Judge, Jury & Executioner

email: jimbrett@troublebound.com

What Jim says:    

I have been a rock music fan(atic) all of my life.  The first record (vinyl, of course) that I bought was Hot Rocks, the Rolling Stones Greatest Hits.  That was back in 1971, when the record was thought to be the finale to a stellar decade-long career.  Although someone recently told me they are still together, I find that hard to believe; they must be in their sixties!

The Stones were my first favorite band, but not my last.  Through the years, my favorites at different times have included Jefferson Airplane, Stevie Wonder, Yes, Jethro Tull, Bruce Springsteen, The Clash, R.E.M., U2, X,  Ministry, Bob Mould, Nine Inch Nails, Steve Earle and Yo La Tengo.  Not a bad list, nobody to be embarrassed about (well, maybe Yes and Jethro Tull.)  Over the last nearly 30 years, I have bought about 250 vinyl albums, 200 tapes and 600 (and counting) CDs.  The majority of these only gave me fleeting, momentary pleasure, and I do not listen to them anymore.  But I keep buying because some of this music has brought me tremendous enjoyment, and a few are surpassing works of true artistry that provide new thrills each time I listen. 

Jim lives in suburban Chicago and is married with two teenage daughters, who frustrate him by listening to nearly all of the bad pop music out there today.  However, they are wonderful in every other way!

Staff Writer

email: steveherlihy@troublebound.com

What Steve says:    

I am a Rock and Roll fan who tends to take music a bit more seriously than the average person. My background in Journalism may explain my predilection for the intelligent, well-written lyric. The first album I ever bought was The Temptation's Psychedelic Shack way back in 1970.

While growing up, I especially enjoyed The Who and Gordon Lightfoot. But there was a whole lot in between to appreciate. My favorites over the years have been: The Who, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Gordon Lightfoot, Bruce Springsteen, The Clash, U2, X, Bob Mould/Sugar, Nine Inch Nails, and Pearl Jam. I have collected close to 1,000 vinyl records and over 600 CDs.  I continue to enjoy the old Rock and Roll and although it may not conjure up the same passion, the music still holds up and is enjoyed for the song craft, musicianship, and intelligence with which it was originally recorded.

Steve lives in suburban Chicago, is single, and continues to search for new music that will add insight and inspiration to his life.