Easy Star All-Stars- Time

The Easy Star All-Stars played a pretty impressive gig on June 11, 2005.
They performed at the wedding of NYC mayor Mike Bloomberg's daughter, Emma.
Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Easy Star All-Stars are a reggae dub group that have established themselves as one of the top international reggae acts since their debut in 2003.
They specialize in covering popular albums in a reggae/dub style.
In 2006, they released "Radiodread", a song by song cover of Radiohead's "OK Computer".
In 2009, they unveiled "Easy Star's Lonely Hearts Dub Band", covering The Beatles popular "Sgt. Pepper" album.
But it all started in 2003 with "The Dub Side of the Moon", a tribute to Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon".
They even included instructions on how to synchronize the record with "The Wizard of Oz", a phenomenon referred to as "The Dark Side of the Rainbow".  Apparently, someone figured out how to sync the Pink Floyd album with the 1939 film.  Members of Pink Floyd have described this as "a complete load of eyewash" and any relationship between the two is totally coincidental.
I guess anything goes together when your mind is bent.

Hi-Five- Unconditional Love

In the late 1980's and early 1990's, a new sound was emerging.
This new sound was a fusion of hip-hop, dance-pop, and R&B.
It was called "New Jack Swing".
The style combined elements of older styles and newer trends.
It used R&B style vocals sung over hip-hop or dance-pop instrumentation.
The man behind it all was Teddy Riley.
Riley led the band "Guy" in the 80's and the band "Blackstreet" in the 90's.
He produced several artists at the time such as Johnny Kemp ("Just got paid, it's Friday night), Bobby Brown, and Keith Sweat.
In 1994, when Michael Jackson recorded "Dangerous", he wanted to update his sound so he dumped Quincy Jones for Teddy Riley.
No matter what you think of this style of music, New Jack Swing changed the face of R&B music.
Today, there are more songs than not on the R&B and Hip-Hop charts that have a mixture of the two genres.
In 1993, the Hughes Brothers released their first film as directors, called "Menace II Society", a critically acclaimed movie that depicted a gritty portrayal of urban violence with powerful underlying messages.
(Side note: An article that I read stated that the "F-word" is used 300 times in the 97-minute film, giving it one of the highest "f___ per minute rate" at 3.07 times per minute.  I'm not going to comment.)
This New Jack song by Hi-Five was on the multi-platinum soundtrack.

Joe- Can't Get Over You

Showing a little love for a fellow Georgia native today.
Joseph Lewis Thomas AKA Joe hails from Columbus, GA.
The son of a pastor, Joe grew up singing, playing the guitar, and writing music in church.
After moving to New Jersey, he caught his first big break with a single on the Wayans' Brothers film, "Don't Be A Menace To South Central While Drinking Your Juice In The Hood."
I've got to see that movie.
In 1997, he recorded the breakthrough album, "All That I Am" which eventually went platinum.
Since then, he has released 6 more studio albums, a "Greatest Hits", and two Christmas albums.
Last year, he recorded this song for the Maze tribute album, "Silky Soul Music".
In my humble opinion, he makes it sound just as good or better than the original.
That's how we do things in the Peach state.

Colin Hay- My Brilliant Feat

I'm taking a break from the USA/Ghana match in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
I thought that I would provide a soccer song for today.
Not only that, I really like Colin Hay.
I hear that he did this song for the late Northern Irish soccer player, George Best.
Best was one of those special players. Unfortunately, the celebrity lifestyle caught up with him. His lifestyle led to alcoholism that cut short his playing career.
He had to have a liver transplant, and afterwords was required to take immuno-suppresive drugs which led to a kidney infection which caused multiple-organ failure.
He died in November 2005 at the age of 59.
In his native Northern Ireland, the admiration for him is summed up by the local saying: "Maradona good; Pelé better; George Best."
Go Team USA!

Frederic Chopin-Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11, Larghetto

Virtuoso- n.- an individual who possesses outstanding technical ability in the fine arts, singing, or playing a musical instrument.
I'm a sucker for piano music.
I think that's why Chopin is one of my favorite classical composers.
Born in Warsaw, Poland in 1810, he composed his first pieces of music at age 7.
At age 11, he performed for Alexander I, Tsar of Russia.
He only lived until age 39 (gulp...that's where I am now) and he died of either tuberculosis or cystic fibrosis.
After he died, his heart was removed and was sealed in a pillar at the Holy Cross Church in Warsaw. An inscription there reads: Matthew 6:21 "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Scientists attempting to determine the real cause of his death was denied permission by the Polish government to remove the heart from it's repository.
This is one of the most beautiful pieces of music in my opinion.

