Wednesday, March 27, 2019

The awesomeness of American pop music

Three degrees of hook separation... I feel it in my bones...







Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Friday, March 15, 2019

"Higher returns on education can’t explain growing wage inequality"

The college wage premium remains very high in the United States, but its role in explaining recent inequality trends is negligible. A very insightful post from EPI's Elise Gould.

Thursday, March 7, 2019

Well I'll be darned

I'm not fond of the language of "sin." And David Brooks sees absolutely nothing new here that was not always sitting squarely in front of his face. But it's still quite something to read a defense of reparations coming from his pen.

Friday, March 1, 2019

Can Music Be Perfect? Vol. 85

The album Glitter Wolf by Allison Miller's Boom Tic Boom got a rave review on Fresh Air the other day, and I hope it helps her sell some albums and concert tickets. The music is stunningly good, and really fun. Miller's playing and composition bring out the best in Myra Melford, who is clearly having a ball. Her solo on this track, commencing around 3:30, exhibits many of the traits that make her my favorite pianist: elaborate modal runs, thundering Tyner-like chords, Taylor-esque motifs, and her own special sauce. Actually, Miller seems to bring out the best in everyone, including Jenny Scheinman and Ben Goldberg, two musicians I admire but don't always enjoy. Highly recommended.