Wishing You A Happy New Year

Get ready for 2015! 

Enjoy this gorgeous version of Auld Lang Syne, sung so flawlessly by Mindy Smith. Mindy's fans sent her their family photos to make the video. Watching the images along with the song is very touching! Who hasn't sat down to look at old family photographs of days gone by? Stills capturing unscripted moments in life as time steadily marches on.

Auld Lang Syne is Scotland's gift to the world. Look how the song has changed and stayed the same. 

So grab someone's hand, hit "play" and reminisce about how swiftly the years pass ... while giving a hopeful nod to the future. 

Happy New Year Everybody! xox

-------------------♪♪♫♪♪-------------------

From Wikipedia: Complete lyrics by Robert Burns - 1788

Burns’ original Scots verse[4]	English translation (minimalist)	Scots pronunciation guide (as Scots speakers would sound)	IPA pronunciation guide[10] (Burns' own Ayrshire dialect)
Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne? CHORUS: For auld lang syne, my jo, for auld lang syne, we’ll tak' a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne. And surely ye’ll be your pint-stoup! and surely I’ll be mine! And we’ll tak' a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne. CHORUS We twa hae run about the braes, and pou’d the gowans fine; But we’ve wander’d mony a weary fit, sin' auld lang syne. CHORUS We twa hae paidl’d in the burn, frae morning sun till dine; But seas between us braid hae roar’d sin' auld lang syne. CHORUS And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere! and gie's a hand o’ thine! And we’ll tak' a right gude-willie waught, for auld lang syne. CHORUS	Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should old acquaintance be forgot, and old lang syne? CHORUS: For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, we'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne. And surely you’ll buy your pint cup! and surely I’ll buy mine! And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne. CHORUS We two have run about the slopes, and picked the daisies fine; But we’ve wandered many a weary foot, since auld lang syne. CHORUS We two have paddled in the stream, from morning sun till dine†; But seas between us broad have roared since auld lang syne. CHORUS And there’s a hand my trusty friend! And give me a hand o’ thine! And we’ll take a right good-will draught, for auld lang syne. CHORUS	Shid ald akwentans bee firgot, an nivir brocht ti mynd? Shid ald akwentans bee firgot, an ald lang syn? CHORUS: Fir ald lang syn, ma jo, fir ald lang syn, wil tak a cup o kyndnes yet, fir ald lang syn. An sheerly yil bee yur pynt-staup! an sheerly al bee myn! An will tak a cup o kyndnes yet, fir ald lang syn. CHORUS We twa hay rin aboot the braes, an pood the gowans fyn; Bit weev wandert monae a weery fet, sin ald lang syn. CHORUS We twa hay pedilt in the burn, fray mornin sun til dyn; But seas between us bred hay roard sin ald lang syn. CHORUS An thers a han, my trustee feer! an gees a han o thyn! And we’ll tak a richt‡ gude-willie-waucht‡, fir ald lang syn. CHORUS	ʃɪd o̜ːld ə.kwɛn.təns bi fəɾ.ɡot, ən nɪ.vəɾ brɔxt tɪ məin? ʃɪd o̜ːld ə.kwɛn.təns bi fəɾ.ɡot, ən o̜ːl lɑŋ səin? CHORUS: fəɾ o̜ːl lɑŋ səin, mɑ dʒo, fəɾ o̜ːl lɑŋ səin, wiːl tɑk ə kʌp ə kəin.nəs jɛt, fəɾ o̜ːl lɑŋ səin. ən ʃeːr.li jiːl bi juːɾ pəin.stʌup! ən ʃeːr.li ɑːl bi məin! ən wiːl tɑk ə kʌp ə kəin.nəs jɛt, fəɾ o̜ːl lɑŋ səin. CHORUS wi two̜̜ː heː rɪn ə.but ðə breːz, ən puːd ðə ɡʌu.ənz fəin; bʌt wiːv wɑn.əɾt mʌ.ne ə wiːɾɪ fɪt, sɪn o̜ːl laŋ səin. CHORUS wi two̜̜ː heː pe.dlt ɪn ðə bʌɾn, freː moːɾ.nɪn sɪn tɪl dəin; bʌt siːz ə.twin ʌs bred heː roːrd sɪn o̜lː laŋ səin. CHORUS ən ðeːrz ə ho̜ːn, mɑ trʌs.tɪ fiːɾ! əŋ ɡiːz ə ho̜ːn ə ðəin! ən wiːl tak ə rɪxt ɡɪd wʌ.lɪ wo̜ːxt, fəɾ o̜lː laŋ səin. CHORUS

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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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Sam Smith - "Stay With Me" LIVE

For a myriad of reasons, I fell asleep last night while watching late night television. This is the voice that woke me up. WOW!!! At first I thought I was dreaming. Oh WOW!!! The rich, bluesy voice belongs to Sam Smith, a London singer-songwriter. I LOVE this guy! Only 22 years old, surely, he will be the next big thing.

