Music Monday: September 11, 2023

Hi, everyone. Welcome to another edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

First, let us take a moment to remember that today marks 22 years since 9/11. Prayers for our country and all those still directly affected by the impact of this day. Never forget.

“Raising the Flag at Ground Zero” photograph by Thomas E. Franklin taken on September 11, 2001. (Image found online.)

Now to the music.

In July 2022 I got my tickets to see Bruce in concert on March 12, 2023 in CT. Unfortunately it was cancelled due to illness and rescheduled for September 16. Last week, Bruce revealed he is suffering from peptic ulcer disease so he will need to cancel the rest of his performances for this month, maybe even next. Of course, I am heartbroken but very hopeful he will regain his health soon.

In about two weeks The Boss will celebrate birthday #74. He was born September 23, 1949 in Long Branch, New Jersey and grew up in nearby Freehold. He released his first two albums in 1973: his debut, Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J., came out on January 5 (read more about that here) and its follow up, The Wild, The Innocent & The E Street Shuffle, which was released 50 years ago today-September 11, 1973-as per The Boss’s website.

These two records predate long time E Streeters-Roy Bittan, Steven Van Zandt and Max Weinberg-who joined the band in time for Bruce’s exquisite third record, Born To Run. But they and two previous members of The E Street Band-Vini “Mad Dog” Lopez and David L. Sancious-were inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame with the rest of the group in 2014. I had the pleasure of attending that show and heard them-with Bruce, of course-perform two songs from the second album: “Kitty’s Back” and “The E Street Shuffle”. I chose today’s track to celebrate the album’s golden anniversary, to honor today being Patriot Day and as a shout out to Bruce recuperating at his residence across the river from my home state of New York.

Happy early birthday, Bossman. Get well soon. Thank you for every note.

“It’s midnight in Manhattan
This is no time to get cute
It’s a mad dog’s promenade
So walk tall or baby don’t walk at all“.

the-wild-the-innocent-the-e-street-shuffle-630-80

Top: The cover of Springsteen’s second album. Middle: An alternative picture for the album’s back cover (seated: Bruce and Clarence Clemons with Danny Federici standing next to him. Back row (l-r): David L. Sancious, Vini “Mad Dog” Lopez and Garry W. Tallent. Bottom: An alternative picture for the album’s front cover. (Images found online. Original source: David Gahr.)

Bruce Springsteen: “New York City Serenade” (1973, written by Bruce Springsteen).

Stay safe & well.

11Sep2021

Let’s Take A Moment Day 544

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(Photo by Thomas E. Franklin 09/11/2001)

“Imagine there’s no heaven
It’s easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky

Imagine all the people
Livin’ for today

Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too

Imagine all the people
Livin’ life in peace

You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man

Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world

You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will live as one“.

John Lennon, “Imagine”, 09/09/1971.

John Lennon circa 1971 in his white room. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

John Lennon: “Imagine” (1971, written by John Lennon).

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

Stay well.

11Sep2020

Let’s Take A Moment Day 179

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

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?

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal 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 Concert For NYC in October 2001, several acts stood out as highlights of the show. For me, one of the best performances was by David Bowie, who made NYC his part-time adopted home after his marriage to model Iman in 1992. Bowie expressed his gratitude to everyone in attendance, told them all it was “an absolute privilege to play for you tonight”. and gave a special shout out to his local neighborhood ladder company. Then he sang this song for the crowd. Today that same song goes out to all the heroes.

“I, I will be king
And you, you will be queen
Though nothing will drive them away
We can be Heroes, just for one day“.

David Bowie at The Concert For NYC, October 2001 (top) and the raising of a flag on Ground ero on 09/12/2001. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

David Bowie: “Heroes” ( 1977, written by David Bowie and Brian Eno).