Steve Darnall
@stevedarnall.bsky.social
Writer/Editor/Publisher/Tall
For Day 13 of our musical advent calendar, an offering from Memphis legend Rufus Thomas, dedicated to @wdcb909.bsky.social's Tom Marker, who's been playing music on the radio for the last five decades. Thanks, Tom, and good luck in your retirement! www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcoJ...
I'll Be Your Santa Baby by Rufus Thomas from Christmas in Soulsville
YouTube video by Stax Records
www.youtube.com
December 13, 2025 at 7:20 PM
For Day 13 of our musical advent calendar, an offering from Memphis legend Rufus Thomas, dedicated to @wdcb909.bsky.social's Tom Marker, who's been playing music on the radio for the last five decades. Thanks, Tom, and good luck in your retirement! www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcoJ...
Just in time for the weekend, it’s Day 12 of our musical advent calendar. Stop for a refreshing beverage to the swinging sounds of the late, great Ramsey Lewis.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nE2M...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nE2M...
Here Comes Santa Claus
YouTube video by Ramsey Lewis - Topic
www.youtube.com
December 12, 2025 at 11:55 PM
Just in time for the weekend, it’s Day 12 of our musical advent calendar. Stop for a refreshing beverage to the swinging sounds of the late, great Ramsey Lewis.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nE2M...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nE2M...
This is the best Xmas ever.
December 11, 2025 at 5:22 PM
This is the best Xmas ever.
For Day 11 of our musical advent calendar, we present the legendary Loretta Lynn with a rousing song of holiday disappointment. www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHLR...
To Heck With Ole Santa Claus
YouTube video by Loretta Lynn - Topic
www.youtube.com
December 11, 2025 at 5:20 PM
For Day 11 of our musical advent calendar, we present the legendary Loretta Lynn with a rousing song of holiday disappointment. www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHLR...
For Day 10 of our musical advent calendar, something for both the naughty and nice, courtesy of the saucy Kay Martin (who is not pictured on the cover). Listen for the twist ending!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=90wg...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=90wg...
I Know What You Want For Xmas
YouTube video by Kay Martin & Her Body Guards - Topic
www.youtube.com
December 10, 2025 at 5:17 PM
For Day 10 of our musical advent calendar, something for both the naughty and nice, courtesy of the saucy Kay Martin (who is not pictured on the cover). Listen for the twist ending!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=90wg...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=90wg...
A song co-written by Bobby Darin, with Eddie Cochran in the role of Elvis Presley?! What better way to cash in on a new musical phenomenon? It’s The Holly Twins with Day 9 of our musical advent calendar. www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKc2...
The Holly Twins (With Eddie Cochran) - I Want Elvis For Christmas
YouTube video by Poison Ivy Lovers
www.youtube.com
December 9, 2025 at 9:17 PM
A song co-written by Bobby Darin, with Eddie Cochran in the role of Elvis Presley?! What better way to cash in on a new musical phenomenon? It’s The Holly Twins with Day 9 of our musical advent calendar. www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKc2...
A great thread—and it’s a pretty good film as well.
The play was such a success that a few years later, the Marx Brothers turned it into their first movie, which made them international stars.
I show a clip of it at the end of my lecture on the Roaring 20s.
Here's why ...
I show a clip of it at the end of my lecture on the Roaring 20s.
Here's why ...
100 years ago today:
The Cocoanuts, starring the Marx Brothers, opens on Broadway.
The Cocoanuts, starring the Marx Brothers, opens on Broadway.
December 8, 2025 at 3:52 PM
A great thread—and it’s a pretty good film as well.
For Day 8 of our musical advent calendar, we present Clyde Lasley & His Cadillac Baby Specials with a Blue Monday offering that doubles as a helpful list for those looking for holiday spirit(s).
www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3lH...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3lH...
CLYDE LASLEY & CADILLAC BABY SPECIALS - SANTA CAME HOME DRUNK - BEA & BABY 121 - 1960
YouTube video by 4JUKEBOXSATURDAYNITE
www.youtube.com
December 8, 2025 at 3:28 PM
For Day 8 of our musical advent calendar, we present Clyde Lasley & His Cadillac Baby Specials with a Blue Monday offering that doubles as a helpful list for those looking for holiday spirit(s).
www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3lH...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3lH...
