Category Archives: pop music

Long dead, forever young (new Kerouac notes)

Posted on June 7, 2026 by oddmanout215

My first thought was oh no, not another article about Jack Kerouac. This one is in the New Yorker and is by Joyce Johnson, who has written well on many subjects, including Kerouac, her romantic partner in the late 1950s … Continue reading →

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‘Enshittification’ — a potential hit single?

Posted on May 22, 2026 by oddmanout215

“That’s a pretty vulgar word, Odd Man. I’ll bet they ain’t using it at the Wharton business school.” “Don’t be so sure, Swamp Rabbit. Everything’s vulgar now, including Wharton.” The word is “enshittification,” coined by the super-prolific tech writer/novelist Cory … Continue reading →

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Can’t live with aliens, can’t live without ’em

Posted on May 10, 2026 by oddmanout215

The Trump administration just released formerly classified files related to UFO sightings, and my neighbor Swamp Rabbit couldn’t be happier. He’s hoping the new information will confirm the existence of extraterrestrials he claims have landed in Bog Water Homes, the … Continue reading →

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Arguing about ‘One Battle After Another’

Posted on March 20, 2026 by oddmanout215

My juicehead neighbor Swamp Rabbit and I were debating the merits of the Academy Award-winning One Battle After Another. “It’s what they call a tour de force,” I said. “A satire, a black comedy, a political statement, an action movie, … Continue reading →

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‘Bomb Iran’ (a golden oldie, back on the charts)

Posted on March 14, 2026 by oddmanout215

My neighbor Swamp Rabbit was beside himself with anger. “The hog monster is spending a billion dollars a day blowin’ up Iran. He called the war a little excursion. He says he’ll feel it in his bones when it’s time … Continue reading →

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So easy to love — for a while

Posted on February 15, 2026 by oddmanout215

My annoying neighbor Swamp Rabbit was addressing my tendency to be late with everything. “Yesterday was Valentine’s Day, Odd Man. Today is just another day.” I told him I was working yesterday and didn’t have time to think about love, … Continue reading →

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Where have all the protest songs gone?

Posted on January 31, 2026 by oddmanout215

I was telling my neighbor Swamp Rabbit that Bruce Springsteen’s new song about the DHS murders in Minneapolis is heartfelt and timely. Too bad the melody is dreary, the vocal overwrought and the likelihood of the song changing the beliefs … Continue reading →

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Fun in the sun at five above

Posted on January 27, 2026 by oddmanout215

It was 14 degrees above zero in Philly today and five above when the wind blew. “At least the sun is shining,” my neighbor Swamp Rabbit said as he watched me shovel the snow that had buried my ancient Honda. … Continue reading →

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Songs for a cool Yule and beyond

Posted on December 26, 2025 by oddmanout215

I was putting together this year’s Christmas playlist with help from my neighbor Swamp Rabbit, who has strong opinions about holiday music. “No more ‘Jingle Bells!’” he shouted. “There are two thousand versions out there and they all suck.” He … Continue reading →

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Giving thanks at the swamp

Posted on November 28, 2025 by oddmanout215

I couldn’t remember whose turn it was this year, so I went ahead and bought the turkey hoagies at Wawa while there was still time. When I got back my neighbor Swamp Rabbit was sitting on his porch, drinking whisky … Continue reading →

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