Dark Monday • Liza Minnelli is 'Stepping Out'

I have to admit, when I was coming up with an idea for this Dark Monday post, it began with wanting to feature Liza Minnelli, for it has just been too long. Don't get me wrong - I listen to her all the time. Yes, I am a big fan. But it has been too long - about 7 months - since I have featured her on the blog. So tonight I feature a scene from the 1991 film, 'Stepping Out', where Liza, as the main character Mavis, sings the title song, written for her by the great team of John Kander and Fred Ebb. The show is based on a play of the same name that premiered in London in 1984, and later on Broadway in 1987. It was the story of a fading West End star who teaches a tap dancing class in a dingy church hall. It was thought of as a great vehicle for Minnelli, and the story was adapted to be based in Buffalo, New York, and the role of the teacher was beefed out a bit. And there was the addition of the song, Stepping Out". This is Liza singing the title song.

And while it hit the movies in a limited release, the film was not a financial success. This was surprising, as the cast was pretty impressive. Along with Liza, the credits included Shelley Winters, Julie Walters, Ellen Greene, Jane Krakowski, Bill Irwin, and Andrea Martin, among others. But as I say, any movie with Liza in it is worth seeing. But I have been a fan of Liza's since I saw her on Broadway, in 'The Act', which I saw on a high school trip. Since then, I have purchased her albums, seen her movies, you name it. I still would love to see her performing live again. And her recent album, 2010's 'Confessions', is so wonderful, I never tire of listening to it.

22 Years Ago • Music of My 1993

Photo of me from 1993.

Every year about this time, I always find myself revisiting a time that was not a highpoint in my life. It has been 22 years since I was in the hospital. While just typing that in makes it seem like a very long time ago, I must admit, I still remember it like it was yesterday. It was January of 1993, a time of change for me. I was in my thirties, and had become disenchanted with much of the music playing on the radio. I was listening less to radio, and more to my own music collection, which was rich in the music of the 1970s and 1980s, and music I picked up along the way. Much of it was music that didn't really make it to the top of the charts, but did make it high enough I heard it and fell in love. While I've posted about this before, I thought I'd revisit it, only using different music to punctuate the soundtrack to my days.



Clockwise: UB40, Janet Jackson, Soul Asylum, and Gin Blossoms.

When I think of UB40, the British reggae band best known for their cover of "Red Red Wine", they pretty much fell into this category. They weren't controlling the charts, but they were making Pop music more interesting than it was. I was listening to their cover of "Can't Help Falling in Love with You", off the album 'Promises and Lies'. This was a remake of the song written by Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, and George David Weiss, and made famous by Elvis Presley in 1961. But they did, in fact, top the Billboard Hot 100 with their version of "Can't Help Falling in Love with You".

Well, back to my own tale. In the fall of 1992, I had moved back to Delaware from New York City, having packed up my apartment in Park Slope, Brooklyn, after a 10 year run in the big city. About a month or so after getting home, I started feeling unwell, like a constant rolling in my stomach. I went to see the doctor, who scheduled a series of test, along with prescribing some medication to give me some comfort. Just when I thought I had about every test imaginable for my gastrointestinal system, the doctor scheduled another for the new year. However, between Christmas and New Years, I started my prep, which included going off the medication I was on. I was not prepared for what was about to happen.

But let I shall talk about a bit more music. I first became a fan of Janet, or Miss Jackson if you're nasty, in 1986 with the release of her album 'Control'. I was among those who could not wait to purchase her amazing next album, 'Rhythm Nation 1814'. I continued to enjoy her music in the coming years, into the 1990s. I loved the sexy and sweet song she released in 1993, and listened to it more than I might normally care to admit. This is Janet Jackson with her music video for "That's The Way Love Goes".

So as I went off my medication in late December of 1992, I started to feel discomfort, and more. This was much worse than I felt before, and I wasn't sure why. I quickly deteriorated, and I found myself unable to sleep, and by morning, I was in the bathroom, vomiting. I started getting scared, for there was some blood visible. It was not long before my family woke up, and I was taken to the emergency room. I had no idea what was wrong, but I knew nothing was right, either. I spent hours in the emergency room, curled up on a hospital bed surrounded by a curtain. It was freeing cold, and I just wanted it all to stop.

Finally, after was felt like forever, I was checked in and taken to a room. They wanted things to get a bit under control, and then schedule surgery, more exploratory than defined. Soon New Years Eve passed, and I was still in the hospital unsure of what my body was doing. A doctor told me he suspected Crohn's Disease, but would know better after surgery. A nurse was kind enough to give me some information to read about Crohn's, which sounded a lot like what I had. After a few more days, I went into surgery, a bit frightened but hopeful.

