Because It's Tuesday - week of April 11

You may not know this about me, but I love "train wreck" TV.  The funny thing is, I didn't realize that I did. Many years ago, while I was at work, Mark had popped home for a break (he drove a cab so he would stop by the house to grab lunch). He turned on CNN and saw that the Dannielynn Birkhead custody trial was on. He hit record on the PVR, and when I got home, I could watch that train wreck. It was a wonderful surprise for me. It was also the first time I realized that I loved to watch a "real life" shit show on the TV!

In the years since I became a regular viewer of Sister Wives on TLC. I lost track of how many seasons of the show have aired, but it's into the teens by now. Reality TV's favourite polygamists, the Brown Family, may not have started out as a train wreck, but they seem to be one now. The family has pretty much broken up, with only one wife remaining married to the patriarch. I enjoyed watching how the wives and children reacted to the ridiculous man at the centre of the family. It was amusing to me to see things blow up in his face (not very nice of me to admit that I know, but there you go).

Recently, because I'm waiting for a new season of Sister Wives, I decided to re-watch HBO's "Big Love." If you haven't seen it, it ran for 5 seasons on HBO, and the story followed a family of modern-day polygamists who are struggling to live a normal life while still practicing their faith. It's set in Utah, where, at the time, polygamy was considered a felony. When it first aired in 2006, it took the coveted Sunday night time slot, which had been previously filled by The Sopranos. Big shoes to fill. It had a great cast and spectacular writing.

I won't get into the nuts and bolts of the show, but today's song is a cover of the show's theme song, "God Only Knows," by the Beach Boys. It's possibly one of the most beautiful songs ever written. The song opened every episode of the first 3 seasons of "Big Love." Over the weekend, I watched the series finale and was reminded of Natalie Maine's cover of the Beach Boys classic. I'm not really a fan of hers, but I do like her version of the song (although it doesn't hold a candle to the David Bowie cover). This version played over the closing credits of the last show of the series. 

Hopefully, your week is off to a good start. Take care kiddos xo

God only knows what I'd be without you

If you should ever leave me

Though life would still go on believe me

The world could show nothing to me

So what good would living do me

Because It's Tuesday - week of April 4

It's a short week around here (and hopefully around where you are too). I'm not feeling super chatty but wanted to make a post anyway. I'll keep this brief (I can almost hear you saying "yay").

Today's cover song (I always share a cover on Tuesdays) was written for the Righteous Brothers. The song never made it them because Frankie Valli first. He released it as a single in 1965. It was kind of a dud for him. The Walker Brothers released their version a year later, which was a huge hit.

The song of the day is "The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore." It's been covered by many artists over the years. The version I'm sharing today was released in 2019 by The Explorers Club. You can pick up your very own copy it from their bandcamp page. It's their homage to the great Scott Walker.

I hope you give it a listen, I love their sound, and they did a terrific job with it.

Have a good Tuesday, kiddos xo

Emptiness is the place you're in

There's nothing to lose but no more to win

The sun ain't gonna shine anymore

The moon ain't gonna rise in the sky

The tears are always clouding your eyes

When you're without love

Because It's Tuesday - week of March 28

As I usually do on Tuesdays, I'm sharing a cover of a song I love with you.

This particular song was originally released by The Beatles.  It appeared on 1965's Rubber Soul and was primarily written by John Lennon. The version I'm sharing with you now was recorded by the legendary Johnny Cash for his American IV: The Man Comes Around album, which was released in 2002.

It's a beautiful song, and in recent years, I've found it impossible to listen to it without welling up. I'm doing that right now, which is why I'll keep this brief.

All these places had their moments

With lovers and friends, I still can recall

Some are dead and some are living

In my life, I've loved them all

Because It's Tuesday - week of March 21

Happy Tuesday to you. I hope you are doing well on this second official day of spring 20023. Here in Kingston, we still have a lot of snow on the ground (although it is very slowly melting), and I've yet to see a robin (my mum has seen one in her yard just west of me), but the calendar tells me that it's spring again.

It's been a long, dark winter, and I'm ready to see green grass, leafy trees, and maybe some flowers here and there. I don't think that's asking a lot. If I'm patient, it'll happen; I know it will because it's inevitable. 

