When it comes to the music of Vermonter Gregory Douglass, I must admit to having a problem. You see, I just can't get enough. The talented and handsome singer/songwriter have been making music for a while now, and I do believe I have his complete collection in my iTunes. After all, you never know when you might need to get that fix, or which song might be needed to scratch that itch. This time of year, I am looking for holiday music, and once again, Gregory does not disappoint. In 2010, he released an amazing new song he had written, and it remains a favorite of mine today. "Imagination" is both dreamy and sweet, with a wonderful cello accompaniment by Monique Citro. This is the music video for "Imagination".
I really do love this song, and love when it comes up in my Christmas Mix. You can purchase "Imagination" on iTunes and Amazon. One of the wonderful things about being a fan of Gregory, besides the music and some cool music videos, is feeling safe in the knowledge "Imagination" is not the only song to play during the holiday season. In fact, Gregory has a 2009 release that is quite special. 'Merry' is 5-song collection that combines a few old favorites with some special new songs from Douglass.Among the older songs was a wonderful cover of Wham's "Last Christmas", first heard in 1984. It was written by the oh-so-talented George Michael, and went to #2 on the UK Pop chart, behind only "Do They Know It's Christmas?", the fundraiser by Band Aid, which included both George and Andrew from Wham. This is a video featuring the song "Last Christmas".
The 'Merry' EP also includes original songs "What A Long Year It Was" and "Walking in the Air", as well as classic favorites "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "O Holy Night". I'd tell you my favorite, but I can't pick one, they are all so good! 'Merry' can be purchased from iTunes and Amazon To learn more about Gregory Douglass, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter and 'like' him on Facebook.
I truly enjoy the music of The Young Professionals, but that should come as no surprise, since I love the music of Ivri Lider, one half of the group. I've also proposed to him several times in my dreams. Ivri is joined in this endeavor by Yonathan Goldshtein, and together they are making something special. Their latest comes from a YouTube upload, as the Israeli duo offer a cover of "Last Christmas", written and recorded 28 years ago, in 1984. Enjoy the Young Professionals take on "Last Christmas".
For more about The Young Professionals, visit their official website. You can find their music on iTunes, Amazon and other places where fine music is sold.
Well, last Christmas out and proud musician Matthew Duffy recorded a cover of the great seasonal favorite by WHAM!, "Last Christmas". The song was written by George Michael, and released 28 years ago. Listen as Matthew adds a bit of himself to make it sound very today.
You can get your FREE DOWNLOAD of Matthew's cover of "Last Christmas" on his Soundcloud site. Once you click on that link, just click on the 'Download' button, which you will find circled on the picture below.
It was an interesting year, 1984. Things were settling in for me as I settled in to life in New York City. Bill & I started the year in an apartment in Spanish Harlem, just west of Amsterdam Boulevard on 109th Street. I had made the move from intern to Master Carpenter at Circle Repertory Theatre Company, working just off Sheridan Square in Greenwich Village. I finished up my first season there with a production of Lanford Wilson's Balm In Gilead, a tense and biting urban drama. It was co-produced by Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre Company, and had a magnificent cast. It was directed by John Malkovich and featured Gary Sinise, Laurie Metcalf, Jeff Perry, James McDaniel, Glenne Headly, and Giancarlo Esposito. After an extended run in the theater over the summer, the show moved to the Minetta Lane Theatre, also in the West Village. In the Fall, Bill & I moved to a new apartment in Park Slope, Brooklyn. I loved that neighborhood.
The Billboard Top 5 was quite eclectic in 1984, including the #5 song, the progressive rock band Yes and Owner Of A Lonely Heart, from the album 90215. It is interesting, but the UK band scored their best chart position in the US, hitting #1 on the Pop and Mainstream Rock charts. With the highly recognizable vocals of singer Jon Anderson, and Steve Squire's guitar work, it was classic Yes music put through the Pop strainer of producer Trevor Horn. It was the only Pop #1 on the US charts for the band, who were known more for their edgy rock than hitting the Top 40 airwaves.
Andrew Ridgeley and George Michael made for pretty pictures and catchy pop, especially when sharing the stage under the name Wham! With the perky Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go, Wham! managed to top most of the charts around the globe, including taking the #1 spot on the US Pop Chart. The #4 song of the year was the first single off their second album, Make It Big. Should anyone have glucose-tolerance issues, beware before you hit the play below. If not, be warned, the catchy tune will live in your mind for days.
