Best Christmas Songs By Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Live Aid, Wham, Chuck Berry, The Carpenters and Run DMC - Have some Christmas fun!

Music Wed - it was fun being a lil Grinchie last week, but I do love Christmas and all that it represents. So I want to share some of the Christmas tunes I never tire of, even though they are played year after year. First up is The Carpenters' "Merry Christmas Darling" - it features all of the best features of this group: Karen's crystal clear voice, Richard's slightly cheesy backing vocals and slightly overproduced musical accompaniment. It all adds up to a sweet, lovely holiday song (http://youtu.be/nR34VJ7HWqU). Sticking with the slightly corny, but still fun, I always love Macca's best Christmas tune (he has written 15 Christmas songs over the years as a Beatle and as a solo artist!), which to me is "Wonderful Christmas Time" (http://youtu.be/tY3MAguzzKA -- this is a fun version!). Before I get all sentimental, I need to throw in my fave hip hop Christmas song, Run DMC's "Christmas Time in Hollis" (http://youtu.be/OR07r0ZMFb8 - check out the hideous MTV style video production qualities from the original 1987 video). To round off the fun, I never tune off  Chuck Berry's original version of "Run, Run Rudolph" when it comes on the radio (http://youtu.be/b4GlAneEa78 - Chuck might truly have been the first King of Rock and Roll!). Turning serious, because Christmas is a time to reflect on blessings, to feel and express gratitude and to renew commitments to do more for those less fortunate, I have two favorite picks -- John Lennon's "So This Is Christmas" (http://youtu.be/XPm3CWvDmvc), and my perennial #1 Live Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas Time" (http://youtu.be/eYDEh-mhijc - word of warning, do NOT torture yourself with the Live Aid II re-recording of this tune; it is hideous! As great as the original version is, the remake is that much more horrible for its lameness; u can't capture lightning in a bottle twice). Finally, as my Christmas treat for all the 80's music lovers in the crowd (and u know who u r!), I could not leave out Wham's "Last Christmas" (http://youtu.be/E8gmARGvPlI - pure big hair 80's song magic, if you ask me). Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for a Happy New Year - I love and appreciate you all. Enjoy!

Bad Santa Bringing You Naughty (Not Nice!) Christmas Songs

Music Wed - Since Christmas will fall on a Wed this year, I have the luxury of not making my holiday music picks today and can, instead, play the role of the Grinch, and make some rocking alternatives to Christmas cheer. And, of course, I will just start this whole item with a link to the original cartoon Grinch song (http://youtu.be/--aSgNEbmnI) - this song, sung not by the narrator, Boris Karloff, but by Thurl Arthur Ravenscroft (who also sang the bass parts for the headstones in The Haunted Mansion ride at D-Land), is iconic and inimitable. Sticking with this theme, but moving to the live-action movie starring Jim Carrey, I want to add Taylor Momsen's tear-jerking "Where Are You Christmas" (http://youtu.be/eDAfUiVYZDw). To keep this Grinchy, I have to smash cut to Taylor Momsen's current single "Going to Hell" to show what happens to a little Who-girl when Christmas is taken away from her - scary stuff (http://youtu.be/bmtbg5b7_Aw).  To wrap up this tribute to bad Christmas songs, I am going back to animation for The Family Guy's totally inappropriate sing-along version of "All I Really Want for Christmas This Year" (http://youtu.be/G46VIGn0aiw), followed by South Park' rendition of Hitler singing "Christmas Time in Hell" (http://youtu.be/vLhkStL0xyM - check out Satan's crazy skull codpiece!). So try not to lose your sense of humor while you are battling shoppers for the last pair of boots at Steve Maddon, cutting off a driver for a coveted parking space, and collapsing at home after failing to find that perfect gift for the ones you love. Remember, this is the happiest time of the year - Enjoy!

The beauty and power of musical restraint. Comparisons of A Great Big World and Dan Fogelberg.

Music Wed - More frequently than I care to admit, a song will capture my attention, and I can listen to it repeatedly, each time drawing out something new and interesting to me, whether these little "discoveries" come from the tune, melody, lyrics, production or artist performance.  A Great Big World's "Say Something" has become one of these haunting, obsessive songs for me. (http://youtu.be/ApHmlRl1aKU) - I particularly love the duet version featuring Christina Aguilera. Her vocal control and restraint are remarkable, and at least the latter is not a quality you usually associate with Xtina, the great diva. In this restrained performance, she reminds you that she is oh so talented, and to me, far superior to Mariah Carey. I love the simple, austere arrangement of this song, both musically and vocally, and the lyrics are plaintive and heartfelt. Cool new song, and it made me immediately think of two songs which, at least in the versions I prefer, are stripped down meditations on the difficult, but critical, task of finding and then keeping love alive in a romantic relationship. Dan Fogelberg is an artist who died prematurely of prostate cancer, but over a period of 35 years commencing in the early 1970's, Fogelberg was a prolific artist who left us with a lasting body of music that is beautiful to the ear and soothing to the soul. His songs are small literary works which are wrapped in beautiful melodies (I mean, who else has ever rhymed "consumed" and "exhumed" in a love song!). I think most of his studio work was overproduced, so the tender and dark beauty of his songs is lost in a producer's overkill - but his acoustic live versions of these same songs are as sweetly and quietly electric as "Say Something". Here are two gems from Dan's 1991 concert tour - "Make Love Stay" (http://youtu.be/SaXGydWdEvg), and "Believe in Me" (http://youtu.be/ZE28NxXQ5R8). Note how he lingers on the notes and draws out the words in both songs, and he does so without being flashy or obnoxious, even though his vocal skills are clearly abundant. Rather, he seems to be coaxing out all of the truth and emotion from his sincere and thoughtful lyrics. If you have never listened to Dan Fogelberg, you will not get a better introduction to him and his music than these songs; if you know him only from his pop records which dominated the charts in the 70's and 80's, these two live performances will open up to you a whole new side to his music and to him as a performer; and, if you are like me and have been a longtime fan, then these 22 year old videos will be a rare and pleasurable treat. . . . Enjoy!