Enigma- Return to Innocence

Do you ever wish you could go back and do some things over again?
I think if we were honest all of us would call a "do-over" at one time or another in our lives.
However, I don't believe we should live our lives in regret about decisions we have made or not made, because it is my belief that it is those things that partly make us who we are.
If we are never tested by adversity then we will never know our resilience.
Admittedly, it is much easier to learn from others' mistakes than making them ourselves. Many times it's less costly, as well.
But let's not beat ourselves up about past regrets.
Let's begin today to live life to the full, enjoying and being thankful for every blessing that comes our way.
This is a cool video. It depicts a man living his life in reverse, starting with him dying, and then tracing his days back to birth, where he "returns to innocence."
The chants used in the song were aboriginal Taiwanese. They were actually sampled without the original singers' permission. A lawsuit ensued and the case was settled for an undisclosed amount out of court.
(Note to self...never sample aboriginal Taiwanese chants without their permission.)

Waylon Jennings- My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys

Quick...what was the very first country album to sell a million copies, earning Platinum status?
If you answered "Wanted! The Outlaws", a compilation album from Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Jessi Colter, and Tompall Glaser, then you win the prize.
It was originally released in 1976, but re-released in 1996 with 10 bonus tracks, which just about doubles the original album.
This track reminds me of my Dad. He grew up in the times of Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, and Audie Murphy. Those were his heroes.
A child needs a hero that he can look up to and find inspiration in.
Thankfully, I didn't have to look too far.
Thank you, Dad, for showing me how to be a hero.

Manu Chao- Mama Call

Talent.
We all have it.
Some seem to have more than others.
But we all have some special gift that God has given us to share with others.
Some talents are developed with education and training.
Some talents just seem to come naturally.
Regardless of where his comes from, Manu Chao has alot of it.
He is a 49 year old French singer of Spanish origin.
Actually, he performs in French, Spanish, English, Arabic, and Portuguese.
He plays the guitar, the bass, and keyboards, along with his singing.
His style has been described as "alternative, ska, punk, jazz, reggae, Latin rock."
His live shows are also very energetic.
I thought this was a cool song from his 1998 album "Clandestino".
This is one of his English songs. Enjoy the gift.

Duke Ellington- Don't Get Around Much Anymore

If I become a Quaker do I have to wear one of those funny looking hats?
I'm just kind of confused right now.
Back in the day, I was a big Reagan fan.
Since then, I've been what you would call a "Conservative Republican".
I'm not so sure these days. I'm just so tired of labels.
The way I look at it, the theme of "America" is "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
So, my elected leaders should have goals and policies that will protect those "unalienable rights" for myself and my fellow countrymen.
So when I vote, the first thing that I look at is, Does this candidate protect life? Abortion advocates need not apply.
I then continue on down the list.
Will this candidate protect my freedom?
How about my ability to pursue happiness and my ability to succeed?
I was speaking with a friend of mine, a black man in his late 30's years ago, and he made the comment, "If a candidate that was anti-abortion and pro-slavery was running against a candidate that was pro-abortion and anti-slavery, I would vote for the first one. I WOULD RATHER BE ALIVE AND A SLAVE THAN DEAD AND FREE." That's thought-provoking.
Lately, however, in my opinion, there has been a dearth of candidates that will get too far down the list.
I used to support the Iraq/Afghanistan conflicts.
I just don't know anymore.
I just don't think that proclaiming a never-ending "War on Terror" is very smart.
Do I like the current administration? No.
Do I miss the previous administration? No.
So, I guess I'm now considered an independent, if you want to label me.
Regardless, I've got the same respect and honor for soldiers, past or present, that are risking their own lives for our nation.
This song is from a compilation disc entitled "Songs That Got us Through WWII".

Junior Wells and Buddy Guy- Chitlin Con Carne

I've got a new Father's Day tradition.
I started it last year.
My wife's favorite places to eat are On The Border and Melting Pot.
I like those, too.
But my favorite place to go is...somewhere new.
I like trying new restaurants.
Well, I've got a friend named Ben. He is in the same boat as me.
For him, it's La Parilla and Longhorn.
Not that there's anything wrong with any of the aforementioned dining options, but...
Last year, Ben and I went to The Dining Room at the Ritz Carlton Buckhead for a pre-Father's Day meal.
After being mistaken for a couple, we sat down (at a safe distance away from each other), and enjoyed a wonderful night of deliciously prepared foods.
Now I must admit, there are some things that I sampled that night that I won't be ordering again--like sweetbreads and head cheese. But it was nice to go outside the dining box for a change.
This year, we went to Bacchanalia on Atlanta's west side. This was probably one of the best meals that I've ever had in my entire life. Very nicely prepared, great presentation, and as my friend Rob, that joined us this year, commented, "Everybody is so nice here."
I think next year, while Ben, Rob, and myself are out trying new things, my wife and Ben's wife are going to order pizza and have a movie night. Good for them, I say.
Junior Wells and Buddy Guy have given me an idea for a new dish to try.