So, on Tuesdays, I share favourite covers of mine. Today I'm sharing a brilliant cover of an Everly Brother's song, Bowling Green. Written by Terry Slater and Jacqueline Erte, it was released by the Everly Brothers in 1967 (so it's as old as yours truly; Neko Case (and her Boyfriends) released her version in 1997. Both songs are fantastic. 

One time, many years ago, I made a quick trip to Bowling Green. I was visiting someone in Nashville, and we drove to Bowling Green one afternoon. It was nice to get out of Nashville for a bit, and we bought a bunch of lottery tickets when we got to Kentucky for fun (they were not legal to sell or buy in Tennessee back then - not sure if that's changed or not in the years since).  We didn't win anything, sadly.

I've always enjoyed this song and hope you do too. Have a good day and let me know if you spot a robin this week xo

Kentucky sunshine makes the heart unfold

It warms the body

And I know it touches the soul

Bluegrass is fine

Kentucky owns my mind 

Because It's Tuesday - week of March 14

Happy Pi Day, everyone (March 14 = 3.14). Not sure how you celebrate in your house, but there are many options to be had, including:

1. Reciting Pi to 314 places
2. Eating Pie (sweet or savoury)
3. Throwing Pies at each other
4. Misc. other pie-related activities (aka you do you)

Now, today is Tuesday, so I'm sharing a cover today. Our tune de jour (Kiss Like A Nun) was originally recorded by the UK punk band, The Boys for their eponymous 1977 album. I'd like you to listen to (and enjoy) an awesome version by The Smugglers. You'll see that the selection I've linked to is from their 1993 Tattoo Dave split 7" (with the mighty Victoria band, Bum). After you've listened to Kiss Like a Nun, you can listen to the rest of the 7" - the all-star jam performance of "Hang Fire" is excellent!

You look so bold

You act so cool

So tell me why babe

When I'm kissing you

You kiss like a nun just like a nun

Because It's Tuesday - week of March 7

Well, did you all survive the storm over the weekend? I could not believe how much snow we got around here on Friday night. I think that there was pretty close to 30 cm in my yard. It was so heavy too, perfect snow man snow, nightmare shoveling snow. Of course, yesterday, about half of it melted in the sunshine. March weather is the weirdest.

About a year ago, singer Michael Feinstein released "Gershwin Country." It's a collection of songs from the George and Ira Gershwin songbook performed as duets by Michael and folks like Lyle Lovett (Clap Yo' Hands), Dolly Parton (Love Is Here To Stay) and Alison Krauss (Someone To Watch Over Me).

Because it's Tuesday (and I always share a cover on Tuesdays), I'm sharing a song from "Gershwin Country": I've Got A Crush On You, featuring one of my favourite singer songwriters, Rosanne Cash. Interesting tidbit, this tune was introduced almost 100 years ago, in 1930's "Strike Up The Band."

I first discovered Michael Feinstein in the late 1980's. I was in my early 20's and was delving into the songs of the Gershwin brothers for the first time. I found a copy of his "Pure Gershwin" album and fell down into a rabbit hole of early 20th century pop music. From there, I followed his career and picked up his records whenever he had a new release. I will also be thankful for him introducing me to "Rhode Island Is Famous For You" (New Jersey gives us glue...) and "Shall We Join The Ladies" (yes, do let's join the ladies and make one great big lady...") back in the day. 

I chose this track because of the beautiful vocals. I love how Michael and Rosanne sing together. It's super fun and gorgeous and basically wonderful. I think so anyway.

I hope you enjoy it. Happy Tuesday kittens xo

Could you coo?

Could you care for a cunning cottage we could share?

The world will pardon my mush

'Cause I have got a crush, my baby, on you

Because It's Tuesday - week of February 28

Hey look at us. We have made it to the end of February. It feels pretty good doesn't it? Spring is now officially just around the corner!

As it's Tuesday again, I'm sharing a cover song today.

This Old Heart of Mine is the tune de jour and has been recorded by many artists over the years. Some folks have even recorded it more than once!

