How Lou Reed taught me to play better golf

In this blog, originally published in March 2017, I recall Lou Reed telling me in an interview that he didn't worry about what his songs meant. Otherwise, he might 'interfere with the process' of songwriting. Years later, I realized it was a great lesson for golf, writing and any kind of performance. Need a pick-me up during the lockdown? Listen to Rock 'n' Roll from Rock 'n' Roll Animal.  I had the coolest job in the world. In my world, at … [Read more...]

How Lou Reed taught me to play better golf

Ezine #4—I had the coolest job in the world. In my world, at least. In 1986, I was the music critic for the Canadian Press news agency in Toronto. I was paid to listen to albums, go to concerts and interview rock stars, and write about it all. Among the folks I interviewed one-on-one were David Bowie, Robert Plant, Peter Gabriel and Joe Strummer. Usually, I was pretty cool about meeting these people, but every once in a while I’d get … [Read more...]

Saying goodbye to Lou Reed and his rock ‘n’ roll heart

    It was shocking to learn on Sunday afternoon that Lou Reed had died. He seemed like such a tough guy that he would prevail against most anything. But he had been a smoker, certainly a user of drugs, and a hard drinker. He underwent a liver transplant in April—also a surprise—but he paid the price when his body gave out at 71. Lou was a tough guy. That is, he waded into dark allies with self-assuredness that he’d … [Read more...]