2007: Music Maven in Review

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…..the year of 2007.

I’m sure in the years to come, I’ll look at 2007 as a year of decision and change.

After a year or so of blogging on other folks’ blogs, I decided to write my own. While it’s not Pioneer Woman, it’s been such a wonderful creative outlet for me. And, then there’s the regulars like Shrew, Jenfera, brc, huckleberry friend, little deb, dingeaux, morewines and the wonderfully talented Colette. Thank you all for continuing to come by and comment and basically indulge my musings.

Even though “Year in Review” stuff is one of my pet peeves, I thought I’d be remiss if I didn’t at least recap Music Maven’s first year.

March 22nd – A Star is Born – The start of Music Maven, chosen for a hopeful prediction.

March 31st – A Whiter Shade of Gray – The final curtain of GrayCharles.com, the Taylor Hicks fansite that started my online blogging experience and was the inspiration for Music Maven. Gray Charles set the standard that I aspire this blog to be. His blog was one of the best times and encouraged me to write more, put myself out there and have more confidence. For that, I am eternally grateful.

April 19th – Feist-y – The introduction of Feist…before the iTunes commercial.

April 29th – Hey Jude – One of the most visited posts at Music Maven, still. Possibly the greatest Rock song ever.

May 30th – Come into my Web – An analysis of music promotion and marketing via the internet, this post also continues to see significant traffic.

June 14th – The Legendary B.B. King – Review from the front row.

June 22nd – The Flexing of Muscle Shoals – Reviewed our trip to FAME studios and the life altering breaking of my leg.

July 24th – Taylor Does Marksville – Summertime trip to see Taylor Hicks at Paragon Casino in Marksville, LA.

August 16th – My Favorite Elvis – 30 years gone.

August 29th – DA-DA-DAAAA-DA – College football and the LSU TIGERS!!!

September 4th – Music + Passion = Paul Pena – A dossier on Paul Pena.

October 9th – The Zydecajun: Wayne Toups – A little cajun flare for a hugely talented, albeit somewhat troubled, musician.

November 1st – LSU Football: The Jilted Lover – The woeful tale of LSU fans, Nick Saban and As the World Turns.

December 13th – Ike Turner 1931-2007 – 76-year-old Ike Turner joins the Night Shift.

As for me, personally, alot has gone down this past year. Mini DD has only two years of high school left, and has a new driver’s license. Broke the leg and have had a major change in what I can and can’t do. For an ex-athlete, it has truly been an adjustment. I quit my responsible job to do what I really want to do. Scary, yet exhilarating.

I look toward 2008 with much enthusiasm and anticipation that it’s going to truly be a great year. I hope that all of the things that you dream for you and yours comes true in the next year and that you continue to come by. If you already comment, thanks…keep it coming. If you haven’t commented, I invite you to do so and join the party.

So, we ring out 2007 with My Wish by Rascall Flatts. Good tune and good lyrics.

I hope that the days come easy and the moments pass slow,
And each road leads you where you want to go,
And if you’re faced with a choice, and you have to choose,
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.
And if one door opens to another door closed,
I hope you keep on walkin’ till you find the window,
If it’s cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile,

But more than anything, more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you’re out there getting where you’re getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

I hope you never look back, but ya never forget,
All the ones who love you, in the place you left,
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,
And you help somebody every chance you get,
Oh, you find God’s grace, in every mistake,
And you always give more than you take.

But more than anything, yeah, and more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small, You
never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you’re out there getting where you’re getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,

This is my wish
i hope you know somebody who loves you
may all you dreams stay big

Bon Annee’, Mon Amis.

 

Beautiful Girls

Mini-DD brought a song to me a few weeks ago saying that he knew that I would like it and the underlying bass line that is the same as Ben E. King’s Stand By Me. He was right. I not only like Beautiful Girls, but it is continually on my mind and on my tongue. I’ve been singing it for weeks.

I really like the video and the throwback style.

The original Ben E. King hit, Stand By Me, was released in 1961, reaching the Top Ten on the Billboard Charts. It once again hit the Top Ten in 1986 when it was included on the Soundtrack of Stephen King’s movie of the same name.

