Warren Zevon celebrated in all-star Wild Honey show, October 24, 2025 at L.A.'s United Theater

Check out the exciting news about a once-in-a-lifetime concert celebrating the songcraft of the late Warren Zevon coming to Los Angeles on Oct. 24, 2025...Robert Kinsler

WILD HONEY FOUNDATION and the ZEVON FAMILY
PRESENT
JOIN ME IN L.A.: THE SONGS OF WARREN ZEVON

 

A concert to benefit The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization
and The Ed Asner Family Center for the Autism Community. 
 Friday, October 24, 2025, 8 p.m.
at the United Theater in Downtown Los Angeles

 

FEATURED PERFORMERS:  JACKSON BROWNE, JORGE CALDERÓN

JORDAN ZEVON, SHOOTER JENNINGS, FOUNTAINS OF WAYNE,
MARSHALL CRENSHAW, AND MORE
WITH HOST CHRIS MORRIS

 

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Wild Honey Foundation and the Zevon Family will present Join Me in L.A.; The Songs of Warren Zevon on October 24, 2025 at 8 p.m. at the United Theater, 929 S. Broadway, in Downtown Los Angeles. 

 

To celebrate the enduring brilliance of Los Angeles musical legend Warren Zevon, Jordan Summers/Nick Vincent-led all-star Wild Honey Orchestra and Friends will present 25-plus songs from all phases of the legendary singer-songwriter’s career. Hosted by the celebrated rock journalist/author Chris Morris, Zevon’s gritty, colorful, and moving tunes will be performed by a rotating all-star ensemble of L.A.’s best players over the past 50 years, including a number of folks who closely collaborated with Zevon (including Jackson Browne, his frequent co-songwriter and producer Jorge Calderón, and band members Leland Sklar, Rick Marotta, Bob Glaub, Matt Cartsonis.  In addition to Jackson Browne and Calderón, guest singers include Dennis Diken (the Smithereens), Fountains of Wayne, Phil Cody, Shooter Jennings, Marshall Crenshaw, Billy Valentine, Susan Cowsill, Adam Weiner (Low Cut Connie), John Wesley Harding, Leslie Mendelson, Steve Wynn (Dream Syndicate), Chris Stills, Inara George, and Eleni Mandell.  This will be an unforgettable and deeply emotional celebration of one of the best songwriters/performers of the last 50 years.

   

According to musical co-director Jordan Summers: “When the P.E. coach called roll on the first day of 10th grade, two students answered "here" to the name ‘Jordan.’ I was Jordan Summers, he was Jordan Zevon — Warren's son. Despite my alphabetical advantage, we became instant friends and formed our first band a month later. Warren Zevon showed up to our first gig that year at Madame Wong's. My best friend's dad taught me ‘Werewolves of London’ over the phone. We went to his shows and recording sessions, and he'd come to our rehearsals and, one time, played my keyboard. My keyboard never forgave me for that. I was with Jordan through his father's diagnosis, the day he passed, the funeral, and beyond. We went on to write and record Jordan's solo record, play Letterman, and record "Studebaker" on the Enjoy Every Sandwich tribute album with Waddy Wachtel, Jorge Calderón, and David Lindley at Jackson Browne's studio.

We've continued Warren's legacy through performances supporting ADAO's mesothelioma awareness efforts, where Jordan now serves as national spokesman. I've been fortunate to be part of The Wild Honey Orchestra for over a decade now. It's the highlight of my year every time they mount a show with the best musicians and people in Los Angeles. They'd wanted to do a Warren Zevon tribute for years, so when this opportunity came up, it felt inevitable. Getting to serve as musical director alongside my friend Nick Vincent —  another alphabetically disadvantaged soul with incomparable talent — is absolutely incredible. The Wild Honey shows are a happening that enlightens both the musicians and audience about the music of the artists they honor. This time it's that and more for us. It's also the pre-party for many of Warren Zevon's former bandmates, partners, family, and current devotees to play him into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame two weeks following the show.”