This Holland–Dozier–Holland hit was released by the Isley Brothers in 1966 on Motown's Tamla label. It featured Ronald Isley on lead vocal and climbed the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B Singles charts that year.

In 1975, Rod Stewart released his first cover of "This Old Heart of Mine" on his Atlantic Crossing album. I love that version of it, but I couldn't find a video to share. Instead, here is his 1989 recording of the Isley Brother's hit as a duet with Ronald Isley. It's a great version (but again, I really prefer his 1975 recording). If you have some time on your hands, go give a listen to Atlantic Crossing, not just this song but the entire album. It's a gem!

I hope you enjoy it & happy Tuesday, kids xo

I try hard to hide my hurt inside

This old heart of mine, always keeps me crying

The way you're treatin' me, leaves me incomplete

You're here for the day, gone for the week

Because It's Tuesday - week of February 21

So, I'm into week three of making an effort to post here. As it's Tuesday, I'm going to share a cover song with you.

Today's tune was written and recorded by Marshall Crenshaw back in the early 80's. It was originally released as the B-Side to "Someday, Someway." If you haven't figured it out yet, it's "You're My Favourite Waste of Time" as recorded by the late, great Ronnie Spector.

Other singers (Bette Midler and Owen Paul) both had some success with their versions of the song but I prefer Ronnie Spector's version. It was released in 2003 and I hope you enjoy it. 

Here I am

I'm playin' day dreamin' fool again

You're my favorite game

Because It's Tuesday - week of February 14

Happy Love Day, everyone. I'm not a super fan of Valentine's Day, maybe I'm a cynic, but it feels like a grab to me. If you're in a healthy relationship, you don't need a manufactured Hallmark holiday to show it to whoever you're in that relationship with.

Having said that, I do support the purchase and consumption of those cinnamon heart candies. They are just yummy!

So, because it's Tuesday, I'm sharing a cover with you today. This song was originally recorded in 1965 by The McCoys. The McCoys are probably best known for "Hang On Sloopy, " also recorded that year. The following year, in 1966, The Merseys covered it, and the song went to Number 4 on the UK Charts.

I decided to share David Bowie's 1973 cover of "Sorrow." It was the only single released from his Pin Ups cover album, and it also made the UK Charts, topping out at Number 3 (it was also his first Number 1 in Australia - for 2 weeks in February 1974). It's a great song, and I hope you enjoy it.

I hope you have a great day today and are lucky enough to find some of those cinnamon hearts while you're on your travels xo

With your long blond hair and your eyes of blue

The only thing I ever got from you

Was sorrow, sorrow

Because it's Tuesday - week of February 7

So it's February.

The month of January seemed to evaporate. I wish I could say that the month flew by because I was on vacation or doing something super fun, but I can't. My lovely dad passed away last month. It's been a couple of weeks since it happened, and it feels like a million years and five minutes at the same time. Isn't time weird that way?

He had a very brief illness, and his death was sudden and shocking to my family and everyone who loved him. 

Over the weekend, I was thinking about my blog and how much I missed sharing songs with everyone. When I looked at it, I noticed that it had almost been an entire year since I'd updated the page. This year was difficult on a lot of levels. I think that year three of pandemic living really took a toll on the folks who are close to me and me too. Sometimes, life seems a bit closer to normal than it used to be, but when I reach for a mask whenever I enter a public space, I realize that it's still got a long way to go to get there.

So, yeah, that.

I'm hoping (but not promising) to resume regular updates here. 

For my first post of 2023, it happens to be a Tuesday so I'm sharing a cover with you.

Today's song was a big hit back in 1987. It was a favourite of my parents. They loved the song and the video (and my dad used to point out that one of the ladies who was dancing around in the video reminded him of our beloved Aunt Marge Quigley - he was right; she was behaving just as Aunt Marge would have). The song was written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz and recorded by Randy Travis for his "Always and Forever" album. 

I'm going to share a cover "Forever and Ever, Amen" by the wonderful Ryan Hamilton. You can find it on his "On the Edge" 7"

I've been listening to a lot of stuff over the past couple of weeks that my dad loved. I think he would have enjoyed this non-country version of the Randy Travis classic.