Stand By Me was ranked #121 of Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and it’s one of the most performed songs ever. The songs seems to have nine lives and re-appears every so often. The good ones often do.

Here’s a mash-up someone put up on YouTube that syncs up Stand by Me with Beautiful Girls. It’s a really fun blend of old and new, soul and reggae.

In this, you can really hear the wonderful shared bass line and how the well-known classic provides such a great foundation for young Sean’s reggae rap. The song screamed up the charts in the summer and since, has been covered by a few other artists…

Here’s a “reply” version by JoJo (who I had previously never heard of but is evidently popular):

And a very nice acoustical version by The Plain White T’s:

Be careful when listening to this, however, as it’s addictive. Seriously. Perhaps that’s why the wonderful Stand By Me bass line has topped the charts so many times.

BONUS — John Lennon’s cover of Stand By Me:

 

How do you spell Legend?

The awesome talent that is Ray Charles and Ella Fitzgerald, long after their prime and both without sight.

Truly inspirational.

Route 66, at the Moulin Rouge in Paris

 

The Soundtracks of Scorsese

As previously reported, Martin Scorsese received one of the Kennedy Honors earlier in December. While Scorsese captures and conveys stark and raw glimpses of real life in his films and delves into lesser examined areas of society, he is also an accomplished music aficionado.  He not only paints a vivid picture through film, but has incorporated meaningful music in his soundtracks that help to finish the portrait.

In addition to great movie soundtracks, Scorsese directed the infamous concert documentary, The Last Waltz, in1976 that captured The Band’s last concert on Thanksgiving night at the Winterland Ballroom in San Fransisco. The concert included a who’s who of special guests including: Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell, Dr. John, Neil Diamond, Van Morrison, Neil Young, Muddy Waters, Ringo Starr, Ron Wood and others. If you have not had the opportunity to view The Last Waltz, put it on your New Year’s movie list.

The all-star finale, I Shall Be Released:

Of note: The Band‘s guitarist, Robbie Robertson worked on several Scorsese soundtracks over the years.

Then, there was the 7-part The Blues documentary that Scorsese directed and produced in 2003 that serves as the paramount anthology on the blues genre and highlighted performances like this:

John Lee Hooker

Scorsese is well known and respected as a Director, but his use of music as the message should also be acknowledged. He is partial to the doo-wop of his youth and Italian opera. He mixes in the rock of his prime years with the blues that he adores. Hats off to Marty. Personally, I love a guy who loves DeNiro, Keitel and DiCaprio AND has a definite appreciation for music and the way music can tell the story…you know, throw you back into a certain time, a certain memory. The soundtracks to his movies are an extension of the storytelling and some of his choices are brilliant.

The following includes some of my favorites from Scorsese movies. Click on the links to take you to YouTube.

Mean Streets

Jumpin’ Jack Flash – The Rolling Stones

I Love You So – The Chantells

Please Mr. Postman – The Marvelettes

Rubber Biscuit – The Chips

Steppin’ Out – John Mayhall’s Bluesbusters

I Looked Away – Eric Clapton (Derek & The Dominos)

Be My Baby – The Ronettes

Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore

All the Way from Memphis, Ian Hunter

Roll Away the Stone, Leon Russell

Daniel, Elton John

I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry, Hank Williams

Raging Bull

Prisoner of Love, Russ Columbo

Mona Lisa, Nat King Cole

Bye Bye Baby, Marilyn Monroe

Till Then, The Mills Brothers

King of Comedy

Back on the Chain Gang, The Pretenders

Ain’t Nobody’s Business, B. B. King

Swamp, Talking Heads

Come Rain or Come Shine, Ray Charles

Wonderful Remark, Van Morrison

Color of Money

Werewolves of London (movie)

It’s in the Way That You Use It – Eric Clapton

Goodfellas

Rags to Riches, Tony Bennett

Sincerely, The Moonglows

Hearts of Stone, Otis Williams & The Charms

Stardust, Billy Ward and His Dominos

It’s Not For Me to Say, Johnny Mathis

Playboy, The Marvelettes

I Will Follow Him, Peggy March

Roses are Red, Bobby Vinton

Ain’t Love a Kick in the Head, Dean Martin (from the “Oceans Eleven” Soundtrack)

