Tag Archives: Heart of Gold

Music Monday: November 3, 2025

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Neil Young will turn 80 years young next week. Born November 12, 1945 in Toronto, Canada, he was in his first band while he was in junior high but eventually quit school to pursue music on a full time basis. While playing in local clubs with the band The Squires, he met Stephen Stills & eventually the two men (and three others) formed Buffalo Springfield in Los Angeles in 1966. Their song, “For What It’s Worth” was written by Stills to reflect the pushback the counterculture was experiencing at that time. Despite that early success, the band broke up two years later due to internal & external struggles.

Young released his self-titled debut album in 1968. He would join Stills again in Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young from 1969-1970 where he found his own words of protest when he wrote, “Ohio” about the 1970 Kent State college campus tragedies. Young continued his solo work which eventually became his main focus. Fast forward nearly 60 years later, Young has obtained legendary status, is still making music and supporting causes he believes in like one of his own, Farm Aid, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in September (more about that here).

My favorite song by Young was released in 1972 on his fourth studio album, Harvest. A 50th anniversary edition deluxe CD box set came out in December 2022. It includes a DVD of a concert recorded on February 23, 1971 at the BBC Radio Theatre in London, England & first broadcast in the the UK on April 1, 1971. Two videos from that performance were uploaded to Young’s YouTube channel. Despite having heard those songs thousands of times before, there is something about his voice in this show that makes me ache for a home I no longer have. Sigh.

Happy birthday, Neil Young. Thank you for every song.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Top: Neil Young circa 1972. Bottom: The artist on stage at Farm Aid 40 in September 2025. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs by Derek & The Dominos was released 55 years ago on November 9, 1970. It is the group’s only album but the title song remains one of the most iconic & definitive songs in classic rock’s illustrious history. The band-which consisted of Eric Clapton on guitar & vocals, Jim Gordon on drums, Carl Radle on bass and Bobby Whitlock on piano and vocals-initially met as members of Delaney & Bonnie and Friends and formed when all four men were together during the 1970 recording sessions for George Harrison’s extraordinary debut album, All Things Must Pass.

As if Clapton’s lyrics & angst ridden vocals combined with the band’s electrifying sound were not powerful enough on their own, guest musician Duane Allman brought his own remarkable spin with his lead & slide guitar contributions. He & Clapton were already fans of one another and finally met when their mutual producer, Tom Dowd, brought the Dominos to an Allman Brothers show just as the Layla sessions were starting in August 1970. Allman wanted to come to the studio and Clapton insisted he bring his guitar. History was made with Allman playing on 11 of 14 tracks-nine originals and five cover songs-including Jimi Hendrix’s, “Little Wing”.

Clapton-the surviving member of the band-has continued to play several of the tracks throughout his career. He reconfigured the title song into a slower number without the piano coda for his “Unplugged” performance in 1992. It became a Top 20 song that fall.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Top: Derek & The Dominos 1970 album. Middle: The band (L-R): Eric Clapton, Bobby Whitlock, Jim Gordon and Carl Radle. Bottom: A photo from August or September 1970 during the recording of the album (L-R): Duane Allman, Gordon, Radle, Whitlock and Clapton (seated). (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Patti Smith’s debut album, Horses, was released 50 years ago on November 10, 1975. She was one of the first performers to contribute to the punk rock genre by combining her poetry with music as a means to celebrate both art forms. The album’s eight tracks are original songs with two of them using excerpts from rock classics.

The album cover is a photograph of Smith taken by her friend, Robert Mapplethorpe. On Day 67 of my Lockdown Countdown, I mentioned how much I loved her 2010 book. Specifically I wrote, “If you are a fan of Smith’s writing, I encourage you to read her memoir, “Just Kids”.  It is about her life in the late 1960’s/early 1970’s when she was living in Manhattan and met artist Robert Mapplethorpe.  It is a great read and she tells their story beautifully.” I echo those sentiments today.

Initially Smith’s androgenous look in the photo for the album was met with some resistance by her record company, Arista. But Smith insisted and eventually the president of the label, Clive Davis-who signed her to his label after seeing her perform at NYC’s legendary club, CBGB-gave it his blessing.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Top: Patti Smith’s 1975 debut album. Bottom: The cover of Smith’s 2010 memoir features a photo of her & Robert Mapplethorpe on the cover. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young: “Helpless” (1970, written by Neil Young).

