September 23, 2005: Added a new page: The Wiggles, and a review of My Chemical Romance on the Concert File page. Sorry for the eternal gap between updates; I don't have a good excuse, just preoccupied with other stuff. As you can imagine, lots has happened with the kids: Dennis is now a full-fledged terror around the house and has half a dozen words, while Abe has memorized "Jabberwocky." I've posted a photo of what of he's been up to all summer. December 9, 2004: Added a new page: Richard X. Heyman, and reviews of the Youth Talent Show at the Ypsilanti Heritage Festival on the Concert File page, and photos of Abe laying down the funk, le déjeuner sur l'herbe, and bad habits getting an early start. Plus I've instituted the Thinking Surfer's Beatles Quiz. Dennis is walking now, while Abe can put on his own belt. October 11, 2004: Added a new page: Harry Belafonte, and reviews of Hullabaloo, The Laith Al-Saadi Band and The Vote for Change Tour on the Concert File page. Dennis has two teeth and is crawling, while Abe has learned to ride a bike (with training wheels).
July 13, 2004: Added a new page: Carpenters. And Abe is now completely potty trained, and Dennis is rolling over!
April 5, 2004: Added three new pages: Cheap Trick, The Smithereens and Neil Young, reviews of two Lewis Shiner books, and pictures of brotherly love and toothless smiles. And Abe got to carry the cross in the Palm Sunday procession, and Dennis slept through the night!
March 8, 2004: Added two new pages: Bob Seger and Stevie Wonder, a concert review of Snorkelhead, a new poll and pictures of Abe playing with Dennis and Dad teaching him bad habits. And Abe has finally found a couple rock songs he likes ("We Will Rock You" and "The Night Time is the Right Time"), plus he's staying dry all day!
February 10, 2004: As you can see, we've added a new contributor. See our new editorial staff. Added a new page: Queen and an entry to Music That Irritates Me, and a picture of Abe having his first jam session (with Uncle John).
January 15, 2004: Added two new pages: Prince and Nick Lowe,
November 25, 2003: Added two new pages: J. Armen and Tim Buckley,
October 28, 2003: Added two new pages: Marvin Gaye and Guns n' Roses, and a book review of The Savage Nation. And Abe actually ate a vegetable!
October 1, 2003: Added four new pages: Bobby Bland, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Barbara Manning and My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult, and a photo of Abe, master of all he surveys. Sorry for the delay, but you'll be glad to know the manuscript of "Three decades since Prejudices and Antipathies: A study of changes in the Library of Congress Subject Headings" is complete. And Abe is now counting to thirty, and can sing the words and tune of "Alphabet Song," "Row Row Row Your Boat", and other favorites, and unzip his own pajamas.
August 12, 2003: Added a review of Search and Nearness by the Rascals and a glossary to the Disclaimer page. And Abe is now using subject-verb-object sentences ("Daddy come shoes").
August 8, 2003: Sorry about the long wait: I've been concentrating on school (if you're looking to hire a librarian, please see my Hire Steve web page. Added reviews of The Airbag's Lipstick Kiss by Disclaimer and Tales from Topographic Oceans by Yes, a passel of book reviews, and a new entry to Music That Irritates Me. And Abe has learned to strum a ukulele and count to twenty.
July 10, 2003: Added a page: Linda Ronstadt and three book reviews, and new entries to Music That Makes My Day and Music That Irritates Me, and added a preview of coming attractions. And Abe has started singing ("Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and "Dinah Blow Your Horn").
June 18, 2003: Added a new page: Elton John and and a review of See by the Rascals, and changed the poll. And Abe celebrated his second birthday last weekend with a gala party (see pictures.)
June 10, 2003: Added two new pages: Jim Akans and The Georgia Satellites, and a book review of Around the World in 45 Years by Charles M. Schulz. And Abe has developed empathy (whenever I wash my face – a calamity in his book – he says "K, daddy?) and said his first sentence ("I like it!" in reference to Honey-Comb cereal.)
June 2, 2003: Added a new page: José Feliciano and reviews of Freedom Suite by the Rascals, London Town by Wings, Cuttin' Heads by John Mellencamp and book reviews of The Reconstruction Presidents by Brooks D. Simpson and A Storm in Flanders by Winston Groom. And Abe has learned to walk the wrong way up the slide, and acquired a nickname ("Shoedini," from his ability to escape any footwear he's in).
May 12, 2003: Added reviews of Once Upon a Dream and Time Peace by the Rascals, and Abe can climb up and go down the playground slide all by himself.
May 8, 2003: Added a new page: Pink Floyd and a review of Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen, and reviews of three books by Dave Marsh.