Remember (Walkin’ in the Sand), The Shangri Las

Leader of the Pack, The Shangri Las

Monkey Man, The Rolling Stones

Baby I Love You, Aretha Franklin

Beyond the Sea, Bobby Darin

Gimme Shelter, The Rolling Stones

Jump Into the Fire, Harry Nilsson (scene)

Magic Bus, The Who

What is Life, George Harrison

Mannish Boy, Muddy Waters

My Way, Sid Vicious

Casino

Hoochie Coochie Man – Muddy Waters

Nights in White Satin – Moody Blues

Ain’t Got No Home – Clarence “Frogman” Henry

Without You – Harry Nilsson

I’m Sorry – Brenda Lee

Walk on the Wild Side – Jimmy Smith

Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song) – Otis Redding

The Glory of Love – The Velvetones

Satisfaction – Devo

What a Difference a Day Makes – Dinah Washington

Working in a Coalmine – Lee Dorsey

House of the Rising Sun – Eric Burdon

Who Can I Turn To – Tony Bennett (performed here by Anthony Newly)

Marty Scorsese gets people and he gets music. He understands that music kun-NECKs people to events and certain times and uses music to make you truly feel the visual. He appreciates all music and all genres and exposes his electic musical tastes to help tell his stories. He truly is deserving of his Kennedy honor. He uses multiple facets of the performing arts to grab the viewer/listener and gives us all a glimpse of life that we might never have known of, but for his adept storytelling.

Besides, I really dig his American Express commercials…..

directed by MS

Booyah, Mr. Scorsese.

 

Yet Another December Departure

Oscar Peterson (1925-2007)

Christened the “Maharaja of the Keyboard” by Duke Ellington, Oscar Peterson was one of the greats of Jazz. He was admired and respected by Ray Charles, Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald and other Jazz royalty as the top “piano player” in the business. Oscar passed away on December 23rd at the age of 82 after suffering a stroke nearly fifteen years ago. He eventually fought the paralysis of his left side to play again up until a severe decline in his health this year.

A Montreal native, Peterson created the Oscar Peterson Trio in the early ’50, consisting of himself, Ray Brown (eventual husband of Ella Fitzgerald), and Charlie Smith. The players in the trio changed over the years with several being white. The desegregated trios caused quite a stir in the racially charged times, but Oscar proved that music can cross any barriers.

Peterson is a member of the International Jazz Hall of Fame and in 1997, was presented with a Grammy for Lifetime Achievement. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest — if not the greatest — jazz pianist ever.

News Report of his death:

Performances:

Live at Newport

Sweet Lorraine, with Coleman Hawkins & Nat “King” Cole

An Intimate Evening with Oscar

Duel with Herbie Hancock

It Don’t Mean a Thing with Ella Fitzgerald

 

Kennedy Center Honors Tonight

The 30th annual Kennedy Center Honors will air on CBS tonight, at 9:00 p.m., EST.

Started in conjunction with the new National Cultural Center (now known as The Kennedy Center), these honors recognize recipients for their lifetime contributions to the American culture through the performing arts. The 2007 Kennedy Honorees are:

Steve Martin

Leon Fleisher

Diana Ross

Martin Scorcese

Brian Wilson

While I generally agree with most of the recipients of the award, I think that it is a “who you know” award. I’ve always felt that Diana Ross was a manufactured star because of her relationship with Barry Gordy and that she abandoned “her girls” in the Supremes, even though Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard were equally, if not more, talented than “Ms. Ross”. It’s likely the success of Dreamgirls stoked her nomination, but it was great to see that story receive national recognition so that people know more of the real story.

Interestingly, none of the original Beach Boys attended the ceremony. While I think that Brian Wilson is/was a great songwriter and the epicenter of a group that invented it’s own genre of muisc, he certainly would not have attained the success he did without his brothers, Dennis and Carl, Mike Love, and Al Jardine. Also, Brian’s descent into drug abuse and mental illness put a definite strain on the band and their success.

