Surprisingly, "Keep It Hid" was not produced by T-Bone Burnett. Burnett, the Margaret Dumont of roots-rock, is a master at smothering any spark of excitement that might threaten to disrupt his oh-so tasteful productions. Let loose in the musical petting zoo, Burnett will have the critters stuffed and mounted. ...more

February 19, 2009

Even when you're a celebrity, finding something to wear to an inaugural ball can be tough. When "American Idol" winner Jordin Sparks was invited to perform at President Barack Obama's Commander-in-Chief Ball tonight, she couldn't find time to look for a dress. ...more

January 20, 2009

You can argue all you want about who invented punk rock. But that wall-of-noise guitar sound, those thick, distorted chords that define the music? That's Ron Asheton. ...more

January 9, 2009

Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis was "an emotional wreck" before the Hawaii Bowl and found himself in a place he hasn't been since 2001 - the coaches box. ...more

December 26, 2008

The clanging, crashing guitars that kick off opening track "Real Love" here not only sound great, but they also come as a huge relief. The self-consciously arty "West" (2007) suggested that Williams was shifting her focus from the barroom to the drawing room, with Hal Willner's airless production smothering the proceedings with stuffy good taste. ...more

October 24, 2008

Novelist Christopher Buckley, son of the late William F. Buckley, recently endorsed Barack Obama on the Web site the Daily Beast. It resulted in his resignation from the National Review, the conservative magazine his father founded. Excerpts from his endorsement follow: ...more

October 19, 2008

The only prerequisite to enjoying this fundraiser is having good taste, or at least having good taste buds. ...more

September 17, 2008

You pitch your whole life hoping to get a shot at the major leagues, shutting down opponents from Little League through high school and into the minor leagues. ...more

February 17, 2008

Lightning fans, don't get too attached to the current roster. As if it wasn't obvious before Saturday's loss to Florida, Tampa Bay is not going to make the playoffs this season. That's no real revelation, I know. It's more like reality now. ...more

February 4, 2008

A new designer boutique has joined the ranks of Hyde Park Village shops. ...more

January 2, 2008