The glass bottom boat of the cultural press
But cruel is the gospel that sets us all free,
Then takes you away from me.
Should a love be tender, and bleed out loud?
Or be tougher than tough, and prouder than proud.
If I’m troubled by every folding of your skirt,
Am I guilty of every male inflicted hurt?
But I don’t know how to describe the modern rose,
When I can’t refer to her shape against her clothes.
With the fever of purple prose
–Prefab Sprout, “Cruel”
In 1977, Here at Last… Bee Gees …Live cemented the Bee Gees’ budding reputation as world-class master songsmiths. 46 years later, longtime Ink 19 writer Christopher Long nabs a well-loved $6 vinyl copy at a Florida flea market — replacing his long-loved and lost-to-the-ages original record.
All-American music legend Bonnie Raitt played the Riverwind Casino Showplace Theatre in Norman, Oklahoma, recently while on her Live 2025 international concert tour. Longtime Ink 19 contributor Christopher Long was there and got the goods.
“Little Dreaming” (Darkroom / Polydor / Capitol). Review by Danielle Holian.
Everything Changes, Everything Stays the Same (Tapete Records). Review by Peter Lindblad.
Stories I Only Tell My Friends (Blackbird Records). Review by Bob Pomeroy.
Bone Bells (Pyroclastic Records). Review by Bob Pomeroy.
In this installment of his popular weekly series, Christopher Long recalls rolling up on a used record joint in Myrtle Beach where he scored a clean and quiet vinyl copy of Hermit of Mink Hollow, the 1978 masterpiece from Todd Rundgren, for just $2.
Ink 19 spoke with Brendan James to discuss the inspiration behind Chasing Light, his uniquely alluring sound, and why he makes music.