There have been many battles between the members of the Beach Boys over the years, and the deaths of Dennis and Carl have severed any connection Brian Wilson had to the old Beach Boys, other than Mike Love is his cousin. It’s simply sad not to see them all together to celebrate a lifetime achievement award for Brian, especially considering the emotional rollercoaster that has been his life. As such, you’ll have to settle for Hootie & The Blowfish’s rendition of I Get Around and California Girls.

TODAY’s TRIVIA: Who replaced Brian Wilson after his anxiety-riddled withdrawal from The Beach Boys touring in late 1964? An upcoming young guitarist named Glen Campbell.

ETA:   I would be remiss if I didn’t include a little background on the fantastically talented and determined Leon Fleisher.  Fleisher is an accomplished concert pianist known for his interpretations and performances of Brahms and Beethoven.  In 1964, Fleisher loss the use of his right hand due to a muscular disease known as focal dystonia, that tightens the muscles and twists and contorts the hand.  He continued to play his with his left hand and was a prolific teacher and conductor.

In 2004, over 40 years after losing the use of his right hand, treatments of botox and massage-therapy provided the use of both hands again.  The documentary of his triumph, “Two Hands” won an Academy Award this past year for Best Short Documentary.

 

O Holy Night

I have to say that I’ve really tried to get back to the real meaning of Christmas, this year and to not expect too much in terms of having the house be perfect or extravagant gifts for everyone. Much of the stress of Christmas is caused by wanting everything to run like clockwork and all to be perfection….and, as we know, it never is. Therefore, we’re forever set-up for disappointment.

Tonight, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and ask a simple favor. Simply enjoy those you are with. Have the old folks tell you some stories about when they grew up, ask your significant other to share a Christmas memory that they haven’t told you before and have a child tell you their favorite part of Christmas and, most importantly, share some of yourself with them. After all, Christmas is the season of giving.

Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ. Simply put, this celebration is about love and sharing love. That’s it. As plain and basic as that. God gave His only Son so that we could be redeemed, because he loved us. In that same vein, the greatest gift that we can give others is our love. I know that many people are not self-proclaimed “religious”, but we all love our family and friends. Regardless of your religious affiliation, you don’t have to go to church to observe the real meaning of Christmas.

I identified with a very poignant article in this Sunday’s Mobile Press-Register about the first Christmas and the imperfectness of that “perfect” birth. It got me thinking about Christmas and the season and today it has me reflecting on Mary and what her experience must have been like. Considering that she would have been about 15, I can’t imagine the immense burden and pressure she must have felt all those years ago.

In 1994, I was fortunate to take the trip of a lifetime with all of Mr. D’s brothers and sisters and his parents to Israel. We visited Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity. We went down to the grotto where Christ is believed to have been born. It was a profoundly spiritual event and with a three year old at the time, I had extreme empathy for Mary and her situation. Although her situation was anything but perfect, she perservered and went on to do her duty for her son and to her God. In her honor, here are some Christmas songs to pay homage to the Virgin Mary:

Mary’s Boy Child, Tom Jones

Mary, Did You Know, Mark Lowry

O Holy Night, Martina McBride

Silent Night (in the Irish), Enya

Ave Maria, Bobby McFerrin

Away in a Manger, Celtic Woman

Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Jewel

Merry Christmas. For those of you visiting with family, I hope that you thoroughly enjoy each others’ company and make beautiful new memories. For those of you who are, like me, separated from your extended family this Christmas, I’ll keep you in my prayers.

Epilogue: You know, God really has a sense of irony and humor. Before I could finish up this post and get it out there, I had a major kitchen crisis. At 4:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve, my kitchen sink backed up. Of course, I had been cooking a ham and potato salad for tonight and the kitchen sink was full of dishes. It took every fiber of my being to remain calm and remember that this Christmas wouldn’t be perfect, but I didn’t need to let this little speed bump ruin the evening and our Christmas.

We called Roto-Rooter and they sent a very nice young man out who fixed our problem, rendering us functional again. Because of our sudden emergency, we modified our plans a bit. Earlier in the day, I came across the old videos of our kids when they, and we, were ALOT younger. So, for this Christmas Eve, we’re settling in, in front of a nice warm fire to watch our memories. Maybe God knows what he’s doing, after all.

