Tag Archives: Lotta Love

Music Monday: November 20, 2023

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

Bruce quote 2023

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

We have three more songs celebrating milestones this week. The first is by the band Chicago. They released their fifth album-Chicago VI-in June 1973. It contains today’s first feature-my favorite track by the band-and the hit, “Just You ‘N’ Me“. Fifty years later, both songs remain two of the most popular from the group’s legendary catalog.

Chicago VI

.(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

In the fall of 1977, the band Player released their self-titled debut album. By January of the following year, their first single became the #1 song in the country for three consecutive weeks. Their second single from the album, “This Time I’m In It For Love“, hit #10 in June 1978.

Player

Player’s 1977 self titled debut album (L -R): Peter Beckett (lead vocals & guitar), Ronn Moss (vocals & bass), John Friesen (drums) and John Charles J.C. Crowley (vocals & keyboards). (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

In September 1978, Nicolette Larson released her debut album, Nicolette. It included really nice covers of Marvin Gaye’s “Baby Don’t You Do It” and Sam Cooke’s “You Send Me“. The lead single was written by Neil Young whom she sang back-up for from 1977 to 1993. It spent four weeks as a Top Ten hit, peaking at #8 in February 1979. Later that year she performed the song at the “No Nukes” concerts in NYC backed by The Doobie Brothers. I do not think too many people can cover Young’s songs well, but Larson is one of the exceptions. I adore her version of this track as much as I love Young’s polar opposite acoustic original.

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Nicolette Larson’s 1978 debut album, “Nicolette”.  (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Chicago: “Feelin’ Stronger Every Day” (1973, written by Peter Cetera and James Pankow).

Player: “Baby Come Back” (1977, written by Peter Beckett and John Charles “J.C.” Crowley).

Nicolette Larson: “Lotta Love” (1978, written by Neil Young).

Stay safe and well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 164

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i 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?

Bruce quote

(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.

There is no doubt in my mind as to the beauty of Neil Young’s music.  And if someone is able to take one of his works of art and make it their own, I consider it a real accomplishment.  Nicolette Larson did just that in 1978 when she turned today’s song into a huge hit.  She previously worked as a back-up vocalist on two of his albums, 1977’s “American Stars ‘n Bars” & 1978’s “Comes A Time”, which is where Young’s version of today’s song appears.  And it was that album that led to Larson’s record deal with the  Warner Brothers label.  Despite her work as a solo artist she continued providing harmony & backing vocals for many artists including The Doobie Brothers, The Dirt Band & Linda Ronstadt.  She also worked with Young again in 1992 on his “Harvest Moon” album and again in 1993 for his “Unplugged” show.  Larson died in 1997 from complications due to liver failure.  But today’s song remains my favorite Young cover more than 40 years after she recorded it.

“So if you are out there waiting
I hope you show up soon
‘Cause my head needs relating
Not solitude“.

L-R:  Nicolette Larson circa 1978 & Neil Young from his “Unplugged” performance in 1993.   (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Nicolette Larson:  “Lotta Love” (1978, 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.