Neil Young: “Heart Of Gold” (Live performance recorded on February 23rd 1971 at the BBC Radio Theatre in London, England. First broadcast in the UK on April 1st 1971. The video debuted in December 2022 for the 50th Anniversary Edition of Harvest, originally released in 1972. Written by Neil Young).

Neil Young: “Old Man” (Live performance recorded on February 23, 1971 at the BBC Radio Theatre in London, England. First broadcast in the UK on April 1, 1971. The video debuted in December 2022 for the 50th Anniversary Edition of Harvest, originally released in 1972. Written by Neil Young).

Neil Young: “Powderfinger” (1979, written by Neil Young).

Derek & The Dominos: “Layla” (1970, written by Eric Clapton and Jim Gordon).

Derek & The Dominos: “Bell Bottom Blues” (1970, written by Eric Clapton and Bobby Whitlock).

Patti Smith: “Gloria (part one: “In Excelsis Deo” / part two: “Gloria” (1975, part one written by Patti Smith, part two written by Van Morrison).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: February 14, 2022

Posted in Holidays, Music Monday by

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

Music Monday

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

One of Neil Young’s most important albums celebrated its golden anniversary earlier this month. Harvest was released 50 years ago on Feb 1, 1972. It introduced the world to legendary songs like the title track, “Old Man”, “The Needle And The Damage Done” and today’s impossibly beautiful & heartbreaking pick. I have loved this magnificent tune forever. It holds a permanent place in my top ten list of favorite songs of all time.

It was my first introduction to acoustic music & placed the bar so high it remains a perfect performance in my heart, mind & soul. And with today being Valentine’s Day, it underscores the need we all have to find that perfect love. So whatever the great joy of your life is-whether it be a person, place or thing-celebrate it with everything you have whenever you can. Life goes by too fast not to. Love is love.

“I want to live
I want to give
I’ve been a miner
For a heart of gold”.

V day

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Neil Young: “Heart Of Gold” (1972, written by Neil Young).

Stay safe and well.

Music Monday: November 15, 2021

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

Music Monday

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

November 12 marked birthday #76 for one of the greatest artists Canada ever gave us-Neil Young. It goes without saying that he has written a number of outstanding songs throughout his over five decade career. But for me, it is today’s song that remains his finest piece of music.

I fell in love with it the first time I heard it as a young child & it remains one of my Top Ten favorite songs of all time. This was my first introduction to an acoustic sound and it is beyond spectacular. I will adore Young forever for the plethora of music he has given us, but especially for this heartbreakingly beautiful song most of all.

“I’ve been in my mind
It’s such a fine line
That keeps me searching
For a heart of gold and I’m getting old“.

Neil

Neil Young circa 1970. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Neil Young: “Heart Of Gold” (1972, written by Neil Young).

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 367

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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?

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.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 322

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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?

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.

On February 1, 1949 the 45 RPM record was introduced by RCA. The round seven inch disc played at a faster speed than its 12 inch 33-1/3 LP counter part that was launched the year before by CBS. The smaller disc format became known as a “single” and provided better sound quality than the LP. The 45’s I owned when I was young were my most treasured possessions & probably qualify as the first official items I collected.

Fast forward to February 1, 1972. Neil Young releases his fourth studio LP, Harvest. It went on to become the best selling one of 1972 and it hit the #1 album spot for two weeks in March 1972. One of those weeks the first single, “Heart Of Gold” featured here on Day 24, also went to the number one spot.

Today’s song was the second single from the album. It hit the Top 40 in the US the same year & like the first one, it featured Linda Ronstadt & James Taylor on backing vocals. He also played the banjo on this track as well. Young was my introduction to acoustic music & to this day I see him as one of the most gifted artists in that regard.

“Love lost such a cost
Give me things that don’t get lost
Like a coin that won’t get tossed
Rolling home to you“.

N Young

Neil Young circa 1970. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Neil Young: “Old Man” (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.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 241

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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?

kurt v

(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.

I am somewhat amazed that it took me until the eight month mark to get to a song from one of my favorite albums, “After The Gold Rush” by Neil Young. Of course I have played a few songs by him already but none from that work of art. So I will do that today, in honor of his 75th birthday.

Born Nov 12, 1945 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada Young dropped out of high school to pursue a career in music. He met Stephen Stills in Ontario in the mid 1960’s when he was there on tour with one of his early bands. Then Young met fellow Canadian Joni Mitchell when both were writing two of their finest tracks. Legend has it this is when Young wrote “Sugar Mountain” about his fleeting youth (supposedly he wrote it in 1964 on his 19th birthday). Mitchell has said she wrote “The Circle Game” (Day 55). to help him cope with his growing pains. Around this time a local band, The Guess Who, recorded Young’s song, “Flying on the Ground is Wrong”. He spent the rest of his time in Canada as a solo artist and as a member of The Mynah Birds with future R&B singer, Rick James.

