Let’s Take A Moment Day 537

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 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.

The first record Lindsey Buckingham & Stevie Nicks made with Fleetwood Mac was the band’s 1975 self-titled LP. It was released in July 1975 but it was not until September 4, 1976 that it became the top selling album in the country for one week. Christine McVie’s “Over My Head” (Day 508) was the first single released in America and today’s song was the second.

It was my first introduction to this incredible band and to the singer & songwriter behind it, Stevie Nicks. I absolutely love this track from the lyrics to the music to the vocal. It is my favorite song of all the ones she did with the group. I cannot believe it has taken me over 500 days to feature it.

“She rings like a bell through the night
And wouldn’t you love to love her
She rules her life like a bird in flight
And who will be her lover“

The back cover of Fleetwood Mac’s 1975 self-titled album. (L-R): Stevie Nicks, Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie, Lindsey Buckingham and John McVie. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Fleetwood Mac: “Rhiannon” (1975, written by Stevie Nicks).

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

Stay well.

6Aug2021

Let’s Take A Moment Day 508

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

My preoccupation & excitement over “The Summer of Soul” movie last month made me completely miss a rock & roll birthday. Christine McVie turned 78 on July 12. Another important date in her life occurred 51 years ago. On August 6, 1970, she played her first show with Fleetwood Mac at the Fillmore West in San Francisco as the band’s keyboard player and first female member. Five years later, today’s song was chosen as the lead single in the US from the band’s 1975 self titled album. It was the group’s first Top 20 song of the 1970’s and I think it is one of her best. Here’s to 100 more birthdays for Christine McVie.

“Your mood is like a circus wheel
You’re changing all the time
Sometimes I can’t help but feel
That I’m wasting all of my time.“.

(L-R): Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie circa 2017. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Fleetwood Mac: “Over My Head” (1975, written by Christine McVie).

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

Stay well.

28Jul2021

Let’s Take A Moment Day 499

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

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”.

(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.

26May2021

Let’s Take A Moment Day 436

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Today is birthday #73 for Stephanie “Stevie” Lynn Nicks, born on May 26,1948 in Arizona. She started singing with her grandfather when she was a toddler and was in a folk band by high school. When she was a senior, she met Lindsey Buckingham & joined his band. Eventually the two recorded their own album, Buckingham Nicks, in 1973. A year later, Mick Fleetwood invited Buckingham to join the drummer’s group. Buckingham agreed on the condition he could bring his girlfriend & partner with him, so Nicks joined the band as well. Fleetwood Mac went on to great success and Nicks also enjoyed a successful solo career beginning with her 1981 album, Bella Donna.

Just before her 29th birthday on May 21, 1977 Rumours became the #1 album in the country. It was the second time that year the album was in that position. The first time was on April 2 for two straight weeks, then again from May 21-July 15 for eight straight weeks. But then in what could only be called an unexpected upset Barry Manilow Live took over the #1 spot for one week. After that Rumours went back to first place for 19 straight weeks from July 23 – December 2, until Linda Ronstadt’s Simple Dreams usurped the top position and stayed there for the rest of the year.

But Rumours was not finished ruling the chart just yet. It went back to the top spot for the first two weeks of 1978 but on January 21 a dark cloud appeared in the form of Saturday Night Fever which became the country’s top selling album for 24 straight weeks (January 21 – July 7). I always say 1978 was a great year for music. I must have blocked this out for obvious reasons. Disco was not my thing.

Today’s song is not from Rumours but it is probably Nicks’ most well known track. It was on the band’s 1975 self-titled album, the first featuring her & Buckingham, and just before the songs based on their inner band romances & breakups propelled Fleetwood Mac into the legendary group they became. Happy birthday, Stevie Nicks. Here’s to 100 more.

“Well, I’ve been afraid of changin’
‘Cause I’ve built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Even children get older
And I’m getting older too“.

