Before I get into today's song, I'd like to wish my dad, Mike Shanks, a very happy birthday. It feels very strange to not be seeing him on his big day. Celebrations while we're all in isolation are pretty lackluster. I guess we'll have to make plans to celebrate in a big way when we can all be together again. Dad, I hope you have a fantastic day!!
Ordinarily, on Fridays, I post a "not guilty just pleasure" song. In other words, I share a song that I like, just because I like it. Today, I'm posting an isolation appropriate song to end the week with.
This song, from 1972, speaks for itself. Hope you get a kick out of Gilbert O'Sullivan's mournful "Alone Again (Naturally)." May be a kick isn't appropriate, it's a pretty sad song... enjoy isn't really right either. Anyway, give it a listen, what can it hurt?
Stay safe folks, isolation is working and so is washing your hands, xo
I feel a bit bad about neglecting this site for the past couple of weeks.
Truthfully, I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed at the moment. I know that a lot of you are feeling that way too. It's okay that we're all struggling, it's a strange time to be alive and I think it would be pretty fucking weird if we weren't.
I hope to get back to doing this regularly but that may not happen for a while. Instead, I'll pop in once in a while and share a song, sometimes on the theme of the day, but not necessarily. Writing here, even little posts like this one, sharing my feelings, makes me feel better. Things that make us feel better are important right now.
So, for Cancon Thursday, I'm sharing a song by one of my favourite Canadian singer-songwriters. It's an older song of his, from the 1997 album "Lipstick, Lies and Gasoline." It's a completely beautiful album and I invite you to listen to "Time To Get A Gun."
Music fans around the world are mourning the loss of our beloved John Prine.
Photograph: Tom Hill/WireImage
For way back Wednesday, I'm going to share a live performance of "Illegal Smile" from Austin City Limits. To say he'll be missed is a massive understatement. Sending out love and sincere condolences to his family and friends and everyone who loved him. xo
Ah, but fortunately I have the key to escape reality
And you may see me tonight with an illegal smile
It don't cost very much, but it lasts a long while
Won't you please tell the man I didn't kill anyone
Today is Bobby Bare's birthday. He was born on this day in 1935. In honour of this special day, the song I'm sharing today is Bobby Bare's lovely cover of Tom T Hall's "How I Got To Memphis."
It's a beautiful version and while it's been covered by many folks over the years, I'm pretty fond of this version (although lets be real, Tom T Hall does it BEST!).
Best wishes to you, Bobby Bare, on your 85th Birthday!!
Hope you enjoy it kids. Remember, stay inside, wash your hands and please, stay safe xo
I know that you all know that I'm a big fan of the Fountains of Wayne. From the first time I heard them back in the 90's I was hooked on them. Amazing musicians, superb lyrics, super fun.
Earlier this week, Fountains of Wayne co-founder Adam Schlesinger died from complications caused by COVID-19. It's heartbreaking news for his family and friends, not to mention all of the fans of his wonderful songs.
For today's "not guilty just pleasure" post, rather than just share one song, I'm going to share a Tiny Desk concert from 2013. It's four songs by Fountains of Wayne. I've been listening to them A LOT over the past few weeks because hearing their music always makes me feel good. I hope watching this little concert helps you feel better too.
Stay safe everyone, wash your hands and hang out at home... after all, it's where your records are xo
Since I stopped listening to the news during the week day, I have been listening to old favourite songs. I need them to soothe my soul and keep me relatively sane.
During these weird days, I find myself going back to Destroyer's 2011 album, Kaputt. Today, for Cancon Thursday, I'm sharing the title track with you. Both this song, and the album, I can listen to endlessly.
If I have shared it before, well, I'm not really sorry about that so I'm not going to apologize. I just didn't really have the wherewithal to go back and check my archives today.
I hope you enjoy it, it's so good. The album is one of my favourites and I love this song (and video). I hope you're all keeping safe. Keep it up! Stay home, wash your hands, stay connected with each other but safely. This too shall pass. While we wait, be kind to one another and listen to some excellent music.
From the first time I heard today's song, I loved it. It's sad yet uplifting, touching and memorable.
Also, the video is gorgeous.
Whenever someone tells me that they are bored, I always say that only boring people get bored. I think that there are a lot of restless folks out there right now. Perhaps feeling a little stir crazy as the days of social distancing have turned into weeks. I stick to my statement that only boring people get bored. There are lots of things you can do to amuse yourself. Read books, listen to music, clean, exercise, cook, call your friends and family, play games, teach yourself something new from YouTube videos...I'll not go on, you get the idea.
Personally, I'm not bored because I'm working from home and that's keeping on a regular daily routine. I may change my tune if I wasn't busy and distracted from the pandemic by my job. I'm lucky, I know.
Anyway, for Way Back Wednesday, I'm sharing one of my favourite Pet Shop Boys songs with you, Being Boring. Released on their 1990 album Behaviour, it's a beautiful song. Hope you enjoy it.
Stay healthy, stay inside, wash your hands, tell the people you love how you feel about them xo
Ordinarily, on Fridays, I post a "not guilty just pleasure" song. In other words, I share a song that I like, just because I like it. Today, I'm posting an isolation appropriate song to end the week with.
