As we head into the weekend, I'm going to share some impractical advice.
Well, I'm going to share a song and it's theme is pretty impractical.
It's overly simple, in these difficult times to say "Don't Worry, Be Happy" to someone. Instead of listing all of the reasons why it's tough to follow Bobby McFerrin's sage advice, I'm just going to leave this here for you to hopefully enjoy. It may make you feel happy and tap your feet for a few minutes. That would be great. If on the other hand, it just annoys you and makes you click away as fast as you can, well, I'm sorry about that.
Either way, take some time this weekend to do something kind for yourself. You deserve it.
Stay safe, wash your hands, wear a mask... please? xo
The other night, Bill and I were talking about One Hit Wonders and I found a list of songs online which was broken down by decade. We started listening to some of the songs. Many of them, I didn't think were "one hit" wonders because the artists had long, prolific careers and released many popular songs (to me anyway). but I guess the threshold for what counts as a hit is a lot higher than I thought.
Anyway, when we got to the '90's, we started to recognize fewer and fewer songs. Probably because neither of us were listening to commercial radio / watching videos during the '90's so we were pretty clueless. A couple of songs on that particular list were by Canadian groups. Honestly, to me, the songs and groups are pretty interchangeable. Fans of either group would probably argue with me (and go ahead, I don't care enough about either one to really engage) but if I had to pick one I preferred, it's today's Cancon pick.
So, instead of Len's "Steal My Sunshine," I'm sharing Bran Van 3000's "Drinking in LA." Probably because I remember being sent SO many of those "Glee" stickers at CFRC when the song was released. I like that little deer I guess. Also, what is Todd's favourite cheese?
Here you go, without further adieu, some Bran Van... enjoy and stay safe, please!? Wear a mask, keep your distance, wash your hands, BE CAREFUL!! xo
I woke up again this morning with the sun in my eyes
As today is Remembrance Day, as well as Way Back Wednesday, I'm sharing "Vera / Bring the Boys Back Home" from Pink Floyd's "The Wall." Roger Waters and his band recorded this version over the summer of 2020 as part of their Lockdown Sessions. This song almost always makes me cry, listening to this new version definitely moved me. It's striking and beautiful.
Today, as we remember all members of the armed forces who have lost their lives in the line of duty, let's also hope for peace. Let's hope that no more names are added to cenotaphs or grave stones because of war.
Do you feel relieved? I know that I do. I had no idea how much anxiety I was carrying with me about the results of US election until Saturday. I was visiting my parents and my dad turned the TV on just as CNN was calling Pennsylvania. As I watched Van Jones crying, I realized I was crying too. What a moment, what a day.
Of course, like many folks, I was fearful that on Sunday morning, I might have woken up to news of violence and riots. Fortunately, I did not. It was so wonderful to watch the coverage joyous crowds of folks celebrating in the streets all over the place (not just in the USA). What a long, strange, four years it's been. I know it's not quite over yet but things just feel better today, for me anyway.
So, as it's Tuesday, I'm sharing a cover. Today's song was written by Marvin Gaye, William "Mikey" Stevenson and Ivy Jo Hunter. It was made famous by the amazing Martha and the Vandellas in 1964. It went to No. 2 in the charts and became their signature song.
The version I'm sharing today made it's debut back in July 1985 during the Live Aid broadcast. I know this because I watched it. It was super fun to watch these middle aged white dudes (David Bowie and Mick Jagger) bopping around. Proceeds from the single went to the Live Aid charity fund. It still makes me smile, 35 years later. Hopefully it'll make you smile too and maybe dance around the kitchen.
Stay well my friends, wash your hands, wear a mask and please, be kind to each other xo
Philadelphia, PA (dancing in the street)
Baltimore and D.C. now (dancing in the street)
Can't forget the Motor City (dancing in the street)
Like many people, I've been spending a lot of time on my own during the pandemic. During this time, I've been listening to a lot of music. It helps me soothe my brain. Over the past few months, I've been revisiting old favourites and uncovering new to me gems.
Today, for isolation Friday, I'm sharing an old favourite by John Cale, Paris 1919. This is a live version with a full orchestra. I love this song and this version is beautiful. It's a song I've found myself listening to on repeat in recent days. It just makes me feel better. I hope that listening to it soothes your brain. If you're looking for something special to listen to this weekend, give the whole "Paris 1919" album a try. Originally released in 1973, it's still a gorgeous thing.
Hey everyone. How are you doing? You okay? Are you getting enough sleep? Are you drinking enough water?
This election business down south is a bit nuts huh? I've been feeling anxious for days and I'm just a neighbour. Can't even imagine what it would be like to be living in the US right now. The sad thing is that no matter what happens, it doesn't feel like there will be a peaceful end to it. I'm hoping for the best but it's scary.
To keep our minds off of bad things for a few minutes (elections, pandemics...) I'm sharing an awesome new song by the wonderful Terra Lightfoot. It's the title track from her new LP, "Consider the Speed."
The song is super fun and the video has bike riding in it. The best videos always have bikes in them, in my opinion anyway. So, enjoy, go for a bike ride and be kind (to yourself and those around you) xo
The other day, CBC Music asked, on twitter, what song could always get you onto the dance floor. Without hesitation I answered. It was easy. I'm sure dancing wouldn't be so easy because, well, I'm old now and I don't really go to places with dance floors anymore. Back in the day, about 30+ years ago, when I used to go out dancing with my girlfriends, today's "Way Back Wednesday" song would always make me run to the dance floor.
That's right, I'm sharing the New Order classic, Bizarre Love Triangle.
As I write this, folks in the US are voting and I'm feeling anxious. I have no idea if we'll know what the results of the American election are in the morning, we may not know for weeks. Good or bad, this song is appropriate. If you are celebrating a Biden / Harris win, you can dance around your living room. On the other hand, if it goes the other way and you need to cheer yourself up, this song will do that too. It's a perfect dance song.
Hopefully, tomorrow will be a good day, not just for America but for all of us. I'd love nothing more than to see peace and sanity restored to our biggest and closest neighbour.
Take care all. Stay safe. Wear a mask. Be kind to each other, please xo
About 30 years ago (!!) or so, I won a contest on a local commercial radio station. It was called "See Sting in the South" and the prize was a trip for two to go to Atlanta and see Sting in concert (as luck would have it, Squeeze was opening for him!!). Anyway, when they called me to tell me that I'd won the contest, they asked me what my favourite Sting song was. I didn't really have one, I was sort of "meh" about Sting but was keen to take a free trip. I blurted out, "Englishman In New York" most likely because I'd just seen the video on Much Music. The dude from the radio station said something like, "OH! You like the deep tracks huh?" I actually chuckled at that. I don't think a song can be a single from an album AND a deep track at the same time. Oh well, free trip, right!?
So, as it's Tuesday, I'm sharing a cover. It's a version of "Englishman In New York" by the Flying Pickets. I'm not sure if it was actually released in 1990 or 1992 (it varies depending on the source) but it's a lovely a capella treatment. My first introduction to the Flying Pickets was hearing their cover (a UK Christmas #1 in 1983) of "Only You" by Yazoo (and lead singer, the late Brian Hibbard was also on Coronation Street so that was very cool in my books).
Hope you enjoy this little stroll down memory lane. Have a good week kiddos xo
