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The CHIRP Blog
Nikki Stout writesThe CHIRP Radio Interview: Author Bradley Morgan Discusses His Book “U2’s The Joshua Tree: Planting Roots in Mythic America”
Written over the course of pandemic and published today, December 1, Bradley Morgan’s new book U2’s The Joshua Tree: Planting Roots in Mythic America takes a critical look at the monumental album and how its call for justice in 1987 continues to resonate in an America shaped by the election of President Donald Trump.
Out today, Bradley's book offers a historical perspective on the circumstances and policy that allowed us to get where we are, and invites its readers to remain steadfast in hope and their belief in the human spirit.
I sat down with Bradley over Zoom to discuss the scope of the book, its message as told through The Joshua Tree, and how the legacies of the Reagan and Trump administrations continue to have global repercussions.
So, how do you feel? I've been following your posts about the numbers the book is doing leading up to the publishing date, and you are definitely making a mark. I would love to hear about your feelings on where you're at now with your relationship to the book, and your reaction to how, 11 months into Joe Biden's presidency, much of the work still applies.
To understand my relationship to this book, you have to take into consideration the journey I've taken to write it.
Prior to getting this published, I had never been a professional writer outside of a few pieces published here or there, so I didn't have much of a network. And when you're writing a book, it's not just about the quality of the writing but the pipelines of access to publishing resources.
So during that time, you’re going through a very isolated process because in writing you’re alone all the time. You have to reconcile your own issues and insecurities in order to get to a place where you have confidence in your writing. And even after getting a publishing contract, there are still ways in which your confidence can be shaken.
CHIRP Radio writesCHIRP Radio Weekly Voyages (Nov 29 - Dec 5)
On the Blog:
- A Thanksgiving Treat: Eddie Sayago feasts on a compilation of songs about food
Top of the CHIRP Charts for the week of 11/29/21:
Makaya McCraven – Deciphering The Message (Blue Note)
Eddie writesLet’s Eat! A CHIRP Radio Thanksgiving Playlist
by Eddie Sayago
Artwork: "Freedom from Want (Hipster Version)" by Tristan Elwell
There aren’t a lot of songs about Thanksgiving, which is a shame because this is a very unique holiday with plenty of history.
he woman who wrote “Mary Had A Little Lamb '' had spent decades petitioning to get Thanksgiving to become an official national holiday. Macy’s got involved with a parade. Black Friday became a thing, along with Black-out Wednesday.
But also, all the food. And booze. And desserts. And a four or five day weekend if you are lucky enough to have that much time off. And leftovers, which go well with Christmas ales brewed from your favorite brewery, or the harder stuff.
Here are some songs and trivia to share for neutral conversation-starters into the day-long feast stuffed with football with a side of disgruntled uncles and last minute guests and scrolling on your phone for Christmas gifts.
I am thankful for all the song suggestions from our fellow CHIRP volunteers and DJs Shawn, Craig Reptile, Jennifer, Alex, Moizza, The Audible Snail, Allí, Joe, and Bradley, who responded first to my inquiry about food songs.
“Cooking Up Something Good” by Mac DeMarco
From the album 2 (Captured Tracks, 2012)
Food is the guest of honor at any Thanksgiving feast. Everyone has a dish they are looking forward to on this day. For me, it’s a homemade macaroni ‘n’ cheese that my mom has made for as long as I can remember. The texture and taste makes it half mac ‘n’ cheese and part macaroni salad.
CHIRP Radio writesCHIRP Radio Weely Voyages (Nov 22 - Nov 28)
On the Podcast:
- Mike Nicholich interviews Philip-Michael Scales
On the Blog:
- Kevin Fullam reviews The Daughter, part of the 2021 Chicago Critics Film Festival
- Eddie Sayago compares two versions of "Red Red Wine"
Top of the CHIRP Charts for the week of 11/15/21:
ABBA – Voyage (Capitol)
Eddie writesTake Two: “Red Red Wine” (Neil Diamond Vs. UB40)
by Eddie Sayago
There is a chance that you have come across a song (or two, or so many more) that you enjoy and did not realize that it's either been covered by someone else or is a cover itself. We hope that this series allows you to appreciate both the original and the covers they have inspired, and to seek out and enjoy new music in the process.
In this entry, we pay homage to a very popular drinking song that has been on a very crazy journey, from the pen and paper of its songwriter to the top of the pop charts on two continents at two different times during the 1980s.
The Original: Neil Diamond
The cover we will discuss is a dance party compared to Neil Diamond’s depressing look at lost love.
The song, which was a minor but unmemorable single from the Just For You album, is full of heartbreak, as Neil sings about a woman who left him and he is all alone with his bottle of red wine. It almost sounds like he’s holding back tears in the first verse.
There is also a cover of “I’m A Believer” on Just For You, which he wrote and was recorded by The Monkees, scoring Diamond his first big payday and #1 hit as a songwriter.
At this point of his career, he was best known for writing hit songs for other artists, and Just For You would be a turning point. He performs the song on occasion, which is a crowd favorite, along with “Cherry, Cherry” and “Sweet Caroline.”