 

 

THE BENEFICIARIES:

 

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) is the largest independent asbestos victims’ organization in the U.S. It was founded in 2004 to give asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice, to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure and to work towards a global asbestos ban. ADAO is dedicated to preventing consumer, environmental and occupational asbestos-caused diseases through national and international education, advocacy, and community initiatives.  https://www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org/

 

The Ed Asner Family Center (TEAFC) serves as a comprehensive resource for individuals with special needs and their families. Co-founded by Navah Paskowitz-Asner and Matthew Asner, inspired by their six children—three of whom are autistic. Our mission is to foster acceptance and enrichment for those striving for wholeness in all aspects of life. Through a diverse range of mental health services and innovative, interactive programs, the Center proudly employs autistic self-advocates as camp counselors, educators, and assistants. https://edasnerfamilycenter.org/

 

 

About the Wild Honey Foundation:
Since 1994, Wild Honey Foundation, a 501(c)(3), non-profit, has produced concerts, film screenings, online fundraisers, and live stream events to benefit autism treatment/research and members of the music community-in-need.  Wild Honey is a grassroots, volunteer organization dedicated to passing on the passion, creativity, and idealism found in rock, rhythm & blues, folk, classical, and pop music to future generations through cultural events of all types. Past Wild Honey Foundation shows with original artists: 2022 Big Star #1 Record with Jody Stephens; 2020, Lovin’ Spoonful with John Sebastian, Steve Boone, and Joe Butler; The Kinks  (1995 version with Dave Davies); Buffalo Springfield (2018 featuring Richie Furay); The Band (2017 with Garth Hudson); Beach Boys (1994 with Brian Wilson; 2016 with Al Jardine).   Other featured performers since 1994- Lenny Kaye, Alex Chilton, Jackson Browne, the Bangles, Marshall Crenshaw, Weird Al, Micky Dolenz, Dave Alvin, The dB’s, Peter Buck/Mike Mills of R.E.M., Terry Reid, Claudia Lennear, Al Stewart, Denny Laine, Matthew Sweet, the Muffs, Gary Wright, Carlene Carter, Dan Wilson, and many more.

More information on the Wild Honey Foundation can be found here: Wildhoneyfoundation.com and https://www.facebook.com/groups/183120448393501/

New album from Jody Porter (Fountains of Wayne) out on vinyl March 26

 Some breaking news for fans of Fountains of Wayne and top-tier dream pop! Robert Kinsler

Jody Porter (Fountains of Wayne) releases new album, 'Waterways,' on vinyl on March 26, 2021 AVAILABLE NOW DIGITALLY

Photo Credit: April Orr

“Jody is like a good friend talking in your head when it’s dark. For me, his lyrics are smart, fun and personal. Of course, it’s the whole band and the songs that play well together. I like the way the album sounds and the separation of the instant new sounds. Favorite track: 'Girl from the Other Side.'" - A Fan Grammy-nominated artist and former Fountains of Wayne guitarist Jody Porter is set to release his new album, WATERWAYS, on vinyl via Rare Rock Records on March 26. WATERWAYS is the hilarious and debonair guitarist's third solo effort and is available now digitally and on CD via Bandcamp. Co-produced with Fountains of Wayne's drummer Brian Young (who also played with the Jesus and Mary Chain and The Posies), WATERWAYS is the follow up to 2017’s PACIFIER. Prior to the formation of Fountains fo Wayne in 1996, Porter fronted the London-based band The Belltower who were considered dream-pop trailblazers on the UK indie scene. WATERWAYS fuse’s his shoegaze roots with the power-pop sensibilities of his former band making for a guitar-heavy psychedelic sail on the high seas. DOWNLOAD/STREAM/PURCHASE WATERWAYS JODY PORTER WATERWAYS (RARE ROCK RECORDS) March 26, 2021

Track List: Waterways, Pt. 1 Sunsick Moon Girl From The Other Side Half Mast Moonbeam Reach Argonaut Neverlasting Love Crashland Sheet Lightning Synching Ships Masters At Work Waterways, Pt. 2

Apple Music and Apple TV App To Livestream 'Jersey 4 Jersey' Benefit Show On Wednesday April 22

I posted an item about this a few years ago, but here are additional details how to tune in to hear/see the benefit live-stream later today...Robert Kinsler

APPLE MUSIC AND APPLE TV APP TO LIVESTREAM 'JERSEY 4 JERSEY' BENEFIT SHOW ON WEDNESDAY APRIL 22

Fountains of Wayne will perform together for the
first time in 7 years, also honoring the memory of
band's bassist Adam Schlesinger (second from
right), who passed away from COVID-19-related
complications on April 1, 2020.