Heaven and Hell- Lonely Is The Word

Last month, the world of heavy metal lost an icon.
Ronnie James Dio died at 67 years old of stomach cancer.
Dio was a very talented artist. He learned to play the trumpet and french horn at an early age. In high school, he joined a band called "The Vegas Kings" in which he played bass guitar. In 1958, he released his first single with a band called "Ronnie & The Redcaps"---a doo-wop band.
He was offered a SCHOLARSHIP(!!!) at the Juilliard School of Music but decided not to pursue it because of his new interest in rock music.
After the Ozz was fired from "Black Sabbath" for "excessive substance abuse compared to the rest of the band", Dio took over as lead vocalist.
He was involved in several other projects including his namesake band, "Dio". One of these projects was a reunion with "Black Sabbath" members under the name of "Heaven and Hell".
Ronnie James Dio had one of the most powerful voices in heavy metal, even in his latter years, as is evidenced in this video.
In an interview, he onced stated that he felt that "heaven and hell were not real places; they were states of existence while here on earth".
Sadly, I believe that now he knows the truth.

Brian Courtney Wilson- All I Need

A little perspective is helpful from time to time.
I've been reading a book called "To the Golden Shore: The Life of Adoniram Judson". Adoniram Judson was the first North American to enter the Christian mission field. He went to Burma.
He encountered illness, death of loved ones, and terrible storms and that was just the many month trip over there.
While there, he was imprisoned, tortured, separated from his wife for a couple of years, lived to see two of his children die, and then experienced the death of his wife. And I'm only two-thirds finished with the book.
Why? Why did he leave his comfortable home in New England?
He was a learned man and had been offered a nice pastorate position in an affluent area at the time.
Why leave all of this and go to a people that he had never met and a land that he had never been to, knowing that danger was imminent and that he would never see his family or friends again?
The answer: The Gospel.
He thought that sharing the story of redemption through Jesus Christ was more important than his comfort.
I think as Americans, most of us struggle with the difference between "wants and needs". I know I do.
Judson, himself, struggled with the internal wars of striving for success and self-denial.
I'm not saying that we should not allow ourselves any "wants", but that we simply acknowledge the blessed life that we already enjoy.
Gratitude. Contentment.
And also a realization that there are those that have chosen to leave the familiar for the unfamiliar, the safe for the dangerous, for a higher purpose.
Thank you Jay and Shana Howard.
Thank you Ludie and Barbara Creech.
May the Lord honor your lives and may the people of Indonesia and Ireland be blessed.

John Prine- Spanish Pipedream

John Prine was a mailman in a small Illinois town. When he was 14 years old, his brother David had taught him to play the guitar. Some nights when he got off of work, he would mosey on down to the Fifth Peg, a local watering hole.
There he watched open mic night. One night after a less-than-entertaining performance, he made a negative comment to the person on stage, to which the performer responded, "You think you can do better?"
I guess he did because he started performing on the stage there at Fifth Peg on Armitage Avenue in Maywood, Illinois, outside of Chicago.
One night, Chicago Sun Times movie critic, Roger Ebert, was watching a movie in a nearby theater. His popcorn was too salty so he got up and walked out. He stopped in the Fifth Peg to grab a beer on his way home and heard this young mailman on stage.
The next day, instead of writing about the movie that he saw the night before, the headline read, "Singing Mailman Delivers The Message." Ebert went on to say that Prine's songs were like little movies and were a lot more interesting than what was showing at the theaters.
That was in the 60's.
John recently released a live recording called "In Person and On Stage". The first track is called "Spanish Pipedream".

Duran Duran- Hungry Like the Wolf

Way back in 1982, there was a brand new television station called MTV-Music Television. This station was originally purposed to show music videos 24 hours a day, guided by on air VJ's or Video Jockeys.
At the same time, there were music groups by the names of The Police, Elvis Costello, The Pretenders, Squeeze, and Duran Duran that were gaining popularity in England.
When these two phenomenon came together, we had the beginning of the "Second British Invasion".
Duran Duran's label, EMI, invested $200,000 to send them to Sri Lanka to film a video for a single off of their "Rio" album. It was one of the first cinematic-type videos (think Indiana Jones) that used actual movie production equipment in it's making.
The "Hungry Like the Wolf" video went on to win a Grammy award for Best Short Form Music Video at the 26th Grammy awards, the very first music video to win the award.
Those were the days.
It's too bad MTV doesn't play music videos anymore. Perhaps even more talented artists would get the recognition that they deserve.

