Call it a stodgy viewpoint, but there was a time when holiday recordings were reserved for
artists of major stature. You had to be a celebrated classical maestro or a pop crooner named Sinatra or Crosby to be considered worthy of interpreting the classic Christmas catalog. But today, retail shelves are flooded with punk, techno, metal and hip-hop holiday releases.
Don’t get me wrong - variety is one of music’s greatest attributes and record labels are free to release whatever they deem worthwhile. In addition, some of pop’s greatest recordings are cover versions. But personally, this is the one time of year that I don’t want to hear traditional songs torn down and rebuilt beyond any recognition. Some things just don’t make sense a punk version of “O Holy Night” is among them. If you feel jaded by the state of Christmas music, Telarc Records has released two holiday recordings that will scratch your itch and reduce your stress level. Tchaikovsky - Nutcracker: Favorite Selections and Christmas Break will appeal to classical enthusiasts and novices alike.
Popularity: 6% [?]
a steady following. Locally, he has opened and headlined at the city’s premier clubs and venues. Fortunately, Black also understands that his audience members have to be at work the morning after a weekday gig, so he will perform an 8 p.m. show at Bottletree Cafe on Wednesday, November 28. Joining Black will be Brad Lyons along with Brian T. Murphy an Clint Wells of The Spots. In a modern musical climate that allows artists to gain exposure through outlets including internet and satellite radio, Black is establishing his career at an ideal time. With a $5 cover charge and an early show time, you have no excuse to miss Black perform his set of thoughtful and clever songs. Doors open at 7 p.m., showtime is at 8 p.m. Bottletree Cafe, 3719 3rd Avenue South, 533-6288. 
To millions of television viewers, Mike Farrell will always be remembered for his days on M.A.S.H. as Capt. B.J. Hunnicutt (1975-83) and as Providence’s Dr. James Hansen (1999-2002). But beyond his T.V. and motion picture appearances, Farrell has spent the past 30 years speaking for causes close to his heart. His autobiography - Just Call Me Mike: A Journey To Actor And Activist (Akashic Books) - details a life filled with meaningful roles both on and off the screen. 
cultural and musical heritage became a priority in restoring normalcy to a tragic situation. And while many people believed him to be dead even before the storm’s arrival, 79 year-old Fats Domino emerged from Hurricane Katrina as both a tragic and triumphant figure. The tragedy - as shared by numerous others - came in the forms of damage to his home and the loss of possessions. In fact, Domino’s house was looted and his gold records from the ’50s were stolen as a result. But despite enduring heartbreak and loss, Domino became the tangible, surviving face of a rich musical heritage.
Will Hoge can best be described as an artist with an old musical soul. In a manner similar to fellow Southerner Marc Broussard, Hoge draws from a deep well of influences to create a sound that is both current and timeless at once. But while fans and critics alike note the amalgam of rock, blues, R&B and country sounds in Hoge’s music, the Nashville-based singer/songwriter views his songs as the collected parts of a shared source.
THE CONTENTS PAGE IS FULL OF LIES: Yep. The table of contents for Vol. 11, Issue 12 says that Kyle Whitmire’s “War on Dumb” can be found on page 4, when in fact what appeared on page 4 was a guide to the first-ever Downtown Holiday Open House (it went well, thanks for asking). And the contents page also said that Molly Folse’s story “Permission to Stare” about the awesome AXIS Dance Company was on page 23 or thereabouts, when in fact, it’s here. Otherwise, we meant every word we said, and that includes 
When an artist of Bruce Springsteen’s stature releases a new album, all listeners share one common thought - how does this release stack up to his previous releases? And while it may not be fair to compare a fresh batch of songs to well-worn classics including Born To Run and The River, it’s inevitable that fans will draw upon the old to analyze the new. Magic - an 11-track collection of songs performed by The Boss and his E Street players - combines Springsteen’s modern-day society commentary with songs full of memorable characters and stories.
If you need a dose of spirituality or poetry or both, the place to get it during the next few months is St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Montevallo. Dr. James Mersmann, who taught American literature and poetry writing for more than 25 years at UAB, is giving a series of “joyful talks” on the poetry of Robert Frost, Walt Whitman, Gerard Manley Hopkins, Richard Wilbur, Robert Bly, Rainer Maria Rilke, Kabir, Rumi and others on the second Tuesday of each month through January. Tonight’s talk is titled “Walt Whitman’s Great Camerado: ‘Letters from God dropt in the street’” and begins at 7:30 p.m. The church (not to be confused with the local parish of the same name) is located at 925 Plowman Street in Montevallo, at the corner of Oak and Plowman just across from the high school. Future talks are scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 11, and Tuesday, Jan 8.
