Can You Hear Them Now?

The Brill Building, on Broadway near Times Square, was headquarters for legendary songwriters such as Bacharach and David, Leiber and Stoller ("Yakety Yak"), Ellie Greenwich ("River Deep Mountain High," with Phil Specter), and Doc Pomus ("Save The Last Dance For Me," with Mort Shuman). More about the Brill Building sound here. Music bud Gary Baker (above) and I stopped by on Sunday, at the end of our musical pilgrimage. All we could hear outside the historic doorway (though artists were usually instructed to use the side entrance) was the sound of Manhattan traffic -- but hey, that's what inspired George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue."

Gary and I talked politics during the 17 minutes we weren't talking about music, family, and faith. When I shared that I didn't much care who gave money to politicians or in what amounts so long as voters are fully informed about it and pay close attention, he recommended OpenSecrets.org. Drop by and see who calls the tune for your local officials.