Category Archives: Music Monday

Music Monday: January 20, 2025

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

Blog 2025

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Happy 80th birthday to Sir Roderick David Stewart. Born on January 10, 1945 in London, the man more informally known as Rod Stewart has been one of the most solid, most consistent and most fabulous voices in all of music & a staple of the classic rock genre. He continues to bring his love of soul, Motown and R&B to every note he gives us. And I have loved nearly every minute of it and yes, that includes “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy”. It was 1978, after all.

His is one of the earliest voices I can recall hearing in my childhood. His distinctive raspy sound never disappoints me and always takes me on a virtual trip over across the last six decades he has been a part of. Influenced by the voices of Little Richard, Sam Cooke & Otis Redding, Stewart brought that inspiration to his early days on his first official single of “Good Morning, School Girl” in 1964. That was followed by his days as a member of The Jeff Beck Group (1967-1969) and The Faces (1969-1975) which not only gave Stewart an incredible foundation in his career but also forged lifelong friendships with Beck (who inducted Stewart into The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1994) and Ron Wood.

Stewart embraced the video era of the 1980’s which eventually made way to one of the best acoustic concerts with 1993’s Unplugged…And Seated where he was joined by Wood. Stewart has embraced so many different musical genres including the pivot to his Great American Songbook series starting in 2002 and his collaboration with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in 2019. And yet I still cannot wait to see what he does next. Happy birthday, Rod Stewart.

Rod Stewart 1971
Rod and Ron 1970
Ron and Rod unplugged
Rod Stewart Philharmonic

Top: Rod Stewart circa 1971. Second: Ron Wood (L) with Stewart circa 1970. Third: Wood (L) joins Stewart (R) for his MTV “Unplugged” performance filmed in February 1993. Bottom: Stewart in the studio with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in 2019. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

The Faces: “Stay With Me” (1971, written by Rod Stewart and Ron Wood).

Rod Stewart: “Maggie May” (1971, written by Martin Quittenton and Rod Stewart).

Rod Stewart: “My Heart Can’t Tell You No” (1988, written Simon Climie and Dennis Morgan).

Rod Stewart: “Downtown Train” (1989, written by Tom Waits).

Rod Stewart: “Maggie May” (with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra) (2019, written by Martin Quittenton and Rod Stewart).

Until next time, happy listening!!!

Music Monday: January 13, 2025

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

Blog 2025

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Sam Moore, the surviving half of the “Sam & Dave” musical duo, passed away on January 10, 2025 at the age of 89. The higher tenor voice to partner Dave Prater’s lower baritone one, the men were amongst the most successful R&B/soul performers at Stax Records in the 1960’s with hits like “Soul Man”, “Hold On I’m Coming” and “I Thank You”. Their live shows were legendary and inspired many including Al Green, Steve Winwood, Tom Petty and others.

The duo split up in 1970 but reunited the following year. Unfortunately they did not attain the success they previously had. A resurgence in the men’s popularity came in 1979 courtesy of The Blues Brothers cover of “Soul Man”. After Prater’s death from a car accident in 1988, Moore continued performing including at the 25th anniversary concert for The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2009 with Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band. Moore & Prater were inducted in 1992.

Sam and Dave
Sam Moore

Top: Sam Moore (L) and Dave Prater (R) circa 1967. Bottom: Moore circa 2015. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Last summer J.D. Souther & Karla Bonoff announced a joint tour together. They had been friends since their Laurel Canyon, California days in the 1970’s where both had found success- first as songwriters for The Eagles and Linda Ronstadt, respectively-before prospering in solo careers.

Sadly the tour never took place due to Souther’s death on September 17, 2024 at age 78. I adored him forever, going back to his Top Ten solo hit in 1979 (which I featured on Day 232 of the Lockdown Countdown) and his 1981 Top 20 duet with James Taylor, “Her Town Too”. I was thrilled when Souther branched out into to acting in movies like 1989’s “Always” and TV shows like “Thirtysomething” & “Nashville”.

