Author Archives: Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Let’s Take A Moment Day 376

Posted in Music by

Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

March 2021 Blog

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are still facing a serious situation but a new year gives us hope for the new days, seasons, opportunities & moments ahead. Still, music is something that will never change for me. It is my refuge, the most comforting part of my life & the one thing I consistently count on. So until a more normal semblance of life returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

Fifty years ago The Rolling Stones famous logo made its debut. On March 26, 1971 the band’s lips and tongue trademark appeared on their VIP passes for the Marquee Club show in London, making their emblem one of the most identifiable ones in the world.

The same year today’s song hit #1 in four countries including the US and it peaked at #2 hit on the UK charts. It features another one of the band’s iconic guitar riffs and a smoking sax solo by Bobby Keys. The track is from the Stones 1971 Sticky Fingers album which had another legendary picture related to the group-the infamous Andy Warhol designed photo of a man’s crotch area featuring a functional zipper. The Rolling Stones were masters of both innovative music & iconic images.

“I bet your mama was a tent show queen
And all her boyfriends were sweet sixteen
I’m no schoolboy but I know what I like
You shoulda heard me just around midnight“.

Lips logo

Sticky Fingers

Stones 1971

Top: The Rolling Stones lips & tongue logo. Middle: The Sticky Fingers album cover. Bottom: The Stones circa 1971 (L-R): Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Mick Jagger, Bill Wyman and Mick Taylor. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

The Rolling Stones: “Brown Sugar” (1971, written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 375

Posted in Music by

Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

March 2021 Blog

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are still facing a serious situation but a new year gives us hope for the new days, seasons, opportunities & moments ahead. Still, music is something that will never change for me. It is my refuge, the most comforting part of my life & the one thing I consistently count on. So until a more normal semblance of life returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

Yesterday marked another birthday for one of music’s elite, this one belonging to one of the earliest & greatest loves in my musical world. Reginald Kenneth Dwight, n/k/a Sir Elton John, was born 74 years ago on March 25,1947 in England. He acquired his stage name by combining the names of two musicians from his first band, Bluesology, Elton Dean and Long John Baldry.

Today’s song was a #2 hit in the US in 1973. It was the one that started it all for me & Elton. It was the second 45 I ever bought in my life and I cherish it to this day. It is why I fell in love with his voice, his sound and the words by his exquisitely gifted friend & lyricist, Bernie Taupin. The last time I heard it performed live was when Elton made his record setting 60th appearance at Madison Square Garden-on March 25, 2007-which was also his 60th birthday. It remains one of my favorite songs ever, not just by those two incredible songwriters, but of all time. Elton John’s voice is one of the best parts of my life.

“They say Spain is pretty though I’ve never been
And Daniel says it’s the best place that he’s ever seen
He should know, he’s been there enough
Oh I miss Daniel, oh I miss him so much”.

Elton

Elton John circa 1974. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Elton John: “Daniel” (1973, written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 374

Posted in Music by

Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

March 2021 Blog

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are still facing a serious situation but a new year gives us hope for the new days, seasons, opportunities & moments ahead. Still, music is something that will never change for me. It is my refuge, the most comforting part of my life & the one thing I consistently count on. So until a more normal semblance of life returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

Nearly eight decades ago, the world received a queen. Aretha Franklin was born on March 25, 1942 in Memphis, TN. From her humble beginnings singing gospel in her father’s church at age 10 to conquering the world as The Queen Of Soul, from the 1960’s through infinity, Franklin was an absolute wonder in a world where there were so few.

It is hard to believe that when she started singing secular music at age 18, with Columbia Records she did not achieve instant success. It was not until she moved to Atlantic Records in 1967 that her career flourished. Today’s song was a top 20 hit in 1973 and is one of my absolute favorite Aretha tracks of all time. Happy birthday to The Queen Of Soul.

“I know there must be someone somewhere for me
Oh I lived too long without the love of someone
There’s no misery ooooooh oooh like the misery
I feel in me gotta find me an angel in my life“.