For Day 7 of our musical advent calendar, we celebrate acts of kindness, from the tenth century to the present, with the beautiful harmonies of The Roches. We miss you, Maggie.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-G4...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-G4...
Good King Wenceslas
YouTube video by The Roches - Topic
www.youtube.com
December 7, 2025 at 4:39 PM
For Day 7 of our musical advent calendar, we celebrate acts of kindness, from the tenth century to the present, with the beautiful harmonies of The Roches. We miss you, Maggie.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-G4...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-G4...
A great idea!
NEW — I put together a list of independent journalism subscriptions that would make great holiday gifts. From music to politics, astronomy to alcohol, tech to social justice, there’s something for [almost] everyone. Support indie media *and* surprise and delight your loved ones!
My guide:
My guide:
Giving the gift of independent journalism: a guide
The Handbasket has subscription suggestions for almost everyone on your list.
www.thehandbasket.co
December 6, 2025 at 6:01 PM
A great idea!
For Day 6 of our musical advent calendar, we drift back to a carefree time—the mid-1990s—for a remarkable slice of broken-hearted punk pop from Florida's own New Found Glory.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGqH...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGqH...
Ex-Miss
YouTube video by New Found Glory - Topic
www.youtube.com
December 6, 2025 at 2:31 PM
For Day 6 of our musical advent calendar, we drift back to a carefree time—the mid-1990s—for a remarkable slice of broken-hearted punk pop from Florida's own New Found Glory.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGqH...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGqH...
So sorry to hear about the passing of Steve Cropper. It's hard to imagine the history of Stax Records without him, which is really saying something.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFQE...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFQE...
(1967) GREEN ONIONS - Live - Booker T. and MG's
YouTube video by LeeEstradaMusic
www.youtube.com
December 5, 2025 at 3:47 PM
So sorry to hear about the passing of Steve Cropper. It's hard to imagine the history of Stax Records without him, which is really saying something.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFQE...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFQE...
For Day 5 of our musical advent calendar, we wish you a funky Christmas, courtesy of the Electric Jungle. (You probably know already that the record label and the shoe company are not related.) Pass the biscuits, please.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=skst...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=skst...
Electric Jungle - Funky Funky (Funky - 1974)
YouTube video by Funkissman 78
www.youtube.com
December 5, 2025 at 1:52 PM
For Day 5 of our musical advent calendar, we wish you a funky Christmas, courtesy of the Electric Jungle. (You probably know already that the record label and the shoe company are not related.) Pass the biscuits, please.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=skst...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=skst...
Reposted by Steve Darnall
Shopping small is meaningful!
November 29, 2025 at 10:52 PM
Shopping small is meaningful!
For Day 4 of our musical advent calendar, a musical snowblower from down under, courtesy of the fantastic Hoodoo Gurus.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Se-...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Se-...
Hoodoo Gurus - Little Drummer Boy (Up the Khyber)
YouTube video by JMBLYA
www.youtube.com
December 4, 2025 at 4:17 PM
For Day 4 of our musical advent calendar, a musical snowblower from down under, courtesy of the fantastic Hoodoo Gurus.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Se-...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Se-...
Day 3 of our musical advent calendar presents a recording that should be even better known than it is, courtesy of the legendary Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Shall we dance?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ9E...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ9E...
Sugar Rum Cherry (Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy)
YouTube video by Duke Ellington - Topic
www.youtube.com
December 3, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Day 3 of our musical advent calendar presents a recording that should be even better known than it is, courtesy of the legendary Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Shall we dance?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ9E...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ9E...
Reposted by Steve Darnall
The new Winter issue of Nostalgia Digest is here, with a cover story about the amazing Andrews Sisters—as well as articles about the legendary Louise Brooks, great toys of the 1950s, actor Richard Conte, the heyday of the milkman and more! Get your copy now at www.nostalgiadigest.com/nostalgiadig...
December 3, 2025 at 2:23 PM
The new Winter issue of Nostalgia Digest is here, with a cover story about the amazing Andrews Sisters—as well as articles about the legendary Louise Brooks, great toys of the 1950s, actor Richard Conte, the heyday of the milkman and more! Get your copy now at www.nostalgiadigest.com/nostalgiadig...
May every writer be as fortunate to change lives the way Tom Stoppard did.
December 2, 2025 at 5:14 PM
May every writer be as fortunate to change lives the way Tom Stoppard did.
