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johnlingan.bsky.social
Writer. "Homeplace," about Patsy Cline's hometown. "A Song for Everyone," about CCR. "BACKBEATS: A History of Rock and Roll in 15 Drummers" is out on 11/11/25. johnlingan.com
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There’s a busker with a harmonica playing off-key and -rhythm to amateur CCR backing tracks in DuPont Circle right now and I’m having the time of my life in this Adirondack chair.

submitted 1 day ago • 0 comments

This is from David Stacton’s “Judges of the Secret Court,” supposedly “About John Wilkes Booth” but obviously more capacious. @nyrb-imprints.bsky.social What do you do after writing a paragraph like this? Smoke a cigar?

submitted 1 day ago • 0 comments

This is gorgeous. “We heard his first cry and we heard his last cry.”

submitted 2 days ago • 0 comments

submitted 6 days ago • 0 comments

Beautiful. If they cover "North Dakota" I will buy two copies.

submitted 6 days ago • 0 comments

For my forthcoming book I wanted to cover a metal drummer despite never enjoying metal. Finally settled on Slayer because Dave Lombardo is a genius and also for reasons finely outlined by @drewmagary.bsky.social. I listen to "Seasons in the Abyss" while cooking now.

submitted 6 days ago • 1 comment

Such a thoughtful and insightful review of the first album by Laura Snapes: pitchfork.com/reviews/albu...

submitted 7 days ago • 0 comments

“Today’s boys don’t have positive role mod—”

submitted 8 days ago • 0 comments

Pristine first edition, inscribed, $6 at the library book sale. Miracles happen. Thank you, Althea.

submitted 9 days ago • 1 comment

A Sunday song: Rhythmically and lyrically this is an off kilter subtle masterpiece that also manages to be one of her catchiest songs. Played and produced to perfection. Definitive “Americana” for me.

submitted 9 days ago • 0 comments

Fascinating conversation with Matthew Shipp, the legendary pianist who went viral for calling André’s new EP a piece of crap. Evenhanded and obviously insightful.

submitted 12 days ago • 1 comment

Any possible opportunity to hype an absolute masterpiece an easy top 10 of the 90s pick for me: “Retreat from the Sun” by that dog.

submitted 12 days ago • 1 comment

He might be the hokiest great artist in history but this kind of thing is real as hell and he’s always been on point with his statements on these issues and people.

submitted 13 days ago • 1 comment

The narrator of Elliott Chaze’s “Black Wings Has My Angel” put himself through college doing janitorial work and “ghost-writing themes.” What on earth does that mean?

submitted 14 days ago • 1 comment

Area Man Begs for Wedgie

submitted 14 days ago • 0 comments

The first two Kate & Anna McGarrigle records contain seemingly every variety of wonderful music. Pure, tender perfection of craft by everyone involved, an amazing and unlikely bunch. Holy stuff.

submitted 15 days ago • 1 comment

Absolutely wonderful @oxfordamerican.bsky.social story about the Ludwig drum factory, which since 1984 has been located in NC. Custom jobs for Questlove, rebuilds of century-old kits. The Ringo model is still their top seller.

submitted 15 days ago • 1 comment

If I’m being honest Keith Jarrett has done more than any single musician to expand my taste and listening habits. Just a titan, unequalled. As I said here, the solo improvs are as close as you can get to hearing someone’s real-time thoughts expressed in music. Happy 80th.

submitted 19 days ago • 0 comments

One year since the death of Steve Albini, still unimaginable. I was lucky enough to interview him for my next book, about drummers. Here are his thoughts on Charlie Watts.

submitted 20 days ago • 0 comments