So, George H.W. Bush has died. Although he did have a questionable legacy, he was one the last of the old-fashioned politicians, in that he was willing to work and listen to the other party if he felt they had good ideas, and he was always very gracious (as an old patrician can be). Let’s remember that we voted him in thirty years ago, in 1988. He became our 41st president.
What was happening musically thirty years ago? Not sure there’s anything specific to point to, but Google chose Bobby McFerrin’s “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” as its top choice. Billboard says it was “Faith” by George Michael. Hmm. Well, you won’t hear those on my list of music for the year. I think of the rejection of the corporatization of music (Neil Young), a band’s move to a major label (R.E.M.), and the end of an era (Talking Heads last album- the fracture had started earlier). Still, lots of great music, some of which didn’t make the cut (as usual).
Let’s take this Wednesday to remember the events of 1988 (or at least the music) with Neil Young, the Dream Syndicate, Johnny Adams, Leonard Cohen, Traveling Wilburys, Crowded House, Paul Kelly, Go-Betweens, R.E.M., the Smithereens, Erasure, Cocteau Twins, Talking Heads, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, and Tracy Chapman.
This podcast is, as always, available to stream or download at brennick.net. There should be more content there, and I will try to put more things up this year. The podcast is also available to download as a podcast at your favorite podcast streamer – iTunes, Stitcher, etc. The podcast is called brennick.net. Check that out sometime. I welcome suggestions and comments, too – leave them as you will. Thanks for everything you do to encourage me.
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