Run-DMSteve

  • Middle-aged punks on dope

    “I am what I am. Thank God.” – Jimi Hendrix, “Message to Love” A co-worker entered my humble cubicle one day late in 2012 and said, “Flashback!” He was looking at the two shelves above my desk, which held a row of CDs, a display of old postcards, and the…

  • Give me that old time rock ’n’ roll

    Rebel Soul Kid Rock 2012 I first encountered Kid Rock when Devil Without a Cause (1998) served up two mega-hits, “Bawitdaba” and “Cowboy,” both of which are totally awesome if you’re a teenager and clueless. I thought of him again in 2004, when my boss at the time and his…

  • A tale of two miracles

    My parents sell hardware and housewares at a flea market. They’ve been doing this for 30 years. They’re now well into their 80s. This is probably what keeps them going, the trek every Sunday to the old warehouse where they banter with their neighboring dealers and try to extract money…

  • Rage against the Bikini Machine

    Bikini Machine joue Dutronc Bikini Machine 2011 I was looking at Allmusic.com’s lists of recommended songs and albums for 1969 when I hit “Le Responsable” by Jacques Dutronc (from the album Un disque MAXI). Messr. Dutronc is a legend in France but unknown in the USA. He was definitely unknown…

  • It takes a nation of millions to pay for our health care

    Baby Boomers Social Club Dance Red Lion Convention Center 7 December 2012 Portland, Oregon The mosh pit formed early on that rainy Friday night thanks to one of the best cover bands I’ve heard in years, Crash Sunday. This all-male quintet (average age around 40) knew what we wanted to…