Young relocated to Los Angeles around 1966 and met up with Stills in the Laurel Canyon music scene of the 1960’s. The two formed Buffalo Springfield & had a major hit with 1966’s “For What It’s Worth”, a song credited as one of the first ones to combine folk rock with country rock. But the group had several problems going on behind the music and Young felt confined within a group setting so when the band split up he returned to his solo work. He released his self-titled album in early 1969 followed by “Every One Knows This Is Nowhere” later that year. Both records focused on Young’s electric sound with the second featuring “Cinnamon Girl”, “Down By The River” and “Cowgirl In The Sand”.

It was around this time that Young again reunited with Stills in his new band which was renamed Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. They performed at Woodstock but Young missed one set & refused to be filmed for the other, allegedly because he was in the US illegally (he did not get his green card until 1970). When the band was recording “Deja Vu”, Stills & Young fought frequently over the sound of the band. But they managed to put aside those differences long enough to record his song “Ohio” in May 1970 in response to the Kent State shootings. After that Young left the band for good and went on to his enormously successful solo career.

It began in earnest 50 years ago with 1970’s “After The Gold Rush” which was highlighted by his move to a more acoustic driven sound. Thank goodness for that shift because it continued with the next release, 1972’s “Harvest” album which contains his masterpiece, “Heart Of Gold” (Day 24). But “Gold Rush” has several gems including “Tell Me Why”, “Southern Man”, “Don’t Let It Bring You Down”, “I Believe In You”, the title track and today’s pick. It is another of Young’s heartbreakingly beautiful ballads that just takes hold of me and will not let go. They make my heart hurt for all the right reasons, especially today’s song.

“I have a friend I’ve never seen
He hides his head inside a dream
Someone should call him and see
If he can come out
Trying to lose the down that he’s found“.

Neil 1970

Neil Young Opening Night Reception For "Special Deluxe" Art Exhibition

Top:  Neil Young circa 1970.  Bottom:  Young circa 2015.  (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Neil Young: “Only Love Can Break Your Heart” (1970, 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.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 32

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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?

music heart

(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.

Today marks the 104th birth anniversary of my beloved grandmother Ida, or as I affectionately called her, Idie.  I think about her and miss her everyday, but even more so since we have been dealing with this pandemic.  She would not have handled the self-quarantine well at all.  She barely went two days in a row without going to bingo so not being allowed to play it for all this time would have undoubtedly put her in a straight jacket by now.  But still, I wish she was still here, for all the obvious reasons.  And so I could have seen the look on her face when she found out that my dream of spending my time listening to music and watching TV all day long not only came true, but is government mandated!!!  Ha!!!  Take that, Idie!!!  LOL.

While I was growing up, we always had music on in the house and usually it was from my records.  Idie learned to like many of the songs I played including “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac and “Factory” by Bruce Springsteen.  But one hour a day, usually while we were cooking together, she made me turn off my albums so she could listen to the local country music radio station.  And that is how I discovered legends like Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Don Williams, Merle Haggard and the singer of today’s song, Johnny Cash.

He was usually referred to by his nickname “the man in black” but since I first heard him on the radio, that did not really tell me anything other than his preferred garment color.  But his voice and his songs told me all I needed to know about him.  Yes, he was one of the greatest musical talents to ever exist but he was also my first introduction to a true crossover artist.

He sang everything from country songs to religious hymns, to Americana music (like “The Battle Hymn of The Republic”) to covers of  songs by rock artists like Bob Dylan (“It Ain’t Me Babe”), The Rolling Stones (“No Expectations”) and The Band (“The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down”).  He was also on TV and not just as a musical guest.  He appeared in an episode of  “Little House On The Prairie” as a bad guy turned good guy after meeting the pious people of Walnut Grove.  And he was mentioned in a few “Golden Girls” episodes.  My favorite one is a quip by Dorothy after she & Sophia walk in the house wearing dark clothes and Rose is, as usual, confused.

Rose:  “Why are you both wearing black?  Did you just come from a funeral?

Dorothy:  “No, Rose.  We were singing back up for Johnny Cash”.