I must admit, before the next song came out, I didn't really know much about the group Soul Asylum. But with the release of this single, I was intrigued, like many other people out there. "Runaway Train" was a single off their 1992 album, 'Grave Dancers Union'. In fact, the success of the single helped propel the album to double Platinum status. The song was so touching, and the music video helped bring attention to the fact there were children in need in the country. This is the music video for Soul Asylum's "Runaway Train".

Back in the hospital, I was recovering from the surgery when I heard from the surgeon. It wasn't Crohn's Disease, I discovered. It was cancer. Apparently, I had a tumor the size of a grapefruit that was removed, as well as about 18 inches of intestine. I was a bit in shock, not expecting the news at all. Despite the advancement in medicine, I has to admit being scared hearing the world 'cancer'. In some part of my mind, I heard 'death' instead. I gave myself a little bit of time with that, and then made the decision I couldn't let that take up space in my thoughts. I needed to move forward, and adopt a brighter attitude, to stay positive. I couldn't allow myself time away from the light to let doubt and fear shade the playing field. I vowed to stay positive, no matter what. That was no mean feat, to say the least.

It didn't get any easier when I was finally released from the hospital a couple of weeks later, already set up with an appointment for an oncologist. After meeting with the doctor, it was decided I would undergo a new form of chemotherapy, where I would go to the doctor once a week and get injections in 50 of the next 52 weeks. The dosage would be less than a traditional 'course' of chemo, but with that schedule, it was intense enough for me. I as being given a drug known as 5FU, or Fluorouracil. Trust me, after the first few weeks, the drug with an 'eff-you' in the name was not lost on me. I was also taking a weekly does of Levamisole, which I later learned was originally used as a sheep wormer. I know, this stuff just got more and more weird, right? And I was getting weekly blood tests, as well as the chemo injections. This lead to feeling more and more like a pin-cushion with each passing week. Soon I was getting injections on the top of my hand, for it was easier to find the blood vessels.

I have to admit, I was feeling pretty poorly over that year, so my music was an important escape for me. I could put on my headphones, hit play on the Sony Walkman or my Sony Discman (I did have both, but I'll be damned if I can tell you what happened to either), and get out of the life controlled by disease, doctors, and medicine, and revel in being alive and able to listen to some great music. In the summer of 1993, Gin Blossoms released a great major label debut, 'New Miserable Experience', and I was all over it. They had a hit with the second single "Hey Jealousy", a frantic yet introspective song. You better believe that was playing often, usually at a loud volume. In truth, I'd play the whole CD, for I couldn't get enough of it. This is the original music video for "Hey Jealousy".

So I spent much of 1993, and the early part of 1994 sick from the chemotherapy, It changed everything in my life, from giving everything an odd metallic taste, to my sense of smell, which made me nauseous from odd things, like the smell from a dishwasher. I felt like I wasn't eating well, always feeling sick. The oncologist wanted to weigh me every week, to make sure the chemo wasn't exacting too high a toll on me. But somehow, I not only managed to maintain my weight, but I gained over 70 pounds during the year. Also, while I was going through the chemotherapy, the Delaware State News asked if I would be interviewed for an article on chemo. I agreed. Here is a picture while I was getting chemotherapy.

Well, needless to say, I survived it all. It was 22 years ago that I had surgery, and 19 years since I completed chemotherapy. I remember when it was just one month, six months, and then the first anniversary. I also remember when I past a big landmark, five years. I was told that was a big one, if you can go longer than five years without a recurrence, I would be in good shape. I remember fighting with the insurance company, who seemed to adhere to a policy of saying no to paying everything, until I would fight back, making a rough time that much more stressful. I remember how it was another 12 to 18 months to feel like myself again, no longer feeling the effects of the chemotherapy. And how, even to this day, I shy away from taking anything, even aspirin, unless needed. But more than anything else, I can tell you I am damn glad to still be here, still listening to music, and loving every note of it.

Ladies & Gentlemen • George Michael

I have found myself shaking my fist to the sky, cursing the Gods of shipping as I stand by my mailbox, waiting for my copy of Anthony Callea's 'Ladies & Gentlemen: The Music of George Michael' to arrive from it's seemingly endless journey from Australia to the United States. Instead of getting too crazy, I have decided to return to the source of it all, and visit the brilliant Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou himself for his great music. Yes, that is the given name of entertainer extraordinaire, George Michael. And I shall start with a song that was given to us all almost exactly 30 years ago. "Careless Whisper" was officially released on July 24, 1984. It was a single off the Wham! album, 'Make It Big', but it is really credited to Wham! featuring George Michael. The song, written by George and his bandmate Andrew Ridgeley, went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and stayed there for three weeks. This is the official music video for "Careless Whisper".

In October of 1987, the first solo album hit the ground, and George Michael was off and running. 'Faith' took the world by storm, offering a more mature and, dare I say it, sexier version of the superstar. The album went to #1 on the Billboard 200, and held the spot for 12 consecutive weeks. Hey, that is like three months in a row! 'Faith' also won the Grammy for 'Album of the Year'. The third single was released on January 2, 1980, and spent 14 weeks in the American Top 40. "Father Figure" also spent three weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song had a smokey, smouldering quality, and I couldn't get enough of it. This is George Michael with the official music video for "Father Figure".

