"Paul Is Dead" - How It Started, Where It Went
Before social media, the "Paul is dead" rumor went viral in record time. So how did it start? And how did it get so out of hand?
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November 10, 2025 at 9:21 PM
“Long before social media, the conspiracy theory spread like wildfire. Some believed it completely. Some thought it was a hoax – perhaps one the Beatles had designed themselves.”
www.culturesonar.com/paul-is-dead...
www.culturesonar.com/paul-is-dead...
“Unlike many contemporary singers, Moyet doesn't rely on vocal acrobatics or flashy techniques.”
www.culturesonar.com/alison-moyet...
www.culturesonar.com/alison-moyet...
Alison Moyet Is Back (But Never Really Left)
Alison Moyet was a defining voice of 80s New Wave. Keeping a lower profile, she's done some great work, including her newest album.
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November 10, 2025 at 3:45 PM
“Unlike many contemporary singers, Moyet doesn't rely on vocal acrobatics or flashy techniques.”
www.culturesonar.com/alison-moyet...
www.culturesonar.com/alison-moyet...
Getting the week off to a funky start...
www.culturesonar.com/all-hail-ohi...
www.culturesonar.com/all-hail-ohi...
All Hail Ohio Funk
Ohio isn't the first place you think of when it comes to funk. But the midwestern state is home to many essential artists.
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November 10, 2025 at 12:43 PM
Getting the week off to a funky start...
www.culturesonar.com/all-hail-ohi...
www.culturesonar.com/all-hail-ohi...
“…they all seem to address the pursuit of elusive happiness in a twisted world. And the need to accept what we get from life and do the best we can with it.”
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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November 9, 2025 at 1:49 AM
“…they all seem to address the pursuit of elusive happiness in a twisted world. And the need to accept what we get from life and do the best we can with it.”
www.culturesonar.com/the-epic-tra...
www.culturesonar.com/the-epic-tra...
“…Steven Quincy Reeder, Jr. was a loud and proud piano pounder who went by the stage name of “Esquerita” and often appeared in public as he appeared on a stage, wearing sunglasses, heavy makeup, and not one but two wigs piled atop each other.”
www.culturesonar.com/forgotten-in...
www.culturesonar.com/forgotten-in...
Forgotten Influencers of Rock
For every early icon, there was an inspiration. We look at some names who you might not have heard of - but should know.
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November 8, 2025 at 5:27 PM
“…Steven Quincy Reeder, Jr. was a loud and proud piano pounder who went by the stage name of “Esquerita” and often appeared in public as he appeared on a stage, wearing sunglasses, heavy makeup, and not one but two wigs piled atop each other.”
www.culturesonar.com/forgotten-in...
www.culturesonar.com/forgotten-in...
“They captured Dylan’s performances at different junctures and assisted in making classic albums.”
www.culturesonar.com/the-producer...
www.culturesonar.com/the-producer...
The Producers Are A-Changin'
Bob Dylan's musical evolution was facilitated by several key producers. We look at the role they played in his journey.
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November 7, 2025 at 10:50 PM
“They captured Dylan’s performances at different junctures and assisted in making classic albums.”
www.culturesonar.com/the-producer...
www.culturesonar.com/the-producer...
Happy birthday to Joni Mitchell! Last year, we marked the 50th of one of her key albums.
www.culturesonar.com/joni-mitchel...
www.culturesonar.com/joni-mitchel...
Joni Mitchell's "Court and Spark" At 50
Joni Mitchell's "Court And Spark" was a big shift from the earnest Laurel Canyon songwriter to one captivated by jazz.
www.culturesonar.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Happy birthday to Joni Mitchell! Last year, we marked the 50th of one of her key albums.
www.culturesonar.com/joni-mitchel...
www.culturesonar.com/joni-mitchel...
“…the definition of soul can be found in the vast musical landscape of songwriter-producer-arranger-pianist Thom Bell, who Joe Tarsia, his studio engineer, called “the black Burt Bacharach.’’
www.culturesonar.com/thom-bell-he...
www.culturesonar.com/thom-bell-he...
Thom Bell: He Rang In the Hits
Thom Bell has been called "the black Burt Bacharach" -- and for very good reason. The string of hits he's written and produced is impressive.
www.culturesonar.com
November 6, 2025 at 9:09 PM
“…the definition of soul can be found in the vast musical landscape of songwriter-producer-arranger-pianist Thom Bell, who Joe Tarsia, his studio engineer, called “the black Burt Bacharach.’’
www.culturesonar.com/thom-bell-he...
www.culturesonar.com/thom-bell-he...
Today is Saxophone Day! “Raphael Ravenscroft provides powerful punctuation, delivering sonic salvos on both alto and soprano sax.”
www.culturesonar.com/6-more-sweet...
www.culturesonar.com/6-more-sweet...
6 More Sweet Saxophone Songs
The saxophone added touches both mournful, beautiful, funky....and just plain weird in these chart-topping hits.
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November 6, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Today is Saxophone Day! “Raphael Ravenscroft provides powerful punctuation, delivering sonic salvos on both alto and soprano sax.”
www.culturesonar.com/6-more-sweet...
www.culturesonar.com/6-more-sweet...
“The Parliament-Funkadelic bassists represent an army of thumpers, pluckers, and finger poppers. Four-string (sometimes five-string) groove masters that take the concept of P-Funk deep inside the Black Hole and beyond.”
www.culturesonar.com/bottom-feede...
www.culturesonar.com/bottom-feede...
Bottom Feeders: The Bass Players of Parliament-Funkadelic
Through the years, the bass players of Parliament Funkadelic have been at the heart of the funk. A look at an all-star lineup.
www.culturesonar.com
November 5, 2025 at 9:47 PM
“The Parliament-Funkadelic bassists represent an army of thumpers, pluckers, and finger poppers. Four-string (sometimes five-string) groove masters that take the concept of P-Funk deep inside the Black Hole and beyond.”
www.culturesonar.com/bottom-feede...
www.culturesonar.com/bottom-feede...
“To grow up listening to the music is one thing, but to be handed the keys to the kingdom of preserving history is another. I can’t imagine a better platform on which to share this documentary with U.S. audiences than HBO.”
www.culturesonar.com/earth-wind-f...
www.culturesonar.com/earth-wind-f...
Earth, Wind & Fire Gets the Questlove Treatment
Earth, Wind and Fire are one of the most influential of bands. And HBO has just tapped Questlove to create a new documentary about them.
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November 5, 2025 at 1:52 PM
“To grow up listening to the music is one thing, but to be handed the keys to the kingdom of preserving history is another. I can’t imagine a better platform on which to share this documentary with U.S. audiences than HBO.”
www.culturesonar.com/earth-wind-f...
www.culturesonar.com/earth-wind-f...
“But like Pat Boone’s bland takes on Little Richard’s frenetic songs, white singers would record and suck the soul out of Ruth’s tunes; a common practice then called “whitewashing.”
www.culturesonar.com/the-house-th...
www.culturesonar.com/the-house-th...
November 4, 2025 at 9:54 PM
“But like Pat Boone’s bland takes on Little Richard’s frenetic songs, white singers would record and suck the soul out of Ruth’s tunes; a common practice then called “whitewashing.”
www.culturesonar.com/the-house-th...
www.culturesonar.com/the-house-th...