They say time takes its toll on a body

Makes the young girls brown hair turn gray

But honey, I don't care, I ain't in love with your hair

And if it all fell out, well, I'd love you anyway

Because It's Tuesday - week of February 15

The Super Bowl and Valentine's Day are both over for another year, it was kind of nice to get them both out of the way at once for a change.  If these things bring you joy, I'm happy for you. A happy distraction is a wonderful thing these days. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of either, nor am I keen to watch the news recently, it makes me both angry and sad at the same time (I'm looking at you #freedumbconvoy people).

As today is Tuesday, I've decided to ignore all of the things that make me feel sad/mad and share a cover song with you.

Today's cover is by the Launderettes, it's their version of "Nobody But Me."

Written and originally recorded by the Isley Brothers in 1962, Nobody but Me has been covered by SO many bands, including Doug and the Slugs, the Residents and The Human Beinz (this song made the Human Beinz into one-hit wonders when it went to number 8 on the Billboard pop singles chart in 1968). 

I think that a lot folks will also remember hearing the song on an episode of the US version of the Office.

Anyway, I love this version by the Launderettes. It was recorded for their 2002 album, Shaken and Disturbed.

Enjoy it kids and remember, kindness is magic!!

No-no, no, no, no, no-no-no, no, no-no, no, no-no

Na-no, no, na-no, no-no, na-no, no-no, no, no-no, no

Because It's Tuesday - week of February 1

Hey everyone. 

Still keeping warm? Hopefully you're not stuck in a snowbank or nursing a bruised knee from slipping on the ice. I don't have any hard feelings against cold weather. I'm actually a fan of wooly socks and cozy sweaters but ice, under the snow (now in it's 3rd week) is no fun at all.

What is fun though, is listening to good music. I love to do that and it's extra fun when a beloved classic song is covered by someone you're a fan of AND they do an awesome job of it.

Because it's Tuesday, I'm sharing a cover with you. Today's song was written by Gene Pitney and originally recorded by the incredible Roy Orbison in 1960. Gene Pitney and Ricky Nelson also recorded it but my favourite cover is by Fountains of Wayne. Whichever version you prefer, they'll all get your toe to tapping. I promise. Enjoy!!

Hope you have a good day and can find something to make you smile today xo

Today's teardrops are tomorrow's rainbows

And tomorrow's rainbows we will share me and you

So dry your eyes, little girl, dry your eyes,

And we're gonna see skies of blue

Because It's Tuesday - week of January 25

Happy New Year!

Yeah, I do know that January is almost over and it's probably not proper etiquette to be still saying that but I'm doing it anyway. After all, it's my first post of the year. It's actually the first post I've done in a good long time. I wish I could say that I had a really juicy, exciting story to explain my lack of writing but I don't. Let's blame covid-induced apathy. Sound okay?

I realized over the weekend that I missed sharing music here. Many folks are in a omicron / January funk and I know that I'm in one. Fortunately, it's almost the end of the month, February will soon arrive and after that, spring. Eventually things will feel better, I know this.

Okay, so, because it's Tuesday, I'm sharing a cover today. I'm not going to say too much about it beyond, the original is an amazing song and this cover kicks ass. 

Today's song is "Rock and Roll Girl," written by Paul Collins and originally recorded by The Beat (not to be confused with the English Beat) in 1979, on their self-titled debut album. The Muffs covered it in 1992 as part of the "Tannis Roots Presents - Freedom of Choice - Yesterday's New Wave Hits as Performed by Today's Stars" compilation. You can find it on their 2000 compilation album, Hamburger as well.

Enjoy yourselves kiddos. Stay safe, keep warm and take 2 minutes and 18 seconds listen to today's song to enjoy a little dance party!! xo

I pick up the phone and get a dial tone

I call up the number but nobody is home

But I saw it on my tv

They said there's someone for me

I wish she would answer and give me her name

Because It's Tuesday - week of May 18

I'm sure I'm not the only one out there who loves a long weekend but isn't such a fan of trying to get 5 days worth of work done in 4 days. Not complaining, it's a lovely problem to have. As you know, I work at Queen's University and our wonderful Principal, Patrick Deane gave us all Friday off so we get a four day weekend (woo hoo!!). We also have two 4-day weeks, back to back so while it's worth the extra work to get a nice break like that, it's a bit hairy for me at the moment. Again, never ever going to complain about this, just saying!!