Tricking Children is Acceptable in the Name of Musical Education - Springsteen, Frampton and MEAT LOAF!

Music Wed - When my children were little, I desperately wanted them to listen to and like my musical choices. So, when their taste in music did not naturally match my taste, I did what any self-respecting parent and adult would do - I cheated and tricked them into listening to my music. I used two ploys more than once to mixed reviews. The trick they hated most was when I put on my tunes and after two songs they got sick of what I was listening to, I would promise to just play "one more song" and then would pick a 15-20 minute live opus like "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out" from the 1999 NYC shows ( http://youtu.be/9qbTSENLK_o), and Peter Frampton's 1976 live version of "Do You Feel Like I Do", complete with the extended talk box solo (http://youtu.be/edSo-8Jp_ho).  The more successful ruse was to play a song or set of songs and tell the girls a story I would make up about the songs in order to hold their interest and distract them from the length of the music I was trying to get them to experience. And my most successful incarnation of this strategy was the stories I would weave around the various songs on Meat Loaf's Bat Out of Hell album. I would tell them stories of fantastic creatures, heroines and heroes, and dramatic feats based very loosely on the music and lyrics of rock operatic songs such as "Bat Out of Hell" (http://youtu.be/oOy03kfm-UM), "Paradise By the Dashboard Light" (http://youtu.be/9NTDHjVKQyo  - with the incomparable Karla Da Vito), "Heaven Can Wait" (http://youtu.be/R4r-xw04UcI), and, my favorite Meat ballad, "Two Out of Three Ain't Bad" (http://youtu.be/Ml5xb4DrhZo). These songs are so over the top in terms of Meat's passionate singing, Jim Steinman's  overwrought music and lyrics, and Todd Rundgren's extravagant production. I love me some Meat Loaf, both as a meal and as a performance artist (for that is what he is, because he is so much more than just a vocalist with his heavily staged performances featuring a changing cast of overheated female duet partners). I dare you to listen to and watch these songs and not smile - Meat's transparent love for Jim's songs just sucks you in and carries you away to the made up world I conjured for my girls as I tried every trick in my bag to get them to listen to this music. Enjoy!

Play That Funky Music - Tribute to the Funky Ladies of the 2010's

Music Wed - While this is the day/night before Thanksgiving, I want to take a moment and give a little respect to one of my favorite musical genres: Funky music. There is nothing like some good old booty-shaking 70's funky music. I am sad to report that I do not see a lot of current artists getting funky. Yes, Prince can still get up and get funky, but he is in virtual semi-retirement, and there really no successors to his throne. Or, are there? I would suggest yes there are, but they are not men following in the footsteps Stevie, Bootsy Collins, The Commodores, The Brothers Johnson or so many other funkmasters. Today, the funkiest music is coming from two women, so let me introduce you to Janelle Monae and Erykah Bahdu. Ms. Monae is able to combine the dance moves of James Brown, the funky beats of MJ, the complex funky musical arrangements of Stevie, and the attitude of George Clinton. To get an introduction to her unique style and prodigious funkability, I suggest you check out "Dance Apocalyptic" (http://youtu.be/eaMBagakSdM) and "Tightrope" (http://youtu.be/rzZnao2fbRQ). As for Ms. Bahdu, her style is a slinky, funky mashup of Miles Davis jazz grooves and Isaac Hayes funky goodness. In "On and On" (http://youtu.be/-CPCs7vVz6s) and "Tyrone" (http://youtu.be/YY2-mrsXgMM), Erykah is breaking it down and speaking the truth. The first video spotlights her visual creativity, while the latter video captures her electric live performances. This is some serious funky music that no male is matching today. Now, when you combine these two funky ladies, you get a little slice of funkalicious goodness called "Q.U.E.E.N." (http://youtu.be/tEddixS-UoU). If you are looking for the torch bearers in the 21st century for funky tunes, the sisters are taking on the mantle and bringing some serious funk to their games. Thank you ladies! Enjoy!