 

Another Milestone

Friday marked another major milestone in our family. Mini-DD and I went down to the DMV and procured his real-live Alabama Drivers’ License.

Now that the moment is here, I find myself oddly afraid. Not in the way that I was afraid to leave him at seven weeks old with strangers when I went back to work and not in the way I was afraid when we took him to school with his enormous backpack to pre-K. Not even in the way I was afraid when we went out to dinner and left him alone at home for the first time.

This is a whole new level of fear. One that I’m having difficultly in making my boy understand. You see, he’s 16. At 16, he can’t conjure up the meanness, nastiness, uncaring, deviousness and irresponsibleness that is out there waiting for him — particularly while driving MY automobile.

He’s had his permit for a while now, but that only allows him to drive with a licensed driver. That means that this is the first time he’s allowed to drive alone. On Friday, after we got home from the DMV, I sent him to the store to pick up a few things. He made it back in one piece (an hour later), but carazy thoughts ran through my mind the whole time he was gone.

What if he gets a flat? What if he gets in a wreck in the parking lot? People are always zooming through there….

I think he knows where all of the paperwork for the car and tags are if he should get stopped. Oh Lord, what if he gets stopped on his first drive out. Will he be scarred for life and never want to drive again?

These and about 1,000 other things kept swimming through my mind as I tried to pre-occupy myself with other things like wrapping Christmas gifts. When I was about to take a shot of whiskey to steel my nerves, he bolted through the door. Later, he asked me why I didn’t ask him how his drive went. I answered nonchalantly and in total cool Mom mode, “Well, you didn’t call to say you’d wrecked and you made it home, so I figured it was good.” He never saw the underlying frayed nerves.

I know this is a new chapter. One of independence and trusting. I just want him to be careful and be aware. However, I know that at some point, you just have to shove them on out there and say, “Go. Go do it.” As long as the whiskey bottle is close, I might make it through until he leaves for college.

Ironically, the picture I took of my child near our Christmas tree, provided a sort of backdrop of his journey. The ornament to the left of his head is the one I bought in 1991 for his first Christmas. The angel above his head is the one he made for us in 2nd grade, and the soccer snowman is one I bought this year to commemorate his soccer prowess. Many of the ornaments represent different stages of his life, and ours and each year provides us a way to reflect on all of the years that have passed.

A couple of years ago, I heard this Susan Tedeschi’s cover of Bob Dylan’s Lord, Protect My Child and I immediately fell in love with it. It conveys exactly how I feel at this time in our teenager’s life. I like it coming from a woman. A Mother. My boy is a good boy with a good heart, but he’s still a teenager — true blue — complete with bad attitude, laziness and mischievousness. For me, this song kun-NECKs and conveys exactly what I feel.

For his age, he’s wise
He’s got his mother’s eyes
There’s gladness in his heart
He’s young and he’s wild
My only prayer is, if I can’t be there,
Lord, protect my child

As his youth now unfolds
He is centuries old
Just to see him at play makes me smile
No matter what happens to me
No matter what my destiny
Lord, protect my child

While the whole world is asleep
You can look at it and weep
Few things you find are worthwhile
And though I don’t ask for much
No material things to touch
Lord, protect my child

He’s young and on fire
Full of hope and desire
In a world that’s been raped, raped and defiled
If I fall along the way
And can’t see another day
Lord, protect my child

There’ll be a time I hear tell
When all will be well
When God and man will be reconciled
But until men lose their chains
And righteousness reigns
Lord, protect my child

Bob Dylan wrote this song in 1983 and included it on his 1991 Bootleg Series 1961-1991 CD. It’s been speculated that Dylan wrote this song for one (or perhaps, both) of his young sons at the time, Samuel and Jakob. Samuel was 15 and Jakob 14 at the time Dylan penned the song. While I’m not a huge Dylan fan, it is certain that he and I have/had one thing in common. The love and fear for a child.

Congratulations, Mini-DD! Now, get to work so you can pay for gas.