Apple Music, Beats 1 and the Apple TV app will livestream JERSEY 4 JERSEY, a star-studded one-night benefit show on behalf of the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund (NJPRF) to fight the medical, social and economic impact of COVID-19 on New Jersey's most vulnerable communities. The fundraiser is set to feature some of NJ's biggest celebrities, including Saquon Barkley, Tony Bennett, Jon Bon Jovi, Danny DeVito, Whoopi Goldberg, Halsey, Chelsea Handler, Charlie Puth, Kelly Ripa, Chris Rock, Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa, Jon Stewart, SZA and Fountains of Wayne as they raise funds to fight the impact of COVID-19.

Tune in live Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at 7 p.m. ET on the Apple Music and Apple TV apps, listen to the audio on Beats 1, and also Shazam the live show at any point during the live stream to identify the songs being performed for a full timeline of music from the night, plus link to featured content in Apple Music from the artists performing.

Tony Bennett performing in Costa Mesa, CA, on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Catch the video livestream on Apple Music HERE and listen to the full audio on Beats 1 HERE. Watch the livestream for free on the Apple TV app. It's already on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, and Apple TV. 

For viewers that can't make the live event, check back across Apple Music, Beats 1 and the Apple TV app for on demand viewings following the show.

All online proceeds received from JERSEY 4 JERSEY go directly to the NJPRF and help in the battle against the pandemic's impact on New Jersey. For additional information please visit: https://njprf.org/

Fountains of Wayne to honor Adam Schlesinger, set to perform at JERSEY 4 JERSEY on April 22nd

This just landed in my inbox and wanted to share. Make sure to tune in this Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT)...Robert Kinsler

Fountains of Wayne with Sharon Van Etten

Honor Adam Schlesinger With First Live

Performance In 7 Years For

JERSEY 4 JERSEY Benefit Show

April 20, 2020: On Wednesday, April 22 at 7pm ET, as part of the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund’s JERSEY 4 JERSEY benefit show raising funds to fight the impact of COVID-19, the remaining members of Fountains of Wayne will reunite for their first live performance in 7 years to pay tribute to songwriter, bassist, and vocalist Adam Schlesinger who passed away earlier this month. The band’s Chris Collingwood, Jody Porter and Brian Young will be joined by acclaimed singer-songwriter and New Jerseyan Sharon Van Etten to fill in on bass and backing vocals.

“Brian, Jody and I are honored to be part of the Jersey 4 Jersey benefit, and grateful that Sharon was able to perform with us,” Collingwood says. “Adam would have been proud that Fountains were helping to raise money for fellow New Jerseyans.”  

“As a New Jersey native, it means so much to me to participate in the NJPRF charitable event that gives back to this community,” says Van Etten. “Adam was an incredible songwriter and I am truly humbled to join Fountains of Wayne in his honor."

“One of the great unheralded songwriters of our time” (VOX), Schlesinger was a founding member of the bands Fountains of Wayne, Ivy, and rock supergroup Tinted Windows, as well as a regular writer and producer for Brooklyn synth-pop duo Fever High. Despite modest record sales, Fountains of Wayne, which Schlesinger co-founded with singer, songwriter, and guitarist Chris Collingwood in 1995, was loved by critics and became a cult favorite with songs such as “Radiation Vibe,” “Utopia Parkway” and “Red Dragon Tattoo” before their 2003 hit “Stacy’s Mom” brought them into the mainstream.