Freddie Mercury, CSN & Spinal Tap - My Tribute to So-Called "Mo-Vember". Greatest Rock Mustaches!

Music Wed - it is "Mo-vember", and I must concede I am not sure what the heck this whole thing is about. The best I can gather, without any real effort on my part (I must concede), is that this month is set apart to raise awareness around men's health issues. Really? Guys, we need this? I must be a little old school because I am not sure I get it, and it feels like guys got their feelings hurt when the pink ubiquity of October's Breast Cancer Awareness month made them feel like they needed their month too, so break out the mustaches! Anyway, seeing as Mo-vember has become a "thing", I want to pay homage to my favorite rock mustaches (not the best, mind you, but just the ones I get a kick out of). Number 1, hands down, is Freddie Mercury of Queen. I will save my full love for Freddie for a separate post, but for now, let's rejoice in his mega-butch 'stache. Epic facial hair overhanging an endless overbite, which acts as a virtual shelf to present this amazing mustache. Here's to Freddie and his timeless performance of "Radio GaGa" at LiveAid ( http://youtu.be/0omja1ivpx0). I will always remember how in a concert filled with rock legends, Freddie commanded and worked that huge Wembley crowd into a frenzy that no one could match. The next on our list is David Crosby - can't recall his overflowing walrus mustache? Check out this awesome cut of "Suite Judy Blue Eyes" (http://youtu.be/ptEF4Oi4Uk0) - yes, David is singing, but I defy you to see his lips move behind that luxurious mustache. Also, revel in Stephen Stills artistry - great performance of a timeless song. Finally, let's end with an iconic 'stache whose wearer is a fictional character. I pay tribute here to Derek Smalls of Spinal Tap, the greatest band that never was (yes, and that includes The Rutles). Check out Harry Shearer as Derek in a live version of "Big Bottom" (http://youtu.be/WI9APkJXDIE). Notice everyone playing only bass guitars, listen to the naughty and hysterical lyrics, and finally, check out Derek Smalls' mustache which connects with his mutton chops. Turn it up to 11! Enjoy!

Commercial Tragedies - Great songs used to sell diapers, cars and ED pills

Music Wed - The other day I was in the mood for a lil Southern Blues, so I cranked up the Allman Bros. and shortly one of my favorite songs started playing. My good mood was destroyed when I realized that the first thing that popped in my head was NOT all the great elements that I love about this particular song. No, the immediate image I had in my mind was of a couple outdoors, sitting in side by side tubs, gazing off into the woods. Yep, I was thinking of Cialis, and I was dismayed to realize my children and their generation would forever associate the classic tune "Stormy Monday" with erectile dysfunction and not with Gregg Allman's growling vocals and snarling Hammond B3 organ, Duane Allman's inimitable slide guitar work or Dickie Betts' incomparable rhythm guitar support. Ugh! (Here's a smoking version featuring the AB Band with Eric Clapton jamming with Derek Trucks -  http://youtu.be/7npHnA3KbfA). This made me lament two of the greatest crimes in rock history - the first was Michael Jackson's exploitation of the Beatles catalogue he owned by selling a number of classic tunes for commercials, starting with "Revolution" for Nike and reaching its nadir with "All You Need is Luv" for Luvs Diapers. I have always suspected MJ did this partly for money and partly as a tweak on Paul McCartney who originally advised the King of Pop to buy music publishing rights (which Michael then used against Macca to the latter's lasting regret). Any way u look at it, it's just wrong. The other great crime came after David Bowie securitized the revenue stream from his classic music catalogue and cashed out in the late 1990s, after which he forfeited any control over his early music, which lead to the abomination of having to hear "Space Oddity" used to advertise Nissans. Really? Please purge that from your memory and listen to the original tune in its pristine state -   http://youtu.be/pXSGocWifAg  - this version has Bowie in full Ziggy Stardust glory and features the late rock guitar legend Mick Ronson. Try to forget the commercial abominations and remember these songs for the classic tunes they are. Enjoy!

The Beatles - The Best; Simply the Best; And Nothing But the Best!