So, as it's Tuesday, I'm sharing a cover with you fine folks. Today's cover is a fantastic version of the 1985 Katrina and the Waves tune, "Do You Want Crying" (written by the insanely talented Vince de la Cruz) as performed by The Dahlmanns. From Norway, the Dahlmanns featuring Andre Dahlmanns (of the Yum Yums) on guitar and vocals and his wife Cecile Dahlmann on lead vocals.

This is a great cover of a terrific song. I hope you enjoy it. Have a good weeks kiddos xo

I see that smile, it's your face

I feel you holding on and on

I hear your voice, it's saying bye bye love

I count my teardrops as they fall

Because It's Tuesday - week of May 11

How is May going for you? So far, this month, because of the stay at home order, I've not had a lot of newsworthy things happening in my life. I did get my first shot of the AZ Vaccine and that was very exciting, in pandemic life anyway, that is what passes for excitement. Also, I was able to visit with my mum and dad on Mother's Day. We looked through some old photo albums and caught up on family news. It was a lovely treat to be outside of my own home for a little while.

Because it's Tuesday, I'm once again sharing a cool cover with you. Today's feature song is along time favourite of mine, originally recorded by Nick Lowe, "Cruel To Be Kind." I'm pretty sure I was in either grade 7 or 8 the first time I heard it and it's just stuck with me all of those since in between. It's always featured on any playlists I'm making for myself and I very rarely can resist the urge to sing along.

Kurt Baker's version of "Cruel To Be Kind" is fantastic. Released in 2010 on his "Got It Covered" EP (which you can pick up from his bandcamp page), it's a fantastic cover of a perfect pop song. If you like the original, I think you'll really enjoy this one. The rest of his catalogue is also worth checking out. He's a great pop songwriter and I really like his sound.

So, I hope you like this. Have a good day, stay safe, stay home, wash your hands, wear your mask, be kind to each other xo

Well I do my best to understand dear

But you still mystify and I want to know why

I pick myself up off the ground

To have you knock me back down, again and again

And when I ask you to explain, you say

You've gotta be cruel to be kind, in the right measure

Cruel to be kind, it's a very good sign

Cruel to be kind, means that I love you, baby

(You've gotta be cruel)

You gotta be cruel to be kind

Because It's Tuesday - week of May 4

Today, I'd like to start this post by wishing those of you who celebrate, a very happy Star Wars day. May the fourth be with you!!

As it's Tuesday, I'm sharing a cover song today. This particular song has be covered countless times since it was originally released in 1961 on the soundtrack to my mum's favourite Elvis movie, Blue Hawaii. "Can't help falling in love" is a classic love song with broad appeal, hence the many versions of it that are around. 

Forever, I'll associate this song with the movie Blue Hawaii. When I hear it, I'm immediately transported back to my childhood home, on the sofa with my mum, watching what is essentially, a beautifully shot promotional film for tourism Hawaii. Oh yeah, also, Elvis was in it, singing his dialog. Not the greatest film in the world but it sure is pretty!

My mum prefers the Elvis version I know. My preferred version is performed by Dead Moon. It was released on their 1988 "In the Graveyard" album. Here is a great live recording of their take on "Can't Help Falling in Love." Enjoy xo

Like a river flows

Surely to the sea

Darling, so it goes

Some things are meant to be

Because It's Tuesday - week of April 27

Here we are at the end of April. Our second April of this pandemic. 

I had a super craptacular week last week. So far, this one is going a lot better for me. I guess when you can sleep and figure out ways to manage your anxiety, things just seem brighter. Thank goodness.

So, as it's Tuesday again I'm sharing yet another cover song with you. If you're my age (or close to it), you may have had a picture of Shaun Cassidy (carefully removed from the pages of Tiger Beat) somewhere in your house in the mid-1970's. In 1976 he had a big hit when he covered Eric Carmen's "That's Rock 'n' Roll." Pop music fans will note that Eric Carmen was in the superb band, The Raspberries.  Carmen had recorded the song in 1975. Anyway, Shaun Cassidy. That singing Hardy Boy made today's cover tune popular.