May 1, 2003: Added two pages: Led Zeppelin and Moby, three book reviews, and new entries to Music That Makes My Day and Music That Irritates Me. Also, a reader comment on the Guys and Dolls page is seeking assistance finding the movie soundtrack, if you can help.
April 15, 2003: Added a page: One Fluid Ounce, two reviews: Groovin' by the Rascals and John Mellencamp, and a photo of Abe meeting with high-level diplomats to sort out the whole Iraq mess. And Abe used the potty for the first time this week. P.S. Happy tax day! We did ours early and already got our refund (Didn't get a refund? Try having a kid and a mortgage; your deductions are huge.)
March 26, 2003: Added a review: Collections by the Rascals, and updated the Second Opinions page
March 25, 2003: added three new page: The Rascals, The Jayhawks and Los Niños de Sara, and three book reviews. Abe is using two word phrases, knows most of his letters, can drink with a straw, and has almost completely given up his pacifier.
February 25, 2003: added a new page: Soundtrack Mind, a review: Nebraska by Bruce Springsteen, three book reviews, two entries to Music That Irritates Me, and changed the poll. It's been a big month for Abe: he's got new words almost every day, he knows the letters O and B, he can count to five if he concentrates, and we finally took the baby gate off the stairs.
January 31, 2003: added three new pages: The James Gang, Guys and Dolls, and Delusional, and a review: Greatest Hits, Etc. by Paul Simon, and added an old photo of Abe kicking it. And Abe is trying out galloping, skipping, and assorted funny walks (at first I thought he hurt his leg!)
January 15, 2003: added two new pages: The Clash and Meat Puppets, an entry to Music That Irritates Me, and a book review of The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien. And Abe learned to say "off" and "on" but not necessarily to distinguish them, and to point out most of the colors.
January 2, 2003: Now that we're officially done with all that "goodwill toward men" stuff, I've added five new pages (best read in this order): Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Velvet Underground, Television, Van Morrison, and Paul Simon, plus new entries to Music That Makes My Day and Music That Irritates Me, and a book review of Poland by James A. Michener. Interestingly, I also got two BTO comments on the same day. And Abe can now identify the colors blue and purple, and navigate a short flight of stairs by himself.
December 13, 2002: added a new page: Mineral Kings
December 12, 2002: added two new pages: The Allman Brothers Band and John Denver, a photo of Abe listening to the "Mountain Jam" drum solo, and the most insightful reader comment I've gotten in ages. And it's been a busy fortnight for Abe: he learned to wipe his nose, do the Chicken Dance, and point to most of his body parts.
November 27, 2002: added a review: Tunnel of Love by Bruce Springsteen, an entry to Music That Irritates Me, and a photo of Abe at the controls
November 12, 2002: added a review: Born in the U.S.A. by Bruce Springsteen, a book review: The Myth of the Great War by John Mosier, and an entry to Music That Makes My Day
October 30, 2002: added a new page: Nirvana
October 22, 2002: added a new page: Tony Spinelli, and a review: The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan, and Abe has learned to kick a ball
October 21, 2002: added a new page: What I've Really Been Listening To Lately, a review: In Concert by Bruce Springsteen, and a book review: Breach of Faith by Theodore H. White
October 11, 2002: added a review: The Rising by Bruce Springsteen
September 30, 2002: added two pages: Yes and Emerson, Lake & Palmer, entries to Music That Makes My Day and Music That Irritates Me, and two book reviews: The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco and The Living Alphabet, by Warren Chappell, and Abe has learned to throw temper tantrums.
Also, I'm pleased to report that Crabapple Tapes Co. is releasing Revenge of the Quirky Genius: The Best of Steve Knowlton and the Knowl-Tones. Please visit their website and check it out.
September 10, 2002: added a page: The White Stripes, photos of Abe starting his musical career and a fashion trend, and Abe discovered his penis.
September 4, 2002: added a page: Eagles, an entry to Music That Makes My Day, and two book reviews: Napoleon by Paul Johnson and The Origins of the Koran, edited by Ibn Warraq.
September 3, 2002: added a page: Roy Orbison and Abe added "hi" and "up" to his vocabulary.
August 26, 2002: added two reviews: Lucky Town and Live in New York City by Bruce Springsteen
August 15, 2002: added a page: Joni Mitchell and reviews of a couple magazines, and Abe learned how to catch a ball.
August 8, 2002: added a review: The River by Bruce Springsteen
August 7, 2002: added a page: Madonna and two book reviews: Halving It All by Francine M. Deutsch and The Oak-Openings by James Fenimore Cooper.