Top: Stevie Nicks circa 2019. Bottom: Fleetwood Mac circa 1977 (L-R): Lindsey Buckingham, Nicks, Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie & John McVie. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

Fleetwood Mac: “Landslide” (1975, written by Stevie Nicks).

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

Stay well.

4Feb2021

Let’s Take A Moment Day 325

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Beware of “Rumours”, unless they are the Fleetwood Mac kind. Then you cannot lose.

Celebrating 44 years of one of the best-selling albums of all time, released on February 4, 1977.

“It’s only me, who wants to
Wrap around your dreams and
Have you any dreams you’d like to sell
Dreams of loneliness“.

“Like a heartbeat, drives you mad
In the stillness of remembering what you had
And what you lost
And what you had“.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Fleetwood Mac: “Dreams” (1977, written by Stevie Nicks).

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

Stay well.

27Nov2020

Let’s Take A Moment Day 256

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(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.

On November 26th Fleetwood Mac’s bassist John McVie became another member of this year’s 75th birthday club. He was born in London, England in 1945 has been in the band since 1967. The name of the group came from combining his nickname “Mac” (a variation on his last name) with Mick Fleetwood’s surname. And his methodical detailed playing combined with McVie’s tremendous bass line provided every one of the group’s songs with an unbelievably strong & precise rhythm section. But I think what they created together on today’s song is nothing short of outstanding.

“If I could
Maybe I’d give you my world
How can I
When you won’t take it from me”.

Top: Fleetwood Mac circa 1975 (L-R): Mick Fleetwood, Stevie Nicks. John McVie, Christine McVie & Lindsey Buckingham). Bottom: John McVie circa 1979. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

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

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

Stay well.

13Jul2020

Let’s Take A Moment Day 119

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

This weekend the music world celebrated two milestones: On July 12 Christine McVie turned 77 years young while July 11 marked the 45th anniversary of Fleetwood Mac’s 1975 self titled album.

I cannot express how important that album, along with 1977’s smash, Rumours, was to me. Aside from phenomenal music, to see two strong talented female songwriters in one band was inspiring. At that time in my life I was lost in a sea of male singers (not a complaint, just a fact) or all male groups until I discovered the women of Fleetwood Mac, McVie and Stevie Nicks.

Between her enormous solo career & theatrical stage performances, Nicks had become a focal point of the group, appearing to outshine McVie. But one listen to any of her songs, from “Over My Head”, “Don’t Stop”, “You Make Loving Fun” or her keyboard prowess on any number by the band it was clear McVie shone bright all on her own. In fact, eight of the sixteen songs on the band’s 1988 Greatest Hits album are hers. And her deep contralto voice makes it as easily recognizable as Nick’s.

She also enjoyed some solo success with 1984’s “Got A Hold On Me” but after the band’s induction into the Rock & Roll HOF in 1998 McVie decided to retire from the band after 28 years. She did, however, continue to work in studio sessions for them. By 2014 she rejoined the group where she remains today. In 2017 she released an album with bandmate Lindsey Buckingham. I love nearly all of Christine McVie’s songs but today’s is my favorite.

“Baby, baby, hope you’re going to stay away
‘Cause I’m getting weaker, weaker, everyday
I guess I’m not as strong as I used to be
And if you use me again it’ll be the end of me.”

Fleetwood Mac circa 1977 (L-R): Mick Fleetwood (drums, John McVie (bass, seated) Christine McVie (piano/keyboards), Lindsey Buckingham ( guitar) & Stevie Nicks (vocals). (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Fleetwood Mac featuring Christine McVie: “Say You Love Me” (1975, written by Christine McVie).

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

Stay well.

8Apr2020

Let’s Take A Moment Day 23

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

music heart

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

How does a musical group measure success? Is it by how many records they sell? Or how many concerts they sell out? Or perhaps by how many awards they have won? It could be all three, or they could measure their success by how long they stay together. But becoming a part of pop culture is a clear sign that regardless of the awards you’ve won or the number of records you’ve sold, you have cemented your place in history.

