The Chronicles of Michael Christopher
Music • Culture • Film • Travel • Photography • Vinyl
“Nostalgia” is always a big buzzword, looking in the rearview when things were supposedly simpler – like right now with the ‘90s. It could manifest as a movie evocative of the decade or one that’s straight-up banking on the legacy of a franchise. Maybe it’s a Britpop band singlehandedly thrusting the genre back into the spotlight. Sometimes, albeit rarely, it’s... Continue Reading →
As a music journalist, I’ve been lucky enough over the years to meet and interview some of my all-time favorite artists. Members of Joy Division, Depeche Mode, Van Halen, The Cult, Guns N’ Roses, AC/DC’s Brian Johnson, Glenn Danzig, Liam Gallagher – the list is endless. And one of the questions I get asked most is, “Don’t... Continue Reading →
Earlier this month, and for the first time since 2023, I headed north of the border to Canada for the Montréal Jazz Festival, which saw this year’s edition – the 45th – run from June 26 through July 5. As always, it proved itself to be the premier destination event of its kind in North... Continue Reading →
Two of the most original and tortured talents passed away this week in Sly Stone and Brian Wilson, who died this past Monday and Wednesday, respectively. Both were unrivaled geniuses in their corresponding genres: Stone in funk and psychedelic soul as the figurehead of Sly and the Family Stone, and Wilson in the realm of... Continue Reading →
Apologies to the stick swinging readers, but drummers are an odd bunch. Back in college, my roommate was a drummer, and he was a strange cat – still is. It’s not very surprising as these are people whose chosen career in life is to hit things – typically very hard – with pieces of wood... Continue Reading →
The last time I saw Thievery Corporation, it was at The Wiltern in Los Angeles in 2023. They just happened to be in town at the same time I was there to see AFI celebrate the 20th anniversary of their landmark Sing the Sorrow LP by playing it in full. But even though that weekend... Continue Reading →
If the Rolling Stones were one of the hottest bands of the late '60s, then frontman Mick Jagger was on fire. An expert at preening and posturing, it was only natural an opportunity to appear on the big screen would eventually come calling for the singer. His debut acting role in 1970’s Performance, however, looked... Continue Reading →
Last year, it was three months into the new year when I finally posted my Top Songs of 2023. This year, only two months have passed. It's all about progress they say, right? Now, if you haven't noticed, I've always tried to cram as many songs into one of these playlists under the guise of... Continue Reading →
Back in 2023, I spoke with Marty Friedman for Metal Edge. He was touring the U.S. in support of Queensrÿche at the time and told me how it was all a part of his grand plan to reintroduce himself to the country, as he'd lived in Japan for over 20 years at that juncture. Now,... Continue Reading →
Welcome to this year’s edition of “New Year’s Resolutions for Rockers Who Need Them,” where we offer some assistance to the musicians out there who may have trouble lining up goals for the coming year. It’s not an easy job, but one we’re more than happy to take on because, hey, these folks are busy.... Continue Reading →
The Chronicles of Michael Christopher 