Music Wed (filed in the "better late than never" file). We r back to the greatest band series, and we have come to the Greatest Band Ever, which is none other than The Beatles. When I was a boy and even a younger man, I looked at a buffet and thought two things - first was the desire to taste everything, and second was the urge to gorge on everything I liked. As I have gotten older, I have lost the desire to stuff myself and have come to appreciate sampling a few extraordinary items and feeling content to be satiated, rather than be stuffed. So it will be with my review of Beatle songs. Sure, we could feast endlessly on their smorgasbord of musical delights, but neither time nor wisdom recommends that course of action. To organize my thoughts, I am going to pick a key song or two from each era of their short, meteoric career. I will start with the mop top, early George Martin disciplined recordings following The Beatles being reluctantly given a very limited opportunity to record in the now legendary (but then rather pedestrian and suburban) Abbey Roads studio. The first two early Beatles songs in this anthology are "Hard Days Night" which begins with the most iconic out of tune chord and ends with a group "whoa" and their now famous bow (http://youtu.be/70QfHtKdh_0) - this video reminds u of their innocent, yet genre shattering charm; the second song is the tender ballad "And I Love Her" (http://youtu.be/Nm4YlZ3oYsQ). While Paul's voice is pure and the lyrics are sweet, the real star is George's Spanish style guitar. The first song expresses the band's power to force u to get up and move ur body, while the second gives a hint of the incredible range this band would display over a short 7-year run where their creativity was matched only by their prolific output. For me, the mid-Beatles era starts with the the Revolution and Rubber Soul albums and really peaks with Sgt. Pepper, so my picks are "Norwegian Wood" which highlights the folk nature of the Rubber Soul album that includes 14 glorious songs recorded in less than 4 weeks to get the record out for Christmas shoppers (http://youtu.be/79uBB4anxbE); the next pick from Revolver was a hard choice because that album is so loaded with fantastic songs, but I must go with the first rock song to feature strings and no guitar, bass or drums - "Eleanor Rigby" (http://youtu.be/k9Itt02QOO0). Just ponder the courage, hubris or sheer insanity it took to not just record such a song in the mid-60s, but then to actually release it as an A-side single. Finally, let's end this era with a song that really celebrates the good vibe part of the 60s, the Lennon/McCartney song written specially for Ringo, "With a Little Help From My Friends" ( http://youtu.be/VRjJ_dSmKfA) which captured the joy that was extinguished in 1968 with political assassinations, the Hungarian invasion and the Paris and Chicago riots.  Say goodbye to the groovy feelings and let's wrap up this post with the "breaking-apart" era for The Beatles which extends from the White Album, continues through Let it Be and ends with Abbey Road. Here is where I plan to exhibit inexplicable restraint by celebrating my personal favorite Beatle productivity period with a single song - "I've Got a Feeling" from the tragic classic meltdown album called Let it Be in the UK and the US (but which was known as the Get Back album in Europe). Check out this clip which features every awesome element of The Beatles' magic, even as they were imploding - Paul's sweet and screeching vocals; Paul's and John's harmonies; John's bridge vocals; George's guitar solo; and even the keyboard play of the true "Fifth Beatle", Billy Preston (http://youtu.be/R9d98bxE9HY). Perfect way to end a tribute to the most perfectly flawed group of brilliant musicians ever assembled. Enjoy!

Songs to Get Into the Halloween Mood

Music Wed, and I am suspending the "greatest band" series with a Halloween tribute. I am not sure that at this season of my life I am a real lover of Halloween. Sure, as a kid I lived for getting that large pillow case filled to the top with candy (even if I never ate even a fraction of it, it was the thrill of the "haul" that counted). And when my children were young, and dressing up was such a big deal, I loved walking the streets to trick or treat with them and holding their hands as we visited one of those special streets where everyone lives for Halloween and the whole street is transformed into a "spook alley". We were lucky enough to live next to (but thankfully not on!) the aptly named Raven Ave which was our special spooky street. Now I am a bit of a Halloween Scrooge of sorts - the whole thing feels a bit like a hassle. Bah humbug - I am going to use music to get me in the spirit of the season, and let's start with a truly creepy, slinky, atmospheric song by Concrete Blonde, "The Vampire Song" http://youtu.be/NFc2Qs49VkA. I love the opening riffs that set the mood, and when Johnette starts to sing over a spare bass groove, the song really kicks into gear. Pay particular attention to when this notoriously spartan band gets rolling and even adds a bit of production tricks (e.g., notice the groovy organ playing softly over the third verse) to create a totally cool song that captures the true Lestat-vibe that others tried to find, but sadly came up short, sounding either campy or just lame. Now, let's get really heavy with two classic examples of the so-called "devil's music" with Metallica ("Enter Sandman" http://youtu.be/_W7wqQwa-TU) and the original line-up of Black Sabbath ("Black Sabbath"  http://youtu.be/cyVWpqCLYgY). This is some heavy s*#t. I love Metallica, and even though Mo Rivera's retirement threatened to make this great song a cliche, there is no denying it is a metal classic with monster-under-the-bed scary lyrics. And as for Sabbath, this song makes u really wonder if Ozzy, Tony and Geezer (yes, I am intentionally leaving out the drummer since he refuses to join the others in their reunion efforts in a bid to extort money, and all he proved is that he was the only dispensable member of the band) had a Crossroads-type moment when they were promised heavy metal immortality if they sold their souls to Satan and played his music forevermore. This song is that foreboding. The final picks fall into the "what the heck"/"just for fun" basket. First, while u r putting on ur costume, listen to all 11 mins and 31 secs of Elton John's "Funeral for a Friend" http://youtu.be/z314pQhLb2Q (I can assure u that u will be ready to have a good time at the end of this hard rocking tribute to the death of a friend and a love affair), then put on The Doors' "Riders on the Storm" http://youtu.be/EJ9oHLqO0Vc to get into the mood as u drive to ur holiday party (this song, when played loudly in a car driving on a dark, rainy night will send a lil fun chill up ur spine), and finally, what Halloween party would be complete without playing Oingo Boingo, "Dead Man's Party" http://youtu.be/mdBiKCoT7d8. For all the Boingo haters, all I can say is that this pop, lightweight confection is a seriously fun song that has brightened up many a Halloween party (not to mention a huge number of late '80s/early 90's teen movies, starting with the great Weird Science!). Get ur ghoul on, and as always, Enjoy!

