Category Archives: Uncategorized

Are You Going With Me? Cosmic Americana Part I

Posted on March 17, 2014 by stirlingnoh

One of the joys of the internet is mining the geeky archival work of many people with many interests, including jazz. Recently, thanks to invisible friends around the world, I have been enjoying old interviews with Pat Metheny and Lyle … Continue reading →

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Middling Dance Music Part 2

Posted on January 16, 2014 by stirlingnoh

I’ve been very busy with my day gig of professional writing that my creative writing has slowed. But I have found time to bang another remix for kicks. Giorgio Moroder noted in a recent interview that electronic dance music is … Continue reading →

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Middling Dance Music

Posted on December 23, 2013 by stirlingnoh

Electronic dance music is a global phenomenon. In every country, people are producing it, to be heard or endured in nightclubs. And hotel discos. I have cast my lot with the latter, specifically two-star faded piles. Here’s my latest tongue-in-cheek … Continue reading →

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Au Revoir, Dutch

Posted on August 28, 2013 by stirlingnoh

Elmore Leonard is rightly identified with the special grit of Detroit, an American manufacturing colossus visited by rack and ruin as the world’s love for the Big Three turned to rust. Leonard’s works from the 1970’s reveal a once-genteel Detroit … Continue reading →

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Pop Goes Lenny

Posted on August 12, 2013 by stirlingnoh

I recently had an epiphany, thanks to Lenny. Sure, 95% of pop music is dross. But if you don’t keep your ears and mind open, you’ll miss the 5% that counts. I think that’s wise counsel for writing as well. … Continue reading →

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Steve Jobs as Howard Beale – McWorld vs. Jihad

Posted on August 10, 2013 by stirlingnoh

I come to praise Apple not bury it. I type on an Apple laptop; the keyboard is dynamite for a speed typist such as myself. I compose music using Apple’s Logic software on an iMac. But I don’t have an … Continue reading →

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< 100bpm

Posted on August 3, 2013 by stirlingnoh

If you’ve ever taught writing, any kind of writing, you no doubt have encountered the challenge of how to make the writing better without interfering with the author’s voice. Once you start messing with voice, you’re in deep water. Voice … Continue reading →

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Living Mid-Century

Posted on July 26, 2013 by stirlingnoh

The year is 2013. I prefer to live in 1965. “Mad Men” allowed you to do that once a week or you could gorge on a marathon. But that show is a simulation that allows the viewer to dream of … Continue reading →

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Two New Tracks

Posted on July 18, 2013 by stirlingnoh

Which is more powerful – music or literature? I’m inclined to think that music has the upper hand although that doesn’t stop me from trying to make my writing more like music. Direct communication is tough. You have to know … Continue reading →

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Writing in Ink

Posted on July 18, 2013 by stirlingnoh

For a long time I was agnostic about tattoos. I understood their tribal value in many cultures and subcultures, including bikers and hobos. But consumer society and the attendant rise of modern celebrity culture have turned me against tattoos. It … Continue reading →

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