Elton John and Howard Jones - Great Musicians With Some "Lost" Gems Which Should Be Lost "Classics"

Music Wed - I love singer-songwriters, that is well-known for readers of this blog; but I particularly have a special place in my heart for those who also are virtuoso musicians. I am going to toggle between the 70s and 80s with some deep cuts from two of my all time faves - Elton John (of course) and Howard Jones (a tip of the bandana to my 80s-loving chums). First is a song showing Elton and Bernie Taupin at their moody, lyrically obscure, Gus Dudgeon hauntingly produced best on "I've Seen That Movie, Too" (http://youtu.be/eptRpgMyyNE). No video here, just pristine audio of Elton and his original band playing live at the peak of their powers - Elton on piano, Ray Cooper on percussion and Davey Johnstone on guitar fill the hall like the full orchestra used in the original recording on Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (which is an absolute MUST HAVE for every music collection, it is so beautiful, weird and wonderful). Shifting gears, let's enjoy the piano master of 80s New Wave, Howard Jones, with "No One Is To Blame" (http://youtu.be/ENB2eX-U3a8). Cut him some slack on the hairdo and just enjoy his playing, his voice and a really sweet song that seemed to mean a lot to me when Rena and I stopped dating and the reasons weren't exactly clear or easy to articulate. Back to Elton, and let's waste no time with a two-fer of Elton's long forgotten beauties "All The Young Girls Love Alice" (http://youtu.be/C44qzpUD1kY) and "Have Mercy On A Criminal" (http://youtu.be/ZsGz1HL4BGY). Again no video, but pristine recordings of Elton just blowing the doors down with unforgettable songs about social ills and troubled souls. Who's writing songs like this today?  Oh yeah, I know - NOBODY! Let's wrap up with a two-fer from HoJo with "Like To Get To Know You Well" (http://youtu.be/DiZ-rLXCbLY) - a loose, live cut from recent times showing Howard still can sing and play like he did 30 years ago, and "Pearl In The Shell" (http://youtu.be/7KR-dRcEn6U) - this rollicking version brings to mind the spirit and energy of early Elton. Kick back, listen to these timeless gems and, of course, Enjoy!

It's Back - Music Wed Celebrates Embarrassing, But Fun, "Tool Tunes" - listen, cringe and enjoy!

Music Wed - To reintroduce Music Wed, I thought I would start with a fun idea I heard on a podcast, which is to list off a few of my favorite "Tool Tunes". We all have them - songs we take secret pleasure in singing along with, but are reluctant to admit we actually like them. These songs can be favorites for all types of weird reasons, but to be a true Tool Tune, a song must be a bit embarrassing, a bit cheesy or goofy, and always something nostalgic (at least for the person picking the tune). Here are a few of mine for some laughs. First one requires a trip in the wayback machine to the early 70's and the beginning of the Equal Rights movement and the anthem of that movement, "I Am Woman" by Helen Reddy (http://youtu.be/Gpu_PV3BTfI). Soak in every lyric because each cliche of empowerment is precious. Next is one of the weirdest songs ever, namely "Escape (Piña Colada Song)" (http://youtu.be/_WkR2Tv4dq4). Tired of his "lady", so he seeks out a hookup and happily ends up back with his "lovely lady"? Huh? Let's wrap up this episode with an old Police tune, "De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da" (http://youtu.be/xFHm3HCN9_k). I can assure you that if "all I wanted to say" to Rena was that drivel, I would still be single! Let's finish with a bonus tune, the brainless, but slightly naughty, ditty from the early crest of New Wave music, The Knack and "My Sharona" (http://youtu.be/g1T71PGd-J0). Love 'em all! Enjoy!