Welcome to Day 2 of our musical advent calendar. Here's a song that seems appropriate for Giving Tuesday, sung by the woman who first recorded it some fifty years ago (and joined here by her daughter):
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGNS...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGNS...
Carlene Davis & Naomi Cowan - Santa Claus Do You Ever Come to the Ghetto? (Visualizer)
YouTube video by Carlene Davis
www.youtube.com
December 2, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Welcome to Day 2 of our musical advent calendar. Here's a song that seems appropriate for Giving Tuesday, sung by the woman who first recorded it some fifty years ago (and joined here by her daughter):
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGNS...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGNS...
Presenting day one of our musical advent calendar: 25 days (or as I many as I remember to post) of seasonal songs that haven't been little drummered into our collective heads. We start with a lovely number from the great @judithowen.bsky.social: www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqiK...
The Best Things - Judith Owen with Harry Shearer and Pedro Segundo
YouTube video by channeljudithowen
www.youtube.com
December 1, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Presenting day one of our musical advent calendar: 25 days (or as I many as I remember to post) of seasonal songs that haven't been little drummered into our collective heads. We start with a lovely number from the great @judithowen.bsky.social: www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqiK...
Dear @hakeem-jeffries.bsky.social: Do you think centrists would understand “We’ve got to take action against a would-be dictator who declares war on American citizens, sells pardons to notorious criminals and decimates the economy to enrich himself”? Asking for a nation.
No value, no villain, no vision. Sounds like the tagline for the earnings call of a collapsing appliance retailer
November 30, 2025 at 10:27 PM
Dear @hakeem-jeffries.bsky.social: Do you think centrists would understand “We’ve got to take action against a would-be dictator who declares war on American citizens, sells pardons to notorious criminals and decimates the economy to enrich himself”? Asking for a nation.
Reposted by Steve Darnall
Part of why Trump won in 2016 was he was an "outsider" who promised to "end corruption." He did not end corruption, he is a big "to the victor belongs the spoils of the enemy" guy. He's a spoiled and corrupt person, who has spoiled and corrupted his party and government. That story sells itself.
The president is a political cartoon of corruption come to life, a gaudy grifter who is selling off pardons and lining his pockets, building a golden ballroom and protecting his fellow sex predator elites, all the while regular Americans are suffering and struggling to make ends meet.
Run on *that*
Run on *that*
November 30, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Part of why Trump won in 2016 was he was an "outsider" who promised to "end corruption." He did not end corruption, he is a big "to the victor belongs the spoils of the enemy" guy. He's a spoiled and corrupt person, who has spoiled and corrupted his party and government. That story sells itself.
Reposted by Steve Darnall
The president is a political cartoon of corruption come to life, a gaudy grifter who is selling off pardons and lining his pockets, building a golden ballroom and protecting his fellow sex predator elites, all the while regular Americans are suffering and struggling to make ends meet.
Run on *that*
Run on *that*
November 30, 2025 at 5:02 PM
The president is a political cartoon of corruption come to life, a gaudy grifter who is selling off pardons and lining his pockets, building a golden ballroom and protecting his fellow sex predator elites, all the while regular Americans are suffering and struggling to make ends meet.
Run on *that*
Run on *that*
Reposted by Steve Darnall
The most precious commodity you have is your attention. You don’t have to waste it on poor-faith debates or arguments with strangers if you don’t think they’ll be productive. You can prioritize the things that matter to you and make your life richer.
November 30, 2025 at 8:00 PM
The most precious commodity you have is your attention. You don’t have to waste it on poor-faith debates or arguments with strangers if you don’t think they’ll be productive. You can prioritize the things that matter to you and make your life richer.
Years ago, I met Tom Stoppard long enough to say something like "I'm sure you hear this all the time, but 'Rosencrantz and Guilderstern are Dead' changed my life." He looked pleased and surprised as he said "Actually, I don't hear that all the time."
I imagine he actually heard it a lot. RIP.
I imagine he actually heard it a lot. RIP.
November 29, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Years ago, I met Tom Stoppard long enough to say something like "I'm sure you hear this all the time, but 'Rosencrantz and Guilderstern are Dead' changed my life." He looked pleased and surprised as he said "Actually, I don't hear that all the time."
I imagine he actually heard it a lot. RIP.
I imagine he actually heard it a lot. RIP.