The announcement of his tour with Bonoff put her back on my radar and reacquainted me with her beautiful voice. I first discovered her music through Linda Ronstadt who recorded three of Bonoff’s songs for the 1976 album, Hasten Down The Wind. But it was her stunning version of “The Water Is Wide”-featured in a 1997 episode of my favorite soap, “Another World”-that put me in Bonoff’s orbit for many years. I do not know why or how I let her fall from my view in the last decade or so but once I found her again last summer, I discovered her 2020 holiday album, Silent Night. It is wonderful, especially her version of “The First Noel” which was featured on Day 13 of my 2024 Christmas music countdown.

Bonoff, who turned 73 last month, released her self titled debut album in 1977 which included the three songs on the Hasten album. I love them all but today’s pick is my favorite. I have included Ronstadt’s version as well not just for her incredibly stunning voice but to share the video also. It is a great look at her in the studio with her band so we actually watch the magic of the performance happen there. And moments like that need to be seen.

Karla and JD
Linda JD

Top: A show announcement from J.D. Souther’s Facebook page for a performance by he & Bonoff in July 2024. Middle: A picture of the two singers circa 1979 that Bonoff posted on her Facebook page with a tribute to Souther after his death in September 2024. Bottom: Souther (R) on stage with his one time girlfriend, Linda Ronstadt (L). (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Sam & Dave: “When Something Is Wrong With My Baby” (1967, written by Isaac Hayes and David Porter).

Linda Ronstadt: “Lose Again” (1976, written by Karla Bonoff).

Karla Bonoff: “Lose Again” (1977, written by Karla Bonoff).

J.D. Souther: “You’re Only Lonely” (1979, written by JD Souther).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: January 6, 2025

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to the first edition of Music Monday for the new year.

Blog 2025

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Welcome to 2025, everyone.

If you have been here for a while you know I am not much for resolutions. I try to find a word or a phrase to guide me for the year. Not surprisingly, I usually find said inspiration in a song. This year is no different.

My process is to think about it for most of December and once I have chosen my song, I know it will be the first one I listen to in the new year to start it off right. The track I chose for 2025 alludes to a state of mind of peace and happiness as well as the path to get there. And the older I get the easier it is to see I have the choice and ability-albeit temporarily-to keep MY world as safe and as peaceful as possible by limiting the amount of time I let THE world in.

That is a powerful force to realize and utilize which I plan to do a lot more this year. I started doing this during the pandemic lockdown and it really helped me cope. I continued keeping myself fairly isolated in the figurative sense since then but there is a lot more I can do to improve on it. Plus, this year’s song also takes me back to an absolutely glorious scene from one of my favorite shows of all time. It drives the point home about our ability to make the choices that are best for us.

“Wash away my troubles
Wash away my pain
With the rain in Shambala
Wash away my sorrow
Wash away my shame
With the rain in Shambala“.

lost-van-scene
Lost van Jin and Sawyer

Above: The sublime van ride scene in “Lost” S3 E10, “Tricia Tanaka Is Dead”. Top: Charlie (L) and Hurley (R) (Dominic Monaghan and Jorge Garcia). Center: The ride. Bottom: Jin (L) and Sawyer (R) (Daniel Dae Kim and Josh Holloway). (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Elvis Aaron Presley was born 90 years ago on January 8, 1935. At 19 years old he recorded his first record which put him on the path that led to his throne as The King. He changed music, pop culture and how we saw ourselves reflected back in the world he created. And we were all the better for it.

Singer, actor, Army veteran, entertainer, legend. He not only introduced rock & roll to the mainstream, he also brought it to life. What more can be said that has not already been said about this stunning mountain of a man except that he is missed every single moment there is air around us. And thank you seems like such a small phrase which does not come close to the amount of gratitude he is due.

All hail 90 years of The King.

Elvis A
Elvis B
Elvis C

Top: Elvis at the beginning circa 1957 when he introduced the world to his hip shaking moves. Middle: The King and his guitar circa 1958. Bottom: A moment from the 1968 TV special. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Three Dog Night: “Shambala” (1973, written by Daniel Moore).

Elvis Presley: “That’s All Right” (1954, written by Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup).

Elvis Presley: “Can’t Help Falling In Love” (1961, written by Luigi Creatore, Hugo Peretti and George David Weiss).