And finally, I take a look (or should I say a listen) to Michael's 1996 album, 'Older'. At first I laughed at the album title, for at that point George was only 33, hardly considered older. But once you hear it, you understand he was meaning to show how he had matured, how he had grown since the world had first gotten to know him as the lead singer of Wham! The first single was a brooding and melancholy song that spoke to loss and hurt. "Jesus to a Child" entered the American charts at #7. Later, it was said to be written by Michael as a loving tribute to his lover, Anselmo Feleppa, who the singer/songwriter had met after a concert in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1991. Their love burned bright, but the Brazilian passed away in 1995. Of course, this was all very hush-hush, for this was still while George was in the closet. But when you listen, you can feel the very real pain he was feeling. This is George Michael with his music video for "Jesus to a Child".

Unfortunately for us all, George Michael has faced his health struggles in recent years, from unexplained illnesses to substance abuse issues. But none of that can remove from our hearts and our ears the amazing music he brought to us all. Michael was forced out of the closet in 1998, when he was arrested for "engaging in a lead act" in a public restroom in Hollywood, California. It seems years of lviing in the closet had driven him to anonymous sex, which brought him to that public park. But the important thing is the music, and it is glorious. You can find all three tracks on his album 'Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael', an exceptional compilation of his music. You can purchase the album from Amazon. You can also find them on the compilation 'Twenty Five', available on iTunes and Amazon. For more bout George Michael, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

All-4-One • I Swear

In July of 1994, the song "I Swear" made the second appearance on the Billboard Hot 100, but this time it sounded very different. Gary Baker and Frank J. Myers wrote a ballad that was first released by singer John Michael Montgomery, whose version of the song went to #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, and #44 on the Hot 100. But a few months later, the group All-4-One released their R&B version of the song, and soon it was the sound of the summer. You see, this time, the song made it to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, not for one week, but for eleven consecutive weeks. Today marks the 20th anniversary of the songs final week on top of the charts, but securing that Jamie Jones, Delious Kennedy, Alfred Nevarez, and Tony Borowiak defined the sound of the summer. This is "I Swear" by All-4-One.

Brings back memories, at least for me...

Dance Hits From 1994

Clockwise: General Public, Céline Dion, Madonna, and Kristine W.

Out of curiosity, I looked up the songs that topped the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart in 1994, and I thought it was pretty damn impressive. Stars like Gloria Estefan, Whitney Houston, Bjork, CeCe Peniston, Deee-Lite, k.d. lang, Mariah Carey, C+C Music Factory, Patti LaBelle, and Ace of Base topped the chart that year, and didn't make this post. Some even had two different songs go #1! Who were the four lucky artists and which the lucky songs? I will begin with the song that went to #1 the week of June 4. That is when General Public, the British New Wave band I just loved, had "I'll Take You There" on the soundtrack to the film 'Threesome', and it caught on with the, well, general public. The song went to #22 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was in the Top 100 on the year end chart. It also stood on top of the Hot Dance Club Play chart, so here are General Public with "I'll Take You There".

You can find "I'll Take You There" on 'The Best of General Public', available from iTunes and Amazon. It was about this time French Canadian songstress Céline Dion was beginning to make a mark on the American charts. Her first US #1 song was "The Power of Love", the first single off the album 'The Colour of My Love', in 1993. The second single was "Misled", which went to #22 on the Billboard Hot 100. But it also went to #1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart the weeks of July 2nd and July 9th. This is "Misled" by Céline Dion.

You can find "Misled" on 'The Colour of My Love', available from iTunes and Amazon. During the summer, almost 20 years to the day, it was the start of something pretty darned special. The week of July 23rd, "Feel What You Want" went to #1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart, the first of eight songs in a row to go to the top of the chart. As a matter of fact, she had 14 of her first 15 songs make it to the top, the other one only going to #2. But it was her first single off the album 'Land of the Living' that started the run, and it is easy to understand why. The song is smokey, smart, sexy, and powerful, and you couldn't ask any more from a song, could you? And the video is, well, amazing. This is "Feel What You Want" by Kristine W.

You can find "Feel What You Want" on 'Land of the Living', available from iTunes and Amazon. For our final song of the post, I can't say it was the artist's first #1 song, nor even her first of the 1990s. Madonna had her first #1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart in 1993, with "Holiday". Fast forward almost 11 years, and 18 Dance chart toppers, and Madge releases the album 'Bedtime Stories'. Of course the album is a success, as is the first single, "Secret". Sexy and moody, the song went to #1 on the Dance chart the weeks of November 26th and December 3rd.
"Secret" by Madonna




You can find "Secret" on 'GHV2', available from iTunes and Amazon.