From the beginning of his career, Schlesinger also found success writing songs for film, theater and television, most notably penning the theme song for the Tom Hanks directed film That Thing You Do!, and writing and producing songs for the TV comedy show Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. Over his uniquely distinguished career, Schlesinger won three Emmy Awards, a GRAMMY Award, the ASCAP Pop Music Award, and was nominated for Academy, Tony, and Golden Globe Awards. He had most recently been collaborating with Sarah Silverman for the stage adaptation of her memoir, “The Bedwetter,” which was scheduled to begin performances this month.

News of Schlesinger’s passing shook all corners of the entertainment world. “With a career unlike any other indie songwriters” (Rolling Stone), he was paid tribute to by Tom Hanks, Stephen Colbert, Rachel Bloom, Conan O’Brien, Jack Antonoff, and countless others who were impacted by the songwriter’s undeniable talent.

Collingwood and Van Etten, along with Fountains of Wayne drummer Brian Young and guitarist Jody Porter, will come together for The New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund’s (NJPRF) JERSEY 4 JERSEY benefit, a one-night broadcast fundraiser to fight the medical, social and economic impact of COVID-19 on New Jersey’s most vulnerable communities. It will be broadcast at 7 PM ET on Wednesday, April 22, on Apple Music and AppleTV apps, worldwide. This special evening will feature New Jersey’s biggest champions and celebrities participating from their homes, including Saquon Barkley, Tony Bennett, Jon Bon Jovi, Danny DeVito, Whoopi Goldberg, Halsey, Chelsea Handler, Charlie Puth, Kelly Ripa, Chris Rock, Bruce Springsteen, Jon Stewart, SZA and more.

About the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund (NJPRF)

The New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund (NJPRF) was launched March 24, 2020 to marshal resources to meet critical needs and fight the economic and social impact of COVID-19 within New Jersey.

NJPRF will provide grants to existing organizations with a demonstrated track record of caring for vulnerable communities. One hundred percent of every dollar received online by NJPRF will go to organizations that provide essential services to those in need and to assist those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

NJPRF is proud to be hosted by the Community Foundation of New Jersey, which has been serving the needs of New Jersey non-profits and philanthropists for more than 40 years.

For additional information please visit: https://njprf.org/

Sheltering at Home with Stellar Sights and Sounds

While we all continue to shelter in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, how about some excellent musical detours to help fill your time...

Who: Steve Goodman
Title: Live '69 (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Harry Chapin, Townes Van Zandt, John Prine
Tell me more: Thanks to specialty record labels, many of music's lost treasures have been unearthed for the world to hear. Look no further than Omnivore Recordings' new release featuring the late singer-songwriter Steve Goodman's wonderful Live '69. Recorded in November 1969 when he was only 21, Goodman's hour-plus performance at the University of Illinois featured the rising singer-songwriter/guitarist performing an eclectic setlist of covers treated to his singular style. His treatment of acoustic blues and folk material is deeply affecting, thanks in large part to his strengths as a singer and acoustic guitar master. Opening up with Willie Dixon's "You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover," he continues to delve into the blues via William Harris' "Bullfrog Blues." His power as a rising great really shows via the driving "Fast Freight," where his guitar work and dynamic vocals help propel the song in tune with the lyrical imagery of a train moving down the tracks. He equally masters Celtic stylings with the traditional "Byker Hill" and "John Barleycorn," the latter delivered via his a capella vocals sans guitar accompaniment. He also revisits classics from Bob Dylan (the driving roots nugget "Country Pie"), Merle Haggard (bolstered by Bob Hoban's harmony vocals), and Terry Fell (the spirited country-fried "Truck Drivin' Man"). Toward the end of his set, he offers up a four-song medley that weaves together diverse material (including the Beatles' "Eleanor Rigby" and Jefferson Airplane's "Somebody to Love") masterfully. Rich Warren of Chicago's WFMT-FM, who engineered the show, contributes liner notes that add depth to the title. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Who: Alex Dixon
Title: The Real McCoy (Dixon Landing Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Willie Dixon, Little Walter, Muddy Waters
Tell me more: Willie Dixon, who passed away in January 1992, is one of the most celebrated blues artists of the 20th century, particularly celebrated for his long parade of original songs covered or adapted by artists ranging from Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters and Led Zeppelin to the Doors and The Rolling Stones. His list of memorable classics includes "Hoochie Coochie Man," "I Just Want to Make Love to You," "Little Red Rooster" and "Spoonful." Fast forward to 2020 and it's clear from the authentic Chicago blues unleashed by Willie Dixon's grandson Alex Dixon across the winning The Real McCoy prove that the genre is alive and thriving in the 21st century. The hard-hitting "Nothing New Under the Sun," guitar- and harmonica-adorned take on Willie Dixon's "Spider In My Stew," joyful "Howlin' for My Darling" (another Willie Dixon classic), the guitar showcase "Groanin' the Blues" and swinging "Chi-Town Boogie" are among the infectious cuts on the 11-track album. The cast of players who surround Alex Dixon (who plays bass and piano across the disc) includes harmonica players Steve Bell and Sugar Blue, guitarists Melvin Tylor and Gino Matteo, and drummer Alvino Bennett. A big shout out to lead vocalist Lewis "Big Lew" Powell, whose rich baritone and personality bring the mix of material to life. Information: https://Vintagedixon.com/.

