“Happy Days Are Here Again!” — musings on music and politics

As both political conventions are about to take over the airwaves and the web — first the Democrats in Denver and then the Republicans (minus Larry Craig, presumably) in Minneapolis — the soundtrack won’t just be talking heads and voter-on-the-street interviews. Music will also be a big part of the brouhaha coming out of both conventions. Although music has always been a powerful tool in the fight for the hearts of American voters, this year’s campaigns will be more tune-drenched than normal — largely because of the Obama campaign’s emphasis on youth, change, and activism. Hey, isn’t that Rock ‘n Roll’s triple play?

American Idol Alert — Watch Jordin Sparks’ Drummer! (updated)

Just a bit of personal name-dropping (clears the room like a fart, I’ve found) — friend and phenomenal drummer (and a decent singer) Mike Bedard will be on American Idol tonight (Weds, April 9). He’s touring with previous winner Jordin Sparks, and will percuss (is that a word?) behind her when she fills time between vote-offs.

American Idol . . . Again!

It’s down to the top 12 and I’m pulled in, once again. In fact, American Idol is on right now. Doesn’t hurt that they’re paying tribute to the formidable Lennon-McCartney songbook. Those boys proved to be every bit the team that Rodgers and Hart were a generation (or two) earlier. And I’m a huge fan of both duos.

Anyway, this is a posting as much about the Beatles as about twelve budding talents who alternately did the boys from Liverpool proud or . . . not so much.