The many layers of Dave Mustaine

Dave MustaineI'm playing catch-up here but wanted to share a memorable "Soundcheck" podcast from early August featuring Megadeath leader Dave Mustaine. 

Metal musicians are often dismissed as clueless headbangers more interested in drugs, tattoos and leather than serious wide-ranging discussions on WNYC, the best-known public radio station in the States.  

But in this funny and eloquent interview, Mustaine discusses dementia as inspiration for song; the physical downsides of, um, headbanging; and performing with a South American youth orchestra whose instruments are made from items salvaged from their home -- a landfill. 

Mustaine is a rock legend, yes, but as this interview shows, a normal guy with whom you'd love to share a beer or two. 

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Tantalizing trailer for "Nothing Can Hurt Me"

I can't wait to see this documentary on one of rock music's greatest bands, one that remains little known despite enormous critical acclaim over the course of four decades. 

Unlike many music fans with selective memory, I didn't get the Big Star thing until the early 1980s. But when I did, I did. What a great band, with songs so nuanced that each listen delivers new surprises.

Nikola Tesla's brilliance too much for clueless VCs

Anyone who knows me well knows I've long been a huge fan of inventor Nikola Tesla. Tesla has grown in popularity in recent years thanks to Tesla Motors, recent efforts to build memorials in his name and smart techies who are inspired by his many disparate breakthroughs. 

With that in mind, this video is hilarious on so many levels. Tesla died a broken man, but he's got to be spinning in his grave at the thought of jumping through the ridiculous hoops facing modern-day inventors and creators.