Selection from Night of the Black Rainbow

  This is a chapter from an upcoming collection titled Night of the Black Rainbow. It’s a series of micro-stories linked thematically by a sci-fi fantasy concept dealing with the apocalypse. An anomaly appears in the sky as a huge vacuum-black arch, instilling terror, panic and hysteria in the populace. Supernatural events occur, and this… Continue reading Selection from Night of the Black Rainbow

Working Together: The Drummers Weigh In

A reader posed an interesting question to Alternative Control last week: what should the role of successful, established bands be in guiding younger bands that are coming onto the scene?  And honestly, I didn’t know how to answer.  First, what makes a band “successful” or “established”?  Success for my own bands means that our friends… Continue reading Working Together: The Drummers Weigh In

Public Service Announcement: Good, Cheap Beer on Fridays

  Hear ye, hear ye, drinkers rich and poor: on Fridays this summer, Half Full Brewery of Stamford-Shire-Fording-Ham purveys jugs of the finest ale for just a tuppence! Okay, the announcement is belated, and by tuppence, I mean five dollars.   Johnny Pluckman and I have known about this for weeks, but we wanted to keep… Continue reading Public Service Announcement: Good, Cheap Beer on Fridays

Love in “Pink”

  These poems are from a collection tentatively titled “Pink.”  It’s a collection of love poetry that doesn’t shy away from grandiose imagery. The phrases are simple, sugary and steeped in high hopes for both clean, cuddly adoration and super lustful passion eternal. Rook Atop of the tower in the enchanted fields We are king… Continue reading Love in “Pink”

Guilty Pleasures: No One Puts Baby in a Corner!

Also, this cracks me up every time.

  I’m unapologetic about my musical tastes, so most of my guilty pleasures are fashion-related.  And TACKY. My first guilty pleasure is shopping at thrift stores and consignment shops.  Yes, there’s the money-saving aspect, but I’m really in it for the hunt.  When I went to the Darien Community Association Thrift Store the other day… Continue reading Guilty Pleasures: No One Puts Baby in a Corner!

The Zeitgeist of Dirges: A Review of Black Sabbath’s 13

Failure is often expected when a band attempts to rekindle past glory. You almost laugh when you hear news of a once highly respected and relevant band getting back together in attempt to get the creative juices flowing. This is usually because the band’s true intentions are financial. The members need more money to help… Continue reading The Zeitgeist of Dirges: A Review of Black Sabbath’s 13

Interview with Singer-Songwriter John Fannon

  Alternative Control recently had the opportunity to talk with guitarist, songwriter, and Emmy Award-winning audio engineer John Fannon, formerly of the classic rock band New England.  Here’s what the Massachusetts musician had to say about the new solo project he’s working on… Enjoy! What inspired you to return to the music scene as a… Continue reading Interview with Singer-Songwriter John Fannon