Music Monday: June 12, 2023

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

Bruce quote 2023

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I am woefully behind in streaming many shows and movies, so much so that I will probably never catch up. That has a lot to do with me rewatching the shows I absolutely adore. So really I am OK with waiting to find new ones. Until I stumble upon one that envelops every part of me. Then I am all in.

When I was watching “Veep” during its seven year run (2012-2019), one of the recurring guests I really enjoyed was Hugh Laurie as Senator Tom James. I remember him as Rachel’s airplane seat neighbor on an episode of “Friends” (he broke the news to her that she & Ross were indeed on a break LOL!). I also saw him a lot during several award seasons for his many nominations for his role as the title character in “House” (for which he won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Television Series in 2006 & 2007). But I kept putting off that series. Until now.

It is exactly how every one described-hilarious, sad, touching, quirky, smart, insightful and relatable in more ways than one. And despite the fact that Dr. House acts very much like an adult Eric Cartman most of the time, the doctor’s brilliant diagnostic skills are unmatched by any other medical specialist who might be in a 9,000 mile radius. I fell into the series in the middle when I watched a S5 episode with a friend who told me I was starting with the darkest episode of the series. No spoilers for anyone who has not seen it yet (even though it was broadcast from 2004-2012, but then I was deeply invested in the ABC series, “Lost”). And Laurie is also a musician who plays the piano, guitar and harmonica in the series. How could I not like that?

Like many shows “House” features great acting, great writing, great storytelling and great music. And the episode I started with featured today’s song which fit the arc perfectly. The singer happens to be another guy from New Jersey I am quite fond of, Pete Yorn. His acoustic cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Dancing In The Dark” made me a fan for life, not to mention so many of Yorn’s original tracks like today’s pick. It is from his incredibly wonderful 2001 debut album, musicforthemorningafter. Every time my intense love of music aligns with my passion for a great series, all is right in my world.

Stop before you fall into the
Hole that I have dug here
Rest even as you are starting
To feel the way I used to”.

Hugh 1A

Yorn

Top: Hugh Laurie as Dr. House. Bottom: Pete Yorn’s 2001 debut album. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Pete Yorn: “Lose You” (2001, written by Pete Yorn).

Stay safe & well.

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2018: Day 17

Hi, Everybody!!!  Welcome back to the countdown.

I follow a lot of unbelievably talented & creative women on Instagram, and since their pictures are so beautiful, I wanted to share a few with you.

real simple pic.JPG Photo courtesy of Debi @realsimplestyle

This one is from Debi Cook Rosin @realsimplestyle.   It may be simple to use her description, but I love the rustic elegance of it.  It is true authentic farmhouse style, not the staged type you can buy at a store.  That look is fine if that is what you want, but I prefer the real thing.  And Debi’s style reflects it so beautifully.  Her IG feed is lovely, so if you like this type of decor, give her page a look.  And thank you, Debi, for letting me share your beautiful photo!!!

Today’s song is by another New Jersey legend.  This one did it all.  He sang, wrote songs, acted, was a Las Vegas showman and went on to become and remain an iconic figure in American pop culture.  One critic labeled him the greatest singer of the 20th century.  I imagine all that led to him becoming Chairman of the Board.

He co-wrote today’s song  with his longtime musical associate Hank Sanicola & Dok Stanford in 1957.  Francis Albert Sinatra, we lost you 20 years ago, but we still miss you.  Ti vogliamo bene.  Buon Natale.

Sinatra

Frank Sinatra:  “Mistletoe and Holly” (1957).

The link above is to a live version showing Frank singing a shorter version of the song.  For the entire song, here is the full studio version.

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, happy listening!!!

Happy Birthday Boss Man!!!

Photo courtesy of Eric Meola.

Happy birthday to one of my heroes, Bruce Springsteen.

Before I discovered his music, my world was so dark I forgot what light was like.  Then I bought the “Born To Run” album and heard the words that changed my life:  “What else can we do now except roll down the window and let the wind blow back your hair.”

Thank you for every note of every song.  What you have given me, let alone the world, is immeasurable.

B-R-U-C-E!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Photo courtesy of americanicons.com.