Trendy Body Chains ... And An Everly Brothers Tribute

Oh, look what's trending now. Just as I'm wearing less jewelry, models and A-listers are sporting more. According to TotalBeauty.com, body chains are being spotted on high fashion runways, plus celebs are sunbathing decked out in chains on the world's most exclusive beaches. Really?

I like the look, sort of, but probably won't follow it, because I don't want to get all tangled up in hardware. Common sense points to the possibility that dressing could get complicated. There's a reason I don't commit crimes. With chains criss-crossing my torso, I might feel like a prisoner.

My favorite (of the above examples) is the chain dangling off the heels. Hmm, I wonder if it makes an annoying sound as you walk? There's a reason jails put heavy metal on an inmate's feet when he leaves his cell. I'd rather not announce I'm walking across the floor. But who knows, maybe that's one of the effects a chain fashionista desires?: "Here I come world!"

A dazzling look for the rich and famous, but how practical for main street? Are you the type of gal or guy who will try a body chain? If so, what do you like about the trend?

Meanwhile ... enjoy a catchy tune about chains from our favorite duo. ♬♪♪♫♪♪

Some exciting news: A special tribute concert for the Everly Brothers will take place on October 25th at the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. According to the Associated Press, the list of performers are being finalized, and Don Everly will come out of retirement to make an appearance. (Thank you, Angie for the article!!!)

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Photo: New York Times: Phil and Don Everly

A dash every fan dreads, but it inevitably comes. R.I.P. Mr. Phil Everly. Thank you for your sweet, perfect harmony and equally amazing solo voice.

In today's New York Times: "Paul Simon, whose song “Graceland” includes vocals by Phil and Don Everly, said in an email on Saturday morning: 'Phil and Don were the most beautiful sounding duo I ever heard. Both voices pristine and soulful. The Everlys were there at the crossroads of country and R&B. They witnessed and were part of the birth of rock and roll.'

'I loved them both,' Mr. Simon wrote. 'Phil was outgoing, gregarious and very funny. Don is quiet and introspective. When Simon and Garfunkel toured with the Everlys in 2003, Art and I would take the opportunity to learn about the roots of rock and roll from these two great historians. It was a pleasure to spend time in their company.'”

Paul McCartney and John Lennon worshipped them, as did Albert Lee, James Burton, the Hollies, Tim Rice, Neil Diamond, Tom Petty, Brian May (Queen) and rock and roll greats too numerous to mention.

Green Day's Billy Joe Armstrong (who along with Nora Jones put out an Everly Brothers' tribute album called "Foreverly" in November, 2013) wrote an essay for the Wall Street Journal about "The Dark Traditions of Phil Everly" and older brother, Don.

I have listened to their music since I was in a bassinet ... literally. My Dad played their records around the house. What a high standard they set. Their harmony was so sweet that children were undisturbed listening to tales of heartache, early death and murder.

From all accounts, Phil Everly was a gentle soul. To think, he is no longer with us ... there are no words, only sadness. It's a day many of us didn't want to come. There is no doubt that his memory and music will live on forever in his family, friends and fans.

Update, Sunday night: Read CBS Sunday Morning's Bill Flanagan's segment on the influence of the Everly Brothers.

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The Everly Brothers appearing on "Music Scene" in November, 1969

Many music fans know the Everly Brothers for their early hits like "Bye, Bye Love" and "Wake Up Little Suzy," and perhaps "Cathy's Clown," a mega hit that put their second record label, the newly minted Warner Bros. Records, on the map.  The Everly Brothers went on to record albums [together and separately] throughout the 60s, 70s and 80s, and the quality of their later albums never waned.  Although not as accepted by the American public, nor music critics -- who wanted Don and Phil to remain the same 50s duo -- their later releases were every bit as good as their early hits.  Here are my reviews for two of their later albums: 

The Everly Brothers Sing: 

The Everly Brothers were often accused of trying to sound hip when they performed or created music in the late 1960s - early 1970s, and why should that be?  Some listeners forget just how young the brothers were when they first hit the charts in 1957.  Phil was 18, and Don had just turned 20.  They were still young men in the late 60s and early 70s.  Why wouldn't their music (and hair) reflect the contemporary times they were living in?  Many of the 1960s musicians who followed and were influenced by the Everly Brothers were in the same age bracket as their idols.  Note that Don was born in 1937, Phil in 1939, Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones in 1936, John Lennon of the Beatles in 1940, and Eric Burdon of the Animals in 1941.