Go West • King of Wishful Thinking

(Left to right) Richard Drummie and Peter Cox in 1985.

I was first moved by the music of Go West in 1985, when I saw.heard the video for their first single, "Call Me". The group was made up by rhythm guitarist Richard Drummie and vocalist Peter Cox. The British artists got together in London, England, in 1982, and apparently, it was a match made in heaven. I loved the first song, and went to my favorite import store and purchased their eponymous debut album. I loved it so much, I couldn't wait for more. And soon as I found it, I purchased it! Of course, it didn't hurt both men were strikingly handsome, and Cox had a voice with just the right amount of grit behind it.

In 1990, the band had a song in the soundtrack to the film 'Pretty Woman'. Turned out to be a good move, as the song, "King of Wishful Thinking", went to #8 on the Billboard Hot 100, and they received an ASCAP award for being one of the most played songs in America in 1990. The song was all kinds of catchy, and I, along with many others, found it irresistible. And while it might be hard to believe, that makes the song 24 years old at this point. It was written by Drummie and Cox, and performed to perfection by them. This is the official music video for "King of Wishful Thinking" by Go West.

"King of Wishful Thinking" can be found on the album 'Indian Summer', as well as the greatest hits collection, which included this and many other fantastic songs. You can buy 'Ace and Kings: The Best of Go West' from iTunes and Amazon. Have a great weekend!

Brian Kennedy • A Look At...

The path to me finding new artists is often more scenic route than expressway, and such is the case with talented Irishman Brian Kennedy. I was a fan of Westlife, and still look up the boys since they broke up (Mark Feehily, I am still waiting for your album). A search about Kian Egan's new music led me to 'The Voice of Ireland', which brought me to discover Brian Kennedy, one of the coaches in the first season. His voice intrigued me, and he looked a bit familiar. But then again, handsome Irishmen definitely have their appeal. Further inquiries informed me he had sung with Van Morrison for a few years, including in a few music videos. (Ha! I had seen him before.) I also learned that Brian had come out in 2009, and has continued to write and record great music since. In the four months since I found him, I now have five of his albums, as well as some other wonderful singles. And I bet I will be collecting more soon...

I have to say, I have been captivated by his voice from the first time I heard it. Sure, he might have the looks to turn heads, but when he sings, I feel myself catch my breath. Take, for instance, his song "Hollow" off his debut album, 'The Great War of Words'. The song was written by Kennedy, and he performed it to perfection. I loved the phrasing, and the rhythmic feel of the song. It did feel like a song by the great Joni Mitchell. And what's not to love about a handsome boy with a guitar? This is the music video for "Hollow", the 1990 single by Brian Kennedy.

That first day, while I was listening to what I could, and watching all the videos available to me, one song drew into the lead in the race to be my early favorite. It was the title track of his sophomore album, released in 1996. "A Better Man" has a wonderful moody feel, a little brooding, and maybe a bit of yearning. It was written by Kennedy, Jon Lind and Phil Pickett. This is the official music video for Brian Kennedy's "A Better Man".

The second cut on the 'A Better Man' album is another song I loved immediately, and it came as no surprise for me that it was written by Brian. Once again, I was captured by the mood of the song. This time out, there is a wonderful joy, and I can't help but be swept up in it. It starts off with such a timid sound, the feel of insecurity love can bring comes out. But as the song goes on, Brian gives me the feel of strength building as love grows. I wish I could find a copy of a music video, but until then this is a lyric video for "For One Kiss".

When it comes to sheer joy, it is hard to imagine a song that captures that spirit more than the last offering is this post. Again, the song penned by Kennedy was featured on the 1996 album 'A Better Man'. "Life, Love, and Happiness" has such warmth, such strength, and such love behind it, I can't help but listen to it time and time again. Since I couldn't find an official music video for it, I am offering you a clip for the DVD 'Live in Belfast', released in 2004. I tell you, if I could make this song my official theme song, I would be one very happy man. Please enjoy the live version of "Life, Love, and Happiness".

I am telling you, since I found his music about four months ago, I have been somewhat obsessed with Brian Kennedy's music. And this has taken me longer to write than it truly should have. Why, you might ask? Because while I was typing and watching videos, I went on to eBay and purchased two more albums, and a DVD. Yes, the 'Live in Belfast' DVD from which the clip for "Live, Love, and Happiness" was taken. It, 'The Great War of Words', and 'Now That I Know What I Want' should be arriving in the next week or so. While I cannot be definite, I am beginning to think I have a problem, and I might be addicted to the music of Brian Kennedy. Well, not a problem, really. More of an issue of having great taste. You can find all four of the songs featured on his album 'Won't You Take Me Home: The RCA Years', which can be found on iTunes and Amazon. This was the first one I purchased, although it was far (so very far) from the last. To learn more about Brian Kennedy, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook.

