Tag Archives: Popular music

A song about building the American Dream, railroads, towers, war, then being tossed aside to beg for change

Posted on January 3, 2012 by NMT

Most Americans know the lyrics of this depression-era song. Now they know what it was about.   They used to tell me I was building a dream, and so I followed the mob, When there was earth to plow, or … Continue reading →

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Coppelia and the Viennese Hesitation

Posted on February 18, 2011 by Eric Verlo

If you are hardwired with a cultural affliction like mine, if you find yourself with a compulsive affinity for the waltz, I’ll wager you will also be a sucker for what’s called the Viennese Hesitation. It was just such a … Continue reading →

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Your father’s Lili Marlene, specifically

Posted on December 31, 2010 by Eric Verlo

On the subject of historical misconceptions, you might say I’m hugely sentimental. So the tale of Lili Marlene catches me up like a honey trap. What does the name conjure for you? A Nazi Mata Hari? A fictional musical persona … Continue reading →

Posted in History | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Life follows art, “99 Luft-Balluns” and Seoul, ROK

Posted on June 18, 2010 by Brother Jonah

This is what we’ve waited for, this is it Boys, this is WAR! The balloons weren’t released from North Korea, but from a Korean version of Elementary School. Do Chiang. Which is also the name of a Tae Kwon Do … Continue reading →

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