Who: Radiohead, Moby, Daft Punk, Rage Against the Machine, more
Title: Coachella: 20 Years in the Desert (Goldenvoice / Hamsterdam Productions)
You might like if you enjoy: Coachella
Tell me more: A must-see documentary that premiered via YouTube on April 10, the Chris Perkel-directed "Coachella: 20 Years in the Desert" revisits the history of the event via a mix of performance footage, revealing interviews and artful scenes of crowds amidst the inspired art installations at the Coachella Valley and Music Arts Festival. The focus is not only on the legendary performers, but how the experience of attending the festival has been enhanced by technological advances, the evolution of musical tastes and the move in 2012 to stage Coachellafest over two consecutive weekends. For more than 100 wonderful minutes, the viewer is thrilled by the diverse likes of art rock giants Radiohead, punk rock icons Rancid, K-pop quartet Blackpink, performer Beyonce, songstress Billie Eilish, Rage Against the Machine and rapper Jay-Z. Other artists featured in the parade of clips include band Tame Impala, modern rockers Arcade Fire, hip hop's Kanye West, electronica pioneer Moby, British alt rock singer Morrissey, singer-songwriter/guitar great Prince, goth rockers Bauhaus and modern rockers Weezer. Rock, electronica, dance, hip-hop and Americana have all played a part in the legacy of the event and Coachellagoers will be thrilled by every moment of the fast-moving documentary. Information: coachella.com.

Lost Classic

Who: Fountains of Wayne
Title: No Better Place: Live in Chicago (Shout! Factory)
You might like if you enjoy: Squeeze, Fountains of Wayne
Tell me more: The untimely death of singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Adam Schlesinger from complications of COVID-19 on April 1 has rightfully reignited interest in his wonderful power pop troupe Fountains of Wayne. The next best thing to catching the quartet — which was together from 1995 to 2013 — in concert is enjoying the 2009 Shout! Factory-issued title "No Better Place: Live in Chicago." The concert film was the New York City-spawned outfit's first-ever DVD release and offers up energetic versions of 16 of their beloved originals including "Stacy's Mom," "Radiation Vibe," "Sink To The Bottom" and "Red Dragon Tattoo." The Joe Thomas-directed concert film was shot for broadcast in widescreen and recorded in 5.1 Surround, which wasn't always the case in 2005. As a bonus feature, a previously-unseen acoustic performance featuring five compelling tracks that was captured in a recording studio in 2007 is included. Information: amazon.com or fountainsofwayne.com.



Robert Kinsler

Celebrating the legacy of Adam Schlesinger

Adam Schlesinger, on the right, with Fountains of Wayne.
Photo: Courtesy of the Artist

As I write this column it's unbelievable that more than 337,000 Americans have been stricken during the coronavirus pandemic; sadly more than 9,600 persons across the U.S. have died as of April 6, 2020. 

