Author Archives: Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Christmas Song Countdown #8 & Goodbye To An American Hero

Posted in Christmas, Music by

Hello, Vixens!!!  Welcome back to the countdown!!!

Today’s song is a no-brainer.   It honors the man who died 36 years ago.  He taught us to peacefully question what we thought was wrong with the world, to imagine it as one, that all we need is love and that being a stay at home dad is a valid life choice, even when he became one in 1975,  Of course he did so much more, but that is what we remember the most.

Oh, and he was one of the Beatles   🙂

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Original source unknown

Side note:  Did you know there is a park dedicated to John Lennon in Havana, Cuba?  It features a bronze statute of him sitting on a bench.  I cannot decide if it is creepy or cool.

Thoughts?

Oh, and the glasses are removable.

And we have a winner:  creepy it is.

Read more about the park and the glasses here.

john-lennon-figure Courtesy:  CNN

His Christmas song has become a holiday classic, and there are so many great versions of it by so many diverse artists I really could not decide which one you would like to hear.

So, today you have a choice.

Which version of “Happy Xmas War Is Over” would you like to listen to?

John Lennon’s original version;

Or Celine Dion’s;

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Original source unknown

Or Darius Rucker’s;

Or Christina Perri’s‘

Or The Three Tenors‘;

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Courtesy of kinoarena

Or Sleeping At Last’s;

Or Sarah McLachlan’s;

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Courtesy:  sarahmclachlan.com

Or Neil Diamond’s.

Also today,  we lost another famous John.  A true hero to our country & in many respects the entire world:  John Herschel Glenn Jr.  Our first man to orbit the earth, he was a pioneer who made the dream of outer space a reality that inspired children everywhere to believe that they, too, could one day follow in his footsteps.

He quit college after the bombing of Pearl Harbor (yesterday marked the 75th anniversary of that attack) to join the military and stayed for over two decades.  He served in World War II and Korea, then became a US Senator from Ohio.  He died at the age of 95, a good long life for a man who had so much to give and inspire us with.

Thank you for being one of America’s greatest men.

Rest in peace, Colonel Glenn.

This one is for you.

Elton John’s Rocket Man.

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Courtesy:  Bettmann Archive/Getty Images

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing some things that I love with you   🙂

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, fellow Vixens, happy listening!!!

Christmas Song Countdown Day 7

Posted in Christmas, Music by

Hello, Vixens!!!  Welcome back to the Christmas Song Countdown!!!

Look at this darling tree!!!  Those are berry baskets holding ornaments on the branches.  How creative & adorable!!!  (And those baskets are in the Target Dollar Spot, if you are wondering).

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The old adage is the more things change, the more they stay the same.  Music is a perfect example.  While popular music today seems to revolve around urban, pop and rap, there are still people who take ballroom dancing lessons.  For all the people buying tickets to concerts to see rock heroes like Bruce Springsteen (read:  me & the gazillion other people who saw him on tour this year)  or Neil Young, a singer/songwriter like Ed Sheeran is winning Song of the Year at the Grammy Awards.  And for those country fans who are thrilled that Garth Brooks finally made his comeback record, there are just as many fans of swing, jazz and big band music (hence the popularity of Michael Buble, for example).

My point is there is room for everyone, and as soon as you think you have seen the last of a certain style of music or singing, up pops someone to take us back to that sound.  Of course, there are those singers who transcend the ages with the timelessness of their voices.  Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Tony Bennett and Billie Holiday, just to name a few. The singer with the #7 song is, without a doubt, a part of that group.

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Courtesy of Sarah Catherine Design

Known as “The First Lady of Song” because she could sing them all-ballads, upbeats, blues, jazz, swing and sentimental.  She had a pitch perfect sound and a powerful range and delivery.  And she could scat.

