Don Van Vliet, aka Captain Beefheart has died of complications from MS at 69 – now that’s some Low Yo Yo stuff. James Mann recalls a genius.

With over 40 albums and an unassailable legacy as the originator of one of Africa’s most popular and enduring sounds, the job of curating Fela Kuti’s catalog for the 21st century is a difficult and enviable task. Ink 19 dives into the Knitting Factory’s Chop n’ Quench, Fela’s first nine albums re-released, and gives a heads up on the Na Poi set of albums due to drop on May 11.

With over 40 albums and an unassailable legacy as the originator of one of Africa's most popular and enduring sounds, the job of curating Fela Kuti's catalog for the 21st century is a difficult and enviable task. Ink 19 dives into the Knitting Factory's Chop n' Quench, Fela's first nine albums re-released, and gives a heads up on the Na Poi set of albums due to drop on May 11.

Alex Chilton died March 17 in New Orleans. James Mann remembers the man who gave so much to so many.

Another tough year is dead and gone, leaving only the tough and the clever. Carl F Gauze remembers 19 of 2009’s great and not so great dead people.

The world lost an astonishingly gifted artist when singer-songwriter Vic Chesnutt passed away December 25, 2009.

James Mann finds it hard to say goodbye to an American Genius, and recounts all the wonderful ways he said hello.

Whether you are a fan of quirky detectives and wacky coincidences, or in-depth investigations with detailed forensic analysis, Acorn Media probably has a British mystery set that will appeal to you. Joe Frietze is here to take a look at four of their newest releases.

Not many musicians can claim the vitality and staying power that Bob Bogle and his band The Ventures have enjoyed. Steve Stav recalls the highlights of the man and his career.

After a week of YouTube mania, Steve Stav assesses the far-reaching ramifications of the Susan Boyle phenomenon in his essay on the Scottish singer.

In which Kevin Johanssen punks a famous independent actor/director/composer/supermodel. Warning: contains profanity. And Vincent Gallo.

Carl F Gauze rounds up the best of those who left us last year. If there’s a more perfect number than nineteen, we’ve yet to find it!

Are you tired of detective shows where the lead is a mess of addictions, neuroses, and failed relationships? If so, Joe Frietze recommends this trio of British mysteries with a different spin on the genre. Check out The Last Detective, DNA, and Midsomer Murders.

He declared “I’m A Man” and by damn, he was. Bo Diddley passes away at the age of 79, and James Mann takes a look at the man and the beat.

Don’t you dare close the book on 2007 yet! Carl F Gauze reviews the Top 19 celebrity deaths of the year that was, and you’re not likely to see these folks in soft-focus pinups in People Magazne.

Trying to put the sprawling creative mess that is Jamaican music into order is a daunting task… until you realize that a lot of it sprang from Studio One. Scott Adams recaps several reissues from C.S. “Coxsone” Dodd’s pivotal recording studio.

Jazz luminary Oscar Peterson has died at age 82 in Toronto. James Mann looks at the legendary pianist.

How can a band record one of the most influential tunes in rock history, perform for 47 straight years, sell at least 75 million albums and not be in Cleveland’s Hall of Fame? Lifelong fan Steve Stav examines this baffling rock ‘n’ roll mystery in his essay on the legendary Ventures.

Carl F Gauze tallies 19 deaths in 2006 that somehow affect all of us, even though we may have missed their obituary.

James Brown passed away on Christmas Day. Or did he? James Mann ponders the Godfather of Soul.