Playlist: Christmas Faves II – Part 2

A continuing celebration of my favorite Christmas songs. Updated. Enjoy!

01. Red Simpson – “Truckin’ Trees for Christmas” (1973)

02. The Youngsters – “Christmas in Jail” (1956)

03. Johnny Cash feat. June Carter Cash – “Christmas with You” (1972)

04. Frank Sinatra – “The Christmas Waltz” (1957)

05. Andy Williams – “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” (1963)

06. Jimmy Smith – “Silent Night” (1964)

07. Frank Sinatra – “An Old Fashioned Christmas” (1964)

08. Cary Grant – “Christmas Lullaby” (1967)

09. Bing Crosby – “Adeste Fideles” (1942)

10. Frank Sinatra – “Jingle Bells” (1957)

11. Chris Rea – “Driving Home for Christmas” (1988)

12. Andy Williams – “Silent Night, Holy Night” (1963)

13. Nat King Cole – “O Come All Ye Faithful” (1960)

14. Harry Belafonte – “Mary’s Boy Child” (1957)

15. Oscar Peterson – “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” (1995)

16. Andy Williams – “The First Noël” (1963)

17. Mariah Carey – “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” (1994)

18. Céline Dion – “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” (1998)

19. Frank Sinatra – “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” (1948)

20. Peggy Lee – “The Christmas List” (1960)

Listen to the playlist on Spotify...

Playlist: Christmas Faves II – Part 1

A continuing celebration of my favorite Christmas songs. Updated. Enjoy!

01. Vince Guaraldi Trio – “Christmas Time Is Here (Vocal)” (1965)

02. Tammy Wynette – “Silent Night, Holy Night” (1970)

03. Lauren Daigle – “Light of the World” (2016)

04. Andy Williams – “White Christmas” (1963)

05. Johnny Mathis – “We Need a Little Christmas” (1986)

06. Andy Williams – “Happy Holiday / The Holiday Season” (1963)

07. Ray Connif and The Ray Conniff Singers – “Medley: Jolly Old St. Nicholas / The Little Drummer Boy” (1962)

08. Paul McCartney – “Wonderful Christmastime” (1979)

09. MercyMe – “Joseph’s Lullaby” (2005) 

10. Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops Orchestra – “Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town” (1959)

11. Henry Mancini – “Carol for Another Christmas” (1966)

12. Perry Como – ‘Here We Come A-Caroling/We Wish You a Merry Christmas” (1959)

13. 101 Strings Orchestra – “Away in a Manger” (Unknown)

14. Lena Horne – “Let it Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” (1966)

15. Lena Horne – “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” (1966)

16. John Denver and the Muppets – “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” (1979)

17. Leona Lewis – “O Holy Night” (2013)

18. José Feliciano – “O Come All Ye Faithful” (1970)

19. Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops Orchestra – “Winter Wonderland” (1959)

20. Duke Pearson – “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” (1969)

Listen to the playlist on Spotify...

New Faves 12/10/2022 – Part 2

Among my most recent favorite musical discoveries are obscure ‘60s sunshine pop tunes that hit that sweet spot between catchy Mamas and Papas imitation and teeny bopper psychedelic. If I had one hour to spend in an independent record store, I would start at any section marked ‘60s sunshine pop and make time for any album covers hinting at ‘60s baroque pop. I’m also partial to groovy cover versions of familiar songs- always have been- so long as the artist puts their own original stamp on it. When I was the singer in our high school punk band, Twinkie Force, the other members used to bristle at my cover requests and want us to focus instead on our original material which, of course, has been lost to time. But a good cover version can stand the test of time- and even outdo the original.

The days of spinning vinyl in your basement on rainy days and holding album artwork in your hands are over, as are the days of any broad-based popular consensus on what songs deserve to be called hits. Then again, the magical age of ‘60s rock music, while influential, also began to implode as soon as people began to take rock music seriously, write articles and books about it, and take drugs (society is still living with the ruinous results). Perhaps that is why I am attracted to more under the radar music that does not take itself too seriously but respects my time and intelligence, feeds my imagination, and stirs my spirit- even if it is only for three minutes. And music that can do all that is hard to find. Enjoy more of my new faves!

