The question I usually get after I criticize a band or a record: "Who gives a rat's cadaver what you think?"
I can't answer that one, but I can define a few guidelines that go into my commentaries, which ought to put my opinions into context:
* "Pop" music is by definition -- "popular" -- created for a large audience. It's not a legitimate "fine art," like lots of literature, dance, films, visual art or real jazz, which seem to cater to elitists, academics and people with refined tastes. After one semester in music theory and a year of guitar lessons, I discovered how rudimentary most popular music is. And therein lies its intrinsic charm: It's built for a mass audience.
* You may insist appropriately that some popular music is superior to another (say, the Beatles vs. matchbox twenty), but it's pompous to assert that what you extract from your favorite music (Metallica) is superior to what someone else extracts from theirs (Britney Spears).
* Music is like religion or spirituality: It doesn't matter what you tap into as long as you find something that transports you (physically or emotionally) to another place, makes you confront something revelatory or just compels you to dance like a fool.
* A lot of my favorite records are mediocre. (A lot of yours are, too.)
Submitted by Jim from Dallas, Tx
Q: Do you think that band Chicago should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ? What is keeping them out ?
Answered 06/13/08 16:04:39 by Timothy Finn
A: Yes I do, after looking at the list of inductees. Seems like Chicago has done as much or more than some already in. Not sure what's keeping them out unless it's their music from late-70s and beyond, which was inferior to the early stuff.Submitted by Jeff from Olathe, Kansas
Q: Was there a review of the fantastic Rush show at Starlight this last Saturday?
Answered 06/10/08 15:17:36 by Timothy Finn
A: Sorry. All our reviewers were reviewing (or just attending) other shows.Submitted by mike hittner from St. Louis
Q: I was at the Rush show last night, is it going to get a review in your paper?
Answered 06/10/08 15:17:30 by Timothy Finn
A: Sorry. All our reviewers were reviewing (or just attending) other shows.Submitted by Cathy Svacina from Platte County, MO
Q: Three Dog Night Concert tonight? Where in Power and Light District and what time? Thanks...Cathy
Answered 05/16/08 17:12:24 by Timothy Finn
A: It's in the courtyard behind Mcfaddens, which is across the street from Sprint Center. Starts at 7 p.m. Dr. Hook opensSubmitted by Mark from Leavenworth, KS
Q: Wondering if there was a review of the REO Speedwagon concert held on May 9th, 2008 at the Ameristar Casino. My fiance (who I proposed to at the end of "I Can't Fight This Feeling Anymore" while attending the show) and I thought the show was outstanding. Thanks for your reply, Mark and Nina
Answered 05/13/08 16:50:26 by Timothy Finn
A: No. The problem we have with Ameristar shows is we don't decide soon enough to review the show. Tickets to those shows go fast; most of them are sold out. If we don't commit early, we don't get a ticket. They don't hold any for media, at least that's how it has been in the past.Submitted by anonyomous from Blue Springs, Mo
Q: Was there a review of the Bon Jovi concert on April 22,2008?
Answered 05/13/08 16:48:56 by Timothy Finn
A: Yes there was on-line. Here's the link: http://backtorockville.typepad.com/back_to_rockville/2008/04/bon-jovi-2-same.htmlSubmitted by Rob Bowe from Austin, Mn
Q: 3 Dog Night, Rock Icons(Jeramiah was a bullfrog) from late 60"s & early 70's list on there website that they are doing a show on May 16th in the KC Power & Light District. Can you advise where and how to get tickets. I am a HUGE Fan!
Answered 04/17/08 16:01:35 by Timothy Finn
A: I am under the distinct impression that those shows are free.Submitted by Bill from Leavenworth, Kansas
Q: Hi Timothy, My parents are coming to town for a visit. They are in their late 60's/early 70's and love live "Big Band" music and jazz. I'm new to the area so I don't have a good network of references. Can you recommend some places to try out? Thanks!!
