Author Archives: dsamarov

I’m working on a review of Colin Asher’s forthcoming book about the impact of prisons on American music. There’s a lot to chew over in its quick three hundred pages. It’s an ugly history, unsurprisingly. A lot or racism and class hatred all the way through. I loved Colin’s biography of Nelson Algren and thisContinue reading “The Midnight Special”

There’s a nook in the bookstore, tucked in a corner across from the register, for Spiritual books. The bookshelf to the left is devoted to Philosophy and Occult; to the right, Myth, UFOs, Unknown, and Conspiracy. I’ve never looked too closely at the books marked Spiritual. I always tell Joe this corner should be calledContinue reading “Spiritual”

The thing about making art outside is you’re at the mercy of the elements. Turner tying himself to the mast comes to mind, even if it never happened. Also, the outside is endless; not like a room with walls on each side and the back, making for a natural composition. You have to cut offContinue reading “Plain Air”