01. Pixies – “Dregs of the Wine” (2022)

02. David McWilliams – “I Love Susie in the Summer” (1967)

03. Glen Campbell – “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” (2008)

04. Cliff Richard and the Shadows – “In the Country” (1966)

05. The Divine Comedy – “Norman and Norma” (2019)

06. Xavier Cugat – “Perfidia” (1941) 

07. Glen Campbell – “Times Like These” (2008)

08. Margo Guryan – “Someone I Know” (1968)

09. 3's a Crowd – “I Don't Want to Drive You Away” (1968)

10. The New Wave – “The Shade of the Sun” (1967)

11. Angel Pavement – “Green Mello Hill” (1969)

12. Journey – “Any Way You Want It (Live)” (2021)

13. The Divine Comedy – “Mother Dear” (2006)

14. The Beautiful South – “Don't Fear the Reaper” (2004)

15. Blondie – “I Love You Honey, Give Me a Beer (Go Through It)” (1980)

16. The Everly Brothers – “Milk Train” (1968)

17. Pulp – “Whiskey in the Jar (Live)” (1995)

18. The Beautiful South – “You're the One That I Want” (2004)

19. Franck: “Panis Angelicus” – Sissel, The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square (2022)

20. David Bowie – “Modern Love (Moonage Daydream Mix)” (2022)

Listen to the playlist on Spotify...

... or check out the playlist on YouTube

(To open music in separate window, click title bar at top of video box)

Recommended Links:

Journey - "Any Way You Want It" - Live Video from Lollapalooza 2021

Pixies – “Head On”

QUEEN & DAVID BOWIE: Under Pressure

"Fan" Star Trek Original Series Clip to "Common People"

New Faves 12/10/2022 – Part 1

In my ongoing quest for a thrill, a laugh, a pull of the heartstrings, or even something spooky, I made these most recent musical discoveries while strolling along my usual paths of ‘60s pop gems, forgotten sunshine pop, etc., songs which back in the day spun in all their vinyl glory at beach shacks and soda fountains all over the world (and the dancing kids from those groovy times are now gray or dead). I imagine how mind-blowing it must have been to be a ‘60s teen hippie in London, Paris, or L.A. living through the worldwide youth revolution, shaking your hips, and watching your black and white world turn to color with no idea what was to come next. Today’s music does not leave me with such thoughts, and most of my new faves continue to come from faded, bygone eras (usually the ‘60s).

But it was not all fun and games back when music moved the world. While there were bikinis, free love, flutes, and marijuana (which is addictive), hippie hedonism also brought venereal disease, drug addiction, and, in the end, hopelessness which is what happens when we reject a God-centered universe and try to put man at the center of things. Yet despite all the great music (and messages of love), war, famine, murder, rape, and suicide rolled on through the ‘60s and beyond and will never stop so long as there are human beings. So perhaps that is the message I take away from these songs. The good music- from any decade- lasts; enjoy it while you can as you would a fleeting sunrise. And the sun will return tomorrow. Enjoy! 

01. Claudine Longet – “Love Is Blue” (1968)

02. Gene McDaniels – “Point of No Return” (1962)

03. Sweetwater – “In a Rainbow” (1968)

04. The Association – “Happiness Is” (1967)

05. Messer Chups – “Ghost Party” (2015)

06. Bartók: “Romanian Folk Dances, Sz 68 IV: Dance from Bucsum” – Lucie Horsch, Dani Luca (2022)

07. B.B. King – “Better Not Look Down” (1979)

08. The Fourmost – “Baby I Need Your Loving” (1964)

09. Reel Big Fish – “Take on Me” (1998)

10. Cat Stevens – “Don't Be Shy” (1971)

11. Cracker – “Happy Birthday to Me” (1992)

12. Pixies – “Vault of Heaven” (2022)

13. Kai Winding feat. Kenny Burrell – “More (Theme from Mondo Cane)” (1963)

14. Jim Lowe – “Green Door” (1956)

15. KWS – “Please Don't Go (Sunshine Mix)” (1992)

16. David Bowie – “Sound and Vision 2013” (2013)

17. Louis Armstrong - “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” (1968)

18. The Monkees – “Happy Birthday to You” (1968)

19. Red Hot Chili Peppers – “The Drummer” (2022)

20. Raul Malo – “Moonlight Kiss” (2009)

Listen to the playlist on Spotify...