There is such a wealth of young talent today. The future of music looks good!♫♫♫

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Phil Everly: January 19, 1939 - January 3, 2014

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 Floyd Country General Store

Photo by Growlerfills

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia sits The Floyd Country General Store. People who pay a visit feel like they have stepped back in time. A real country store serving a rural community, its shelves are stocked with a bounty of quirky and practical goods, including penny candy, books on farming, local arts and crafts, eco-friendly cleaning products, kitchen tools, casual clothing, and old fashioned toys and games.

The store has an inviting cafe. All the food on the menu is fresh, locally-grown and homemade. You will find country favorites like barbequed pulled pork, Chicken Brunswick stew and pinto beans with onions and cast-iron-skillet baked cornbread. Be sure to save room for the hand-dipped ice cream.

All year-around, the general store hosts a popular Friday Night Jamboree of Appalachian music and dance, where some of the most esteemed, old-time musicians take the stage. The evening starts at 6:30, features three bands, and by all accounts, lives up to its repulation of excellence. Live music also plays on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

According to public records, the store has been around since 1910. Continuing with tradition, it strives to be a gathering place for its community to make music, attend agriculture lectures, play a friendly game of checkers, or simply catch-up on local news perched in rocking chairs, while sipping craft beer and rootbeer floats. (You will find award-winning craft beer all over town.)

The Blue Ridge Mountains are a beautiful area to visit, and the The Floyd Country General Store is a charming, lively stop along the way. [Read more on Floyd, VA here.]

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What's On Your Playlist?

Back by request is a variation of my guilty pleasure songs. But since I don't feel too guilty about this compliation (not like the 1st one I compiled), I will call this 3rd list a summer playlist. Most of the songs are fairly old. They are on my playlist because they stand the test of time. I can listen to each of the songs over and over again. ♬♪♪♫♪♪

I don't like to link up with YouTube, since uploads come and go, but I'll do it here. So until they disappear, you can click below on the song titles to hear them. The music is in no particular order:

1. St. Teresa (above) by Joan Osborne - Intoxicating beat.  A sympathetic look at a woman who is addicted to drugs and supporting her habit anyway she can. I picture her high on a street corner in front of a church when a big statue of St. Teresa catches her eye. She is a human being who has fallen on hard times. "Every stone a story, like a rosary."

2. Crazy - Cee Lo Green - Love the lyrics and sentiment. A bluey-hip hop sound. 

3. Whenever, Whatever - Shakira - Great rhythm, great voice, great body (like you didn't notice).

4. All Along The Watchtower - (Written by Bob Dylan) Performed by Jimi Hendrix - An ancient song, which never gets old. The introduction is classic, and the composition builds and builds.

5. Give In To Me by Michael Jackson - Mega hits like Billie Jean and Thriller get more play, but I like his lesser known songs too. This one features Slash on guitar.

6. Sweet Child Of Mine by Guns & Roses - Speaking of Slash, his opening guitar riff  (and later solo) make this the memorible rock and roll song that it is. Nice lyrics by Axl Rose. Rose isn't a bad singer; however I would give ANYTHING to hear Freddy Mercury sing this; a pure fantasy, since Mercury died in 1991 before the song came out.

7. Rocks by Primal Scream - You have to love a song with brilliant lyrics like "Dealers keep dealin, Thieves keep thievin, ... Aint no use in prayin. That's the way it's staying."  This song came out nearly 20 years ago, but it sounds so current, doesn't it?

8. Breakaway by Kelly Clarkson - Kelly has a terrific voice, so I'm a fan. 

9. Someone I Used To Know by Gotye (with Kimbra) - Sure it was wildly popular all last year. But you know what? I still love it.

10. Get This Party Started by Pink - I always listen to this in summer. Pink is another good singer with a strong voice.

Extra: If that's not enough, play a song by Lana Del Rey - I realize she bombed on SNL. Was it nerves? She's a good musician who writes intelligent, atmospheric, torchy pop. I like her mezzo-soprano voice. Next time she'll have more experience performing LIVE.
                     

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90 Degree Days Ahead

Is that "Dancing With The Stars" judge, Bruno Tonioli, dancing as a policeman at the end?

It seems like every spring has a week in which temperatures rise making the season feel more like summer. Here on the East Coast, the next three days are going to hit the 90s. Are you ready for them? I love summer, so I won't mind too much. I can always remove layers of clothing and/or sip a tall, slurpy, icy drink to cool myself off.

Here are a few things to be grateful for when the thermometer registers HOT:

1. The great outdoors - Relishing public parks, backyard barbecues and center-of-town window shopping. Being outside is fun ... period. Whether you're enjoying the leafy green or walking on a city pavement, there are lots of sights to take in.

2. Music mixes - Make a CD of all you favorite pop songs, or if you're lucky enough to have an eclectic radio station in your area, be sure to drive your car with the radio cranked up. You never get too old for it! ♬♪♪♫♪♪

3. Swimming - at local pools or beaches - It's great exercise without traumatizing your joints, as well as, a fabulous way to spend time with friends catching up on news. Plus, the fashion is fun and easy, from swimsuits and cover-ups to wrap dresses and sandals.  Don't forget the sun protection, including sunglasses!