Aretha

The Queen Of Soul circa 1968. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Aretha Franklin: “Angel” (1973, written by Carolyn Franklin and Sonny Sanders).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 373

Posted in Music by

Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

March 2021 Blog

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are still facing a serious situation but a new year gives us hope for the new days, seasons, opportunities & moments ahead. Still, music is something that will never change for me. It is my refuge, the most comforting part of my life & the one thing I consistently count on. So until a more normal semblance of life returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

Twenty years ago on March 24, 2001, the city of Macon, Georgia dedicated a street to one of its revered residents. “Duane Allman Boulevard” was named in honor of the famed musician who died not far from that location in a motorcycle crash on October 29, 1971.

This year will mark 50 years since Allman passed away yet he is still regarded as on of the greatest guitar players of all time. Today’s song was written by his brother, Gregg, who performed the song at Duane’s funeral and was featured on The Allman Brothers Band 1972 album, Eat A Peach.

“Crossroads, will you ever let him go? No, no, no
Will you hide the dead man’s ghost
Or will he lie, beneath the clay
Or will his spirit float away“.

Gregg and Duane

Allman blvd

Top: Gregg Allman (L) and Duane Allman (R) circa 1970. Bottom: Sign in Macon on roadway named for Duane Allman. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Allman Brothers: “Melissa” (1972, written by Gregg Allman).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 372

Posted in Music by

Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

March 2021 Blog

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are still facing a serious situation but a new year gives us hope for the new days, seasons, opportunities & moments ahead. Still, music is something that will never change for me. It is my refuge, the most comforting part of my life & the one thing I consistently count on. So until a more normal semblance of life returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

Today marks another rock & roll birthday, this one belonging to a co-founder of The Cars. Ric Ocasek was born March 23, 1944 in MD. Admittedly I was not a fan of synth rock or new wave, as his band was considered. But most of their songs were enjoyable enough for me not to turn to another station when they came on the radio.

However, I absolutely loved two of their songs, “Drive” (Day 183) and today’s pick. It has an unbelievably hypnotic guitar riff & a great bass line. The Cars also made some of the most interesting videos in their heyday, many from the artistic vision of Ocasek.

“If the illusion is real
Let them give you a ride
If they got thunder appeal
Let them be on your side“.

Cars

The Cars circa 1980 (L-R): Benjamin Orr (bass guitarist), Greg Hawkes (keyboardist), Ric Ocasek (rhythm guitarist), Elliot Easton (lead guitarist) and David Robinson (drummer). (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Cars: “Good Times Roll” (1978, written by Ric Ocasek).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 371

Posted in Music by

Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

March 2021 Blog

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are still facing a serious situation but a new year gives us hope for the new days, seasons, opportunities & moments ahead. Still, music is something that will never change for me. It is my refuge, the most comforting part of my life & the one thing I consistently count on. So until a more normal semblance of life returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

March 21 marked the 72nd birth anniversary for Edward Joseph Mahoney, known professionally as Eddie Money. He was born in Brooklyn in 1949 and raised nearby in Levittown, NY. He moved to California in 1968 to pursue a musical career after a short detour as a third generation NYC police officer.

He found success nine years later with the release of his 1977 self-titled debut album. Today’s song, a Top 20 hit in 1978, was the first single & introduced him to the world. As someone who also grew up in Levittown & went to the same high school as he did, Money was a local legend & a source of great pride to our town. And where would we be without small town heroes? .

“Rich man poor man
Really don’t mean all that much
Mama’s always told you girl
That money can’t buy you love“.

Eddie Money

 Eddie Money’s 1977 self-titled debut album. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Eddie Money: “Baby Hold On” (1977, written by James Lyon and Eddie Money).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 370

Posted in Music by

Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

March 2021 Blog

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are still facing a serious situation but a new year gives us hope for the new days, seasons, opportunities & moments ahead. Still, music is something that will never change for me. It is my refuge, the most comforting part of my life & the one thing I consistently count on. So until a more normal semblance of life returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

At the beginning of 1993 a director wanted a song for a movie he was making and asked a songwriter & musician to write it. He wrote the tune, played all the instruments on it & sang the track himself, with an additional singer providing the backing vocal. The movie came out in December 1993 featuring the song, which was released as a single in February 1994. The video that accompanied it was also done by the film’s director, Jonathan Demme. A month later, on March 21, 1994 the track won the Oscar for Best Original Song at the 66th Academy Awards ceremony. It was the first one Bruce Springsteen ever wrote specifically for a movie.

