Page 7 - Farr Side News Today

By David T. Farr On rare occasions, I get the urge to throw something at my TV.  It almost happened a couple of weekends ago, as I was watching “American Idol.” It was becoming increasingly possible that something quite sad was about to happen. Due to an unfortunate twist this season, one of the best contestants to ever take the “Idol” stage was sent home.  I saw it coming when the week before contestants from last year’s unfortunate pandemic season were allowed to return to compete...

David T. Farr I remember watching the Grammy Awards broadcast and enjoying it. It was cool to watch all the collaborations like only the Grammys can pull off. That’s also when it meant something to win a Grammy. It is music’s highest honor, but over the past few years, that honor has lost some of its shine.  In 1994, the trustees of The Recording Academy put into play so-called nominations-review committees. This was a move to bring about necessary changes and, perhaps, see a “younger”...

by David T. Farr You may not know him by name, but I’m certain you know his lyrics, especially if you’ve been at a karaoke bar.  James Steinman, American composer, lyricist, playwright and record producer, passed away April 19 at age 73.  Dropping just a few of the names of some of his most iconic songs will show the significant his songwriting: “Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad,” “Paradise By The Dashboard Light” and “I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do that.)” Of cour...

By David T. Farr It wouldn’t surprise me if, in the coming years, we open a Merriam-Webster dictionary  see a picture of Taylor Swift next to the word “fearless.”  In last week’s column, I wrote about how Swift fought back against the industry.  The singer has rewritten the record books with the release of her latest album, “Fearless (Taylor’s Version).” The album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 200 album chart.  I have written numerous times over the past couple of year...

David T. Farr Taylor Swift is a name we are going to know for a long time, not only because she’s an award-winning singer/songwriter and global superstar. She also is an artist who fought back, undaunted, against the business side of the industry. Swift’s music has touched countless fans with music that means so much to her. Ever since it was pulled out from under her, a stronger woman has emerged. Swift has grown immensely as a person, artist, entertainer and business woman since her first...

David T. Farr “American Idol.” Is there a better reality-TV talent show?  One could make a case for “America’s Got Talent” or “The Voice.” But you can’t touch “American Idol” for its ability to launch significant careers, on a consistent basis. “America’s Got Talent” has my vote for second place. It’s entertaining and we’ve seen stars emerge. “The Voice” doesn’t do it for me. Too much hype, more about the coaches and less about finding potential stars.  In ...

David T. Farr You are not old until someone puts a number on it. Have you ever thought about it like that?  I’m not going through a mid-life crisis. I haven’t switched out my Pacifica for a sporty 2-door convertible or dyed my hair for a more youthful appearance (not to say I didn’t do that once upon a time). But I don’t like labels and I don’t believe we should put an age cap on things we like. (Well, not everything – spandex comes to mind.)  At times, we are reminded of our age....

David T. Farr Thirty-five years ago, Janet Jackson decided it was time to take control of her music career.  It was a bold move for a young female artist to make at the time, especially one standing in the shadows of her successful brothers, particularly Michael. But it was the right thing to do.  “Control” was released in February 1986. It was her third album, following minor success with “Janet Jackson” (1982) and “Dream Street” (1984).  “Control” went on to become a game-c...

Missoula’s Beloved El Cazador Second Location Open & Hiring The only thing better than El Cazadors fresh made tortilla chips and scrumptious salsa is having two places to get em. Of course the original location is still open downtown, at the corner of Front and Higgins. And you may have noticed the El Caz taco truck parked at the old Viva Mexico parking lot on South Avenue in 2020, right next to Farr Side Signs. Well the owners of El Caz actually bought that old restaurant building and turned...

So my newfound love for vinyl has allowed many new and interesting conversations with friends, readers and fellow music lovers. I