Elvis Presley: “Suspicious Minds” (1969, written by Mark James).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: December 30, 2024

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

Blog image for 2024

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

We are on the verge of a new year, one that sounds like it is from a sci-fi series. Yesterday we were celebrating the new millennial and in a few days we will officially be 25 years in. I know time flies, but this last quarter century went by tragically fast. I believe those two words together form the most accurate and the most heartbreaking definition of life out there.

2025

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Still, a new year is a chance for new starts, new beginnings and new chances. And more music which remains the constant in my life. So thank you all for being here and sharing my love of it every week. I truly appreciate it. I wish you all the best in the new year. May it bring you everything you want and need. And right now, who does not need a little Lady Ella to get us all in a festive mood?

Ella_Fitzgerald@2x

Ella Fitzgerald circa 1940. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Ella Fitzgerald: “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” (1960, written by Frank Loesser).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: November 25, 2024

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

Blog image for 2024

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Just a quick reminder: With the festive season upon us, Music Mondays will be preempted for the next four weeks because starting December 1st, my annual Christmas music feature will begin. I hope you will stay for that & share some of your favorite holiday songs with me as well. And to all of you celebrating Thanksgiving this week, I wish you a happy & safe day.

The recent loss of Quincy Jones is a massive one to anyone who listened to music at any point in the last 70 years. He died on November 3 at the age of 91 leaving behind a seven decade career that began while he was in high school honing his skills as a trumpeter and arranger before he went on to play for Lionel Hampton and Dizzy Gillespie. Jones met Ray Charles while he was on the way up as well, and the two formed a lifelong friendship.

Jones’ talent led to work with Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., jazz greats Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington and many other artists. Jones began working on movie scores in 1964 and continued in that genre for the rest of his career.

The 1970’s & 1980’s brought more fame and recognition including Jones’ work with Michael Jackson & on the USA For Africa charity single, “We Are The World”. In November 1989 Jones released, Back On The Block, a standout for me which reunited him with his old friend, Ray Charles, for a fantastic cover of a great song Jones produced back in 1976 for The Brothers Johnson. Rest in peace, Quincy Delight Jones Jr. Thank you for every note. 

Quincy

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Three other noteworthy releases from 1989 were released in the same month:

Patti Labelle: Her ninth solo album, Be Yourself, from June 1989 included a song that gave the singer the opportunity to add her tremendous voice to a James Bond movie soundtrack. The film, “Licence to Kill”, led by Timothy Dalton as the man who preferred his martini shaken, not stirred, featured fellow soul and R&B singer Gladys Knight on the title track. As fabulous as that song is, Labelle’s soaring ballad takes center stage for me. .

Patti

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Van Morrison: He released Avalon Sunset 35 years ago in June 1989. The two most notable songs include “These Are The Days” featured in the 1995 movie “Nine Months”. The other is an absolutely beautiful love song covered by Rod Stewart for his 1991 Vagabond Heart album. It became a #5 hit for him two years later after he delivered a very moving performance of it during his MTV Unplugged performance in 1993. I love it along with everything else Stewart does, but Morrison’s original is even more heartfelt as the words and emotions are all his own. He recorded it with The Chieftans for their version featured on their 1995 album, The Long Black Veil. It earned them a Grammy Award the following year for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals.

van

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Bad English: Five years after the massive success of his solo song, “Missing You“, John Waite teamed up with his old bandmate from The Babys-keyboardist Jonathan Cain-and his Journey bandmate-guitarist Neil Schon-to form the supergroup, Bad English. Rounding out the lineup was Styx bassist Ricky Phillips and drummer Deen Castronovo. Even with all that star power, the first single from the band’s self-titled debut album released in June 1989 was written by multi-award winning songwriter, Diane Warren. Bad English disbanded after their second album, 1991’s Backlash.

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(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds’ third studio album, For the Cool in You, hit the music scene in August 1993. It produced five singles with the last one being released in May 1994. It not only became the most successful song from the album-it peaked at #4 on the chart that September-but it also became the top selling single of his career to date. It is a simple yet elegant love song that showcases his voice beautifully and stands out as my favorite song from his extensive catalog. I fell in love with it all over again after his acoustic performance at the 1995 Grammy Awards where it won him the trophy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.