Welcome to this blog

I have been creating text messages for select family and friends with my comments, observations and opinions on a variety of musical topics. I'm excited to now be able to share these random and clearly debatable musings by posting on this blog site. Feel free to comment, challenge, criticize (or praise) and/or share your thoughts in response to any posting. I love the exchange of opinions because the great thing is that no one is right or wrong in any such exchange. So, check it out if you love musical minutia and want to check out some musical rarities. Enjoy!

Great Protest Songs

Again, late Music Wed, but yesterday was a tough day, so my picks would have been all sad songs. New day; new picks. This week marks the 50th anniversary of the 1963 march on DC and the MLK speech of "I Have A Dream." That vision of America still enthralls and inspires me. So, in recognition of that momentous event, here are three picks: U2's "Pride (In the Name of Love)" http://youtu.be/YQVZAh8WCw8 - Pretentious? Maybe. Uplifting? Most definitely. No list of MLK songs would be complete without this tribute. "We Shall Overcome" sung by James Taylor, Carly Simon, Jackson Browne, CSNY and others at the No Nukes concert (or u can also listen to Bruce's classic rendition from the Seeger Sessions http://youtu.be/oqT9yegqoRk). Finally, I have to finish with the great Bob Marley and his mash up on the Legend album of "One Love/People Get Ready" (http://youtu.be/N3KosOPCSiU). Listen and be inspired to show someone some kindness, and Power to the People ✊ Enjoy!

Musical Musings on Home - Going to, Leaving and Missing

Music Wed (back on a Wed!). This is dedicated to the feeling of "home" - being in it; returning to it; leaving it (and those left behind in it); wondering if u can ever really go back to it; and the joy of being welcomed back to it. So here we go. First, one of my fave Beatle songs which evokes such sadness is "She's Leaving Home"-  http://youtu.be/V4PFC6bIexo - her desperation to leave and her parents' desperation of being left behind, alone with each other. Next is Michael Buble's "Home" (check out the Caught In The Act live version or this super cool version recorded live at Abbey Roads http://youtu.be/PFGcVyASR2I ). Listen to this on a road trip when u r by urself and u will ache to return home to those u love. And now to the really maudlin - Joe Jackson's powerful, beautiful "HomeTown" which raises the question of whether u can ever really go home becuz maybe the "home" of ur memory never quite existed in reality (this version is a great solo rendition which adds in another fave, " Number Two"  http://youtu.be/NP_6aBG6Nq4). We end on a high note with Kenny Loggins' classic celebration of being joyous to come home with the knowledge that those u r returning to r as excited to have u back as u r to come back - "Celebrate Me Home" http://youtu.be/Ktwgi9vTL1A. I have loved this song for 30 yrs, and I will love it for 30 more. Enjoy - and be grateful for ur home.

Great Ski Songs - Ultimate Shredder's Playlist

Music Wed! Having spent a week or so in the mountains near two of my fave ski sites (i.e., Targhee and Jackson Hole), and having played with my GoPro during our adventures, it made me start to dream of my favorite time of the year -- ski season! Hence, this Music Wed I am noting some of my favorite songs to listen to on my headphones while skiing. I like the constant musical soundtrack playing in my head as I ski, so here are some songs that always jack me up and inspire me to want to take on that Double Black Diamond mogle run or that off trail run thru the trees instead of settling for the groomed main trail.  First pick is one of the most laughable tracks u will ever hear if u listen to the words. The track is "Born with a Tail" by the Supersuckers (here is a hilarious live version! http://youtu.be/tLbnlgaBZ38). Sit back, bang ur head and raise ur middle finger in salute to this weird tune. The second song is The Vapors' classic, "Turning Japanese" -- pure MTV brain candy with an irresistible beat and chorus (and here is the original MTV video version in all its early '80s glory http://youtu.be/gEmJ-VWPDM4). Bring on the mogles! Finally, I was tempted to pick The Knack's "My Sharona", but that was not quite aggressive enough - I need more Linkin Park, or even perish the thought, Limp Bizkit, to kick me into high gear for a ripping run, so in tribute to Jenelle, I have to pick My Chemical Romance's "Teenagers" ( http://youtu.be/wqSF7Qu89jw ). Awesome chorus, good screechy guitars and lots of anger. A perfectly combustible mix for charging headlong into a steep run or a plunge into the trees. Listen, rock hard, and most of all, Enjoy!