When Culture Club made it across the ocean, it was with the song Karma Chameleon. Boy George was leading the band, his gender-bending appearance mesmerizing audiences around the world. The song, from the Kissing To Be Clever album, topped the US pop charts, firmly establishing the band as a new force on the music scene, and the song was the #3 song of the year.
Movie theme songs had been losing power on the chart, but not for singer.songwriter Ray Parker, Jr. His song Ghostbusters, for the hit movie of the same name, spent three weeks atop Billboards Hot 100 chart. Jaunty and catchy, the song was an instant hit. It was in the middle of a controversy in a matter of months, when Huey Lewis & The News released their new single, I want A New Drug. Shortly thereafter, a lawsuit was filed, claiming Parker has plagiarized Lewis' song, and the case was settled out of court. It certainly didn't slow the song up, as it was the #2 song of 1984.
Claiming the #1 song of the year honors was someone cheered far and wide, both for her awesome talent as well as an amazing comeback story. Tina Turner was part of the highly touted Ike and Tina Turner Revue. Ike and Tina were married, but with the fame came indulgences that left Ike out of control, and Tina running for her life. So when she released the album Private Dancer, the critics and the buying public couldn't get enough of her first since the 70s. What's Love Got To Do With It? was the first single off the album, and was the top single of 1984.
I recently asked 5 questions to some of my favorite performers featured on this blog, wanting to add a little something to the holiday season. I wanted to learn a bit more about the artists, and their thoughts on music. The first answers I had were from Jimmy Adams, followed quickly by Eric Himan and Angel Adams. It made for a no brainer, and Eric & the Adams are the first of the featured artists in this series.
Eric & the Adams is a rock band based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Angel Adams, her brother Jimmy Adams, and good friend Eric Himan all reside. Just about a year ago, they released their debut EP, a 5-song collection that is still in my listening rotation. Their latest video from that EP is for Keeper of the Secret.
The first thing I wanted to know was when they listen to holiday music, what is your favorite? "I freaking LOVE holiday music," Angel exclaimed. "My favs are the song from Charlie Brown - Christmas Time Is Here and I LOVE Carol of the Bells." Jimmy, on the other hand, was less enthusiastic. "Ha! I really don't listen to a lot of holiday music," he answered. "I did however wake up this morning singing Last Christmas by Wham. I think that's like the only "Christmas" song I can listen to and not cringe but I'm sure that's soon to change..." Eric had a slightly different perspective. "Jingle Bell Rock reminds me of the season," replied Eric. "There should be more Hanukkah songs (not the biggest fan of Adam Sandler but his Hanukkah Song does make young Jewish kids feel better knowing there are lots of Jewish people who they know that are famous).
Carol of the Bells
Next I wondered if any of them had a favorite holiday song to perform. "I'll perform any of them...except for that cheesy "Feed the World" song that sings something about "Do They Know It's Christmas time at all..." explained Angel. "I started playing Jingle Bell Rock," said Eric, "because it is easy on the piano (and I am still learning)." Jimmy's answer surprised me. "I haven't actually performed any Christmas songs," he said. "We (EATA) haven't really had any gigs close enough to Christmas that forced us to learn any. I'm really not sure which song I would pick if I had to. I could see us rocking out to Last Christmas [LOL] with some serious screaming guitars and driving drums. That would be something to hear. haha!"
Last Christmas
It seems everyone has their own hopes for the New Year. "Health," Angel answered decisively. "The Girl and I have been thinking about expanding our family so we'll probably be going full force in that this coming year." Eric also had loved ones in mind. "My hopes is to find balance in the different areas of my life (career, relationship, etc)." Jimmy's thoughts were more on the professional side. "I'd really like to expand musically," he reflected. "I've been listening to some different music; to the bass lines and chord arrangements trying to find a more jazzy side to bass playing. Also I've been interested in operating my own business. I started a couple of years ago with a landscaping business but recently had an idea of doing sound for local events. The overhead isn't too bad and it's something I'd really enjoy, and there are countless people to meet with a gig like that."