Starting next April,  which would have marked her 100th birthday, venues around the world will celebrate her music with “Ella at 100:  A Centennial Celebration“.  Her physical presence was lost 20 years ago, but her voice is eternal.    And her take on Christmas music is just one example of that.

Ella Fitzgerald:  Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing some things that I love with you   🙂

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, fellow Vixens, happy listening!!!

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Courtesy of Architecture Art Designs 

 

Christmas Song Countdown Day 6

Posted in Christmas, Music by

Hello, Vixens!!!  Welcome back to the Christmas Song Countdown!!!

I have included pictures of some very interesting Christmas trees I spotted today…..

Like the angel one below…..

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Beautiful, right???

So I hope you enjoy them also!!!

Yesterday I told you about my dear childhood friends, the Peanuts.  Well, I discovered them through another great love of mine-TV.  I have had a profound TV addiction since I was born and I make no apologies for that.  It is part of the charm of me   🙂

Another thing I make no apologies for is my love for daytime soaps.  Of course I was wild for “GH” during the Luke & Laura years, but my all-time favorite one was “Another World” (AW).  I used to watch it with my mother when I was home sick from school and on summer vacations and continued  watching it as an adult until it was cancelled in June of 1999.

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Complete aside.  I bought my house in May 1999.  A month later, the soap opera I watched for my entire life was cancelled.  Talk about the yin and yang of life!!!  I still miss my friends from Bay City every day.  Sigh.

But I digress.

One of the reasons why I always loved AW was because it kept surprising me.  The way it celebrated great friendships, had several characters quoting W.B. Yates & E.E. Cummings and used great music in every episode, 20 years before “Grey’s Anatomy” made it a staple in evening TV.  One of the singers I heard for the first time was the artist with the #6 song.

“AW” used one of her Broadway solos in an especially sad scene after a favorite character, Ryan, died.  The song played as the audience watched his loved ones get the news (including Ryan’s dad, played by my beloved Charles Keating).  Their raw emotion set to the power of her voice and her delivery of the song had me, at first, in uncontrollable tears to giving the cast a standing ovation from my bedroom.  That is what happens when the right song is used in the right moment of a show.

And how could it not work in a mourning scene with lyrics like these:

“Once upon a dream, you were heaven sent to me 

But it wasn’t meant to be, now you’re just a dream…”

Oh, no…..I’m getting verklempt   😦

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Charles Keating as Carl Hutchins in “Another World”

The tune was “Once Upon A Dream” from the “Jekyll and Hyde” Broadway play.   I never forgot the song or the singer.  She left an indelible mark on my heart and my memory.  So when I heard the song at #6, I knew it was her.  The music is led by an unbelievably talented harpist named Jung Kwak.  The combination is mesmerizing.

Linde Eder:  The Gift.

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing some things that I love with you   🙂

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, fellow Vixens, happy listening!!!

And say “Hi” to the snowman tree below!!!  I love him!!!

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Christmas Song Countdown Day 5

Posted in Christmas, Music by

Hello, Vixens!!!  Welcome back to the Christmas Song countdown.

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Today’s song has the ability to transport me back to the warmest part of my childhood with the very first note.  And that is no easy feat.  I grew up much faster than I should have because that was my road to walk, but once you see happily ever after end in a horribly final way, you never believe in fairy tales again.

But these childhood friends of mine were my safe place, where I was kept out of harm’s way in a world with kids who did not see me differently because I no longer had the innocence of a child.  In fact, they did not even seem to notice.  They kept me in their world, no questions asked.  That was the part of my childhood I needed to hold on to most of all.  You do not forget friends like that.

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Copyright:  Charles M. Schultz

My friends, the Peanuts, already recorded this song to perfection.  But many other singers have covered this song since then, and this artist’s version is by far the solid second.  Between the combination of her beautiful voice and Diana Krall’s sublime piano accompaniment, this cover is absolutely gorgeous.

Sarah McLachlan:  Christmas Time Is Here.

