Michael Franti & Spearhead- Say Hey (I Love You)

My wife told me that she and Be-Bop had this turned up in the mini-van (think swagger wagon) the other day, singing along.
I can totally see them doing this.
My wife also reminded me yesterday that Be-Bop's love language is time, something that I haven't been giving her enough of lately.
So, this afternoon, I'm going to arrange a little Daddy/Be-Bop time.
Cause I know one thing that I love you.

Nas and Damian Marley- As We Enter

Some things just go well together.
Apple pie and ice cream.
Chocolate and peanut butter.
Coffee and morning.
And some artist collaborations just seem to be made for each other.
Sonny and Cher. Um...maybe.
Alison Krauss and Robert Plant. Brilliant.
Today I give "Big-Ups" to Nas and "Junior Gong" Damian Marley.
The name of their album is "Distant Relatives". Could be.

Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings- I Learned The Hard Way

Congrats to Lee Dewyze of Mount Prospect, Illinois on winning Season 9 of American Idol. He definitely grew alot as an artist over the course of those weeks on the show. Personally, I like hearing the stories of where the contestants came from.
Lee was a paint salesman before he auditioned for the show. He never graduated high school. And now his life is changed forever.
Here's another story. Sharon Jones was born in Augusta, Georgia but at a young age moved to Brooklyn, New York. She sang back up for several local funk groups but never was offered a contract. So she spent some time working as a correction officer at Rikers Island and as an armored car guard for Wells Fargo Bank.
Her big break didn't come until she was 40 years old.
Since then she has released 4 albums with the Dap-Kings, including their most recent release "I Learned the Hard Way."
Truly inspirational story. Truly heart-felt music.

Carole King/James Taylor-Blossom

In 2007, Rob Reiner directed a film starring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson entitled "The Bucket List". The jist is that two terminally ill men embark on a road trip with a wish list of things to do before they die (or kick the bucket).
Thus the name "bucket list".
I think that there is something healthy in creating a bucket list. I see it as kind of like goal-setting. Living life with a purpose. I think too many people just wander aimlessly through life and at the end are sad because they have missed too many opportunities.
Each day is a gift. We never know when our time on Earth will end.
My advice--- Make your peace with God, first and foremost. You can't enter eternity unprepared.
Next, make a list of things that you want to do while you're on this journey.
Finally, do some of them. You may not get to check everything off of your list, but you can have fun trying.
On my short list was to see James Taylor in concert. Next week when he is at the Gwinnett Arena with (bonus) Carole King, I'll be there, with a shorter bucket list.
What's something on yours?

Sondra Radvanovsky- D'amor Sull'ali Rosee from Il Travatore

I used to tell everyone that I liked all music...except opera.
So last year, my wife wanted to go to the Atlanta Opera.
So we went to the opera. And I kinda dug it.
For those of you who have never been, think Shakespeare in a foreign language, sung to classical music.
The story line is always amusing--there's some kind of witch or gypsy or talisman that has cast some sort of spell. You also will have some sort of love competition. And there will be death usually.
Great family entertainment.
There have been debates as to whether having subtitles at the opera takes away from "the purity" of the performance. Personally, I wouldn't know what the heck was going if there weren't any.
So, in this clip, we have Sondra Radvanovsky, playing the female lead of Leonora, going to save her love interest, Manrico, that has been captured by the jealous Count.
Whenever I think of Counts, I always think of the Sesame Street Count.
One! One soprano! Ah, ah, ah, ah! Two! Two sopranos! Ah, ah, ah, ah!

Enya- Only Time

We celebrate Memorial Day next Monday to honor those that have given America's ultimate sacrifice.
Today, I want to honor those police officers and firefighters that have lost their lives in the line of duty---serving and protecting.
Also, we remember the innocent that were taken from us on that beautiful Tuesday morning one September.

Sound of Music Soundtrack- So Long, Farewell

Well this is it. The last week of school.
But this week we also say goodbye to American Idol.
It's been a fun season and I'll have to say that I'll miss it a little.
I've been a "Mommasox" fan since I first saw her. But I must admit that Mr. Lee Dewyze has emerged over the last couple of weeks as a true star.
I've got a feeling that we haven't seen the last of Crystal, Lee, Casey, or Michael.
I was watching this clip yesterday and Be-Bop asked me to replay it about 8 times because she said it was "such a pretty song". It's one of my favorites from the movie, also.