32 Years With Boy George & Culture Club

In the Fall of 1982, the world, and especially the United States, were abuzz about the a new band coming out of England. Culture Club was made up by bassist Mikey Craig, Roy Hay on guitar and keyboards, and drummer Jon Moss. But the person everyone was talking about was lead vocalist Boy George, who sported braids and heavy makeup, bringing the term "gender bender" to the mainstream. He came out of the club scene, where daring costumes and larger-than-life personalities made his stand out. He formed the band, and was a strong part of the New Romantic movement.

In 1982, Culture Club released their first album, 'Kissing to be Clever'. Aside from the talk of Boy George's appearance, people were also noticing that great music the band was making. The first single off the album was "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?", which made it to #2 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song was an engaging love song that showed off the best of George's voice, allowing him to show strength, softness, and to deliver his truth on in. There is a hypnotic quality to the song, and 32 years later, when I hear the opening, I can't hep but smile. This is Culture Club with the music video for "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?"

With the great success of the first album, Culture Club quickly followed it up with the second, 'Colour By Numbers', in 1983. The first single off the album was one of my favorites, "Church of the Poison Mind", a soulful song that brings a bit of Gospel to the plate. The song did well, earning a #!0 on the Billboard Hot 100. But it was the second dingle that earned Culture Club their first #1 song on the Billboard charts. Also released in 1983, "Karma Chameleon" was upbeat and filled with charm, and the undeniable talent of Boy George. Set on the Mississippi River over a century prior, the three band members donned costumes of Riverboat gamblers, while Boy George was anachronistically featured as himself. This is the music video for Culture Club's "Karma Chameleon".

A few years later, the band was not getting along, and the sales were definitely slowing up, so Culture Club decided to call it a day. By George was not on the sidelines for very long, as he went on to a solo career. Most of his success was in the UK and Europe, for his solo material didn't seem to really gel with the American audience. But the one song that did was the 1992 release "The Crying Game", the theme song for the movie 'Ace Ventura: Pet Detective', starring Jim Carrey. It went to #15 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song had a real retro feel, which should not be surprising, considering it was written in 1964. It was also produced by the great Pet Shop Boys. This is Boy George with his hit cover of "The Crying Game".

The new millennium has been a mixed bag for George. It began with his great success with 'Taboo', a huge hit in London's West End. The American version didn't repeat this, as rewrites and other issues caused the production to close after just 100 performances. George also battled his demons, entering rehab on several occasions. He also had other legal issues stemming from drug addiction to false imprisonment of a rent boy. By 2010, Boy George had committed to living a sober life, and to put his time in prison behind him. "Amazing Grace" was his first post-prison single, a track off the album 'Ordinary Alien'. I loved the song, and this the music video is cool. This is Boy George with "Amazing Grace".

It has been a blast being a fan of Boy George over the past 32 years. It has been great to see the musical progression of this talented performer, from one decade to the next. To learn more about Boy George, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook. You can purchase 'At Worst: The Best of Boy George and Culture Club' from iTunes and Amazon. It includes three out of the four songs mentioned here (not "Amazing Grace"). You can also find his latest album, 'This is What I Do' on iTunes and Amazon.

Notting Hill Soundtrack Pt 1

Clockwise: 'Notting Hill' soundtrack cover; Lighthouse Family; 98 Degrees; and Al Green; Ronan Keating.

While I was feeling under the weather yesterday, I watched a Hugh Grant mini-marathon, catching both 'Notting Hill' and 'Love Actually' on cable. It reminded me how much I liked the soundtrack to the former, and so I decided re-post my take on if from two years ago.

I will admit that I think 'Notting Hill' is my favorite Julia Roberts movie, and in the top 5 of Hugh Grant's film, although 'Maurice' remains my favorite. I also thought the movie had a wonderful soundtrack, and I've been wanting to do a post forever. Once I stated putting this together, I figured out I needed to make two posts, so this is the first installment, and the second will be coming later tonight. But I will start with the song from the boyband which gave us Nick Lachey and his brother Drew (long before he won on 'Dancing With The Stars'), 98 Degrees. The Lachey boys were joined by Justin Jeffre and Jeff Timmons, two more cuties. They were together in the 1990s, making a few hits. "I Do (Cherish You)" was a hit in 1998, making it to #17 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 1999, it was in 'Notting Hill', adding sweetness to the soundtrack.

The next song had a rich and interesting history. It was written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz, and first recorded by Country star Keith Whitley, released late in 1988. The song took a few weeks, but finally sat atop the Billboard Country chart for two weeks. In 1994, bluegrass band Union Station recorded the song for a tribute album for Keith Whitley, who had passed less than a year after releasing the song. The following year, Alison Krauss rerecorded the song as her first solo single, following her time with Union Station. It was Krauss' first Billboard Top 10. Finally, in 1999, Boyzone was calling it quits, and Ronan Keating was looking for his first single as a solo artist. He was invited to be a part of the 'Notting Hill' soundtrack, and he jumped at the chance. He recorded "When You Say Nothing At All", and became the second artist to make it their solo debut, and the third to take the song on to the Billboard chart.