Recommended Links:

Mad Men - Final Scene

Monterey Pop

End of an Era

Gimme Shelter

New Faves 08/07/2022

In a former life, I was a high school teacher and had my summers free to do whatever I pleased. For the past ten years, working summers has become a normal part of my life and it still stings my spirit when I look at the calendar and realize I am working when I should be playing. Lost summers in windowless offices cause me to think back to the summer jobs of my youth when I performed menial labor and the morning commute was a bit more pleasurable listening to music and drinking coffee in my car with the windows rolled down to let in the summer air. Back then my whole life was still ahead of me. 

New musical discoveries have been hard to come by this summer. I’ve been leaning mostly on old favorites and taking stock of what I’ve already got. I’ve also been experimenting with mood over genre and thinking about how the music that really excites me is when artists- whose job it is to relate some aspect of the human condition- take chances, commit to it 100 percent, and then just let it all hang out. Is that too much to ask? After all, this has been the deal society has made with artists for thousands of years. Artists get to the live the lives we dream of and in return they brighten and thrill our unglamorous commutes. Here are some of my most recent favorite musical discoveries. Enjoy!

01. Sting – “For Her Love (Live)” (2021)

02. Bubble Puppy – “Hot Smoke and Sasafrass” (1969)

03. Screeching Weasel – “Just Another Fool” (2022)

04. Mapache – “Light My Fire” (2022)

05. Sutherland Brothers – “Sailing” (1972)

06. The Springfields – “Island of Dreams” (1962)

07. The Easybeats – “Hello, How Are You” (1968)

08. Julie Driscoll, Brian Auger and the Trinity – “This Wheel’s on Fire” (1968)

09. Ella Fitzgerald – “Top Hat, White Tie and Tails (Live)“ (1958)

10. Dawes – “A Little Bit of Everything” (2011)

11. William Shatner feat. Steve Hillage – “Rocket Man (2022 Mix)” (2022)

12. Roger Nichols & the Small Circle of Friends – “I Can See Only You” (1968)

13. Ronny & the Daytonas – “Sandy” (1965)

14. Peter Sarstedt – “Frozen Orange Juice” (1969)

15. David Bowie – “Starman (2022 Mix)” (2022) 

16. The T-Bones – “No Matter What Shape (Your Stomach’s In)” (1967)

17. Loudon Wainwright III – “Town & Country” (2022)

18. The Walker Brothers – “In My Room” (1966)

19. Peter and Gordon – “Lady Godiva” (1966)

20. Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass – “A Taste of Honey” (1965)

Listen to the playlist on Spotify...

 

Recommended Links:

"Fan" Star Trek Original Series Clip to "Common People"

Playlist: Classic Rock: Choice Cuts II

A continuing celebration of my favorite classic rock songs. Updated. Enjoy!

Bruce Springsteen

01. Bruce Springsteen – “Thunder Road (Live)” (1975)

02. The Who – “Long Live Rock” (1972)

03. Heart – “Kick It Out” (1977)

04. Van Halen – “Everybody Wants Some!!” (1980)

05. Bachman-Turner Overdrive – “Roll on Down the Highway” (1974)

06. The Doors – “Take It as It Comes” (1967)

07. Tom Petty – “I Won’t Back Down” (1989)

08. The Doors – “My Eyes Have Seen You” (1967)

09. Badfinger – “Sweet Tuesday Morning” (1971)

10. Joe Cocker – “The Letter” (1970)

11. Boz Scaggs – “’l’ll Be Long Gone” (1969)

12. The Police – “Every Breath You Take” (1983)

13. Mott the Hoople – “All the Young Dudes” (1972)

14. Dave Mason – “Only You Know and I Know” (1970)

15. Paul McCartney – “Early Days” (2013)

Listen to the playlist on Spotify...

Play It Again, Jean V – Part 3

“Paul was one of the most innovative bass players ever. And half the stuff that is going on now is directly ripped off from his Beatles period. He is an egomaniac about everything else about himself, but his bass playing he was always a bit coy about . . . He is a great musician who plays the bass like few other people could play it.” 

– John Lennon, 1980 

 

Paul McCartney

01. Funkadelic – “Can You Get to That” (1971) from Playlist: Soul by the Dozen

My introduction to Funkadelic came in the early ‘90s with a cassette version of Maggot Brain (probably through my friend Toast). After the terrifying opening title track, “Can You Get to That” was the second song on the LSD-drenched album and still holds up as some solid soul. 

