Tag Archives: 1978

Music Monday: June 5, 2023

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

Bruce quote 2023

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

In January I spotlighted the 50th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen’s debut album. Today the celebration centers around his fourth studio record. Darkness On The Edge Of Town was released 45 years ago on June 2, 1978. It came three years after his breakthrough smash, the masterpiece also known as Born To Run. The delay came from Springsteen’s battle to free himself from the contract with his first manager, Mike Appel, due to conflicts over the direction The Boss’s career should take.

Enter John Landau, the rock critic who befriended the man he called “rock & roll future” in 1974. He has been Springsteen’s manager and ally ever since. Landau co-produced BTR and was the primary producer on all of The Boss’s albums until 2001’s, The Rising.

If BTR was about hope, Darkness expressed what happened when that feeling was gone. One who may “spend your life waiting for a moment that just won’t come”, or those who “walk through these gates with death in their eyes” to kill themselves day by day, piece by piece in the grueling existence of a mind numbing job like one offered by factory life, or those who had nothing but were better off that way because “soon as you’ve got something they send someone to try and take it away” to the ones who “got stuff running ’round my head that I just can’t live down”.

The take away messages seemed clear but empowering in a sense. Springsteen offered some relief by way of his own experience which was to let go of what he had heard his whole life to make way for the new narrative of real life which is that most people exist rather than live. And life was going to be hard enough to live without those false promises mocking you at every turn. Real life was not going from comfort to comfort to get what you wanted, it was about having to fight hard just to get what you needed. The real world was a harsh unflinching one where surviving day to day without that hope meant acknowledging that no one was coming to save you. You had to do that yourself. And the discovery that even if prayers were heard, sometimes the answer was no.

To mark 45 years of this fabulous record, I am sharing two songs today. The first is one of the songs he performed with his ever faithful E Street Band the night he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1999. It is the track from the album that is my go to when I need to remember I have a choice in how I can react to whatever is going on in my head because of the lies life not only wants to tell us but expects us to believe. It is reclaiming your mind, heart and soul. It is yet another example that even when Bruce does not have a solution, he still has an answer. And it takes me away from life long enough to catch my breath and regain my strength in order to return to the struggle.

“Blow away the dreams that tear you apart
Blow away the dreams that break your heart
Blow away the lies that leave you
Nothing but lost and brokenhearted”.

The second song was featured in the 2001 movie, “Prozac Nation”. It is an outtake from the album that has to be one of the most heartbreaking tales Springsteen has ever told. According to his website, the original 1978 full band version of this song was not released until the 2010 album of the same name. Despite leaving this track off Darkness, he was performing it live during that period so fans were clamoring for it to be made available. He recorded a new stripped down version of this song for the 1999 album, 18 Tracks. And it is this simple sparse yet unbelievably elegant track that has completely captivated me from the very first moment I heard it. The melancoly timbre of his voice accompanied only by a solo piano arrangement underscores the sadness and pain of the story he shares with us. It hits me every time I hear it that this man has been one of the greatest gifts of my life. He sings my existence in every note: the good, the bad, the broken and the dark. Yet somehow I am comforted by the knowledge that he gets it. And no matter what, he is my home. My safe place. My constant.

“All my life I fought that fight
The fight that you can’t ever win
Every day it just gets harder to live
The dream you’re believing in”.

Bruce zzz

darkness back

bruce Z

Bruce zz

Top two images: The front and back covers of Springsteen’s 1978 album. Bottom two images: alternate photos taken during the photo shoot for the album. All photos by Frank Stefanko. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Bruce Springsteen: “The Promised Land” (1978, wriiten by Bruce Springsteen).

Bruce Springsteen: “The Promise” (1999, wriiten by Bruce Springsteen).

Stay safe and well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 515

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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?

Aug 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 we remember singer-songwriter Dan Fogelberg, who was born 70 years ago on August 13, 1951 in IL, His father, the subject of his son’s 1981 song, “Leader Of The Band”, was the director of a local high school band. The younger Fogelberg taught himself guitar & piano, which led to his participation in his first band at the age of 14,

When he was in college he was performing on his own at small coffee houses. He was discovered in the early 1970’s and played in Nashville for a while to perfect his craft. His 1974 album, Souvenirs, was produced by future Eagle Joe Walsh, featured Gerry Buckley of America on acoustic guitar and Graham Nash, Randy Meisner and others on backing vocals.

Fogelberg’s 1982 song “Missing You” (Day 377) is my absolute favorite of his, with today’s coming in right behind it. In that glorious musical year that was 1978, he released Twin Sons Of Different Mothers, a collaboration with jazz flautist Tim Weisberg. This was a Top 30 hit for them and my favorite track from that album. And Fogelberg’s holiday inspired tune, “Same Old Lang Syne”, deserves a mention here as well as a poignant bridge between the post Christmas pre-New Year’s reflective pause.

“The letters and calls got you climbing the walls
And everyone wants a favor
They beg to remind you
Of times left behind you“.

Dan F

Dan Fogelberg circa 2000. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Dan Fogelberg and Tim Weisberg: “The Power Of Gold” (1978, written by Dan Fogelberg).

(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 509

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

Aug 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 August 2, 1978 the second album from the group Boston was released. It became their second consecutive #1 album while the title track was a Top Five hit. It has always been one of my favorites and a great cautionary tale to those who tend to look more toward the past than the future.

“I can see, it took so long just to realize
I’m much too strong not to compromise
Now I see what I am is holding me down
I’ll turn it around“.