PS:  Anita Baker’s jazzy, soulful version is also a worthy contender.  It definitely deserves a listen.

PSS:  The first song of the countdown was Joni Mitchell’s “River” (read that here) with an honorable mention to Sarah Mclachlan’s version.  Michael commented on that post that Robert Downey, Jr. did a “hauntingly beautiful” version of River when he was on “Ally McBeal”.   I love Robert Downey, Jr. and thought I saw every single “AB” episode when he was on it, but somehow that episode eluded me.  I listened to RDJ’s version today and Michael described it perfectly. It is hauntingly beautiful.  So, of course, I could not keep a gem like that to myself.  You can listen to it here.

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing some things that I love with you   🙂

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, fellow Vixens, happy listening!!!

christmas

Courtesy of:  Captainwalt.com

Christmas Song Four On December Four

Posted in Christmas, Music by

Hello, dear Vixens!!!  Welcome back to the Christmas music countdown!!!

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Courtesy of Architecture Art Designs.

In contrast to yesterday’s acoustic pick, today’s song is as big band as it gets, which is a main reason for its appeal to me.  It reminds me of when my parents or grandmother would play Dean Martin or Frank Sinatra holiday albums when I was a kid.  To hear their take on the songs I sang with my friends brought a whole new feeling to them:  glitzy, big and oh-so-grown-up.   It was like learning a new language that I could not get enough of.

Dean Martin, circa 1958.

                  Dean Martin, circa 1958.   Courtesy of www.bestmoviesbyfarr.com

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Frank Sinatra.  Courtesy of WABC.

Parents and grandparents teach us many lessons throughout our lives, and the love of music mine shared with me is a gift I treasure every second of every day, not just at Christmas time.  I am unbelievably lucky and eternally grateful!!!

Of course, Bruce Springsteen’s version of this song will always be my favorite…..

bruce-merrychristmasbaby                                          The Big Man & The Boss Man.  Courtesy of Eric Meola.

But this singer’s cover is big, brassy and fun!!!  And speaking of fun, he was hilarious on SNL with host Jon Hamm in the skit “Ham & Bublé“.

I have also been praying for him and his family since hearing about his three-year old son’s cancer diagnosis   😦

Michael Bublé:  Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing some things that I love with you.

Until next time, fellow Vixens, happy listening!!!

rustic-christmas-decorations-6-620x930                                                                Courtesy of Vintage News Junkie.com.

Third One’s A Charmer

Posted in Christmas, Music by

Hello, dear Vixens!!!  We have arrived at song #3!!!

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This legend from my home state of NY just announced his 50th world tour, and getting tickets to one of his shows will be this year’s Christmas gift to myself (he will be in CT next June).

During those 50 years he has sold over 120 million records (including the Monkees hit “I’m a Believer”), has had eleven number 1 hits, is in both the Songwriters Hall of Fame & the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, appeared in one of the greatest concert movies ever made (“The Last Waltz“), starred in the 1980 blockbuster, “The Jazz Singer” and was the focus of idolization in the movie “Saving Silverman” where he appeared as himself.

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Courtesy of IMDb.

SAVING SILVERMAN, Neil Diamond, Jason Biggs, Jack Black, Steve Zahn, 2001

                                                    Courtesy of Cineplex.com                                                                                

Total aside…..hilarious movie!!!

With Steve Zahn & Jack Black starring in it, how could it not be, right???

But I digress.

Over the summer I went to several games at Fenway and loved singing the stadium staple “Sweet Caroline” with the rest of the crowd for the 8th inning sing along.

I have always been a believer that less is more, and sometimes an acoustic performance is so much more powerful than a full band sound.  This is so true on “Acoustic Christmas“, his newest release that features 10 simply gorgeous Christmas songs including today’s pick, which features a stunning string arrangement.

Neil Diamond:  Hark!  The Herald Angels Sing.

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing some things that I love with you.