Case in point: Fleetwood Mac releases their “Rumours” album in 1977. It becomes a best selling record of that year, of that decade, of all time. Every fan knows what member sings which song or wrote which song along with the lyrics to all those songs, having heard them 100’s of times at home or on the radio or in concert even. The fans also know the background of the songs stem from the members of the group breaking up with their respective partners and having affairs with different people, including other members of the group. That may make the album remarkable, but that still does not earn the group a place in pop culture. That comes 25 years after the album’s release. In March 2002 on an episode of Will & Grace”, Will finds out that both his parents are having affairs. His reaction?

“Fantastic. Everybody’s cheating on everybody. Suddenly my parents are Fleetwood Mac!”

Place in pop culture solidified 🙂

Rumours

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

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

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

Stay well.

13Feb2020

10 Songs To Celebrate Or Condemn Valentine’s Day With – Your Choice

Posted in Holidays, Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

With Valentine’s Day approaching, I thought I would share a few of my favorite love songs. No surprise there. But this year, to change things up a bit, I thought I would also share some songs for those who are not fans of this holiday. Let’s call those the anti-love songs, if you will. After all, everyone deserves to be happy and to listen to great music, right???

Found on Pinterest (original source unknown).

Let’s start with the songs that celebrate the grand emotion. Here are five of my favorites:

1. The Beatles: “Something” (1969, written by George Harrison in 1969).

The Beatles changed the world and Lennon-McCartney songs were the nucleus of that success. But this song written by George Harrison is the best love song the group ever made. Period.

***Bonus: Bruce Springsteen performed a gorgeous acoustic version of this song in 2001 days after George Harrison’s death. A kind wonderful soul who was lucky enough to attend that show posted the audio portion of it on YouTube. It is too beautiful not to share.

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

It’s Elvis, singing a beautiful love song. What more could I possibly add???

3. Bruce Springsteen: “Drive All Night” (1980, written by Bruce Springsteen circa 1977).

“I swear I’ll drive all night again just to buy you some shoes
And to taste your tender charms
And I just want to sleep tonight again in your arms
Oh yeah, oh yeah.”

This song may be number 82 on Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Bruce Springsteen Songs of All Time”, but it is in my top five. I sa-woon every single time I hear this unbelievably beautiful soul filled song full of pure unadulterated love and passion. A classic and one of the highlights of his 2016 “The River” revisited tour.

4. Blood Sweat & Tears: “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy” (1969, written by Brenda Holloway, Patrice Holloway, Frank Wilson & Berry Gordy in 1967).

David Clayton Thomas has one of the best voices to come out of any era, and one of the most underrated ones as well. I have no clue why that is. But between his powerhouse vocals to the booming brass accompaniment, this song is one for the ages.

5. Loggins & Messins: “A Love Song” (1973, written by Kenny Loggins & Dona Lyn George in 1973).

A sweet pure simple song about love and sharing what;s really important (“I want to rock you in my arms all night long…….I want to show you the peaceful feeling of my home“).

Now, here are five of my favorite anti-love songs:

Found on Pinterest (original source unknown).

1. The J. Geils Band: “Love Stinks”

The title and the use of gas masks in the video say it all. And so does Adam Sandler’s anger ridden performance of this song in “The Wedding Singer“.

2. Elton John: “Someone Saved My Life Tonight” (1975, written by Elton John & Bernie Taupin in 1974).

A man attempts suicide to avoid marriage. What else is there to add???

3. Fleetwood Mac: “Go Your Own Way” (1976, written by Lindsey Buckingham in 1976). The first single off the now classic “Rumors” album and the one that details Buckingham’s anger toward his ex-girlfriend Stevie Nicks by announcing to the whole world on a record and in every concert performance what she wanted instead of him (“‘Packing up, Shacking up is all you want to do“). Ouch.