 

Colette’s Corner: Comfort & Joy

This seems to be a recurring theme, this year. As we strap in for the ride that is “Christmas weekend”, here’s a great post from Colette.

Colette has some surgery earlier this week and here’s wishing her a speedy and pur-FECK recovery. I have a few comments at the end of this piece, but guys, remember that the most important part of Christmas or Hanukkah is sharing TIME with family and friends….the gift of self.

Comfort & Joy

As this year of big challenges ends for me, I find myself wanting to share two songs of solace.

Both are tunes that have inspired many singers, in a multitude of covers. And both songs endure because they are musically captivating as well as meaningful. They are songs of faith, resilience and love, in the best sense, and after a year of dealing with the death and illness of loved ones, and my own health issues, I take comfort in them and hope you will too.

Like a Bridge

Ironically, Paul Simon wrote his 1969 ballad “Bridge Over Troubled Water” as the “waters” of his longtime friendship and artistic partnership with Art Garfunkel were becoming troubled.

But songs come to composers for so many reasons – not just as depictions of life as it is, but also as how we yearn for and imagine it to be, at its ideal.

So out of the vanities and frictions of these two musicians, who for a decade really did need and complete one another, came a gorgeous anthem of selfless love and concern.

Simon later reportedly regretted having Garfunkel sing lead on the song in the original hit recording, and Artie apparently didn’t want to in the first place. They were both wrong. A very moving live performance, with Artie’s unearthly falsetto, from their 1981 Central Park reunion:

– Simon and Garfunkel

Aretha Franklin was among the first to pick up on the song’s spiritual, hymn-like nature. OK, y’all know I’m an Aretha maniac – but her version is a great, great treasure. She performs it here, just after picking up a Grammy for her recorded rendition. Catch that bright orange sari!:

— Aretha Franklin

MM, you know I’ve never been big into Elvis, but his performance of “Bridge” is to be cherished, as I’m sure you’ll agree. It’s also poignant, given his own private anguish at the time. Here he is performing the tune live in 1972:

— Elvis

Last, an entirely simple, humble and beautiful acoustic interpretation by the late Eva Cassidy. This very gifted singer, who died young and achieved limited success when alive, has left a wonderful legacy on youtube:

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYyQcQSqpbI] – Eva Cassidy

A Little Prayer

“I Say a Little Prayer,” though uptempo and more pop-ish, also carries a lot of meaning for me. Written by Hal David and Burt Bacharach for Dionne Warwick, it was a cut David didn’t want to release as a single. Thank heaven Bacharach felt otherwise!

When it came out in 1967, the Vietnam War was escalating and the song was widely interpreted as a woman’s message to a loved one in battle, that throughout the day she was “saying a little prayer” for him.

But the recording is beguiling in any context, for a lot of reasons – its lyrics sweet and flippant, its charming duet between Dionne’s voice and the horns, the unusual time signatures (a trademark of Bacharach’s) and a wonderful soaring bridge – “For ever and ever….”

Here’s the studio version, with pics of the great Dionne in her prime:

It wasn’t long before that sharp-eared Aretha chimed in with her more soulful take on the tune, released on her spectacular 1968 album, “Aretha Now.” (Also on it: “Think,” “You Send Me” and “Seesaw.”)

Aretha slows “Prayer” down, really sings like she means it, and her spiraling high notes are pure ecstasy in this British 1970 TV version – with her inimitable backup gals. And don’t she look fly? One of my favorite Aretha clips ever:

– Aretha Franklin

All great songs can mean a variety of things, and this rendition by the (often underrated) Natalie Cole and the (sometimes overrated) Whitney Houston, is a stone tribute to down-home sisterhood. In this 1980s duet, they have a ball topping each other. (They also do “Bridge Over Traveled Water” in the same set, but that’s more of a scream-a-thon):

– Whitney Houston & Natalie Cole

Finally, a quietly enchanting instrumental of the tune by a Brazilian artist, Naudo, who does beautiful acoustic guitar renderings of great songs on youtube. Here’s Bacharach’s rich melody, at its essence:

— Naudo

Thank you, Colette, for the wonderful posts that you have contributed to me wee lil’ blog. It’s so wonderful to have people come here who are interested in music, it’s history and influences. I appreciate all you guys.

