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Music is an incredible gift to us all - we must never take it for granted...
Current mood:
blessed
Music, where would my life be without it? I can't even imagine. You may have read my earlier blog "Thanks for the Music", and if you did you will understand how diverse my tastes are.
I am writing this to share with those who are interested my reasons for choosing the songs in my new playlist. Each of these songs holds meaning for me; they remind me of places, or people or times in my life that are special to me in their own way. It is my belief Music is an incredible gift to us all – we must never take it for granted…
Behind the songs….
In My Life – Johnny Cash (covering the Beatles). This song brings back special memories for me; a chance to reflect on the past, the present and to remember, honor and appreciate all of our loved ones who mean so much to us. This version in particular brings out very strong emotions for me. My niece Emily used this song a few years back in a family video she created to share with us on Thanksgiving. It was a beautiful pictorial of our family; those who have passed away, those who are still alive and the special times we all have shared. It brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it – and reminds me to be grateful for what I have….
Heaven's Last Attempt – Jude Cole. This is one of the two songs on my list by Jude. I would have chosen more (I'll be honest, I could have done a whole blog on his songs alone – LOL) but the selection that is available to download through the playlist program is very limited! Anyhow…. I am a huge fan of Jude's; and I like to think that through his music, he has been a part of my life for over 20 years now. He will always hold a special place in my heart. This song is also very emotional for me, reminds me a lot of my own life: of my never-ending search to find myself in this big and sometimes lonely world. It's about faith, hope and that amazing thing we call forgiveness, and the realization that sometimes everything you've been searching for has been with you all the time…
Workin at the Car Wash Blues – Jim Croce. I must admit I used to cringe when "Time in a Bottle" came on the radio when I was younger, but I am really starting to appreciate artists like Jim as I get older, and have to thank my husband for helping me rediscover his music. Let's face it, you just don't hear this kind of talented, story telling type of music much these days. I don't mean to offend anyone, as I have said before, I am very open minded when it comes to music. But I have a hard time with all the crappy, sorry excuse for talent that is being produced these days (thanks to shows like American Idol). How did we ever get to the point where it is more important to be good looking, well dressed, and don't worry if your voice sucks, we can fix it in the studio… Kids who have never paid their dues, (who will never know what it's like to play in the local dives, trying to scrape enough money together to pay for food and yet still managing to hold on to your dream of making it big some day) are now overnight superstars with instant world wide exposure and million dollar recording contracts. Yeah, I know I am going to make some enemies now – LOL. Jim Croce struggled and fought tooth and nail to achieve the notoriety he so well deserved – it's just a shame he never lived long enough to enjoy the fame. I always wondered how many other great songs he would have written had he not been taken from us so suddenly….
Dear Prudence – The Beatles. Again, I could have picked a million Beatle tunes for this list, but I chose two. This song always lifts my spirits and takes me away to a carefree place – it brings me back to the innocence of childhood. I grew up with the timeless music of the Beatles, and it's no coincidence that my two all time favorites are on the album my older sisters left behind when they moved out of the house. Thanks again to them….