Boston A

The band Boston circa 1976 (L-R): Lead vocalist & guitarist Brad Delp, songwriter & guitarist & Tom Scholz, guitarist Barry Goudreau, bassist Fran Sheehan and drummer Sib Hashian (center). (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Boston: “Don’t Look Back” (1978, written by Tom Scholz).

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 499

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?

Tom Petty music quote

(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’s song was a Top Ten hit from the wondrous musical year of 1978. It was co-produced by Lindsey Buckingham who also played guitar on the track. He contributed background vocals as well as did his Fleetwood Mac bandmate, Stevie Nicks. She supposedly served as the inspiration for the song. It is considered to be a one hit wonder of the 1970’s and one of my all time favorites in that category.

“I can’t hope that I’ll hold you for long
‘Cause you’re a woman who’s lost to your song
But the love that I feel is so strong
And it can’t be wrong”.

Walter

(L-R): Stevie Nicks, Walter Egan and Lindsey Buckingham circa 1978. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Walter Egan: “Magnet And Steel” (1978, written by Walter Egan).

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 480

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?

Tom Petty music quote

(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.

Years before Bruce Springsteen broke into the Top Twenty with one of his own tunes (“Hungry Heart” was a #5 hit in 1980/1981) other artists had successful covers with his songs: Manfred Mann’s Earth Band’s version of “Blinded By The Light” (Day 340) hit #1 in February 1977, Patti Smith’s version of “Because The Night” (Day 67) reached the Top 20 in 1978, the same year The Pointer Sisters released today’s song. It became a #2 hit in February 1979.

Springsteen originally recorded it during the sessions for his 1978 Darkness On The Edge Of Town album, but the song was ultimately left off the final cut. He released it in 1987 as a single. He also included a live version in his boxed set Live 1975–85 as well as an updated track in his 2010 The Promise collection. Of course nothing will ever beat his original recordings in my book. But The Pointer Sisters did The Boss proud with their sensational cover.

“Well Romeo and Juliet
Samson and Delilah
Baby you can bet
A love they couldn’t deny“.

bruce

Pointer

Top: Bruce Springsteen’s 45′ cover for “Fire”. Bottom: The Pointer Sisters 1978 album, Energy. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Pointer Sisters: “Fire” (1978, 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 472

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?

Tom Petty music quote

(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 September 23, 1978 Blondie released their breakthrough album, Parallel Lines. It contained the hits “Heart Of Glass”, “One Way Or Another” and today’s song, which was a cover track originally recorded by the band, The Nerves. But Debbie Harry & the boys made it their own. She was born July 1, 1945 in Florida. Happy birthday to one of the coolest rock chicks ever. Here’s to 100 more.

“.I had to interrupt and stop this conversation
Your voice across the line gives me a strange sensation
I’d like to talk when I can show you my affection
Oh I can’t control myself“.

Blondie

Blondie’s 1978 album. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Blondie: “Hanging On The Telephone” (1978, written by Jack Lee),

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 334

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?

Feb 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.

My first concert was The Doobie Brothers at the Nassau Coliseum in Hempstead, NY. Billy Squier was their opening act and I sat way up in the nosebleed seats. That in no way dampened my enthusiasm nor did it negate the fact that despite being a million miles away from him, I was still in the same arena as the gorgeous, talented & soulful Michael McDonald. That beautiful man turned 69 years young on February 12. Happy birthday to one of the greatest blue eyed soul singers out there. Swoon.

“Call my name and I’ll be gone
You’ll reach out and I won’t be there
Just my luck you’ll realize
You should spend your life with someone
You could spend your life with someone“.

Doobie Bros circa 2019

 The Doobie Brothers circa 2014 (L-R): Patrick Simmons, John McFee, Michael McDonald and Tom Johnston. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Doobie Brothers: “Minute By Minute” (1978, written by Lester Abrams 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 312

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?

Shakespeare music

(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.

One of my favorite singers in the 1980’s was Robert Palmer. He might have made pop music but it was so much more sophisticated than the average Top 40 fare thanks to his influences of soul, reggae and rock. He did not look like a typical artist you would see on MTV, either. He was smooth & suave in his bespoke suits and his debonair persona. Add to that the power & polish of his voice behind hits like “Looking For Clues” “Bad Case Of Loving You”, “Hyperactive”, “Addicted To Love” & “Simply Irresistible”. I really enjoyed his work with The Power Station, especially “Some Like It Hot”. Palmer was one of the few singers who did justice to Marvin Gaye with a cover medley of “Mercy Mercy Me/I Want You” from the 1990 album, Don’t Explain.

I was lucky enough to see Palmer in concert at Radio City Music Hall where he did not disappoint. He made every song sound incredible & look effortless. But I waited all night to hear today’s song from 1978. It was written by Andy Fraser, a songwriter & musician who began his career as the bass player & founding member of the band Free (“All Right Now” Day 182) when he was 15 years old. January 19th marked Palmer’s 72nd birth anniversary and every time I hear today’s song I relive that night at the Music Hall and feel incredibly lucky to have seen this man deliver an unbelievably fabulous show.

“Someone’s looking for a lead
In his duty to a king or to a creed
Protecting what he feels is right
Fights against wrong with his life“.

robert-palmer-front-row-photographs-com

Robert Palmer circa 1986. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Robert Palmer: “Every Kinda People” (1978, written by Andy Fraser).

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

Stay well.