Love Me Some Don McLean and Van Morrsion - Sweetest Tenors in Rock

Music Wed! Listening to Jake Buggs last night - he's a British singer/songwriter who some are likening to Dylan, but I heard two other influences: The great tenors Don McLean and Van Morrison. By some cosmic coincidence, I read in USA today an intrvw where Jake cited Don McLean as an early influence. So, he might have failed to mention Van, but I will pay tribute to both here. In terms of temperament (DM was kind and quiet, while VM was rude and abrasive), music stylings (DM had early rock n roll and country as influences, while VM leaned to jazz and Welsh/Irish ballads), and productivity (DM was huge in the 70s and then quietly settled down, while VM has been raging and rocking for 40+ yrs), they couldn't be more different. But in terms of having sweet tenor vocals, great poetic instincts and lasting influence on generations of writers and performers, they r remarkably similar. So, let's get to the songs. For Don McLean, just soak in his greatest hits - "American Pie" http://youtu.be/tr-BYVeCv6U and "Vincent (Starry Night)" ( http://youtu.be/4wrNFDxCRzU). I suggest multiple listens of each. For Van Morrison, u can't go wrong with his classics "Brown Eyed Girl" http://youtu.be/kqXSBe-qMGo (hey Evi!) and "Moondance" (try to find a live version http://youtu.be/6oZg2B08uvM), but if u want a deeper cut, check out "Into the Mystic" (http://youtu.be/cpPSBzGEklE ) (which the Zac Brown Band kills on their live album -  http://youtu.be/1D6dgk8etew awesome cover of a great, cool song). Also, as a bonus, check out this ultimate version by the Allman Bros. Band - Derek Trucks, Warren Haynes and Gregg Allman absolutely slay it http://youtu.be/OOwBDlcasZ8 .  Enjoy!

Reminder - Popularity Does Not Indicate Quality

Music Wed - ok, my picks r idiosyncratic and at times contrary to popular styles and more commercially successful songs. So, I am exacting my revenge by reminding everyone of the weaknesses of deferring to popularity as an indication of merit. Top 3 songs played on the radio of all time -- 1) Righteous Bros.' "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" (solid song, but #1 of all time? R u frickin kidding me?); 2) The Association's "Never My Love" (say what?); and 3) The Beatles' "Yesterday" (please note that The Association and The Beatles have the same number of songs in the Top 20 with 2 each, and Michael Jackson, The Rolling Stones, Elvis, and Bruce have a combined 0 songs in the Top 50, while Simon and Garfunkle have 3 in the top 20 - is there no end to this madness?). Well, there u have it. This the dreck and pablum fed to us unwashed masses. Lap it up while I rock on with Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Allman Bros., Todd Rundgren, Bruce, Hall & Oates, Joe Jackson and so many others who have no songs in the Top 100. Ugh - it is truly more than I can bear. If u need a mental and aural sorbet to cleanse ur pallet after this serving of pop crap, take a listen to Eric Clapton's live version of "Voodoo Chile" - this is tonic for the soul. Enjoy!

Greatest Live Venues, and the Songs to Prove it

Music Wed - if u know me, u know I love anything musical which includes the appendage "live" to decribe the recording. I will always choose a live version over a recorded version, and once I hear a live version, I rarely will ever listen to the original studio recording. Music is a communion, both between the artists and the fans, but also between the artists themselves as they explore and test each other's respective abilities. Some albums r recorded "live" without overdubs, sweeteners, time signatures manipulations, echo chambers and other studio tricks, and those are pretty good and might even merit a future Music Wed exploration. But nothing beats playing live before an audience with no safety net. When it is done right, it is magic. And when it is not perfect, it is still better than a sanitary studio mixed, overdubbed, professionally sanitized version that passes for what people call a record. There are three legendary locations that have been the sites of more live recordings than any other locations. In no particular order, they are Budokan (Tokyo, Japan), Red Rocks (Morrison, Colorado) and Fillmore East (NYC) (which clearly outstrips Fillmore West as the site of choice for a live recording). Here are my picks for the greatest live albums at these venues based on the following criteria - great sound recording; importance of popularizing a historic venue loved by musicians for the public; and elevating a band that had "chops" but had not exploded into the public consciousness.  Here are my picks in chronological order: First is 1971's Allman Brothers "Live at Fillmore East". More than anything put out by the Grateful Dead before or after 1971, this album popularized not only this great blues rock band but virtually created the jam band ethos that the Dead, Phish, Dave Matthews Band and others have been living on for the 40+ years since this seminal recording. Since I suspect none of you has the patience for their 20 and 30 minute jams, I propose listening to the modest 12 minute version of "Stormy Monday" (http://youtu.be/KD4Exmbk04U) which highlights Duane Allman's historic guitar playing, Dickie Betts' supporting rhythm and co-lead guitar skills, and Gregg Allman's double threat of killer vocals and silky organ playing. Classic Southern Blues Rock at its transformative best! Second is 1978's Cheap Trick "Live at Budokan" which took a quirky, solid band with a modest following to an epic live band that made playing Budokan a must for every musician who has toured Japan since 1978. Feast on "I Want You to Want Me" (http://youtu.be/p6hxsd1n6vo) which features an audience sing along that was not only spontaneous but took a rather pedestrian song and made it unforgettable, and then listen to the band's take on Fats Domino's classic "Ain't That a Shame." (http://youtu.be/-C-jXJl0Zrg) Fun music without pretension, but with undeniable skill for a three piece band that features two of the weirdest dudes in rock (namely Rick Nielson and Bun E. Carlos [who is sadly estranged from the band for unknown reasons]). Finally is 1983's U2 "Under a Blood Red Sky" which featured video and audio from their almost-immediately legendary show at Red Rocks. Recently in a poll of musicians, Red Rocks was voted as their favorite live venue, and we all have U2 to thank for taking a rainy night and making it a dramatic showpiece which expressed the natural beauty and great acoustics of this legendary venue. A must hear song from this album has got to be "Bloody Sunday" (http://youtu.be/EM4vblG6BVQ) which was filmed, put out as an early MTV video in heavy rotation that helped force this new video channel into every teenager's home (remember "I Want My MTV!), and turned on the U.S. to the political, spiritual and sonic urgency, power and authority of U2 that they carry into every live show they have done over the 30 years since this show was recorded. Here's a toast to live music and three legendary venues that have collectively been the sites of over 100 live albums, but none finer than the three albums listed above. Enjoy!