Until next time, fellow Vixens, happy listening!!!

day-3

 

Song Sung Two

Posted in Christmas, Music by

Hi again, Vixens!!!  Thanks for tuning in for the second song of the Christmas season.

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Ogden City Village, Utah

Today’s tune dates back to 1943.  It has been covered by singers like Perry Como to Frank Sinatra to Kelly Clarkson to Michael Buble.  With so many diverse artists covering it in the last 70 years, a lot of people do not realize that the roots of the song go back to World War II and the soldiers stationed overseas who could not be home to celebrate the holiday with their families.  Hence, the last line of the song:  “I’ll be home for Christmas if only in my dreams”.  And with so many of our servicemen and women still serving our country on foreign soil far away from their families, the song’s original meaning holds true for them today.

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New York, 1942 Photo by Alfred Eisenstaed

At this moment, the song can be used as a prayer for the people of Tennessee who have either lost their homes or have been forced out of them because of the horrific wildfires raging near Gatlinburg.  So it was easy to pick the version of today’s song by the Tennessee native who just set up a fund to help the people of her home state who have lost everything because of those fires.  Not surprising for this powerhouse of a woman who is a singer, songwriter, musician, actress and author.  This year marked not only her 70th birthday but her 50th anniversary as an entertainer as well.  One of her other major humanitarian projects, “Imagination Library“, has provided close to 80 million free books to children.

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Courtesy of Imagination Library

She is also one third of an unbelievably great “Trio” and starred in two of my all-time favorite movies, “9 to 5” and “Steel Magnolias“.

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STEEL MAGNOLIAS, Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis, Sally Field, Julia Roberts, Daryl Hannah, Dolly Parton, 1989

Dora Lee & Truvy.

Sa-woon x 2 on day 2!!!

So as you listen to her beautiful rendition of this song, please say a prayer for our servicemen and women & all the people being displaced by the wildfires.  Let’s hope they are all safe at home soon.

Dolly Parton:  I’ll Be Home For Christmas.

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing the things that I love with you.

Until next time, fellow Vixens, happy listening!!!

trees

For The First Song Of December The Vintage Vixen Gave To Me…..

Posted in Christmas, Music by

Happy December, dear Vixens!!!  T’is the season for Christmas songs so while you deck the halls and enjoy your Advent treats, why not add a few new tunes to your play list???

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I have been overdosing on the genius of this woman for weeks now, and I do not see an end in sight anytime soon.  I have been a fan of hers for years, but after not listening to her music for a while because all of my CD’s are still not unpacked, I heard one of her songs on the radio (yes, I still listen!!!) and became addicted all over again.

I must admit she was an acquired taste for me yet, despite hearing her songs by other artists for years, I still did not get it.  But I guess I am in good company because Tom Hanks’ character in “You’ve Got Mail” was unsure of her as well (” ‘It’s clouds illusions I recall, I really don’t know clouds at all’  What does that mean?  Is she a pilot?  Is she taking flying lessons?  It must be a metaphor for something, but I don’t know what it is.”)

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Courtesy of Warner Brothers Studio

Total aside – I love that scene…..

And that movie…..

Sa-woon.

But I digress.

I am ashamed to admit that it took me so long to appreciate this woman’s gifts for story telling, poetry, imagery, songwriting and singing.  Now I can listen to her for days on end and still not get enough.  And for a music connoisseur like me, you know it has to be good if I am letting my ears have that much time with her.

So here is my first music selection…..

For the ENTIRE Christmas season of 2016…..

And I hope it makes your heart swoon like it does mine   🙂

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Joni Mitchell:  River.

Another aside – Sarah McLachlan covered this song ten years ago on her “Wintersong” CD.  I think it does the original justice.  Listen to it here.

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing some things that I love with you.

Until next time, fellow Vixens, happy listening!!!

wreath

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Weekend Wanderings

Posted in Weekend Wanderings by

Hello, Vixens!!!  Happy Monday!!!  Did you enjoy your weekend?