“I was bruised and battered, I couldn’t tell what I felt
I was unrecognizable to myself
Saw my reflection in a window and didn’t know my own face
So brother are you gonna leave me wasting away“.

Bruce Streets_of_Philadelphia

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Bruce Springsteen: “Streets Of Philadelphia” (1994, written by Bruce Springsteen).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 369

Posted in Music by

Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

March 2021 Blog

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are still facing a serious situation but a new year gives us hope for the new days, seasons, opportunities & moments ahead. Still, music is something that will never change for me. It is my refuge, the most comforting part of my life & the one thing I consistently count on. So until a more normal semblance of life returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

March 18 marked the 80th birth anniversary for singer & songwriter Wilson Pickett, born in 1941 in Alabama. His years at Stax Records brought him most of his success, most notably for the songs “In The Midnight Hour” (Day 131), “634-5789”, “Land of 1000 Dances” and today’s track. Part soul, part R&B with a touch of funk added to the mix, “Wicked” Wilson Pickett was one of a kind.

“I bought you a brand new mustang
A nineteen sixty five, huh
Now you come around signifying a woman
You don’t want to let me ride“

Wilson

Wilson Pickett circa 1968. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Wilson Pickett: “Mustang Sally” (1966, written by Mack Rice).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 368

Posted in Music by

Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

March 2021 Blog

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are still facing a serious situation but a new year gives us hope for the new days, seasons, opportunities & moments ahead. Still, music is something that will never change for me. It is my refuge, the most comforting part of my life & the one thing I consistently count on. So until a more normal semblance of life returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

On March 19, 1976 The Doobie Brothers released the album, Takin’ It To The Streets. It was the group’s first one with keyboard player, songwriter & vocalist, Michael McDonald. He helped move the group in a different sound direction that led to their mega hit 1978 album, Minute By Minute.

McDonald was brought in to fill the void from original member Tom Johnston’s temporary leave for health issues in 1975. He tried to come back during the tour for the group’s next album, but after another health problem he decided to leave the band he co-founded for good in 1977. During Johnston’s years the band was known for its heavy guitar driven tunes courtesy of his and Patrick Simmons playing. But with McDonald the band took on a more keyboard centered sound which only added to the success of this already talented group.

“She musters a smile for his nostalgic tale
Never coming near what he wanted to say
Only to realize
It never really was“.

Doobie_Brothers_1976

The Doobie Brothers circa 1976: Back row (L-R): Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, Keith Knudsen, Tom Johnston, John Hartman, Patick Simmons. Front: Tiran Porter and Michael McDonald. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Doobie Brothers: “What A Fool Believes” (1978, written by Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 367

Posted in Music by

Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

March 2021 Blog

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are still facing a serious situation but a new year gives us hope for the new days, seasons, opportunities & moments ahead. Still, music is something that will never change for me. It is my refuge, the most comforting part of my life & the one thing I consistently count on. So until a more normal semblance of life returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

On March 18, 1972 Neil Young hit the #1 spot in the country for one week with the exquisite “Heart Of Gold” (Day 24). That song was from his Harvest album which produced a few of his other signature tracks including “Old Man” (Day 322), “Are You Ready For The Country”, the title track and today’s tune. Young has such a heartbreakingly beautiful way of expressing himself and that combined with his stunning poetry has made me a fan for life.

“I sing the song because I love the man
I know that some of you don’t understand
Milk blood to keep from running out“.

N Young

Neil Young circa 1972. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Neil Young: “The Needle And the Damage Done” (1972, written by Neil Young).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.