The next song in this post is another cover song. "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart" was a huge hit in 1971 for the Bee Gees, who were worldwide Pop stars by this time. The song was credited to Barry and Robin Gibb, although in 2009, Maurice was added to the credits. In 1972, the great Al Green covered the song for his 'Let's Stay Together' album. The Reverend Al's version made it to the soundtrack to 1997's 'Good Will Hunting', 1999's 'The Virgin Suicides' as well as 'Notting Hill', and 2010's 'The Book of Eli'. In 2008, Green recorded it as a duet with Joss Stone for the soundtrack of 'Sex In The City'. But here is Al's solo version as it appeared in 'Notting Hill'.

To be honest, I wasn't really familiar with out next group, Lighthouse Family. The British duo was made up by singer Tunde Baiyewu and keyboardist Paul Tucker. From their debut album in the UK, Lighthouse Family were huge hits, both in England and across Europe. So they were asked to be a part of the of 'Notting Hill', and they recorded a cover of Bill Wither's iconic song, "Ain't No Sunshine".

Hope you enjoyed it, and will be back tonight for the second part!

For Mandy & Mark • Married

Later on today, My niece Mandy will be getting married here on the farm, joining her life path with that of Mark. You can see the happy couple above. I will not have pictures later, for I will not have my camera at hand. I will instead be a member of the wedding party, standing up for my niece. I thought and thought, but finally decided on the proper way to mark the occasion. I thought I would start the day with a song from the Broadway musical, 'Cabaret'.

'Cabaret' was based on a book written by one of my favorite authors, Christopher Isherwood. He wrote 'Goodbye to Berlin' in 1939, and later the book was the basis for John Van Druten's 1951 play, 'I Am A Camera'. In 1966, John Kander and Fred Ebb adapted the story into a Broadway musical. In 1972, the film version was made, starring Liza Minnelli, Joel Grey, and Michael York, and featuring the direction and choreography of the great Bob Fosse. There have been several revivals since then. The storyline focuses on the life of several people living in the rise of the Nazi Party in 1931 Germany, and how it took its toll on them all. In particular, we see the budding romance of Fräulein Schneider, a German landlady, and Herr Schultz, a Jewish vendor. While they fall in love, the political climate had other things in mind. In the 1998 revival, Fräulein Schneiderwas played by Mary Louise Wilson and Herr Schultz was played by Ron Rifkin. This is the song "Married" by Tony nominee Wilson and Tony winner Rifkin.

You can purchase the 1998 New Broadway Cast recording of 'Cabaret' from iTunes and Amazon.

Cake • Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps

The song "Quizás, quizás, quizás" was written in 1947 by Cuban songwriter Osvaldo Farrés. It was a hit that same year for singer Bobby Capó. The following year, lyricist Joe Davis wrote English lyrics, only it was not a translation, but a new set of lyrics. That version, known as "Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps", was first sung by Desi Arnez in 1948, and was quickly recorded by several others. That would include by a certain famous movie star I take a listen to this evening. But almost 50 years after the song was written, it was recorded by American Rock band Cake for their 1996 album, 'Fashion Nugget'. This is Cake with "Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps".

Have a great weekend!

Dishwalla • Counting Blue Cars

I was an instant fan of the band Dishwalla, from the first time I heard their 1995 hit, "Counting Blue Cars". It was partially because I loved the song, with it's interesting prose and balance between a big Rock sound with some beautiful quite moments. And there were the exceptional vocals of J. R. Richards, which are what grabbed my attention to start with. So it didn't take long before I purchased 'Pet Your Friends', the debut album featuring the single. The greatest thing about this story is I loved the CD, and still have it sitting in my collection, in between my DEVO and Thomas Dolby CDs. Back then, the band was made up by Richards, along with Rodney Browning Cravens, Scot Alexander, and George Pendergast. I think they were all pretty cool, especially when I watch the music video for 'Counting Blue Cars".

In 2008, J. R. Richards left the band, and while they continue to tour, the band has not recorded new music since the eponymous 2005 album. That is sad, as I truly enjoyed the music this band made. And I can look back that the debut album, 'Pet Your Friends', which is now 19 years old and still sounds new and fresh. You can purchase 'Pet Your Friends' from iTunes and Amazon. J. R. Richards released a solo album, and I will admit I loved it. I hear he is back in the studio, looking to release another. I can't wait.

Pansy Division • Deflowered

The Pansy Division.