July 29, 2002: added a new review: V by Chicago and a book review: German for Everybody — and You! by Rudolf Böhringer. July 19, 2002: added two new pages: The Impressions and Dread Zeppelin and new entries to Music That Irritates Me and Music That Makes My Day and a new picture of Abe at his birthday party
July 16, 2002: many apologies to my 23 loyal readers who logged on every day last month in a fruitless effort to read something new from the scintillating pen of Steve and Abe - I was bogged down at work and then we went on vacation - I promise to do better. Anyway, today we added two new pages: John Knowlton and Pretenders, and two new book reviews: The Beatles as Musicians by Walter Everett and Chicago: Feelin' Stronger Every Day by Ben Joseph, and Abe's been up to a lot: had his first birthday part (much cake all over his face), learned to walk backwards, developed separation anxiety (a normal stage) and survived his first airplane flight.
June 4, 2002: added two new pages: Lene Lovich and Frank Zappa, two new reviews: Blood on the Tracks by Bob Dylan and Chicago III, an entry to Music That Irritates Me, and new photos of Abe (including a shot of him in action!), plus I updated my Musical Resume to include links to reviews, added new sites to my Second Opinions page, and Abe said his second word ("hey" pronounced Fonzie-style – "aaay" – but he hasn't mastered the thumbs up-and-out gesture).
May 17, 2002: added a new page: Garth Hudson
May 16, 2002: added a new page: Chicago, a new Silly List, and it's been a busy couple of weeks for Abe: he learned how to clap and said his first word ("mama"). Unfortunately, he's also acquired the habit of biting his parents.
May 2, 2002: added a new page: Concert File
April 26, 2002: added two new reviews: Cosmo's Factory by Creedence Clearwater Revival and 24 Hours a Day by the Bottle Rockets, a book review: Grant by William S. McFeely, and Abe figured out how to stand up on his own. We're in trouble now!
April 25, 2002: added a new page: Kiss, and Abe took his first steps
April 16, 2002: added a new special feature: Macca Meets Jacko, and Abe had a big day: his first haircut, and he stood up on his own!
April 15, 2002: last of the raves for a while: Darkness on the Edge of Town by Bruce Springsteen
April 12, 2002: added another fave rave: Electric Landlady by Kirsty MacColl, new entries to Music That Irritates Me and Music That Makes My Day, and a book review of The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
April 2, 2002: added another fave rave: Gordon by Barenaked Ladies
April 1, 2002: added two new pages: The Strokes and The Bottle Rockets. The latter is the first in a new series; I've decided to bring you reviews of some of my all-time favorites. It's hard to write good criticism of music you adore (too hard to be objective) but I'll try. Forgive the slobbering.
March 29, 2002: added two new pages: Britney Spears and Van Halen
March 21, 2002: added a new page: Stone Temple Pilots, a new review: Highway 61 Revisited by Bob Dylan and new photo of Abe
March 15, 2002: added two new pages: The Andrews Sisters and The Marshall Tucker Band
March 13, 2002: finished the Mix Tapes page
March 12, 2002: added a new page: Mix Tapes; it's not complete yet, but I feel I really owe my audience something after this long drought; I'll post the rest tomorrow
February 25, 2002: added new entries to Music That Irritates Me and Music That Makes My Day
February 22, 2002: added a new page: Wings
February 20, 2002: added a new entry to Music That Irritates Me
February 14, 2002: added a new page: Disclaimer
February 13, 2002: added a new review: Willie and the Poor Boys by Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Abe learned to crawl this weekend!
February 5, 2002: added a new page: Creedence Clearwater Revival
January 25, 2002: added a new review: A Night on the Town by Rod Stewart and made the books page flashier
January 24, 2002: added a new review: Quadrophenia by The Who and indented my paragraphs
January 22, 2002: added a new page: Shonen Knife
January 18, 2002: added a new page: Mötley Crüe
January 17, 2002: added a new page: Steve Knowlton and the Knowl-Tones, and a new photo of Abe
January 14, 2002: added a new page: George Harrison, and new entries to Music That Irritates Me and Music That Makes My Day
January 11, 2002 (hope you enjoyed the holidays): added a new page: The Cast of South Park and a book review of Westviking by Farley Mowat, and thoroughly revised my Second Opinions page.
December 19, 2001: added a new page: Johnny Cash
December 18, 2001: added a new page: James Brown
December 12, 2001: added two new pages: Sonic Youth and Rod Stewart, and a new entry to Music That Irritates Me. Plus, Abe got his first tooth.