Last year, as a pandemic project, Green Day leader Billie Joe Armstrong starting recording and sharing covers of some super fun pop songs. "That's Rock 'n' Roll" was on that list and I'm sharing it today. I've always liked this song and I'm a sucker for hand claps. I actually like this a lot more than I did the Shaun Cassidy version. Let me know what you think. 

Stay home if you can. Stay safe, wear a mask, get a shot in the arm. Just please be well xo

It's when the smokin'

And the heat

Have got your heart pounding right with the beat

Don't try to fight it

Just get excited

That's rock n' roll

Because it's Tuesday - week of April 20

Happy 420 to those of you who celebrate. I am sure that many of you who do celebrate it, also marked World Bicycle day yesterday - quite a big start to the week.

Today, April 20, is also the birthday of my lovely grandfather, Lawrence Shanks. He passed away in 1985 and I'll be forever grateful that he lived with us during the last few years of his life. Grandpa Shanks was a good man, a solid guy, one worthy of much love and respect and I have some wonderful memories of him. Happy Birthday Grandpa Shanks, we miss you.

Honestly, I'm feeling really fried at the moment. My work is really busy right now so I look forward to being able to recharge my batteries on the weekends. I spent the entire weekend feeling enraged by the Ontario government's announcement on Friday afternoon. It probably shouldn't have been shock to me that the Ford folks have no respect or regard for low income workers, for vulnerable communities across the province, for racialized communities... we can see what they are doing, they see these groups of people as disposable. To Ford and his cronies, somehow, the lives of these people are worth less than the lives of others. It's nauseating and infuriating and I feel frustrated and helpless by the absolutely preventable tragedy which has unfolded across the province.

On that note, I don't have a lot to say about music right now (although listening to it, instead of the CBC is probably the only thing keeping me sane at the moment). It's Tuesday though, so I'll share a cover. I hope you enjoy this great version of Sweet's 1974 hit "Fox On The Run" as performed by the Regrettes.

I - Don't Wanna Know Your Name

'Cause You Don't Look The Same

The Way You Did Before

Because It's Tuesday - week of April 14

The Shang Hi Los are a super fun band from Boston. I was introduced them when I heard their awesome song "Sway Little Player" on Little Steven's Underground Garage. They have a new EP out, "Kick It Like A Wicked Bad Habit." You should definitely check it out, I think it's great. Again, so much fun (and fun stuff is hard to come by these days it seems).

Because it's Tuesday, I'm sharing a cover. This week's cover tune is the Shang Hi Los version of the Chicago 1972 classic, "Saturday in the Park" (originally released on their Chicago V album). I was never a fan of Chicago generally or this song particularly but this cover is terrific.

Stay home, stay safe, be sweet to each other & enjoy xo

Eh Cumpari, ci vo sunari

Can you dig it? (Yes, I can)

And I've been waiting such a long time

For Saturday

Because It's Tuesday - week of March 9

Hello everyone.

It's been quite a while since I've posted. Things have been busy and while I've continued to listen to music (always!!), I haven't felt super inspired to share any or write about it here.

Next week it'll have been a whole year since we were sent home. In some ways that seems crazy to me, how is it that I've not seen most of my friends in over a year? How did it happen that I have been able to be in BC for almost 6 months this year? 

For most of the time, I really think that I've been okay. Recently, I'm starting to experience regular feelings of anxiety, something that I haven't had happen since the first few months after Mark's death. I have had moments of anxiety, a few periods of time which don't last for more than a few hours. This is different. It's always there and I'm not loving it.

So, while I deal with that and you all deal with the stuff that's happening to you right now, I'm going to try to post more regularly because I really do feel better when I do it. 

As it's Tuesday today, I'm sharing a cover. It's an absolutely beautiful cover of John Prine's "Hello In There" performed by Roger Waters during quarantine.

Take care, be kind to yourself and hang in there everyone xo

You know that old trees just grow stronger

And old rivers grow wilder every day

Old people just grow lonesome

Waiting for someone to say, "Hello in there, hello"