It has been far too long since I have shared some music from one of my favorite bands, Pansy Division. Bold, brash, and full of bravado, the queercore rockers came together in 1991 when singer/guitarist Jon Ginoli and bassist Chris Freeman were joined by drummer Jay Puget to be the first all-gay Punk band in San Fransisco. In 1992, Patrick Hawley had replaced Puget. By 1993, they released their full-length debut album, 'Undressed', which they followed with their first national tour. With songs like "Bunnies", "Cocksucker Club", and "Rock and Roll Queer Bar", it was obvious this was not just another Punk band.

Once they finished touring, it was time to recorded and release their second album, 'Deflowered'. This time out, Liam Hart was on drums, joining Jon and Chris. The album garnered the attention of critics and other Punk bands, and soon Pansy Division found themselves on tour with Greed Day, who were promoting their album, 'Dookie', their first album on a major label. Previously, Green Day and Pansy Division shared their indie label, Lookout! Records. This gave Pansy Division a much higher profile, and greater exposure to the audience. While on tour, Billie Joe Armstrong was known to sing of the the songs off 'Deflowered', "Groovy Underwear". It is a great one, and I am happy to share it with you now. This is Pansy Division with "Groovy Underwear".

There were some amazing songs on the 15-song collection, all were sexy and fun, never shying away from the gay life and emotions. Another of my favorites off the album was the 8th track, "Rachbottomoff". Yes, the story of a classical music lover and the boy who loved him and wanted to be his first. This is the song that gives this album it's name, and it just makes me smile the moment it starts to play. This is the Pansy Division singing "Rachbottomoff".

The next song changed it up a bit, as they slowed down the tempo for "A Song of Remembrance of Old Boyfriends", a touching and sentimental song that offers the best to your first boyfriends, the boys who flirted, and those who were just to afraid to show you they were interested. I hope we are all in a position that we can wish the best for all those men in our lives, just like the Pansy Division do in "A Song of Remembrance of Old Boyfriends".

The final cut on the album is a cover song, and a perfect choice by the band. In 1981, Pete Shelley, former lead singer of punk band Buzzcocks, released an album and a single that was the title cut. "Homosapien" was a hit, despite being banned by the BBC for 'explicit gay reference to gay sex'. Despite, or perhaps because of that ban, the song became a club hit in Europe and North America. This gave Shelley the opportunity to talk about his own bisexuality. Fifteen years later, Pansy Division recorded the song, giving the song a guitar-driven sound. This is the Pansy Division with "Homosapien".

I love this album, and enjoyed revisiting it so I could share it with you. I must admit, I am prejudice, for I have all the Pansy Division album in my collection, and still cannon resist them. You can purchase 'Deflowered' from iTunes and Bandcamp. At this point, the band consists of founding members Jon Ginoli and Chris Freeman, as well as drummer Luis Illades and lead guitarist Joel Reader. To learn more about Pansy Division, you can visit the official website. You can 'like' them on Facebook, and 'follow' them on Twitter. Founding member Jon Ginoli also wrote a book about his time with the band, and it shares a title with this album, "Deflowered: My Life in Pansy Division". You can purchase the audiobook from iTunes.

Dark Monday • Anthony Rapp & Adam Pascal Sing What You Own

Anthony Rapp & Adam Pascal pictured from 'Rent' on tour. Photo by Joan Marcusm.

Anthony Rapp and Adam Pascal costarred in the Original Broadway Cast of 'Rent', the Rock musical by Jonathan Larson that took New York by storm in 1996, first as an off-Broadway show that earned praise and the Pulitzer Prize For Drama, and moved to Broadway. The show was nominated for 10 Tony Awards, and took home four, including 'Best Musical'. I enjoyed several songs from the score, including "What You Own", the song sung by Mark (Rapp) and Roger (Pascal), two roommates who look at life very differently. Roger is a straight recovering drug addict who is also HIV positive, struggling to figure out how to find the life he wants, while Mark is a shy straight man, who uses his job as a filmmaker to distance himself from those around him. They both grow on the journey, as is evident when they sing the song "What You Own". This is a clip from the 2005 film version, which featured several of the original cast members. This is Anthony Rapp and Adam Pascal singing "What You Own".

I really enjoyed the way their voices worked together, the way they sounded together. It doesn't hurt both are very good looking, and Rapp is a hot, out and proud gay man. 'Rent' was Larson's retelling of the classic story of Puccini's opera, 'La Boheme'. But instead of taking place in a lush society setting, 'Rent' is inhabited by poor artists living in Manhattan's Lower East Side, and dealing with modern issues, like drug abuse, prejudice, and HIV/AIDs. You can purchase the Original Broadway Cast album of 'Rent' from iTunes and Amazon. There was also an Original Soundtrack album for the movie version of 'Rent', which can be purchased from iTunes and Amazon.