Do you know how empty the stores are the weekend before Black Friday, not including the grocery stores?  I spent the weekend running errands and picking up supplies for my apartment and I was amazed at how quickly I was in and out of the stores.  I guess everyone is waiting for the Black Friday sales.

When I was at one of the home improvement stores on Saturday, I was overwhelmed by the variety of Christmas items they had not just for the outside of the home as expected, but for inside as well.  For example, how adorable is this nativity scene???

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Or these Nemo-themed ornaments?

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I buy myself one new ornament a year and yes, it is usually a Peanuts themed one.  Below is this year’s winner:

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This was adorable, too, but I do not need it & my wallet does not need the almost $100 price tag.  But it is cute nonetheless:

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I also loved these resin statues:

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And Elvis was in the house, too!!! (Well, in the home improvement store actually……)

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I am not a fur/leopard print person, but I did find it surprising on hats!!!

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And I am not a “Star Wars” person, but how adorable are these Yoda lights?!?!

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Or this giant Yoda and his friends???  Buddy the Elf is my favorite!!!

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Then when I was at the grocery store, I saw this adorable display:

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I spotted these too cute for words giant Woodstock & Charlie Brown greeters at CVS:

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Are you guys into the Black Friday sales?  I must admit after shopping flea markets, antiques stores, the outlets and online shopping, I have really lost my taste for the malls.  I will only do it in an emergency or if a friend asks me to help her choose a dress for a special occasion.  During my last few years in NY I wanted to go to the outlets at midnight on Black Friday, but somehow talked myself out of it when they released an estimate of expecting over five thousand shoppers.  Crazy, right?  And the only way I could get to the 5 am or 6 am sales was if I stayed up all night, and that was rather impossible after a meal of tryptophan packed turkey.  And later in the day I cringed when I drove by the stores and saw how packed they were.  Ugh.

I am, however, all about the day after Christmas sales.  Like most frugal minded people, I pick up next year’s cards, tree lights and other items needed for the following holiday season.  I do try to keep it simple and green because there is so much waste this time of year it makes me feel guilty about my carbon footprint.  And since my feet are a size 11, I have more than most to make up for   🙂

Also, if you are looking for a great read this holiday season or a fabulous gift for the music lover on your list, then you MUST pick up a copy of the greatest book ever written…………

At least this year……………………………………………………………………

Bruce Springsteen’s autobiography “Born To Run”.  (BONUS:  The audio book comes out December 6 and it is narrated by The Boss himself!!!  Yes, please!!!)

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Despite pre-ordering my copy online, it took much longer to receive than I anticipated. Thank goodness for my local library!!!  This is a GREAT read, and I do not just say that as his most dedicated fan (Kathy Bates has forever prohibited anyone from using the phrase “biggest fan” LOL!!!)  I say it because it is true.  Springsteen’s talent for writing is not just limited to his songs.  His words are brutally honest, reflective,  happy, sad, true and unbelievably powerful.  They are also healing as he discusses his bout with depression.  It has generally been considered a woman’s disease by society so, therefore, not given the proper attention it deserves.  But when someone like The Boss comes forward and admits he has suffered from it, people listen.  And that is what mental illness needs:  a voice.

As someone who has suffered with depression most of my life, Springsteen’s admission of the disease validated every symptom I have ever had, from not being able to get myself out of bed for days at a time or not being able to function in general day to day activities.  I love Bruce Springsteen for a multitude of things, but for this most of all.  His being so forthright with this information takes away the stigma that still sadly exists about this disease and mental illness in general.  Mere words will never be adequate enough to thank this man for what he has done for the world of music, let alone me.  But it is all I have to give so, thank you Bruce, for everything.

Until next time, fellow Vixens, happy digging!!!

***(Nothing in this post is sponsored.  I am just sharing some of my favorite things with you.)