Email Author Bob Ruggiero

2008 Stories by Bob Ruggiero

• Classic Rock Corner: In Memoriam 2008

  published Dec 29, 2008

  You know, the Grim Reaper don't care if you're a multiplatinum music legend, a one-hit wonder or studio-only sideman - he's comin' for you someday! And in 2008, he seemed to like keyboardists and drum... More >>

• Lost Tuneage: Spooky Tooth

  published Dec 24, 2008

  Who Datr Spooky Tooth was formed in 1967 out of the ashes of a band called Art, which featured Mike Harrison (vocals/keyboards), Luther Grosvenor (guitar), Greg Ridley (bass), and Mike Kellie (drum... More >>

• Tommy Drake

  published December 25, 2008

  There are lots of comedians who incorporate juggling into their jokes, but only Tommy Drake shares this bit of advice for young tossers:... More >>

• The Muppet Movie

  published December 25, 2008

  Hollywood lore is full of instances when an actor’s tour de force performance defines a generation. Think Brando in A Streetcar Named... More >>

• Classic Rock Corner: The Greatest Band Logos of All Time, Part 2

  published Dec 22, 2008

  An early example of rock art... We're back to reveal the best of the best, the cream of the crop, the cappo di tutti cappi of classic-rock band logos evah! And when we say "greatest," we look for a ... More >>

• Eyeballin': A Technicolor Dream

  published Dec 18, 2008

  This documentary, originally broadcast on BBC television, traces the coalition of the "underground" movement in swinging '60s London. Beginning with a groundbreaking 1965 gathering/reading of the B... More >>

• Lost Tuneage: Manassas

  published Dec 17, 2008

  "It Doesn't Matter" Who Datr The most talented member of CSN-without-the-Y, Stephen Stills was riding high on a solo career with tracks like "Love the One You're With," "Black Queen" and "Change Par... More >>

• Handel’s Messiah

  published December 18, 2008

  It’s not nearly as hummable as the theme to “Jingle Bells,” but George Frideric Handel sure knew about writing a hook when he... More >>

• Get Lit: Hot Burritos: The True Story of the Flying Burrito Brothers by John Einarson with Chris Hillman

  published Dec 16, 2008

  Texas supergroup the Flatlanders (although it still exists) may have been "more legend than a band" but the same could also be said for the Flying Burrito Brothers (above, with female friends). The ... More >>

• Classic Rock Corner: The Greatest Band Logos of All Time, Part 1

  published Dec 15, 2008

  Daniel Kramer With our ears still ringing from last night's AC/DC concert at Toyota Center (I knew we should have stayed away from the end of the stage with the cannon...), we got to thinking abou... More >>

• Lost Tuneage: Cactus

  published Dec 10, 2008

  Introducing a new column in which Rocks Off delves into the music of short-lived or overlooked performers of the classic-rock era... Who Datr Billed as "America's answer to Led Zeppeli... More >>

• Very Merry Pops

  published December 11, 2008

  The Houston Symphony’s Very Merry Pops is one of the most beloved of Houston’s holiday traditions — along with the annual stagings... More >>

• The Ice at Discovery Green

  published December 11, 2008

  Here in Houston, it’s hard to have the kind of Christmas spirit that involves walking in a winter wonderland or letting it snow, snow, snow... More >>

• Classic Rock Corner: Neil Young's Sugar Mountain

  published Dec 08, 2008

  Neil Young Sugar Mountain: Live at Canterbury House 1968 Forget Chinese Democracy. The real will-he-ever-release-it story of this decade (and the last...and the last...) is Neil Young's Archives Vo... More >>

• Thom Bell and the Sound of Brotherly Love

  published Dec 08, 2008

  While the ubiquitous songs of Detroit's Motown get anthologized and commercialized ad infinitum, and the critics salivate over the gritty southern soul of Memphis' Stax, the third great movement/labe... More >>

• Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano: “Fiesta Navidad”

  published December 4, 2008

  If your exposure to mariachi music has been limited to a venue that includes chips ‘n’ salsa and half-price happy-hour margaritas, then... More >>

• “Messiaen Centennial Concert: Visions de l’Amen”

  published December 4, 2008

  If you’re into the dueling piano thing and can’t wait for the next Billy Joel/Elton John show, join lady ivory pounders Marilyn Nonken... More >>

• Get Lit: Beatles for Sale by John Blaney

  published Dec 02, 2008

  Another Beatles bookr Doesn't the world already know everything it possibly can about the Fab Four, from the nickname of their favorite Hamburg pill dealer to the mustache style of the cab drive... More >>

• Donnell Rawlings

  published November 27, 2008

  Dave Chappelle may have pulled the plug on his brilliant sketch comedy show, but several members of his troupe are finding it good going on the... More >>

• TXU Energy Turkey Trot

  published November 27, 2008

  Before you sit down to stuff yourself with roasted turkey, dressing and cranberry sauce, think about participating in the 16th annual TXU Energy... More >>

• Aftermath: Black Crowes at House of Blues

  published Nov 21, 2008

  Photos by Mark C. Austin Sure, Lars and the boys from Metallica, Down and the Sword a couple of blocks away at Toyota Center might have been louder, but the two pairs of fratellis in the Black Crowe... More >>

• The Black Crowes

  published November 20, 2008

  On Warpaint, the band's first studio release since re-forming in 2005, the Black Crowes show how a little time off can work wonders. The... More >>

• Eyeballin': Willie Nelson & Wynton Marsalis' Live from Jazz at Lincoln Center New York City

  published Nov 06, 2008

  Associated Press Willie Nelson has had some odd musical partners over the years: Snoop Dogg, Gonzo the Muppet, Julio Iglesias. But the Red Headed Stranger's live-recorded CD collaboration with Wynto... More >>

• Get Lit: The Clash by the Clash

  published Nov 03, 2008

  ... More >>

• Get Lit: Riot on Sunset Strip -- Rock 'n Roll's Last Stand in Hollywood

  published Oct 26, 2008

  ... More >>