Van Morrison • Days Like This

Once I decided to go with the great Irish singer/songwriter Van Morrison, this whole thing took an interesting turn. I started off by thinking I would be posting a song I love, "These Are The Days", but as I was looking for that on YouTube, I came across "Days Like This", and I immediately knew I would have to go with it. Plus, as I watched the video, I thought to myself the backup singer, well, he's really hot. By the second time he was on screen, I was thinking I recognized him, but had no idea from where. This sent me to Wikipedia, where I discovered the hot guy was Irish singer Brian Kennedy, whose music I just discovered in the last week, and I had been listening to a collection of his hits, 'The RCA Years'. Well, it seems as though he started out as a background singer with Van Morrison, and I had his voice in my collection for a very long time. And that is because I really do love Van Morrison, and he's been part of my musical collection since I was in high school. Morrison's music was so interesting to me for not only did I love it, but I was also able to witness it evolve, for it really never sounded the same. This is Van Morrison singing "Days Like This", the title track off his 1995 album.

Have a great weekend!

Mister Chase • Two Beds and a Coffee Machine

In a recent video release, as part of his 'Stripped Sessions', Mister Chase offered up his cover of the song "Two Beds and a Coffee Machine". The song was written by Darren Hayes and Daniel Jones, the duo that made up Savage Garden, on the 1999 release, 'Affirmation'. I just really like the song, for it is beautifully written. I guess that is a reason I am still such a fan of Darren Hayes today. But I am also a fan of Mister Chase, especially when he is picking music that speaks to him. And as he explains at the beginning of the video, this is a song that touches him, and speaks to what the tough time he recently went through. This is Mister Chase singing "Two Beds and a Coffee Machine".

If you enjoyed "Two Beds and a Coffee Machine", Mister Chase has kindly made it available for free. You can visit his Soundcloud page, and hit 'Download'. For more about Mister Chase, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, or 'follow' him on Twitter.

20 Years Ago • Dancing in 1994

Clockwise: Whitney Houston, Rozalla, MK featuring Alana, and Ultra Naté.

As my inspiration for the post this morning, I took a look at the dance charts for January of 1994, twenty years ago. I will kick off with the song that was #1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play almost exactly 20 years ago, on January 27th, 1994. That song from off the soundtrack to 'The Bodyguard', and featured the sterling vocals of the late, great Whitney Houston. This is "Queen of the Night", written by some of the greatest names of music at the time. The songwriting credits were listed as Whitney Houston, Antonio "L.A." Reid, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Daryl Simmons, and Michael Jackson! Wow! Here is Whitney Houston singing "Queen of the Night".

The second song I'd like to share with you is "I Love Music", a song that seems perfect for this blog, doesn't it? The song was written in 1975 by Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff, the men behind the Philadelphia Sound so prevalent in the 1970s. Nineteen years later, the song was recorded by Rozalla, a young woman born in Zambia, and later moved to London to be closer to the music scene. Her version of the song was included on the soundtrack to 'Carlito's Way', a film directed by Brian DePalma, and starring Al Pacino and Sean Penn. The song was a good one for the singer, showing off the richness and fullness of her tone. The public must have agreed with that, for the song was #1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart for the week ending January 22nd. This is Rozalla singing "I Love Music".

For some, Ultra Naté was considered one of the most flamboyant and talented of the many 1990s House Divas, never one to come up short with a performance in the recording studio. Bold and brash, she was able to reach for new heights with her vocals, while never sacrificing the heart of the song. This could be because she was also a songwriter, and understood the songs so well. On the weekend ending January 8th, the song at the top of the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play was "Show Me", a fun and catchy song. I hope you enjoy Ultra Naté singing "Show Me" as much as I do!

The final song for this Friday morning is one by Marc Kinchen and featuring Alana Simon. While this might not sound familiar to you, if you were in the clubs in the 1990s, you would be more familiar with their recording names, MK (featuring Alana). MK was a big DJ and producer at the time, making hits for both himself and others for the clubs. The pair had a couple of hits together, including "Love Changes", the song on top of the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart the week of January 15th. Electric and powerful, it is no wonder the song had people rushing out to the dance floor. This is MK featuring Alana with "Love Changes".

Have a great weekend!

Dark Monday • It's Not Where You Start

Left: Tommy Tune and Ken Howard in 'Seesaw'. Right: Barbara Cook.

"It's Not Where You Start" written by Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields for the musical 'Seasaw', the 1973 musical with a troubled pre-Broadway run, but went on to have a very successful New York run. The show earned a Tony Award for Tommy Tune for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical, and for Michael Bennett for Best Choreography. The show featured many excellent songs, but it is hard to not call "It's Not Where You Start" the standout, especially with a standout delivery by Tommy Tune in the original production. So I was delighted when I first found this great performance by the amazing Barbara Cook, and couldn't wait to share it with you! Here is Barbara Cook singing "It's Not Where You Start".

"It's Not Where You Start" can be found on 'Close As Pages in a Book', and amazing 1993 release. The album showcased the songs written by the great Dorothy Fields, and it is a wonderful part of my music collection. You can purchase it on iTunes and Amazon.