Tribute to Seals & Crofts - Forgotten Writers and Performers of Lovely Songs

Music Wed - coming live from the Deep South. U'd think my location would inspire a tribute to Lyrnyrd Skynyrd or Molly Hatchett - or at least a quick sneaky reference to my fave the Allman Bros. But, in a twist born of jet lag and loneliness, I am going to honor a forgotten 70's band that continues to influence music today, as evidenced by their songs falling in the Top 5 of all time samples. I am referring to none other than the great Seals & Crofts. Come on - u pretend u don't know them, but u do, and chances r u even like them. Kick back and play "Summer Breeze" (super cool live clip --  http://youtu.be/DTv0K2SUlCY) or "We May Never Pass This Way Again" (http://youtu.be/ysJ0Dg16-CA). Calming, soothing music from two of the weirdest dudes in pop music. First, one was tall, heavily bearded and played a ukele or mandolin (Crofts, I think); the other was short and looked exactly like Vladimir Lenin (complete with the lil glasses and workers cap - Seals, again I think). They reigned over the early 70's radio with classics like those two above and others like "Diamond Girl" (http://youtu.be/JD25KJ3Mkp0) and "Get Closer" (http://youtu.be/pXTawaNMBGE).  What ended their career was a very sad event. They were of the Baha'i faith, so they wrote an anti-abortion song titled "Unborn Child" (http://youtu.be/Bm7JACG-CTk), which brought scorn in them and their Eastern faith. The whole thing is sadly ironic becuz the S&C song is pretty good, while Paul Anka's piece o crap "Havin My Baby" (http://youtu.be/SFHWl-ZyRAg) was released 6 months later and went to #1 on the charts. Unfair, and after this travesty, S&C stopped recording. So put on ur Birkenstocks, watch the sunset and crank up some sweet tunes from Seals & Crofts. Enjoy!

Radiohead Are Beatleesque in Studio Mastery

Music Wed - it dawned on me that I have neglected any analysis of great bands and their respective places in history. These picks are influenced in part by longevity of relevance, consistency of greatness, and variety of influences across genres and generations. So, here is the list, and then I will start a series of picking favorite songs for each highlighted band. All-time greatest band -- The Beatles (No disputes, please). All-time best touring band -- E Street Band (7900+ calories burned at the concert - untouchable record!). Best combined recording/touring band -- U2 (consistently great records and transformative concert experiences - just not very prolific). Best recording band -- Radiohead (they have continued the tradition The Beatles started during their ltd 6-yr run and have produced 20+ years of amazing! challenging! mind-expanding! music). In the spirit of "the first shall be last, and the last shall be first", I will start this series with my top 5 Radiohead songs. In no particular order, let's start with "Creep" (http://youtu.be/QhFSmAoGhhc) and "Fake Plastic Trees" (http://youtu.be/KglFXn0fg9M). Yes, they are obvious picks, but they both sound amazing in both acoustic and electric versions, and familiarity does not discount the beauty of the melodies and the poignancy of the lyrics. Next are "Blow Out" (http://youtu.be/sguWprhm7hY -- from the classic album "Pablo Honey"), and "(Nice Dream)" (http://youtu.be/Wxa36QAz9RU -- from my fave album "The Bends"). Beautiful, haunting songs that carry u away on an aural pillow ride (just like Jasmine and Aladdin, only with deep, dark anxieties and fears!). Finally, let's end with "Bodysnatchers" (http://youtu.be/wRka8e6d8hw -- from the latest album "In Rainbows"). Truly a disjointed, but irrepressible song. I could go on and on, but this is a good start to let u see the range and diversity of this ever-changing band that continues to grow and morph, which I expect they will continue to do as long as Jonny Greenwood and Thom Yorke are alive. Enjoy! P.S. Here is a bonus song I could not in good conscience leave out, "High and Dry" http://youtu.be/5uLTP-EtdLQ

