A professional pop culture junkie for more than 25 years, Jeff Giles regularly surfaces in a number of far-flung locations on the Web.
Jeff Giles
30 Years Ago: Kiss Kisses Their Own Ass
Elton John, Jimi Hendrix and Eagles received all-star album tributes in the early '90s. Why not Kiss?
How Emerson Lake and Palmer Found Themselves on a Dismal ‘Love Beach’
As the end of the '70s neared, they found themselves at a commercial and creative crossroads.
40 Years Ago: John Cougar Mellencamp Gets Defiant on ‘Uh-Huh’
His first five records had been recorded under heavy meddling.
The Moment Eric Clapton Began Turning Away From Pop Music
'Journeyman' was a clear step back from the adult-contemporary abyss.
45 Years Ago: ‘Blue Collar Man’ Keeps Styx’s New Momentum Going
Tommy Shaw helped them deliver a follow-up that could build on 'The Grand Illusion.'
How Keith Richards Used ‘Beast of Burden’ to Apologize
It arrived after a period of turmoil for the band.
Van Halen’s ‘OU812′: A Track-by-Track Guide
Their second Sammy Hagar-era album was an eclectic mix of styles.
How ZZ Top Souped Up Their Sound With ‘Got Me Under Pressure’
Bold experimentation led the band to new commercial heights.
How Talking Heads Found the Sweet Spot on ‘Speaking in Tongues’
Talking Heads found the right balance between their artistic and pop sensibilities on May 31, 1983 with 'Speaking in Tongues.'