Answered 04/10/08 17:37:59 by Timothy Finn
A: Sorry, Bill. I was out of town for a while. Just got this. If you still need some ideas, e-mail me at tfinn@kcstar.comSubmitted by Leigh Myers from Belton, MO
Q: According to a couple different internet sources (cmt.com and others) there is a country concert scheduled for the Kansas City Live! venue at the Power & Light district. The event is supposed to be May 29. So far I haven't seen it advertised or seen anything about tickets. Or even heard that this venue is open yet. Can you help shed some light on this? Thanks!
Answered 04/10/08 17:37:12 by Timothy Finn
A: Haven't heard anything about that date. The only shows I've seen or heard about are Billy Currington (june 5 and 6), Craig Morgan (6-12), Jake Owen (6-26) and Jason Michael Carroll (8-7)Submitted by Akroyd from Denver, Co
Q: Hi Tim. Rumor has it that Widespread Panic is going to play the Crossroads for two nights this summer. Never been there, how is the place? Can it handle the crowd? thank you,
Answered 04/10/08 17:32:27 by Timothy Finn
A: It can hold about 2,800-3,000 comfortably. I love the place -- as long as you don't mind standing. I think they've added some seating but not a whole lot.Submitted by 60's MAN from Marshfield,Mo.
Q: Hope you were able to see Dave Mason last month at the Voodoo lounge at Harahs. The band he put together, along with his love for the great days of Traffic music made it such a great experience to attend. The best 22.00 dollars I've spent in years.
Answered 02/07/08 18:21:45 by Timothy Finn
A: Yes we reviewed. Try Googling "Rockville" and "Dave Mason." if that doesn't work, e-mail me at tfinn@kcstar.comSubmitted by tmac from Olathe, KS
Q: of the price i pay for a concert ticket (say to Billy Joel, Celine or Wakarusa) how much of it goes into the performer's pocket? how much does the venue owner get, etc? I'm sure it changes from artist to artist, venue to venue, promoter to promoter, but I'm just curious: like when I see the Schwag on Thanksgiving night and there are 300 people paying $10 each to attend: that's just $3,000 and when it gets all split up, I figure the band members can barely afford the stuff they're smokin' ... thanks
Answered 01/28/08 16:57:03 by Timothy Finn
A: It depends. If there's a promoter, he rents the club, pays the band a fee and keeps the rest. The club owner also gets the bar money ... A Schwag show with 300 people for $10 isn't supposed to be a big money-maker for anyone.Submitted by Lynn Orman from Skokie, IL
Q: Hi Timothy, Love to send you the Grammy nominated, Last of the Great Mississippi Delta Bluesmen~Live In Dallas. Featuring your own, Henry Townsend along with Robert Lockwood, David 'Honeyboy' Edwards and Pinetop Perkins. A great tribute to these blues veterans. Would you be interested in a pre-grammy story, interview with the producers, Alonzo Townsend (he is joining us in the celebration of the nomination at the Grammys in February). A sweet story of how the Blue Shoe Project, an organization that started to preserve and perpetuate the blues by Dallas father & son, Jeff & Mike Dyson have embraced Alonzo Townsend who is now working with them to help keep his fathers legacy & the blues alive through education & performances. Please visit, www.blueshoeproject.org Contact: Lynn Orman at 847-452-6469
Answered 01/22/08 18:20:26 by Timothy Finn
A: will do.Submitted by Ken from OP
Q: Why is KCPT not showing all the Austin City Limits programs. Their email to me says its a programming decision and they got defensive when I suggested maybe Soundstage was cheaper... Is ASL losing its ratings? Have you noticed they are not airing all episodes?
Answered 01/17/08 16:47:34 by Timothy Finn
A: I hadn't noticed. You might first try our TV writer, Aaron Barnhart. That's kind of his turf. I'll ask him about it, too. thanks for the question.Submitted by lluper from Independence, MO
Q: Have you heard any other details on a possible Springsteen date in the Kansas City area?
Answered 01/08/08 17:22:12 by Timothy Finn
A: No. I've heard several rumors but no confirmations.