Dierks Bentley- Sideways

My last year of high school, I hung out with a guy named Poops.
Well, Poops wasn't his real name. But all my friends had a nickname.
There was Snoop, Dook, Pebbles, Gin-Gin, Buddy, Farmer, Nurd AKA C2, Tease, Scoot, Duff AKA C3, Woody AKA Country Boy AKA Country F, Pappy AKA Laurel and Hardy, Juice, Big Daddy, Money AKA Money Man AKA Tin Man AKA C4, TP AKA Total Package, Q, C-Shell AKA Corn-Husker, Hollywood, Junior AKA Scotty D, The Original, and I'm sure I'm forgetting someone. Thankfully, I was just Bee.
Back to Poops.
Poops lived with his grandparents, and his "Drunk Uncle" lived out back in the shed. His father had died when he was young, and I can't actually remember why he didn't live with his Mom. I only met her a couple of times. Needless to say, Poops didn't have the best childhood.
His grandfather had a light blue Chevy S10 pickup. One day he borrowed it and we went riding. We ended up on a dirt road moving at a very high speed and Poops said, "Let's get crook-ed!" He then snatched the wheel and we went flying down this dirt road sideways. Thankfully no one else was coming.
Not long after I graduated (he dropped out and got his GED), Poops started hanging out with some folks that was smoking alot of weed. I wasn't interested in going down that road so we eventually stopped hanging out. The last time that I saw him, he had come by my folks house when I was still living at home, with his much younger girlfriend and their new baby. Not long after that I heard he was locked up for drug possession. Meth.
Not long ago I tried to locate him without luck. I was starting to fear the worst.
Finally, another friend heard that he was again recently arrested for possession of meth. I found out what prison he was in and wrote him a letter. I waited for a reply. Nothing.
About a year and a half went by, and another friend said that she had contact with one of his family members that said that for the first time he voluntarily enlisted in rehab. I pray that the days of "getting crook-ed" are over.

Kiss- Rock and Roll All Nite

When I was growing up, I loved watching wrestling. My folks even took me down to the TBS studios one time to watch it being filmed. My favorite was "The American Dream", Dusty Rhodes. I loved just to hear him talk.
He was an overweight white man that sounded like Redd Foxx. I can hear him now..."Ric Flair! I raised you like you were my own boy!"
Another thing I liked was the masked men.
Mr. Wrestling 1 and 2. Superstar. The Spoiler.
It created mystery and excitement to the totally realness of the sport.
That was probably the same thing that attracted me to the band, Kiss.
...Wondering what they really looked like under the make-up.
In fact, when they started performing without it, I lost interest (as did many of their fans apparently).
As a kid, I had the Kiss-Double Platinum 8-track. That's right, I said it.
I also had the vinyl copies of Kiss Alive 1 and Kiss Alive 2.
Yes, I am dating myself, but who cares.
This track was on Kiss Alive 2. I think it's a great Friday kind of song, don't you?

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart- Piano Concerto No. 21 Andante "Elvira Madigan"

I was asked to show some love to Bon Jovi on the blog today. I wasn't really planning on it, but Jovi is a great, hard-working performer.
I've had the opportunity to see him in concert 3 times, twice in the 80's and also just a couple of months ago.
I hear that he does a good show in London, also.
So...(awkward silence)...I was thinking about Mozart the other day.
Well, not really, but kind of. I was listening to the group Phoenix, whose latest album is entitled "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix". Very good album, by the way. I hear Bon Jovi's latest is good, too.
While doing research for the blog, I saw that there was an album out entitled "The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe". Sounds very nice. Alot of familiar compositions included, and yes, very relaxing.
And guess what, Mozarts on there.
Jovi, however, is not.

Casting Crowns- Slow Fade

I've had the opportunity to take care of a couple of celebrities in my career thus far.
I've adjusted Scotty Wilbanks formerly from Newsong, now with Third Day.
I've adjusted Angie Aparo, singer-songwriter that penned Faith Hill's hit song "Cry".
And, I've adjusted Casting Crowns lead singer, Mark Hall.
We attended Eagles Landing First Baptist Church when we lived on the south side of Atlanta. I still remember when Mark, Melanie, Reagan, and John Michael moved up from Florida, to fill a much-needed position as Youth Leader for ELFBC.
It has been fun watching his career take off and his talent to be globally recognized.
More impressive is the fact that despite his success and busy travel schedule, he maintains his position at the church working with young people.
Congrats to the Hall family on their recent adoption of Hope, a 3-year-old girl from China.