U2 Are Masters of the Studio And Crowd Dynamics - A Rare Combination of Genius

Music Wed - continuing working backwards on my list of "Greatest bands". This week is U2, my pick for best combined recording/touring bands, and I am faced with the hopeless task of distilling my love of this band to my self-imposed limit of 5 key songs. I'm still kicking myself for songs I didn't pick last week for Radiohead, so I know that no matter what songs I choose today, all next week I will think of equally good or better songs that I should've included. So with that caveat, here we go (in no particular order): "Bad" from the Wide Awake in America EP (http://youtu.be/2zIW8qDPhos). I could listen to The Edge's layered guitar effects that build to a stunning repetitive crescendo on this song in a continuous 6-hour loop. I love this early glimpse into the songwriting and band cohesion that gave birth to the historic Joshua Tree album. I have paid tribute to this next song in earlier postings, but I must include my personal all-time fave, "Love is Blindness" ( http://youtu.be/xUXVE4GEwmc). As great as the version is on Achtung Baby, if u want a real treat, look up on YouTube one of the many live versions from the Zoo TV tour, which is the only tour on which they played this song. These rare live cuts literally seethe and crawl with The Edge's pain and desperation at the collapse of his first marriage, but u can also hear the healing he was experiencing in these live renditions. Next for me is "Miss Sarajevo" (http://youtu.be/XtXl7mJErFU). Heart-on-the-sleeve politics? Of course, and those of us who love this band would have it no other way. I next must include a live song I love as much as Paul MacCartney and Wings' live version of "Maybe I'm Amazed" (http://youtu.be/x_FiIilTwIA), and that is ANY live version of "Bullet the Blue Sky" (http://youtu.be/BfxLhrg139M). This shows that U2 can be kings of rock, in addition to being masters of dance, electronica and anthemic ballads. Finally, let's end with the song that I associate with the end of nearly every U2 show I have ever seen - namely "40" (http://youtu.be/axEyeurOMxw). I get a chill down my spine as I think of singing along with the crowd long after the band left the stage to this oh-so-satisfying concert ending ode to a band that hit a peak 30 years ago and have never come down from the mountain top. Enjoy!

E Street Band - Hardest Working Band in Show Business? Yeah!

Music Wed, and this post is, of course, dedicated to the hardest working band in show business - Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band. Asking me to pick my favorite live songs from this band is like asking a wine expert to pick their favorite Burgundy - he will give you the vineyard, the year and even the season of the wine that is his favorite. So it is with me and Bruce. If you venture to listen to these picks, please listen to the specific versions that I suggest to really have the audio experience I am intending to present for your pleasure. So, buckle up and here we go! Again, in no particular order, let's start with the 2001 acoustic version of "Born in the USA" (http://youtu.be/d8TwMqpBeL4) first introduced in the Live in New York City album. U must listen to this version, because it sounds like no other rending of this well known song. This version taps into the true protest meaning of the song, and the best way I can describe it is to ask you to imagine that Woody Guthrie and Muddy Waters had a baby, raised him on the Mississippi Delta and fed him nuthin but the blues, then gave him a steel body Dobrow guitar and asked him to play that song. Totally cool. Next is the song "I Wish I Were Blind" (http://youtu.be/_8MkGqT0Z54) from the In Concert (Plugged!) album. Such pain and heartache at seeing ur former lover with her new love. Exquisite anguish. Let's shift to the original live recording of "Jungleland" (http://youtu.be/VoFGHNbfDmg) from the Live at  Hammersmith Odeon album - this is from Bruce's first trip outside the US and his first show before a crowd that knew his songs, but didn't know his showmanship. So as u listen to this album, u can hear the crowd warming up and catching on, and by the time he hits this iconic song near the end of the concert, they are ready to frickin rock! The band is a little raw, but the magic of Roy's piano solo, Clarence's plaintive wails on his horn, and Bruce's desperate lyrics conjure musical magic. Let's gear it back down to the version of "If I Should Fall Behind" (http://youtu.be/6DITmbm8u1M) again from the 2001 album Live in NYC. Each band member gets to sing a verse, and it is a tender song, performed by each artist in their unique way, but with respect and love, both for the craft of the song and for each other. The sentiment is beautiful, and "if you should fall behind, I will wait for u." And I mean that. Finally, let's take this baby home, and no live performance would be complete without a 20-minute, gospel tinged, come-to-Jesus revival type song from a master storyteller. I loved telling the girls I would play "just one more song" and then picking one of these endless epics to their squealing disdain. Good times. My choice for this tribute to my devious nature is "The River" (http://youtu.be/2dlYd018jjQ) from the Live 1975-1985 compilation. It clocks in at a weak 12 minutes, but that excludes the 5 minute intro story about his father, so it qualifies for the category. A bittersweet ode to a bad decision which leads a young boy and young girl into a life where they become trapped in a box devoid of hopes and dreams. This is real life, and no one captures it better than the The Boss. Please, check out these specific performances, and I assure u that u will not be disappointed. They will deliver all that I have promised, and then some. I dare say u may feel a warm flow in ur heart and a tear on ur cheek as u listen to each song. Enjoy a master at the top of his game over a sampling of tunes from every decade from 1970s through the present. Enjoy!