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
35 Years Ago: Aerosmith’s Comeback Gets Even Stronger on ‘Pump’
Their reunion with 'Permanent Vacation' producer Bruce Fairbairn picked up almost literally where the previous album left off.
30 Years Ago: ZZ Top Decides to Dial It Down for ‘Antenna’
After bringing boogie blues to the Top 40 in the '80s, they entered a new decade in a rather unusual position.
45 Years Ago: Joe Jackson’s ‘Look Sharp!’ Helps Define New Wave
Grab bag of seemingly disparate sounds blended particularly well in the grooves of this debut LP.
45 Years Ago: Elvis Costello Breaks Out in U.S. With ‘Armed Forces’
After beating the sophomore jinx, the goal was to prove he was here to stay.
40 Years Ago: Van Halen’s ‘Jump’ Video Points to the End of an Era
Producer Robert Lombard was abruptly fired before they completed the shoot.
How Paul Simon Ended Up Wearing a Turkey Suit on ‘Saturday Night Live’
No one could blame fans for humming "Still Crazy After All These Years" every Thanksgiving.
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.
How Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ Ushered in the Video Age
It took only a few minutes of rehearsal – and a few thousand pounds – to knock out the promotional clip.
50 Years Ago: Billy Joel Begins March to Stardom With ‘Piano Man’
Even the most distinguished career has to start somewhere.
33 Years Ago: Eric Carr Plays His Last Kiss Show
He wasn't the band's original drummer, but he'd long since earned a place of honor.
40 Years Ago: John Cougar Mellencamp Gets Defiant on ‘Uh-Huh’
His first five records had been recorded under heavy meddling.
40 Years Ago: Yes Makes an Improbable Trip to the Top With ‘90125’
This was the happy end result of a long series of twists and turns – including another flurry of lineup changes.