Music for Little People- I'm a Little Teapot

In 1939, George Sanders and Clarence Kelley got together and penned one of the most brilliant songs about a teapot ever put on paper. (tongue in cheek)
I'm just a little curious... why did it take two of them to write this song?
Anyway, a version of this song is on "Toddler Favorites" by Music for Little People.
Big deal, you say. So what. You're wasting my time.
In 2003, this album was certified "Platinum" by the Recording Industry Association of America. That means that ONE MILLION of these albums have been purchased. Seriously?
You gotta wonder if old George and Clarence got to see any royalties off of that.
Here's a clip of Michelle (one of the Olsen twins) dancing the routine with Uncles Joey and Jesse accompanying her. Unfortunately, this version isn't on the album.

Dean Martin- Ain't That a Kick in the Head

I really discovered Dino about 2 years ago. I snagged a copy of his Greatest Hits and honestly couldn't stop listening to it.
One of the coolest of the Rat Pack, Dean Martin had a smooth sound and style that just puts you in "chill out" mode.
Since Wifey was out of town this weekend, I watched a couple of movies that she wouldn't be interested in (Training Day and Donnie Brasco).
Something in Donnie Brasco made me think of this song.
Maybe Dino's early Mafia connections...or it could be when the guy got kicked in the head.

Sticks McGhee- My Baby's Gone

My wife went on a "scrap-booking retreat" this weekend with about 10 other ladies. I'm glad that she was able to go. She needs time away to herself when she can unhitch from the normal day-to-day wagon and do things that she wants to.
We all need that.
We were at a marriage retreat a year or two ago and the speakers talked about the need for "self-care". "Self-care" isn't selfish-it allows you to refuel so that you can bring more energy to your relationships and responsibilities. It is also a good way that you can retain some of your own individual personality and passions instead of just being "mom" or "dad" or "husband" or "wife."
So I'm hanging with the chur-drun this weekend. Right now, everything's pretty chill. No one is touching anybody else so no one is screaming. I'm just praying for patience today.
Even when she's gone for just a short period of time, I miss my baby.
This morning, here's a little Appalachian Blues by Sticks McGhee.
Sticks got his nickname in his earlier years in Knoxville, Tennessee when he was pushing his brother Brownie, who was stricken with polio, in a wagon with a stick.
Keep wailin'.

Versa Emerge- Paint It Black

There's an album out now called "Punk Goes Classic Rock".
Up and coming punk bands do covers of classic rock songs.
You've got everybody from Boston to Jimi Hendrix to Queen to Journey being covered.
But this is my personal favorite. I mean their label is called "Fueled by Ramen". That's an awesome picture of a band trying to make it.
This is also probably one of THE best covers I've heard of the Rolling Stones classic.
If you don't like it, go revolt against something.

Celtic Woman- Amazing Grace

My favorite lyrics in the whole world--
"Thru many dangers, toils, and snares,
we have already come.
Twas grace that brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home."

Glee Cast featuring Neil Patrick Harris- Dream On

I watched "Glee" for the first time last night.
I'm not so sure what to make of it. There were a couple of parts that I thought were good but the total package I thought was lacking.
I was a big "90210" fan back in the day. Call me biased but I think I'll take Brenda and Dylan over these guys any day.
"Glee" is a very popular phenomenon, however. The show has won a Golden Globe, a People's Choice, and a Peabody award. I understand they make the songs from the show available for download after every episode, and they have released several CDs featuring the "Glee" cast. That's some pretty big business.
It's definitely different than anything that's on right now, and maybe that's the draw. Anyway, I heard Neil Patrick Harris was on and I thought that had to be pretty entertaining.
Are you a "Glee" fan?

Rolling Stones- Loving Cup

Some people can't keep a job 5 minutes.
The Stones have been rocking since 1962. That's 48 years, man.
Even if folks keep a job in the same company, they usually retire after 35-40 years.
Not The Stones.
"Exile on Main Street" was released in 1972, 10 years after the band was formed.
I was 2.
I'll be 40 next month. If they ever tour Atlanta again, I'd for sure like to see them.
I just pray that I keep the passion for my work when I'm older like they have done.
Here's "Loving Cup" from the recently re-released "Exile".