Among those who have lost their life from complications caused by COVID-19 is singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/music producer Adam Schlesinger. The famed artist — only 52 and the father of two young daughters — died on April 1, 2020 in an Upstate New York hospital after reportedly battling against the infectious disease for more than a week. 

Although Schlesinger was best known as a member of groundbreaking New Jersey-spawned power-pop quartet Fountains of Wayne, over the past 25 years he was an in-demand tunesmith and producer who achieved acclaim for far-flung projects that earned him a Grammy win along with multiple Emmy wins and even an Academy Award nomination. 

Sprinkled across Fountain of Wayne's handful of full-length albums are countless masterworks (FoW also featured lead vocalist Chris Collingwood, lead guitarist Jody Porter and drummer Brian Young). Here are some of my favorites songs that benefit from Schlesinger's artistic touch.


Fountains of Wayne

"Radiation Vibe" — A stellar cut from FoW's eponymous 1996 debut, "Radiation Vibe" is bolstered by edgy guitar (including a touch of artful feedback), a driving rhythm section and an anthemic chorus. 

"She's Got a Problem" — Another standout from Fountains of Wayne, the wistful "She's Got a Problem" is a wonderful song that is more ballad than rocker but nevertheless has a driving quality that warrants the fuzzy guitars and sonic shadows of Lou Reed. 

"Sick Day" — Brilliant. The mix of literate and observant lyrics about the challenges of going into the office day after day enhanced by a rich melodic rockscape combine for a powerful punch. Another highlight on FoW's debut. 

"Hackensack" — FoW is best known for their gloriously uptempo power-pop-meets-indie rock. However, immerse yourself in "Hackensack" (off 2003's Welcome Interstate Managers), a baroque pop ballad that is as tender and affecting as anything put on disc that decade. 

"Mexican Wine" — We could all use a little hope in these dark times, right? Just listen to the melancholy-drenched chorus from "Mexican Wine" off Welcome Interstate Managers: "The sun still shines in the summertime / I'll be yours and you'll be mine / I tried to change but I changed my mind / Think I'll have another glass of Mexican Wine." A witty and tuneful song that kicks off the album, the ambitious harmony vocals and dramatic dynamics on the track make this one of the band's most interesting cuts.

"Stacy's Mom" — Fountains of Wayne's biggest-ever hit, the 2003 single "Stacy's Mom" reached number 21 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The infectious track revisited the sound of the Cars to be sure, and the accompanying much-played music video starring model Rachel Hunter (conjuring up the 1982 teen coming-of-age flick "Fast Times at Ridgemont High") helped solidify the song's success.

 "The Girl I Can't Forget" - One of the standouts on the 2005 compilation collection Out-of-State Plates is the exuberant "The Girl I Can't Forget." Few artists have ever delivered as convincing a story of youthful lust-meets-enduring love with as much force and cleverness wrapped in melodic sheen over a mere 3 and a half minutes as Fountains of Wayne achieved with this joyful ride.

"Strapped for Cash" — I was listening to "Strapped for Cash" (off 2007's Traffic and Weather) recently and memories of FoW tearing through the rocker on the main stage at Coachella in 2007 came flooding back to me. Like so many of FoW's greatest songs, there is a combination of brilliant storytelling, smart wordplay and undeniable song craft that makes for required and repeated listens. 

"Someone's Gonna Break Your Heart" — When FoW released their brilliant album Sky Full of Holes via Yep Roc Records in summer 2011 few knew this would be the band's final studio effort. As years go by, I become more bewitched by the musical magic and lyrical poetry painted across its lucky 13 tracks. "Someone's Gonna Break Your Heart" is just one of the classics on the disc. The lines enthrall, none more than this: "Melancholy comes like a robin at your window." 






Favorite Other Projects

"That Thing You Do" — The instantly-memorable title cut from the Tom Hank-directed film "That Thing You Do!" sounds as great today as it did when we first heard the Beatlesque gem in movie theaters and over the airwaves in 1997. Schlesinger wrote the song and sang back-up vocals on the recording as well.

