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By now everyone knows that an American icon left us on February 11th, 2012. At the risk of sounding really old, I was in high school when Whitney Houston first hit the scene with a song called You Give Good Love. This was during the early-ish days of MTV and the very beginning of Much Musi ...more

Jazz Be Nimble

by: Mike Benhaim

January 19, 2012 12:17 PM

comments: (3)

In the music "business", art is often eclipsed by commercialism, and these days, I find myself growing partial to songs that showcase vocals and instrumentation over electronic enhancements.I recently touched upon artists who present a retro sound that appeals to my nostalgia and longing ...more

Mistress of Music

by: Mike Benhaim

December 05, 2011 6:04 PM

comments: (4)

I am always amused by topics that have the ability to ignite passionate and effusive debate. One would think it would be politics, religion, or personal philosophies on child-rearing, but no. Gather 10 men with a little bit of alcohol, and nothing rouses enthusiasm quicker than a discussion about ...more

Reservoir Hits

by: Mike Benhaim

November 22, 2011 4:01 PM

comments: (1)

Some songs get under your skin the very first time you hear them. It can be a result of a catchy hook, or a lyric that may just speak to you in a personal way. At times, a song is just so magnificent that it cannot be denied.There are also songs that need time to grow on you because they may diffe ...more

Retro Groovin'

by: Mike Benhaim

October 27, 2011 9:54 PM

comments: (2)

The term "Retro" with reference to art or fashion has in recent years, infiltrated our vocabulary.To hipsters, and anyone trying to sell you something old, retro is cool.Like your granddaddy's tweed blazer from an age when tailors took pride in every garment they created, and things were ...more

Which hit wonder?

by: Mike Benhaim

October 19, 2011 11:03 PM

comments: (3)

Everybody loves those silly one-hit wonders. There are some good ones, and some really, really bad ones. Some are released expressly for stand-alone novelty successes, and some decent musicians stumble upon a hook by accident, while other commercial artists wisely produce them for money beneath th ...more

The Power Ballad

by: Mike Benhaim

August 17, 2011 5:35 PM

comments: (1)

Most of us do not remember this, but there is a reason why the birth of Rock n' Roll was the cause of such controversy. Before the 1950s, mainstream music was always so polite and inoffensive, regardless of lyrical content. During the big band era of the late 40s, Mr. Leo Fender first began mass-p ...more

All in the family

by: Mike Benhaim

August 02, 2011 5:07 PM

comments: (4)

While our differences make us unique, it is our similarities that unite us. Compatibility is harmony. You may have inherited your father's nose, and you may have your mother's breasts (not so great if you're a guy), but from where did you get your personality? From whom did yo ...more

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Mike Benhaim has been a DJ for 20 years, which belies his youthful appearance. This self-proclaimed pop music expert has an opinion on everything from Lil Wayne to Barry Manilow.

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That was a horrible "compliment" you gave Whitney. When I see a pretty white woman, the last thing I think or say or write is that she is the finest white woman. She's just pretty. SMH