When You're Only Lonely – JD Souther. Having grown up listening to The Eagles, it's hard not to appreciate JD Souther, he did co-write some of their biggest hits… I chose this song because it also brings you back to a different time in music and life, a more innocent time, when all your problems and sorrows could be washed away just by holding your favorite guy or girl in your arms…
Colorful – Rocco Deluca and The Burden. Talk about amazing! I was blown away when I first heard Colorful on our local Chicago radio station – so thanks to WXRT and Ironworks Music for turning me and the rest of the world onto them! This man is single-handedly bringing the Dobro to the top of the modern music charts! Colorful is a great song – but I have to be honest, it really was songs like "Dope" and "Gift" that sold me on Rocco. Unfortunately, I was not able to post either of those songs due to lack of availability on project playlist, ehemmm. The other songs on his debut are more true to his unique style – a must listen for anyone who craves an awesome new talent unlike any other you have heard before! This man is truly Colorful…
Amos Moses – Jerry Reed. LOL about sums it up – can you imagine this song making it onto the charts, or even making it out of the swamp for that matter? I remember hearing this song as a kid - my dad had a tendency to play fun music like this and "Dead Skunk in the Middle of the Road." My husband plays this song whenever we need a good laugh, to quote "he could trap the biggest, meanest alligator and just use one hand, that's all he got left cause the alligator bit it!" You may know Jerry's more popular hit "Eastbound and Down" the anthem from Smokey and The Bandit. Another talented storyteller – through song, Jerry Reed reminds us not to always take ourselves or our music too seriously…
New Kid in Town – The Eagles. How do I choose just one favorite Eagles song? There are so many I love, again having been fortunate enough to be surrounded by their music growing up. I guess I chose this song because it reminds me of the struggle we all go through at some point in our lives of being the new kid. This song plays in my head every time I start a new job, move to a new location or when I am introduced to a new group of people. While initially the feeling may be uncomfortable and yet thrilling, just when you are just starting get used to the spotlight, like the song says, somebody new comes along…
Last Dance with Mary Jane – Tom Petty. For starts, gotta love the double entendre, right? Another artist I really enjoy – just an amazing musician. The song brings me back to my crazy teenage party years – how we managed to live through them is a miracle. You know you've grown up when you can happily kiss those days goodbye…
World's Apart – Jude Cole. It's Jude – what else can I say? OK, Jude with awesome backup! Just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this man's talent. I remember owning this cd for some time before hearing this song on the radio. It was probably WXRT to think of it. I was so excited – they were finally playing JUDE on the radio! In a way, it's a bittersweet memory for me. The overwhelming joy of finally hearing his song on the radio and knowing that it was just a matter of time before the whole world would know the name Jude Cole. And years later, the pain I felt for loving an artist who would never get the recognition and credit he truly deserved from the bureaucratic assholes that made up the modern day music empire. But Jude does things his own way – and that is another reason I love him so. He has founded his own production company with Kiefer Sutherland called Ironworks Music, and together they are bringing recognition to the truly talented bands that may otherwise be passed over by other labels. I will continue to shamelessly promote his music every chance I get, because it is such an important part of my life. I may never get the chance to meet him and thank him in person, but I will try to return the favor somehow by turning as many people as I can onto him in the hope that someday, everybody around the world will know and love his music as much as me.
While My Guitar Gently Weeps – The Beatles. I told you my two favorites were off the same album! So why this song? Two words sum it up – George Harrison. He is my favorite of the fab four – another one who should have had more recognition. The song is incredible – the words may be little more than nonsense to some, but the guitar is moving and takes on a life of it's own in this tune. The harmonies are so sweet and I would spend many hour singing back up to George's tender voice. This is the song that made me want to play and made me want to sing. I really miss him…
Angie – The Rolling Stones. I seem to remember this being one of the songs my brother used to play for me on his guitar when I was a little girl. Just one of the many he would play for me when I would stumble into his room at night because I couldn't sleep. There was safety and security in music for me, and even at such a young age, it had an important role in my life…
Hard to Say – Dan Fogelberg. Oh boy, my metalhead friends are really gonna whip me for this one – LOL. So then why would I put this song on my list? Back in the days, or so I am told, it was a normal thing for hugely talented singers to appear on other hugely talented singers albums. Umm, does that make sense? In this case, Glenn Frey is providing backing vocals for Dan on this song. You don't see too much of that thing anymore, unfortunately. Too many egos I guess. Lately I find myself waking up to the smell of coffee brewing and the sound of this song blasting on weekend mornings. It's comforting in a way…
Handle Me with Care – Traveling Wilburys. There's a pattern here somewhere, LOL. A band formed by such greatness all for the fun of playing music and poking fun at themselves. Isn't that what it's all about?
Old Man – Neil Young. This song brings me back to the days of the Sunday family jam sessions we used to have when I was a kid. Those were good times, even if I was only allowed to play the bongo drums! We always seemed to have a million different instruments in our house, and I am sure that this song is solely responsible for the addition of a banjo. Not sure if my old man knew what this song was about or not, but he always played along. We all did. Those were good times…
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