Marc Anthony- Y Como Es El

It's Sunday. Summer is about to begin which is pretty great except for one thing.
No football.
So, today's Song of the Day has a football connection.
Marc Anthony is a part owner/partner of the Miami Dolphins.
His new album of classic Latin ballads is released this week.

Frank Sinatra and Antonio Carlos Jobim- The Girl From Ipanema

This is what Saturday morning was made for.
No soccer.
No yardwork.
No plans.

Pink Martini- Amado Mio

Last night at dinner, I asked my 4-year-old daughter, Be-Bop, what she wanted to drink. She had been asking me to make her some tea all day. She doesn't even like tea, but she had brought home from preschool a tea bag and a sugar packet for Mother's Day. But she had to have it in a cup with a lid on it. I made her tea, added some honey and extra sugar (this is the South, ya know), and proudly served her the tea in a cup with a lid and a straw. She took a sip and told everyone how wonderful her tea was and they just had to try some. A couple of people did so and told her it was very good. She then got down and went to watch TV with her brother. I drank her tea.

Last night at 1:19 she came down to my room and said that she had a dream that "the indian blew my arm off." How do you process that at 1:19 AM?

A pink martini may be a better choice for me tonight.

Europe- The Final Countdown

I know, I know. It's a very overplayed metaphor.
It's been used in sporting events that are coming "down to the wire".
It's been used in political arenas when it's voting time.
But for now, SCHOOL'S OUT IN 6 DAYS!!!
Those Swede rockers really know how to make an anthem.

Marvin Sapp- The Best In Me

I really just can't imagine even the thought of telling one of my kids that they would never be or do something in life. Or to tell them that they are not good enough.
But I guess that kind of thing goes on.
I was very blessed to have grown up with encouraging and loving parents, which I guess, is why this seems so foreign to me.
But, if you were one of those that were put down, let me help lift you up.
The Creator only creates for a purpose--so today, find that purpose.
He loves you.

Mary Chapin Carpenter- I Have A Need For Solitude

Solitude...What images does that bring to your mind?
Life is too frapping busy.
I believe all of us would function better together if we took time alone.
Unplug. Detach. Destress.
No computer. No cell phone. No spouse. No kids.
A time to read, or reflect, or hike, or just be.
If I can't convince you, maybe Mary can. This is from her most recent release, "The Age of Miracles," which is less "country-sounding" than her past efforts and more folk-y.
Enjoy...then plan your escape.

Kylie Minogue- All The Lovers

Kylie Minogue is 41 years old. She began as a soap opera star in Australia. She has a Grammy. She has beaten breast cancer. And her 11th album will be released next month.
Nuff respect (in the urban dictionary)- A term reflecting a positive commendation for a person, action or item worthy of supreme accolade.

Lady Antebellum- Need You Now

Some people respond well when they are under pressure. In the 90's, if the Bulls were playing and it was tight at the end of the 4th quarter, we all knew that Number 23 was going to have the ball. He just seemed to excel when the heat was on.
If your very first album debuts at number 1 and goes platinum in sales, I imagine that there is a wee bit of anxiety when you go back to the studio. Oh, did I mention a couple of Grammy nominations and 2 CMA awards, one of which was for Best Vocal Group of the Year. Yeah, I can see that the pressure is on for a big follow-up.
But, WOW! Does 'Lady Antebellum" deliver.
In a recent interview, LA vocalist Hillary Scott, said that she had tried out for American Idol twice and didn't make it past the first round. I'm sure that made the AI performance that much sweeter.

The Beatles- Love Me Do

This was the beginning of pop music as we know it today. The very first Beatles single that was released and went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US. Paul McCartney in an interview once said that "In Hamburg we clicked... At the Cavern we clicked... but if you want to know when we knew we'd arrived, it was getting in the charts with 'Love Me Do'. That was the one. It gave us somewhere to go."
So today, when you turn on the radio and you hear Lady Gaga, and you're wondering, "What the heck?", you can just give a nod to the four young men coming out of Liverpool that changed the landscape of recorded music forever.
P.S.-The story goes that the harmonica that Lennon used on this song is one that he had stolen. That's straight gangster.