4. Amy Winehouse: “Back To Black” (2007, written by Amy Winehouse & Mark Ronson in 2006).

Break ups are hard enough, but when your ex leaves you for his ex, it cuts especially deep.

5. Nazareth: “Love Hurts” (1974, written by Boudleaux Bryant circa 1960).

The Everly Brothers may have recorded this song first, but Nazareth turned it into a top ten hit, with Dan McCafferty’s vocal making you ache with every note.

“Love hurts
Love scars
Love wounds and mars
Any heart not tough or strong enough
To take a lot of pain.”

What are some of your favorite love or anti-love songs?

I do not own the rights to anything in this post. I am just sharing what I love with you.

Until next time, happy listening!!!

31Oct2019

My Top 10 Halloween Songs

Posted in Holidays, Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Happy Halloween, everyone!!!

Courtesy of Pinterest & ehomedecors.com (original source unknown)

You know for me it is all about the music, so I could not let this holiday pass without honoring it with my favorite songs (in no particular order), which are guaranteed to put you in a Halloween mood.

1. “I Put A Spell On You” (1956, written by Jalacy “Screamin’ Jay” Hawkins).

(Original source unknown)

The songwriter’s own version from 1956 is a powerful number all on its own. But, there are several unbelievably intense & stunning covers you cannot miss by Nina Simone (1965), Annie Lennox (2014), Them featuring Van Morrison (1966), Creedence Clearwater Revival (1968), Chaka Khan (2019) and of course, Winifred Sanderson a/k/a Bette Midler (1993) from the film “Hocus Pocus”.

2. “Sympathy for the Devil” – The Rolling Stones (1968, written by Mick Jagger & Keith Richards).

(Original source unknown)

From the opening beats of the congas combined with Jagger’s first scream, the Stones pull you into this masterpiece and refuse to let you go. And honestly, you would not want to leave anyway. There are several covers out there by respectable artists, but compared to the original they really are not even worth mentioning.

3. “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” – The Charlie Daniels Band (1979, written by the Charlie Daniels Band).

(Original source unknown)

A fantastically fun song. But how can a song about the devil be fun, you ask? Just include a contest with a human, a ,smoking hot fiddle player and lyrics like “Chicken in a bread pan pickin’ out dough, Granny, does your dog bite? No child, no!” and you are all set. Personal note: This song is featured in one of my favorite episodes of “The Drew Carey Show” (season 2, episode 5: “The Devil, You Say”) guest starring Grant Shaud (“Murphy Brown’s” Miles Silverberg) convinced he is the prince of darkness in the living flesh. Watch it if you can find it. I couldn’t.

4. “Werewolves of London” – Warren Zevon (1978, written by Warren Zevon, LeRoy Marinell & Waddy Wachtel).

(Original source unknown)

Zevon referred to this as a novelty song, and if that is so, it is undoubtedly one of the best of all time. How could it not be with an opening line like “I saw a werewolf with a Chinese menu in his hand”. Wouldn’t that make a great costume???!!! Adam Sandler did a more than respectable cover of this song on the 2004 Zevon tribute album, “Eat Every Sandwich”. And you thought Sandler only sang about Hanukah!!!

5. “Spooky” –Atlanta Rhythm Section (1979, written by Mike Shapiro and Harry Middlebrooks Jr,)

(Original source unknown)

I adored this band from the first time I heard “So Into You” but fell in L-O-V-E with them thanks to “Imaginary Lover“. It still makes me swoon. But I digress. Two members of the group, Dean Daughtry and James B. Cobb, Jr-who were previously members of the band which first recorded this song, the Classics IV-decided to record another version with their new group. Two other versions you cannot miss are by Joan Osborne (1998) and Dusty Springfield (1970).

6. “Season of the Witch” – Donovan (1966, written by Donovan and Shawn Phillips).