02. The Beatles – “Penny Lane” (1967) from Playlist: In Search of Baroque Pop

A real place in the Beatles’ hometown of Liverpool and a symbol of childhood innocence, Penny Lane may as well be my hometown- or yours.

03. Kris Kristofferson – “Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll Ever Do Again)” (1971) from Playlist: Country Grab Bag

Ah, the golden age of singer-songwriter confessionals. Long hair, blue jeans, and long, dusty roads looking for freedom, sex, and mind altering substances. Maybe it will come back?

Clyde Stubblefield (center)

04. James Brown – “There Was a Time (Live)” (1968) from The Man Who Invented Funk

One of my favorite JB live performances of all time, I believe this was recorded in Dallas in 1968. It’s been said to death but as a performer Brown (from Augusta, GA) was a force of nature (and it didn’t hurt that he always had a killer band playing behind him). Drums: Clyde Stubblefield.

05. James Brown – “Funky Drummer” (1970) from The Man Who Invented Funk

One of the most sampled songs in the history of rap. Drums: Clyde Stubblefield.

06. Dizzy Gillespie – “No More Blues (Live)” (1962) from Playlist: Jean’s Jazz: Smells Good II

Love the way this song just gives itself room to stretch out and fly. Now that’s what I call jazz!

07. Dinosaur Jr. – “Watch the Corners” (2012) from Teenager Music to Save the Planet

J’s guitar solo starting around 3:26 is so intense- it’s almost otherworldly. I don't think he’s ever been able to repeat it.

08. John Gorka – “I’m from New Jersey” (1991) from Playlist: Folkies II

“They will try harder, they may go further.” No matter how many songs the poor guy has in his repertoire, you just know at every John Gorka show there’s going to be people in attendance who are from the Garden State and shouting at him, “I’m from New Jersey!” 

09. Jackie DeShannon – “Splendor in the Grass” (1966) from Playlist: Folk-Rock Explosion!

Jackie backed by the Byrds! No complaints. Favorite line: “The first time I felt shame.”

10. Lloyd Cole and the Commotions – “Brand New Friend” (1985) from New Faves 04/01/2022

“Jane was in a turtleneck. I was much happier then.” For many women, a simple black turtleneck can be such an attractive look. Why don’t more women wear them? I really like the way the studio back up singers here show total commitment to the lyrics. And really, who doesn’t need a brand new friend?

11. Heron – “Smiling Ladies” (1970) from Playlist: Folk-Rock Explosion!

While it almost failed to make my final cut, I then remembered this song was from Heron’s first album which they recorded entirely outdoors on an English farm (listen for the birds). Pretty cool.

Heron

12. Sammy Davis Jr. – “Mr. Bojangles” (1972) from Pipes and Thrills

Schmaltzy and over the top, there is also something genuine and comforting in Sammy’s performance here. Despite his talent, versatility, and large body of work, Davis is mostly remembered for his off-stage life which included a glass eye, conversion to Judaism, Rat Pack membership, and rumors of devil worship. I hope this and not “The Candy Man” will be the one song for which Davis is remembered. 

13. Superchunk – “On the Mouth” (1991) from Chapel of Unrequited Love – Part 1

“I’ve never even been to your new house- I bet I know exactly what it’s like.” Still sounds as passionate and intense as it did over 25 years ago. And they still play this one live!

John Lennon and Paul McCartney, 1967

14. Frank Chacksfield Orchestra – “J’Attendrai” (Unknown) from The Easy Way

Translated from French: “I will wait”. Not sure when this was recorded but it fits into that ‘50s and ‘60s era of easy listening music that uplifted listeners and took them to exotic locations, in this case France. Also reminds me of some of my favorite Technicolor movies of that era including Around the World in 80 Days and Fanny (both featuring Charles Boyer). 

15. The Beatles – “Here, There and Everywhere” (1966) from Playlist: Four Guys from Liverpool

Lennon’s favorite McCartney tune. McCartney’s, too! Backing vocals by John, Paul, and George.

16. The Zombies – “I’ll Call You Mine” (1968) from Playlist: In Search of Baroque Pop

A beautiful, realistic love song. Dig that piano. 

Well, that’s it for this year, folks. Hope you enjoyed this musical trip down memory lane. Take care, God bless, and see you next year? – The Jean

John 15:16-17: It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another. 

Christ Taking Leave of the Apostles by Duccio di Buoninsegna (14th Century)

 

Listen to the playlist on Spotify...