Woke 1, Woke 2? What’s next after cancel culture?

They Might Be Giants are the USA’s greatest rock band. (Mark said so.) An early lyric of the band gives us a window into hipsters, millennials and cancel culture. But the UK’s best comedy mind (Mark said so) David Mitchell points to a different path. Can our workplaces use his insight before it’s too late? Interested in coaching or training …

Horn Sections Make Rock Better: Out the Gap

The last Horn Sections Make Rock Better post came for Halloween. How about a St. Patrick’s edition? You may know Sharon Shannon if you follow alt country (or roots rock or Americana or whatever we are calling it nowadays). She had a hit with Steve Earle called “The Galway Girl.” I knew the song before visiting Ireland, but on its …

Horn Sections Make Rock Better: Mandala

Thievery Corporation has two claims to fame in my book. First, they were a massive part of my Napster experience (may she rest in peace). Second, they introduced me to Les Baxter and helped me realize I probably really did like exotica. I love the slow burn to the horns on this one.

Horn Sections Make Rock Better: Hip to Be Square

Another from Huey–and this one with 49ers instead of Huey having a playful romance with a beautiful woman, like almost every other pre-80s Huey video. I’ve read that he says this song parodies conformists. All I know is that he and the News were a band in business suits, albeit colorful ones. And conformity to non-conformity is still conformity.