101 Series Lesson 10: The Clash

Okay, attention, class, please. This is the first day of Summer, so it’s time to begin Summer School. This will be a super-condensed lesson so you can learn it quickly. Today’s subject will be The Clash. They will play their music the only way it should be in the Summer – hot! Hotter!! HOTTEST!!! Sunscreen […]

101 Series Lesson 9: Eric Clapton

Good day, Class. Today we have some mental nutrition for you. Time now to bow down at the alter of Rock ‘n’ Roll to the man known as “God”. Guitar and blues master, EC, Eric Clapton is featured today. Let’s put down our pencils and bask in the greatness of the man called Slowhand.  Clap-ton! […]

101 Series Lesson 8: Donovan

Attention, please. Today we sit cross-legged on the floor while Donovan hovers above us and sings songs about mountains, oceans, flowers, superheroes, tea, and girls with funny names. (These are the things that make him happy!)  You just cannot listen to Donovan and not smile. We just spent nearly two hours proving it. Click on […]

101 Series Lesson 7: Los Angeles

Ok students, it’s time for another category in our studies. We move on now to our first “Where?” installment in the 101 Series as we take a good healthy listen to the music of The Balcony’s hometown: Los Angeles. There will be much fist pumping and yelling by your teachers. But we’ll try not to […]

101 Series Lesson 6: Hip Hop

There’s not much that needs to be said except: this lesson rocks. Get out your pencils and paper, class. We’ve got two hours of the most incredible classic hip hop, there is too much to be learned. And class, you will learn . . . or else. So, Scott had to be convinced to do […]

101 Series Lesson 5 MOTOWN!!

No two ways about it, the music goes on forever. This week we ALL get a lesson in greatness from the people that brought you big stars, sweet harmonies and coordinated three-piece suits. Music for all seasons.   Explore deep cuts in the Motown Singles Collection mega box set. There was a joyful noise down […]

101 Series Lesson 4: Joni Mitchell

Well, hello class. Welcome to another edifying lesson in our on-going school of rock-n-roll. Today’s subject is the great Joni Mitchell. Laurel Canyon never sounded so good (or had such straight hair).  Buy some Joni, show that you have a sensitive side. Click on the link to check out the songs from this show: Joni […]

101 Series Lesson 3: The Grateful Dead

OK class. Time to put on the tie-dye and dance like there’s no tomorrow. Today’s lesson will focus on the music of Capt. Trips Jerry Garcia and The Grateful Dead. 2+ hours to carry you through the universe. Focus? Not now, I wanna dance! Buy some Dead. Seriously. And maybe some veggie burritos with extra […]

101 Series Lesson 2: Elvis Costello

Today’s lesson, students, is an angry man with an angry band. No pastels allowed at this show. All ass-kick, all the time. (We’re not sure you should be wearing that skinny tie, though.) The other Elvis . . . the one that didn’t eat fried peanut butter and pickle sandwiches. Be cool. Buy his records. […]

101 Series Lesson 1: Steve Earle

In the 101 Series we focus on the persons, places and things–the nouns of rock. We devote the entire episode to an artist, location, era, language or any other topic we decide to marginalize. Steve is Lesson 1 in the 101 Series. Click the link to check out the songs in the show: Steve Earle […]