Babyface

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Quincy Jones (featuring Ray Charles and Chaka Khan): “I’ll Be Good To You” (1989, written by George Johnson, Louis Johnson and Sonora Sam).

Patti LaBelle “If You Asked Me To” (1989, written by Diane Warren).

Van Morrison: “Have I told You Lately” (1989, written by Van Morrison).

Bad English: “When I See You Smile” (1989, written by Diane Warren).

Babyface: “When Can I See You Again” (1993, written by Kenneth Edmonds).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: November 18, 2024

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

Blog image for 2024

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Anita Baker’s third studio album, Giving You The Best That I Got, was released 36 years ago in the fall of 1988. It ended the year as the #1 album in the country where it stayed for four consecutive weeks. The title track became the first & best known single which peaked at #3 that December. As much as I like the song, it is the second single that stands as my favorite track. It was a Top Twenty hit in April 1989 and features bass player Nathan East who appears on six of the eight album tracks. He has been a part of Eric Clapton’s touring and studio bands for four decades.

anita 2

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

An 80’s era singer that flew under my radar was Rick Astley. While I always thought he was quite adorable & swooned over the blue eyed soul sound he had going on, dance music was never my thing so I usually did not listen to him or watch his videos. But then his 1991 album, Free, came out and included a ballad I absolutely adore to this day. I was not alone in that feeling as it became a Top Ten hit for him, peaking at #7 in April 1991. It featured The Andraé Crouch Choir on backing vocals who were prominently featured in the performance video that was in heavy rotation back in those wonderful & magical days when music video stations actually showed them.

rick a

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Speaking of blue-eyed soul singers, another of my favorites is Mick Hucknall. I fell in love with Simply Red because of his voice starting with their 1985 debut album, Picture Book. One listen to “Holding Back The Years” or “Money’s Too Tight (Too Mention”) and it is hard to believe that record will be turning 40 next year. As much as that first release pulled me in, 1991’s Stars, kept me front and center in their world thanks to the fabulous title track.

simply red

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Anita Baker: “Just Because” (1988, written by Alex Brown, Sammy McKinney and Michael O’Hara).

Rick Astley: “Cry For Help” (1991, written by Rick Astley and Rob Fisher).

Simply Red: “Stars” (1991, written by Mick Hucknall).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: November 11, 2024

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

Blog image for 2024

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

President Harry S. Truman delivered the quote below on April 17, 1945 during his address over Armed Forces Radio following the death of his predecessor, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. As a WW1 veteran himself, Truman also shared his firsthand experience:

“I know the strain, the mud, the misery, the utter weariness of the soldier in the field. And I know too his courage, his stamina, his faith in his comrades, his country, and himself.”

To all our veterans & to the men and women currently in uniform, thank you for your service.

Veteran's day

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Dan Fogelberg’s second album, Souvenirs, just turned 50 years old. Released in October 1974, all 11 songs were written by the singer/songwriter himself. The most well know track was “Part Of The Plan” and set him up for the future success that followed. In 1978 he collaborated with flutist Tim Weisberg for Twin Sons of Different Mothers which includes a song I really enjoy, “The Power Of Gold”.

But when 1979’s album, Phoenix, came out featuring the hit, “Longer”, I must admit it put Fogelberg on my periphery. It did not speak to me at all and was way too soft rock for my taste. But 1981’s “Hard To Say” & 1982’s “Missing You” were more my vibe and put him back into my focus. And what holiday season is complete without his sweet reflective “Same Old Lang Syne”?

As for Souvenirs, it also has a great song for anyone who has ever felt the need to “stay inside for a while” when the noise starts to drown out the peace.

“Don’t you think it’s kind of sad to say
Don’t you think it’s gonna change
Makes you think you’ll have to stay inside
For a while“.