He continued to make incredible music for the rest of his life, on his own and as a member of the supergroup, The Highwaymen.  He also covered more rock songs by Neil Young (“Heart of Gold”), Nine Inch Nails (“Hurt) and U2 (“One”).  And he continued to act, most notably on “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman” with the great love of his life, June, by his side.  I grew up believing there wasn’t anything Cash could not sing or do.  He proved me right.  I am so thankful I discovered his music, all because my grandmother brought country songs into my world.  Thank you, Idie.  And happy birthday.  xoxox

Johnny Cash "Folsom Prison Blues" 7 inch Album Cover

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Johnny Cash:  “Folsom Prison Blues” (1955, written by Johnny Cash).

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 24

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?

music heart
(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.

One of my favorite scenes in the movie “You’ve Got Mail” is when Meg Ryan’s character,  Kathleen Kelly, is talking about how when she was a kid she helped her mother in the bookstore Kathleen now owns.  “I used to watch her and it wasn’t that she was just selling books.  It was that she was helping people become whoever it was they were going to turn out to be because when you read a book as a child, it becomes part of your identity in a way that no other reading in your whole life does.”  I think the exact same thing is true about the music you hear when you are young, first as a child then as a teenager.

I first heard today’s song when I was a kid, probably around eight years old.  I remember thinking it was so sad and yet so beautiful at the same time.  I really felt bad for the man singing that he did not have love in his life.  I recall thinking as only a child could that love was easy to find and why this poor guy did not have it was a mystery to me.  I felt his sadness but I also felt the beauty of his words. I was captivated by both the singer and the song.

As I got older, I learned Neil Young recorded this song in 1971 when he was just 25 years old.  I fell even more in love with his words and admired the brevity he mastered in telling a heartbreaking story in such an eloquent  way.  It was my first introduction to a more acoustic sound than I had heard before.  I was enthralled by how much power there was in just a voice, a guitar, and a harmonica.  The last chorus featured some additional voices which were two of the best of that decade-James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt- which only added to the elegance of what Young created in this gorgeous piece of music.  I loved this song then and I love it now.  It is one of my top ten favorite songs of all time, as are many others that I first heard as a child.

Neil Young
Neil Young circa 1979 (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Neil Young:  “Heart of Gold” (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.

Christmas Song Countdown #16 & #17

Posted in Christmas, Music by

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

I had some technical difficulties yesterday, so today’s post will celebrate two songs to catch us up.  Double the musical fun!!!

christmas-4

(Original source unknown)

 

The first song is by country music royalty.  He grew up listening to hymns and folk songs to become one of the architects of Sam Phillips’ label, Sun Records.  He brought an edge to country music, joined fellow country icons to become a Highwayman and for all intents and purposes brought the bad guy persona to country music with his “Folsom Prison Blues” song & concert.

And if his contribution to that genre was not enough, he covered many different songs from artists he admired like Neil Young (“Heart Of Gold“), Bruce Springsteen (“Johnny 99“) Nine Inch Nails (a powerful astonishing version of “Hurt“) and U2 (“One), to name a few.  Yet, he will always be best know for his staple songs, namely “Ring of Fire“,  “A Boy Named Sue” and “I Walk The Line“.

He was also one half of one of the greatest love stories of all time, proving to men everywhere that there is absolutely no shame in admitting you need a good woman by your side, and wanting her there as well.

johnny-cash-wedding

Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash’s wedding day-March 1, 1968 (courtesy:  JohnnyCash,com) 

 

He took this Christmas carol and made it his own.  He was, very simply, the Man In Black.

Johnny Cash:  Silent Night.

Second pick:

Not too many people have actually written a Christmas song, only performed the classic ones.  This singer has done both, and I really like some of her music from the early years of her career (mid to late 1990’s) until she moved to her post Tommy Mottola now-I-am-going-to-pepper-my-pop-sound-with-rap years.  But there is no denying the power or beauty of her voice.

love-actually-poster-398878

(Courtesy of Universal Pictures)

 

Call it a guilty pleasure, or a loyalty to someone else from my home region of Long Island, but I do occasionally listen to this singer and this song specifically at this time of year.  If you are a fan of the film “Love Actually” there is no way not to enjoy this song.  (And despite all the baggage surrounding her first acting performance in the movie “Glitter”, I thought her performances in “Wisegirls” and “Precious” were very well done.)

wisegirls11396020100325193254

Mariah Carey, Melora Walters and Mira Sorvino in “Wisegirls” (courtesy of Loins Gate Films)

 

I love this video for this song so much better than the first one.  It may not be Christmasey, but it is not cheesy, either.

Mariah Carey:  All I Want For 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!!!

 

christmas-candles

(Original source unknown)