So why listen to this neglected and their later albums?  My answer is for the voices ... and to hear recording artists, who, indeed, changed the times, but also allowed themselves to be changed by the times.  On this album the hit, "Bowling Green," Don's solo, "A Whiter Shade of Pale," and the reissued "It's All Over" -- with Phil singing the solo lines -- are all brilliant songs.  Both Don and Phil are spectacular lead ... and harmony singers.  A listener will never find better voices.

Some Hearts:  (The last studio album)

It would surprise no one that I have all three of the Everly Brothers' Mercury studio albums. I like this last album just as much as the first two (produced by Dave Edmunds). "Some Hearts," produced by Don and Phil, themselves, features what they do best - love songs, and they sing them ... well ... from the heart. Once again their songs capture interesting observations about falling in and out of love. Like their first two 80s albums, this last one brings the Everlys' sound up-to-date while keeping the emphasis on their crisp, stirring voices. Standouts, for me, include the ballad: "Be My Love Again" and the stompers: "Ride the Wind" and "Angel of the Darkness."  There is always a little bit of country and a lot of rock and roll in the Everly sound.  And what is true of their music overall also holds for this, their last studio album, namely, you'll never grow tired of listening to it. {Also pick up Roots, which Rolling Stone calls "one of the finest early country-rock albums."}

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My friend, Cara S., confuses the words "fan" and "fanatic" all the time. I know because she does it whenever she uses my name and the Everly Brothers in the same sentence.

The reality is the Everly Brothers were my father's favorite singers in the whole world, and I don't remember a time they didn't play in our house. Don and Phil have gorgeous voices and soaring, to-die-for harmonies. They are the best there will ever be. So I admit I'm a fan too. But in my friend's mixed up vernacular, she calls me an "Everly Brothers fanatic.” Maybe it’s because I had my picture taken in front of their plaque at the Country Music Hall of Fame and toured Studio B, the audio house of their early hits. Or perhaps, it’s because I replaced all my father's old Everly Brothers records with new CDs – and than ordered a boxed set, two documentaries and a biography. What took Dad years to collect, I bought in a few months, and that's what convinced her she had me pegged correctly. But, I’m not a fanatic – bless her heart – just a FAN who knows a good thing when she hears it. Clearly, my friend needs a good dictionary.

Amazon proved to be a great place to shop for my Everly Brothers' music. First, you can use the site like a library to search for albums, even if you buy elsewhere. Second, it lets you shop between many dealers across the country to find the lowest price. The tab “Artists Store,” is a good resource to see everything your artist released and what formats – CDs, DVDs, videos, MP3s and LPs – are available. Hit “Take Me There” to view album icons and hear song samples. Since it’s all on your screen, you can quickly assess what you own and what you need for your collection. Next you can zero in on a single release. Select the correct format, then click “New,” or “Used” for a range of prices. Amazon adds $2.99 for shipping, but it makes no difference from which state the item ships. I still paid less for each CD, verses walking into a record store. Because you are told what condition a CD, DVD, or book is in, I bought several “Used” CDs listed in “Like New” condition. Expect substantial savings.

I only buy music I'll listen to again and again ... and truthfully, I never – ever – get tired of The Everly Brothers. Next up – the EB exhibit at the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame. But shhhh … don’t tell ... Cara might stage an intervention.

"The Price of Love," Words & Music by Don and Phil Everly

Performing on Hullabaloo hosted by Trini Lopez


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