Dan_Fogelberg_-_Souvenirs

Dan Fogelberg’s 1974 album. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Herb Alpert hit the #1 spot in the country 45 years ago. His 1979 top selling song-co-written by his nephew, Randy “Badazz” Alpert-stayed in that position for two consecutive weeks. Herb’s first #1 song, “This Guy’s In Love With You”, topped the charts for 4 weeks eleven years earlier in June 1968. And if you know your GH trivia, you know what controversial scene the 1979 song was featured in (hint: It involved Luke & Laura).

The 89 year old trumpeter-who released his 50th album, 50, in September-is actively touring with his wife, Lani Hall, and will be joined by The Tijuana Brass early next year in anticipation of the 60th anniversary of Whipped Cream & Other Delights which was released in April 1965.

Rise

Herb Alpert’s 1979 album. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Julian Lennon released his debut album in October 1984. It was produced by Phil Ramone and had two Top Ten songs, the title track and “Too Late For Goodbyes”. The comparisons to his father, John, were inevitable, especially due to the similarities in their voices and their looks. But Julian’s inner voice was very much his own and came through in every song on this record. Six more albums followed (including his 2022 release, Jude) while Julian found other passions to pursue as well. In 2010 a book featuring his Beatles memorabilia collection was published. That same year, he was featured in the first of several photography exhibits, a passion he discovered while taking pictures for the 2007 musical tour for his half brother, Sean.

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Julian Lennon’s 1984 debut album. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Creedence Clearwater Revival: “Fortunate Son” (1969, written by John Fogerty).

Dan Fogelberg: “Changing Horses” (1974, written by Dan Fogelberg).

Herb Alpert: “Rise” (1979, written by Randy “Badazz” Alpert and Andy Armer).

Julian Lennon: “Valotte“: (1984, written by Justin Clayton, Julian Lennon and Carlton Morales).   

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: November 4, 2024

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

Blog image for 2024

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Lindsey Buckingham celebrated birthday #75 last month. Born October 3, 1949 in Palo Alto, CA, he is the man credited as the driving force behind Fleetwood Mac from the moment he joined the band at the end of 1974. And by now we all know his only condition to becoming a member of the group was that his then girlfriend, Stevie Nicks, be invited as well.

It was not only Buckingham’s undeniably impressive skills as a musician featuring his notable fingerstyle technique on electric and acoustic guitar along with the banjo, or his talent for songwriting but his prowess for arranging and producing that made him invaluable to the group’s success in its second life. Formed in 1967, the band’s sound was more blues based before it shifted its focus to rock led by his lead guitar which helped to introduce FM to a much wider audience, leading to their enormous success and recognition.

Buckingham’s presence was evident in 1975’s self titled album and the one which followed that documented all the romantic drama that took place (including his & Nicks’ breakup in 1976) and became the subject for the next album, 1977’s Rumours, which catapulted the group to superstardom. By 1981, he released his first solo album, Law And Order, and by 1987 he left FM for a creative and personal break.

In 1993 Buckingham joined the band for a performance of “Don’t Stop” for the Clinton inauguration. That opened the door for some other collaborations with the group before they reunited for 1997’s, The Dance, which he co-produced. Over the next 20 years he continued with FM while also working on solo projects and other collaborations including his 2017 album with Christine McVie. As much as I loved that, I will forever be grateful to Lindsey for appearing on “Saturday Night Live” in 2011 to participate as himself in the ongoing skit, “What’s Up With That“, where he was portrayed by Bill Hader. Funny stuff.

McVie’s death in 2022 effectively laid FM to rest, but many fans including myself believe the band officially ended in 2018 when Buckingham was fired due to an ultimatum Nicks made to the rest of the group. Some reports say she was upset with his behavior at an awards function while others said it stemmed from her not being included on his & McVie’s album while the two other members of FM-Mick Fleetwood and John McVie-were a part of it.

However, it has been well documented by Nicks herself in nearly every interview I have seen (most recently last month’s appearance on CBS Sunday Morning) that she continues to blame Buckingham for choices she made over four decades ago, indicating there is a great deal of baggage behind her reasons for forcing the band to choose between them. He sued the group for his termination and by the end of 2018 the case was settled. If the magnitude of his shadow did not speak for itself, the fact that not one but two other guitarists were brought in to replace him for FM’s 2019 tour puts it into perspective quite clearly. But without Buckingham, it was just not the same.

