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| JFK and Sinatra |
01. Townes Van Zandt – “Fare Thee Well, Miss Carousel” (1969) from These Are the Funny Ones
At 25, Van Zandt was a master songwriter (though he may not have known it yet- “Pancho and Lefty” was still a few years away). While there are poetic elements in this song that remind me of Bob Dylan- an obvious influence on Van Zandt- to me the lyrics are more carefully considered both philosophically and theologically and come from much darker places than any Dylan had visited up to that point. The song is sparse, country, but what is also obvious is how much care and polishing went into the words; the music; and the performance. Each time I listen, I hear something new. Now that’s economy.
02. Elton John – “Little Jeannie” (1980) from Reg Dwight – Part 2
This is not one of the many classic songs Elton John wrote with Bernie Taupin- and it shows. Still, it’s a sweet, catchy, and even sophisticated pop song that reminds me of my early ‘80s childhood- when it was always summer- and cheesy new wave and cheesier pop music ruled radio (as well as MTV). To me, “Little Jeannie” still sounds good and hits the spot all these decades later; but, if you’ve got something better from today’s pop music scene for me, then please- the Jean is all ears. I’m waiting.
03. Elton John – “Your Song” (1970) from Reg Dwight – Part 1
This most famous of all the John-Taupin collaborations is also one of the most perfect pop songs ever. Sentimental and overplayed, sure, but “Your Song” is still going strong at 50 years old and is mandatory listening for any aspiring singer-songwriter who hopes to make any money (hey- if only Townes Van Zandt had written more songs like this).
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| Townes Van Zandt |
I’m always curious to hear if artists tackling “O Holy Night” will be up to the task- and McBride does not disappoint. Too many artists, however- including Martina- leave out the additional verses of the song (originally written in French in 1843). In Weezer’s 2008 version of “O Holy Night”, however, the band includes the third verse and chorus (below) that drive home the meaning of the Incarnation (which means “becoming flesh”): that the one infinite, eternal, and spiritual God- who created all things from nothing- loved us so much He- the Son of God- the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity- while retaining his divine nature- took to Himself a human nature, (i.e. a human body and soul like ours) and united it to His divine person, and became man without ceasing to be God at the same time; then suffered, died, and rose from the dead in order to achieve our redemption so we could live with Him forever.
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is Love and His gospel is Peace;
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother,
And in His name all oppression shall cease,
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful Chorus raise we;
Let all within us praise His Holy name!
Christ is the Lord! All praise His name forever!
His pow'r and glory, evermore proclaim!
His pow'r and glory, evermore proclaim!
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| Annunciation by Bartolomé Esteban Perez Murillo |
I think Townes Van Zandt- the young Texan’s third album- works best as a whole, but if I have to pick a favorite song then it’s the opening track which also appeared on his debut album of the same name but then Van Zandt decided to re-record the song a year later. The guy recorded three albums in two years! People had time to do things like that back then- 50 years ago. Is that a harpsichord I hear?
06. Bob Dylan – “Murder Most Foul” (2020) from Downhill After Dallas
The title of this song comes from a line in Hamlet when Hamlet is confronted by his father’s ghost who demands his son avenge his “murder most foul… strange and unnatural”. They killed JFK’s brother, Bobby, a few years later and after that Jackie Kennedy took her kids and left the country. Can’t say I blame her. I feel similarly every time there is another school shooting. Donald Trump, when he was running for president, said the following to an audience at a Christian college: “I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn’t lose any voters, OK? It’s, like, incredible.” Are we as a country crazy to stand for this kind of stuff or what?
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| President and Mrs. Kennedy arrive in Dallas, November 22, 1963 |
07. Yusuf / Cat Stevens – “All Kinds of Roses” (2009) from Rock Grab Bag VII
Simple, beautiful- the world needs more songs like this, please!
Matthew 5:44-48: “Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
08. Richie Havens – “Here Comes the Sun (Live)” (1970) from Rock Grab Bag VII
I think I like this version better than the Beatles’ original.
09. Pixies – “Catfish Kate” (2019) from Alternative Grab Bag V – Part 2
I find something comforting in the fact that the Pixies are still in the world making weird, post-punk fairy tale songs like this. This song rocks!
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| Sinatra in Egypt |
10. Frank Sinatra – “I Would Be in Love (Anyway)” (1970) from Francis Albert – Part 5
Sinatra always had an ability to rock out in his own way, but is that an electric guitar I hear? I’ve read good things about this album- Watertown. I’ll have to check it out.
11. The Righteous Brothers – “Unchained Melody” (1965) from Oldies: Pass the Fritos VI – Part 1
Epic, sublime, and otherworldly- for me this song is Phil Spector’s crowning achievement in the studio (though I’m sure he would disagree).
Listen to the playlist on Spotify...
Recommended Links:
Jimmy Breslin on JFK’s Assassination: Two Classic Columns
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