Election Day Special

Today is election day, and we can all take solace in the fact that political commercials will be a thing of the past soon. Frankly, that sounds like nirvana to me, no longer having to hear the vitriol spewed by candidates and special interest groups. Much of what was said has little to do with issues or the truth. But before we celebrate too much, we must remember to



I would like to think we are voting to end the bickering and to return to polite discourse, and veer away from the name-calling and demonizing that has dominated the political landscape. I long for the days when a political discussion can be more like adults exchanging ideas and views and less like a junior high fight. After all, issues are important to me, not talking points and sound bites. Making grand, sweeping statements that are often little more than a swat at another candidate or party is really just a way to turn me off rather than engage me. Give me an idea where you stand, and I can start making an informed decision. I refuse to sit on my hands and let the views of those I could never agree with nor support. Their extreme views/opinions will not go unanswered, and I will voice my own view. I have a voice, and will use it. Whether or not my candidates win, I will continue to vote to let my voice be heard.



Despite all the commercials and the clips on the 24-hour news stations, I have made my decision. I will be going to my polling place, and vote for the Senate and Congressional representative of my choice. And Attorney General. And many other local races. It is important to me, and should be important to you. To help celebrate this great day of democracy, I will offer up one of my favorites, Eric Himan, singing his Protest Song (Election Edition), recorded 2 years ago, just before the 2008 elections.



And please, vote.

Great Music - Eric Himan

I have mentioned Eric Himan a couple of times, and so I thought it was about time I stepped up and talked about him. Eric is an amazing artist I have been following for a couple of years. I followed his music long before I caught my first live show, and that just sealed the deal. He is amazing live, sounding every bit as good, if not better. He also has such charm with the crowd, always with a funny tale or a heartwarming story.



I was hooked early on by the song, One Night Stands, a poppy song about the search for love. There was something in his voice, in the phrasing that just grabbed me and has never let go. He has put out seven CDs and an EP of which I am aware, and own them all.



Some of the highlights include for me, from the eponymous first CD, Pull, owing a debt to the folk roots while adding a healthy dose of the blues. And from I Go On, there is I Ain’t Done With You, a flat-out blues song. Aside from One Night Stands, the Folk/Rock song A Good Good Cry could be found on All For Show, a love song. Dark Horse was full of good stuff, including an incredible cover of Holding Back The Years. One Night Stands is a collection of live performances. On Everywhere At Once, there was the searing rocker, Heart/Clean, offering up the sage words, ‘I’m after a genuine love, so don’t kiss my ass to get my pants undone.’



Next came the EP There’s Got To Be Something, with the song of the same name. Last year, Eric released Resonate, which featured the first release Little Boy Blue as well as The Protest Song, an unapologetic Gay rights anthem.



In the past year, Eric has been doing gigs both as a soloist and as a member of Eric and the Adams, working with an electric sound with the brother/sister duo, Angel and Jimmy Adams.




As I have said before, Eric has introduced me to many artists I still support. The list of his opening acts that I loved include Aiden James and Tom Goss. He is a gift that keeps on giving. You can find out more information at Eric’s website.