That same year he underwent emergency heart surgery which reportedly affected his vocal chords. Thankfully, he recovered and released his self-titled seventh solo album in September 2021. He has been married to Kristen Messner since 2000 and together they have three children. To me, he remains the heart & sound of Fleetwood Mac. And I am forever thankful for that.

LB 1
LB 2
Buckingham_McVie
LB 3

Top: Lindsey Buckingham & the rest of Fleetwood Mac on the back cover of 1977’s smash album, Rumours (large photo l-r: John McVie, Buckingham, Stevie Nicks, Mick Fleetwood and Christine McVie). Middle 1: Buckingham circa 1979. Middle 2: The 2017 Buckingham McVie album cover. Bottom: The artist circa 2017. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Fleetwood Mac: “Monday Morning” (1975, written by Lindsey Buckingham).

Fleetwood Mac: “Go Your Own Way” (1977, written by Lindsey Buckingham).

Fleetwood Mac: “The Chain” (1977, written by Lindsey Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie, John McVie and Stevie Nicks).

Lindsey Buckingham: “Trouble” (1981, written by Lindsey Buckingham).   

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: October 28, 2024

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

1940s Halloween

Halloween display circa 1940’s-1950’s at a Five & Dime store. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Spooky season is upon us, so in that spirit (get it?), I made myself a small Halloween-esque playlist countdown perfect to listen to while I carve my jack-o-lantern:

5. Boz Scaggs: “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” (2003, written by Lorenz Hart and Richard Rodgers).

So many great versions of this show tune, most recently by Rufus Wainwright for “The History Boys” soundtrack (2006), but I have adored Boz’s voice forever so his cover has my heart.

4. Annie Lenox: “I Put A Spell On You” (2014, written by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins).

Yes, I love Bette Midler’s version from “Hocus Pocus” and Nina Simone’s jazzy cover of this song, but Lennox gives it soul which is always at the top of my list.

3. Donovan: “Season Of The Witch” (1966, written by Donovan and Shawn Phillips).

I am woefully late to this party (this song is from 1966!). I discovered it on an episode of “House” (S3 E11) and could not believe the song I was enjoying was by the folk singer who sang “Jennifer Juniper”. Wonders truly never cease.

Witch circa 1940s

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

2. Ella Fitzgerald: “Witchcraft” (2007 (recorded circa 1960), written by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh).

It is by Lady Ella. Enough said.

1. Bobby “Boris” Pickett: “Monster Mash” (1962, written by Leonard Capizzi and Bobby Pickett).

Because the kid in me would not have it any other way.

Have a happy Halloween, everyone!

Womans World 1912 pumpkin cover

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: October 21, 2024

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

Blog image for 2024

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Eldorado, the fourth studio album by the Electric Light Orchestra, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. It was released in the United States in September 1974 and contains my favorite song by this band. The songwriter did an acoustic cover of it in the 2012 documentary, “Mr. Blue Sky: The Story of Jeff Lynne & ELO” accompanied by the group’s keyboardist Richard Tandy on piano. It is now my favorite version of this incredible track.  

ELO
Jeff

Top: ELO”s 1974 album. Bottom: A moment captured from the 2012 documentary featuring Jeff Lynne on guitar and Richard Tandy on piano. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

David Bowie released his 16th album, Tonight, 40 years ago in September 1984. It included a cover of The Beach Boys classic, “God Only Knows”, while the title song was a duet with Tina Turner. My favorite track peaked at #8 in November 1984 and featured Bowie in a dual role in the fabulous video that was in heavy rotation at the same time on MTV.

DB
Blue Jean

Top: The cover of David Bowie’s album, Tonight. Bottom: The artist in the video for the record’s Top Ten hit. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

ELO: “Can’t Get It Out Of My Head” (1974, written by Jeff Lynne).

Jeff Lynne (featuring Richard Tandy on piano): “Can’t Get It Out Of My Head” (2012, written by Jeff Lynne).

David Bowie: “Blue Jean” (1984, written by David Bowie).

Stay safe & well.