December 6, 2001: added reviews of The Best of The Stylistics and Self Portrait by Bob Dylan
December 4, 2001: added my Musical Resume, changed the Poll, and added my page of Silly Lists
November 30, 2001: added reviews of Mr. Happy Go Lucky by John Mellencamp and Nashville Skyline by Bob Dylan
November 28, 2001 (sorry for the delay, Thanksgiving break tied me up): added two new pages: The Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive, and a review of Tommy by The Who
November 21, 2001: added a new feature: Turkeys and Gravy
November 20, 2001 (sorry for the delay, I was out of town): added a review: Time Out of Mind by Bob Dylan and new entries to Music That Irritates Me and Music That Makes My Day
November 13, 2001: added a new page: The Rolling Stones, a new review: Is This Desire? by PJ Harvey, a book review of Probability 1 by Amir D. Aczel, and new entries to Music That Irritates Me and Music That Makes My Day
November 9, 2001: added a new page: Gloria Estefan
November 8, 2001: added a new review: Other Voices by Paul Young
November 7, 2001: added a new page: Gilby Clarke, a book review of The Fermata by Nicholson Baker, and a slightly newer photo of Abe
November 6, 2001: added a new review: Moondog Matinee by The Band
November 2, 2001: added a new page: Wreckless Eric
November 1, 2001: added a reader poll and a few reader comments
October 31, 2001: added two new pages: Primus and XTC, a review of Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy by the Who, book reviews of Double Fold by Nicholson Baker and Across the Great Divide by Barney Hoskyns, and a slew of reader comments
October 29, 2001: added a new page: Paul Young, and new entries to Music That Irritates Me, and Music That Makes My Day
October 26, 2001: added a new page: P.J. Harvey, and two new reviews: Stage Fright and Cahoots by The Band
October 25, 2001: added a new page: Melissa Etheridge
October 24, 2001: added a brief note on Anthology by the Beatles
October 23, 2001: added 3 new pages: The Who, Gary U.S. Bonds, and George Michael
October 22, 2001: added a new page: Ministry, and another entry to Music That Irritates Me.
October 19, 2001: added a new page: Elvis Costello and the Attractions, and two new reviews: The Band and Northern Lights, Southern Cross by The Band
October 18, 2001: added 2 new reviews: The Basement Tapes by Bob Dylan and The Band, a book review of The Coming by Joe Haldeman, and another entry to Music That Irritates Me. Plus more reader comments. October 17, 2001: formatting breakthrough: added indexing to all pages with more than one album, thanks to a lot of help from my pal Jason Justian, who runs Clockwork Logic, a company you should hire for all your web development needs. October 15, 2001: added four new page: Alice Cooper, Europe, Jane Wiedlin, and a ratings comparison page. October 12, 2001: added a new page: Radiohead, and two new entries to Music That Makes My Day October 11, 2001: added new pages: Music That Makes My Day and Bob Newhart October 9, 2001: added new reviews: Abbey Road and Past Masters by Ringo Starr and The Presidents of the United States of America October 8, 2001: added new reviews: Big Daddy and Whenever We Wanted by John Mellencamp October 5, 2001: added new reviews: American Fool, Uh-Huh, Scarecrow and The Lonesome Jubilee by John Mellencamp October 3, 2001: added a new review: Let It Be by Ringo Starr October 2, 2001: added a new review: Islands by The Band, a book review of the Harry Potter series, and another entry to Music That Irritates Me September 28, 2001: added a new page: Music That Irritates Me September 27, 2001: added a new review: Music from Big Pink by The Band September 26, 2001: added a new revew: Dance Naked by John Mellencamp Complaints, criticisms, or bribery reviews: Contact me!
My apologies for the long delay in updates. Some of my web attention has been devoted to building the Rascals Reference Page. I invite you to visit and send me your comments!
Sorry it's been so long for an update, but life doesn't get any less busy with two kids!
If you're going to be in the Ann Arbor area on Saturday, July 17, please come see the Pseudonyms at Liberty Plaza (corner of Liberty and Division) for a free show at 5:00 p.m.
and a truckload of book reviews. Lots of nice reader comments, too, including a lengthy rebuttal to Disclaimer's The Airbag's Lipstick Kiss.
In a distressing development, Abe has developed preferences in music. He likes church music and folk songs, and hates rock and roll (so far he has rejected classics including "Bad Moon Rising," "Satisfaction," and "Eight Days a Week," saying, "I don't like that hymn".) The sole exception is "Weird Al" Yankovic's rendition of "George of the Jungle."
a review of Mamma Mia! on the Concert File page,
a review of Let It Be... Naked by Paul McCartney's Ego,
and two book reviews,
and new entries to Music That Makes My Day and Music That Irritates Me.
Plus posted photos of Abe emulating his dad, and his mom, and primping for his first trick-or-treating.
And Abe has discovered that his finger fits in his nose, and written his first song (it goes [random guitar note] "Goldfish! Ooh!").
I also updated Abe's rating scale and the bribery review policy.
And if you haven't checked out the poll results lately, you should. Anonymous vituperation at its finest.
And Abe got his first stiches (took a header right into the chest of drawers).
and another entry to Music That Irritates Me