Strip malls (also called mini-malls, pod malls, power centers, retail parks, shopping centers, and shopping plazas) and malls in general are symbols of suburbia that although overabundant are rarely paid much attention. I find them interesting, however, mainly because I’m amused by their often pretentious names and ornamentation which I guess is designed to elevate … Continue reading Mini-Mallism — Visiting 2829 Hyperion Avenue
Month: February 2015
15 American Pop Hits That Aren’t in English
In the United States there is no official language and in roughly 18% of American homes, one of hundreds of languages other than English is primarily spoken -- all of which, unless they're indigenous, should be considered "foreign languages." In Los Angeles, everyday you can hear pop songs on the radio in Cantonese, English, Farsi, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, … Continue reading 15 American Pop Hits That Aren’t in English
Dirty Roots: Southern Hip-Hop Part I — The 12″ Era (1979-1983)
As far as my ears can tell, pretty near every rapper from Inglewood to Plumstead nowadays owes more than a little something to the rise of the Dirty South sound that pretty much took over hip-hop in the late 1990s. As anyone with more than a passing familiarity with the genre knows, however, southern hip-hop was … Continue reading Dirty Roots: Southern Hip-Hop Part I — The 12″ Era (1979-1983)
Black Hillbilly
The first non-Native American settlers of Appalachia and later, the Ozarks, were of primarily of three ethnicities: Scots-Irish, English, and German. These hard-working farmers and craftsmen created a distinct culture which in the 19th Century came to be named “hillbilly.” Although the Northern European roots of hillbilly are routinely acknowledged, even scholars on the culture … Continue reading Black Hillbilly
California Fool’s Gold — Exploring Victor Heights
FOREWORD Most of the communities that I explore and feature in California Fool’s Gold were chosen by popular vote but I explored Victor Heights for different reasons. Firstly, as one of the more obscure corners of Mideast Los Angeles (MELA), it’s long-held for me a certain appeal. Secondly, Big Red’s check engine light went on and … Continue reading California Fool’s Gold — Exploring Victor Heights
One album wonders: The Glove’s Blue Sunshine
THE GLOVE - BLUE SUNSHINE (recorded 1982, released 1983) For about 40 years The Cure have been the main creative outlet for Robert Smith but he's engaged in the occasional side project here and there (and there). Whilst not as obscure as Cogasm or Cult Hero, The Glove and their sole album, Blue Sunshine, is a one … Continue reading One album wonders: The Glove’s Blue Sunshine
Eric Brightwell 