"Work To Do" — The duo America's bona fide comeback album, 2007's "Here and Now" featured the legendary act performing Schlesinger's inspired "Work To Do." The breezy folk rock song blends the strains of Americana and tuneful pop in a beguiling track custom made for America singers Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley. Here and Now also features the winning "Ride On," an acoustic-flavored nugget he co-wrote with Bunnell.

"Our Own World — Monkees fans will always be grateful for Schlesinger's production on the band's most recent two studio albums (2016's Good Times! and the 2018 holiday album Christmas Party). On the wonderful "Our Own World," Schlesinger's contribution includes writing the inviting track and playing bass guitar as well.  

"Me & Magdalena" — One of the most beautiful pop recordings in recent memory, the Ben Gibbard-penned "Me & Magdalena" may well be the highlight on the Schlesinger-produced Monkees LP Good Times! The nuanced production showcases Schlesinger's all encompassing gifts as a master in any corner of a recording studio.

"House of Broken Gingerbread" — Schlesinger teamed up with American novelist Michael Chabon to co-write the rollicking power pop salvo "House of Broken Gingerbread" for the Monkees' Christmas Party. Don't let the title fool you; Micky Dolenz delivers an amazing lead vocal performance on an instant classic that sounds as good in summer as around Christmastime. 



Robert Kinsler

COVID-19 claims the life of Fountains of Wayne's Adam Schlesinger

When I learned of the death of Adam Schlesinger yesterday afternoon at the hands of COVID-19, I was too upset to immediately write anything (he reportedly passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2020). Although I only caught his band Fountains of Wayne once in concert (you can read my glowing review of the band's January 2009 performance at The Coach House here), I have since explored most of the band's rich discography and have appreciated Schlesinger's top-tier skills as a songwriter and producer. Although he had already enjoyed a long and successful career (he was an Emmy and Grammy winner, and earned an Academy Award nomination for his “That Thing You Do!,” the title track to the 1996 Tom Hanks-directed film), he was only 52. He is survived by his two children, making his early death additionally heartbreaking.

Fountains of Wayne, from left, guitarist-singer Jody Porter, drummer Brian Young,
singer-guitarist Chris Collingwood and bassist-singer Adam Schlesinger.
Photo: Courtesy of Fountains of Wayne

As fine as the song "That Thing That You Do" and the 2003 FOW hit "Stacy's Mom" are, I really encourage music lovers to explore his other work with the New Jersey-spawned power-pop band and some of his work as an album producer (especially his role on the Monkees' 2016 wonderful comeback Good Times! and 2018's equally-stellar Christmas Party; he produced and wrote songs on both discs) and as a songwriter across television (Sesame Street, Big Time Rush, Crank Yankees and more).

The album artwork for 'Sky Full of Holes'

My favorite FOW album is the 2011 masterwork Sky Full of Holes. Almost every music fan has certain albums that connect with them in deep and intangible ways. As a life-long musician and music fan, I have many albums that connect with me that way to be sure. But I count Sky Full of Holes with its perfect blend of melody and melancholy, shimmering song craft and emotional punch as a perfect album. But that is not the band's only great album; the band's self-titled 1996 LP, 1999's concept album Utopia Parkway, 2003's Welcome Interstate Managers and 2007's Traffic and Weather are all outstanding and sound as great today as on their respective release dates.

John Brodeur of Bird Streets wrote on Twitter on April 1: "I am in shock. Devastated. Adam was a good and generous friend. We had planned to write together before this all started. It meant so much to me that he was interested. I hoped and prayed he would beat this, and I want badly for it to not be true."

From left, the Monkees' Peter Tonk and Micky Dolenz with
Adam Schlesinger. Photo: Rhino Records

John Hughes, Rhino Records' Senior Vice President of Fan Engagement wrote: "Adam Schlesinger's kindness and blazing talent were unmistakable. I will miss my friend, and the world will miss his musical spark."

“There would be no Playtone without Adam Schlesinger, without his That Thing You Do!” Tom Hanks wrote following the death of the artist. Hanks also was stricked by the coronavirus last month. “He was a One-der. Lost him to Covid-19. Terribly sad today.”

Robert Kinsler