The Canadian Tenors- Hallelujah

A few random questions about Canada:
1) How easy is it to navigate the streets of Montreal if you don't read French?
Answer: Not very. Trust me on this one. Or ask my wife.
2) Do the Expos still have a team?
Answer: I don't think anyone cares.
3) Why, last winter, was it colder in Atlanta than in Tofino, which is located near Vancouver?
Answer: Not sure, but could someone send me to the Wickaninnish Inn (www.wickinn.com)
4) What is the biggest export of Canada?
Answer: My guess would have been either beer, bacon, or um...hockey, maybe?
The real answer: The Canadian Tenors

Jennifer Knapp- Better Off

Recently Christian music artist Jennifer Knapp "came out" that she was gay. This has prompted many varied reactions as you can expect. One question that I've heard is, "Can you be Christian and gay?" I'd like to offer my viewpoint.
At the get-go, I'll say that I have a few people that I am close to that are gay. These are people that are awesome, loving people that contribute alot to my life. That being said, I personally don't buy the theory that someone is born gay. I feel that most people have certain weaknesses. If you don't like that word, we'll say tendencies. One person can sit down and drink a beer and then be on their way. Another person can drink the same beer and have to have 4 more. So, in order to have control in their life, that second person should safeguard themselves from being in situations that expose them to that temptation. In other words, learn how to suppress the desire for the drink. I, being a man, am drawn to the figure of a beautiful woman. However, in order to keep my marriage and family life safe, I have had to train my eyes away from looking at such women. So, if someone has an attraction to someone else of the same sex, I think that it is possible to learn how to deal with that and still function normally in society.
Everyone has an opinion. Ultimately, it comes down to truth. God's word is truth. Sin is sin is sin. It doesn't matter if it is adultery, homosexuality, drunkenness, lying, etc. It all requires us to look beyond ourselves for a cure.
That's where Grace steps in. Jesus paid it all. For all of us that will give ourselves to Him and desire to follow His commands.
As far as Jennifer is concerned, I've always liked her music. And her new release that is out today looks to be very well done. If you like it, go buy it. If you don't, go burn your old Jennifer Knapp albums that you used to like before you read this.

Miranda Cosgrove- Kissin U

OK, bear with me. I have 4 kids. Most of the time that they are home, the TV is on some sort of bad "educational" TV. (Doodlebops?---just kill me now.) I actually like Yo Gabba Gabba, maybe just because Biz Markee is on sometimes. And, Backyardagins are great for napping. Their entire episode is full of songs that seem to lull me to Lala land. And every once in a while, one of the live action shows (Zack and Cody, iCarly, etc) are on. I've never tried to watch one of these for fear of nausea.
So, last week, I was walking by in between shows and they were playing a music video, and it actually made me stop and listen. It was Miranda Cosgrove, star of iCarly. My first thought was ,"Here it is...another teenage actor/actress showing the world their 'abundance' of talent." But the song was actually enjoyable, and the video was nice. There were no sex kitten posing or dirty dancing (or whatever you kids call it these days). I hope she stays relevant to her age and tries not to grow up too fast.

Norah Jones- Come Away With Me

My wife is an awesome mother. Tomorrow we celebrate those that have refined the art, science, and philosophy of maternal instinct--as well as chicks who gave birth. My wife has been pregnant about a third of our time together...that's kind of alot. I love my kids. But there are just certain things that you can't do when you have kids...like sleep just a little later on Saturday morning because the 3 year old can't find his blanket at 6:10 am, and he has disturbed the cat by coming downstairs and she is now meowing incessantly, and meantime the 3 year old is making fire engine sounds in his room because he has boogers in his nose.
We used to just like to pick up and escape for a few days. I'm gonna listen to Norah once more (and sigh) before I go get the boy a tissue.

Joe Bonamassa- Blue and Evil

Today my oldest and best friend turns 40. I've known this brother since kindergarten and we've definately been through some things together. I've always heard that if you can count on one hand the number of true friends that you have, then you are a rich man. I can tell you-- I am one wealthy dude. Happy birthday, Rob. I'm on your back door.
Here's a little blues for your transition into the next decade--
your old arse.

She & Him: Me and You

That seems like a lot of pronouns there in that title. So what do YOU get when YOU cross an actress that can sing and write with a singer-songwriter that can produce?
The answer: She & Him. A nice sound with mellow vocals and retro-sounding arrangements.
Let ME know what YOU think.