(Original source unknown)

I am not a fan of folk Donavan, but psychedelic rock Donavan is a different story. The music is undeniably from the late 1960’s but his vocals transcend the era. There is some weight and a whole lot of feeling behind them that keeps up with the music perfectly so as not to be outdone. If you can forgive the one dated reference to beatniks, you can enjoy this song anytime, but it is perfect for this time of year. Al Kooper & Stephen Stills’ cover is a guitar & brass spin on the original and is absolutely worth a listen. And if you are planning to see the movie “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” you will hear a new version of the song by Lana Del Ray which is very well done.

7. “Black Magic Woman” – Fleetwood Mac (1968, written by Peter Green).

(Original source unknown)

If you are a fan of this band you know they formed years before Lindsay Buckingham & Stevie Nicks joined them. Peter Green was one of the founding members of the group and wrote and recorded this song with them in 1968. Prior to Fleetwood Mac he was a member of John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, joining them to fill the void left by Eric Clapton’s departure. This song became more famous when it was covered by Santana in 1970 which featured Gregg Rolie on vocals. He went on to join Journey, leading to him being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with each band.

8. “Superstition” – Stevie Wonder (1972, written by Stevie Wonder).

(Original source unknown)

The lyrics may evoke fear and trepidation, but the music is nothing but mesmerizing, from the opening drum beats to the synthesizer bass to the tenor sax and more. It is a banquet of sounds that, as the line goes, keeps you in a daydream. For an equally funky version, give Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble’s version from 1986 a listen. It does not disappoint. Wonder even participated in the video for Vaughn’s version by appearing at the end and singing a line from the song……..with a black cat in his arms. Fabulous.

9. “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” – Denmark & Winter (2016, written by Buck Dharma).

(Original source unknown)

Of course, Blue Oyster Cult’s 1976 original version is a classic, and that was years before the SNL cowbell skit. But the indie band’s evocative stripped down version with its slower pace brings this song to a whole new level of intensity and beauty.

10. “Monster Mash” – Bobby “Boris” Pickett and the Crypt-Kickers (1962, written by Bobby Pickett & Lenny Capizzi).

(Original source unknown)

How can this not be on the list??? It is the embodiment of the holiday AND it has Darlene Love on backing vocals!!! I grew up listening to this song every Halloween season thanks to my mom. She would play it over and over again while we danced around the living room. That is how I learned you are never too old for this holiday. Two cover versions that are almost as popular as the original are by Vincent Price (1977) and Alvin & the Chipmunks ( 1994).

Honorable mention: “Psycho Killer” – The Talking Heads (1977, written by the Talking Heads).

Once the little hairs on the back of your neck relax after taking in the title of this song, the rest of your body becomes entranced by the remarkable baseline underscoring Byrne’s vocals in English and French punctuated by his fa-fa-fa’s. Just genius.

What songs do you love for Halloween?

I hope your holiday is filled with more treats than tricks!!!

(Courtesy of Charles M. Schulz/United Feature Syndicate)

I do not own the rights to anything. I am just sharing some things that I love with you 🙂

Until next time, happy listening!!!

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(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The back cover of Fleetwood Mac’s 1975 self-titled album. (L-R): Stevie Nicks, Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie, Lindsey Buckingham and John McVie. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

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

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Top: Fleetwood Mac circa 1975 (L-R): Mick Fleetwood, Stevie Nicks. John McVie, Christine McVie & Lindsey Buckingham). Bottom: John McVie circa 1979. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

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Fleetwood Mac circa 1977 (L-R): Mick Fleetwood (drums, John McVie (bass, seated) Christine McVie (piano/keyboards), Lindsey Buckingham ( guitar) & Stevie Nicks (vocals). (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

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Found on Pinterest (original source unknown).

Found on Pinterest (original source unknown).

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Courtesy of Pinterest & ehomedecors.com (original source unknown)

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(Courtesy of Charles M. Schulz/United Feature Syndicate)

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