4. Biking - Many cities have Citi Bike sharing programs, where you can go to a convenient station, rent a bike to ride for several hours and then return the bike at another convenient station. New York City established a station at 59th Street and 5th Avenue, an entrance to Central Park, making a ride in the park inviting for locals and tourists alike. Cost: $10 and up. You can't beat it!

5. Reading, relaxing and eating - I don't know about you, but I seem to do plenty of these "activities" when the days are long and the weather agreeable. I'm looking for some good summer reads now. Goodreads may have some ideas.

6. Soaring temperatures are a reminder to plan your travels. The chance to take a summer vacation is right around the corner. Enjoy!

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Remembering Patsy Cline 9/8/32 – 3/5/63

 

It's been 50 years since the world lost one of its most iconic singers.  Because there will never be another talent like Patsy Cline, let's take a moment to remember her.

Patsy began singing on a radio show in Winchester, Virginia as a teenager to help support her family.  She had perfect pitch, and through determination and hard work went on to become one of the most respected and influencial female singers of the 20th century.  She was a pioneer, crossing over from the country charts into pop music and leading the way for female artists to headline music concerts ... which was unheard of for women in her day.

Patsy's lively personality, emotionally expressive voice and pivotal role in the music industry will never be forgotten by anyone who listens to her songs.

Photo: Patsy Cline website here

Aside from Cline's remarkable talent, people who knew her always mention what a geniune and likeable person Patsy was.  Often described as generous and big hearted, she accomplished so much in just 31 years.  Not only did she reach the top of her profession, she was a devoted wife, mother and daughter and much loved by friends and Nashiville's music community.

Why not remember her spirit, as well as, her talent?

To understand what I'm saying, take another moment to click and read The Dash, a poem written in 1996.

R.I.P. the one and only Patsy Cline.  In every way, you used your dash well.

Patsy Cline's remastered albums are a must-have for anyone who loves a gorgeous voice. Click here and here to listen to two of her signiture songs. 

As musician Roy Clark, Jr. pointed out: Faded Love was forever a Bob Wills song -- Bob wrote it, recorded it and had a hit with it, but as soon as Patsy sang it, it became a Patsy Cline song.

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Have A Merry Christmas

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings

My favorite interpretation of these two traditional Christmas carols is a 2004 recording by the Bare Naked Ladies, featuring Sarah McLachlan.  While God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen is of English origin, We Three Kings was written in America in 1857.

Much peace and love to you this holiday season!  Once again, thanks for stopping by the blog.

Here are a few Christmas images to enjoy while tapping you toe to the song:

A Christmas tree outside the Bloomberg Tower - 731 Lexington Avenue at 59th Street, New York City

KaLightoscope Christmas at the Galt House, Louisville Kentucky.  Huge and elaborate!  To see more click here.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

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A Sweet And Haunting Halloween Harmony

Candy corn is probably the most traditional of all Halloween candy ... dating back to the 1880s.  Created by George Renninger in Philadephia, PA, it was originally mixed and molded by hand.  It was shaped to mimick real kernels of corn, while its tri-color design was revolutionary in 19th century, rural America.  People flocked to buy candy corn, and here we are 130 years later.  Today the Goelitz Confectionery Company is the longest producer of this abiding Halloween treat.

The basic ingredients of candy corn remain the same: sugar, corn syrup, carnauba wax, marshmellow, honey and food coloring.    And as far as spooky treats go, it's not a bad choice.  A single serving, consisting of 22 pieces, has about 150 calories and 0 grams of fat.  But, it's very sweet, so a little goes a long way.  Just remember to brush you teeth soon after eating.

Moreover, what would Halloween be without a lovely, but haunting little ditty?  Down In The Willow Garden is a traditional Appalachian murder ballad.  Historians believe the song comes from various Irish folk songs. Sometimes called Rose Connolly, a version of the song was noted as early as 1811 by the Irish folk music collector, Edward Bunting.  

The rendition featured here is by the Everly Brothers from their gorgeous 1958 album. Every song on that album is a gem.  It's time for the Kennedy Center Honors to recognize the Everly Brothers, while they are still alive and well.  The duo was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, The Country Music Hall Of Fame, as well as, received coveted awards for their songwriting talents.  They also have a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and a star on Hollywood Boulevard.  Hello.  Swe-et Car-o-line, it's high time!  An errie ballad in ¾ time ... click the arrow to listen and follow along with the lyrics, if you wish: 

Lyrics

Down in the Willow garden

Where me and my love did meet

As we sat a-courtin'

My love fell off to sleep

I had a bottle of Burgundy wine

My love she did not know

So I poisoned that dear little girl

On the banks below

I drew a sabre through her

It was a bloody knife

I threw her in the river

Which was a dreadful sign

My father often told me

That money would set me free

If I would murder that dear little girl

Whose name was Rose Connolly

My father sits at his cabin door

Wiping his tear-dimmed eyes

For his only son soon shall walk

To yonder scaffold high

My race is run, beneath the sun

The scaffold now waits for me

For I did murder that dear little girl

Whose name was Rose Connelly 

Enjoy a safe, frightening and Happy Halloween!

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