As for Ms. Ree, she really is fantastic and there is honestly nothing that she can’t “do”. Someone I know will be going to see her in the Spring and if that person doesn’t provide pictures and a review to this blog, I will be highly upset. Not to worry, however, as I don’t think I will be disappointed.

Lastly, regarding “comfort” songs, I discovered The Prayer about 10 years ago from Celine Dion’s Christmas CD. I immediately fell in love with it but always associated it with Christmas until one of my friends used it in their wedding. It was absolutely beautiful and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. (Yes, I’m a schmuck for weddings, too.)

The Prayer – Celine Dion & Andrea Bocelli

This song always soothes me and makes me feel better. It’s a very powerful song that, for me, is best delivered by Andrea Bocelli. I’m not a Josh Groban fan, although his rendition with Celine is very good.

As for “joy”, this Christina Augilera rendition of Angels We Have Heard On High is particularly appealing to me this season. And, just for Shrew…a little Garth with Baby Jesus is Born. I can’t help but move and groove when these songs pop up in my Christmas song rotation. (A site to behold, to be sure!)

 

Christmas Playlists

It’s the most wonderful time of the year….

time for CHRISTMAS MUSIC!!!!

I admit it. I’m a Christmas Music obsessive-compulsive. I have hundreds, if not thousands, of Christmas songs on my iPod. Every year, I pick 20 or so songs and create a mixed CD to give to friends and family. They tell me that they wait each year for my compilation. So, here is 2007’s version.

(Links to YouTube provided, where available.)

1. Christmas – Blues Traveler 5:47

2. O Holy Night – Tracey Chapman 3:28

3. I Believe – Frank Sinatra 2:34

4. This Time of Year – Brooks Benton 2:30

5. We Call It Christmas – Keb ‘Mo 3:40

6. All I Want For Christmas is You – Mariah Carey 4:03

7. Must Have Been Ole Santa Clause – Delbert McClinton 4:40

8. The Little Drummer Boy – Lou Rawls 3:01

9. A Marshmallow World – Dean Martin & Frank Sinatra 2:19

10. His Will Was Done – Lee Ann Womack 3:42

11. Don’t Save It All (For Xmas Day) – Celine Dion 4:38

12. Baby Jesus is Born – Garth Brooks 3:59

13. Christmas Mem’ries – Barbra Streisand 4:47

14. Happy Christmas – Jimmy Buffett 5:44

15. Holly Leaves & Xmas Trees – Elvis Presley 2:14

16. Such a Night – Aaron Neville 3:24

17. O Christmas Tree­ – Aretha Franklin 3:34

18. Santa Clause is Back in Town – Jonny Lang 4:20

19. Please Come Home for Xmas – Charles Brown 2:50

20. Merry Christmas, Baby – Otis Redding 2:34

Now, ma sistah from anutha mistah, the great and all powerful, Shrew, is also a Christmas music junkie, and come to find out she also produces a Christmas mix each year. Here is this years effort, entitled Comfort & Joy.

Angels We have Heard on High ~ The Roches

The Land Of Christmas ~ Carly Simon

The Christmas Song ~ Diana Krall

Darlin’ (Christmas Is Coming) ~ Over The Rhine

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen ~ The Roches

Mele Kalikimaka ~ KT Tunstall

Frosty’s Rag ~ Anita Baker

Winter Wonderland ~ The Roches

We’re Going To Pull Through ~ Over The Rhine

I Like A Sleighride ~ Peggy Lee

Deck The Halls ~ The Roches

Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep ~ Diana Krall

Christmastime Is Here ~ Nancy Wilson

The Man With The Bag ~ Kay Starr

Song At Midnight ~ Peggy Lee

Old Landmark ~ Aretha Franklin

Shrew’s playlist has more obscure songs, so I couldn’t find any on YouTube. You’ll just have to ferret out those on your own. I reckon iTunes is good place to start.

These are some great new finds from Shrew, and I’m always looking for more.

So, how about you? Give me your Christmas song playlist. Twenty of your favorites that you like to share.