Tag Archives: 1960’s

60 Years Ago – ‘Changin’ Times: 101 Days That Shaped A Generation’ by Al Sussman

On the 10 year anniversary of the release of Al Sussman’s book, ‘Changin’ Times: 101 Days That Shaped A Generation’, the world is still intrigued with the era.

Beatles expert and author Al Sussman is pleased to announce the 10 year anniversary of his first book, Changin’ Times: 101 Days That Shaped A Generation (Parading Press ISBN: 978-0-9892555-1-6).

Changin’ Times takes a look back 60 years ago at the 101 days from November 22, 1963 through March 1, 1964 and the after-effects of the John Kennedy assassination, the start of the 1964 political year, the instability in South Vietnam that would lead to the expansion of the war, the very early indications of the domestic turmoil that would come to define the ’60s, the technology of the times, and the pop culture British Invasion that preceded the musical one.

Amazon reviewers have called the book:

“…essential reading for any fan of twentieth century history and/or pop culture”

“…a well-researched, deep dive into American culture between the JFK assassination and the British Invasion.”

Changin’ Times: 101 Days That Shaped A Generation is available on Kindle for $5.95

A former radio analyst for ASCAP, Al Sussman is currently the Executive Editor of Beatlefan Magazine and has worked for over 50 years in an official capacity for the Fest for Beatles Fans.  Al Sussman lives in Pittsburgh, PA.

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Album Review: “Now It’s All This!” by The Red Button

Now It's All This The Red ButtonI’ve come to trust that whenever my PR friend Maureen Daye Pietoso from JEM Records sends me information about the latest band she’s promoting that it’s going to be well worth my while to listen! This one doesn’t do anything but just reconfirmed this belief.

Now It’s All This! is The Red Button‘s third album, but it’s a whole lot more than just that. This album not only contains 6 new songs, and 4 unplugged remakes, it also contains their first two albums…33 tracks in all! The Red Button is made up of Seth Swirsky (whose name I’ve seen around Facebook but had no idea what he did for a living!) and Mike Ruekberg.

It was hard to pinpoint all the influences and sounds in this band, there are just so many! In the new songs, you’ll not only hear that Beatlesque sound that you would expect to be there if it’s being reviewed on this blog, but you’re also going to hear influential hints of The Monkees, The Knack and Weezer all rolled into the EP’s six tracks. The very first track on the new EP, Can’t Let Candy Go, is going to make you want to break out your Go-Go boots and bell bottoms and dance. Tracy’s Party and the title track are definitely in the Beatlesque style. Solitude Saturday has what I thought were some great harmonies reminiscent of the 70’s and reminded me a lot of Gilbert O’Sullivan. And the song Picture, one of the unplugged songs, has definite sounds of something Brian Wilson might have written for the Beach Boys.

This album is power-pop at it’s very best. It’ll take you back with the good feelings of the songs from the 60’s, 70’s,  and 80’s while still being able to stand up to the very best in today’s pop music. Whether you download it or buy the actual CD, you’re going to love it! And for that reason…

I rate this CD, 4 out of 4 Beetles!

 

 

 

 

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