I also wanted to know what is their favorite song/music from 2010. I think Jimmy gets an award for most eclectic taste. "Wow. I didn't think this would be tough until I really started giving it some thought," he replied. "Everyone knows I'm crazy about Gaga. But after going to her concert I was a little less impressed. Ke$ha had a lot of fun songs on her album that we made good use of. Nobody gets tired of the synth sounds and party vibe that her songs put out. But what I've really enjoyed listening to is The Dirty Heads. They had me hooked with their first single, Lay Me Down, and I bought their album immediately with no disappointments. Which leads me to the reforming of the band Sublime, now called Sublime with Rome. I'm always glad to see a band able to get together and play music after the passing of one of their band members, whether it's as good as the original or not. At least they're still playing." His sister was a bit more concise. "OMG!" answered an excited Angel. "I discovered so much music this year. Florence and the Machines...love them. There's so much music out there. I can't narrow it down." Eric, who took time to answer my questions while he was working on his next solo project, was also quite specific. "My favorite song from 2010," said Eric, "is Try by my friend and fellow singer/songwriter, Namoli Brennet (off her CD, Black Crow!)"
Jingle Bell Rock
And, finally, I wanted to know what they were looking forward to musically in 2011. "I'd like to see Eric and the Adams write a full album and maybe record an EP and tour like crazy," said Jimmy, smiling. "There's nothing I like more than seeing new places and playing music. This year took us up and around Pittsburgh and Penn State but I'd really like to go farther East, and the West Coast has been calling my name for quite sometime. I've been to L.A. once in my life but not for music. I'd really like to see us tour both coasts." Angel agreed, adding "I would LOVE for us to tour more. I would also LOVE to have a full-length album written. It would be incredible to think that we were touring with a national act. I think I would most love to know that we were able to put ourselves out there with our music...writing new stuff and people liking it." Eric's thoughts were on the music he was working on then. "I am looking forward to releasing the new material I am now recording in Tucson, Arizona. These songs seem to bring up a lot of things I have left out from my past songs and dig into the dark of me."
To learn more about Eric & the Adams, be sure to checkout their official website here. You can find their schedule there, and can purchase the EP.
It was an interesting year, 1984. Things were settling in for me as I settled in to life in New York City. Bill & I started the year in an apartment in Spanish Harlem, just west of Amsterdam Boulevard on 109th Street. I had made the move from intern to Master Carpenter at Circle Repertory Theatre Company, working just off Sheridan Square in Greenwich Village. I finished up my first season there with a production of Lanford Wilson's Balm In Gilead, a tense and biting urban drama. It was co-produced by Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre Company, and had a magnificent cast. It was directed by John Malkovich and featured Gary Sinise, Laurie Metcalf, Jeff Perry, James McDaniel, Glenne Headly, and Giancarlo Esposito. After an extended run in the theater over the summer, the show moved to the Minetta Lane Theatre, also in the West Village. In the Fall, Bill & I moved to a new apartment in Park Slope, Brooklyn. I loved that neighborhood.
The Billboard Top 5 was quite eclectic in 1984, including the #5 song, the progressive rock band Yes and Owner Of A Lonely Heart, from the album 90215. It is interesting, but the UK band scored their best chart position in the US, hitting #1 on the Pop and Mainstream Rock charts. With the highly recognizable vocals of singer Jon Anderson, and Steve Squire's guitar work, it was classic Yes music put through the Pop strainer of producer Trevor Horn. It was the only Pop #1 on the US charts for the band, who were known more for their edgy rock than hitting the Top 40 airwaves.
Andrew Ridgeley and George Michael made for pretty pictures and catchy pop, especially when sharing the stage under the name Wham! With the perky Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go, Wham! managed to top most of the charts around the globe, including taking the #1 spot on the US Pop Chart. The #4 song of the year was the first single off their second album, Make It Big. Should anyone have glucose-tolerance issues, beware before you hit the play below. If not, be warned, the catchy tune will live in your mind for days.
When Culture Club made it across the ocean, it was with the song Karma Chameleon. Boy George was leading the band, his gender-bending appearance mesmerizing audiences around the world. The song, from the Kissing To Be Clever album, topped the US pop charts, firmly establishing the band as a new force on the music scene, and the song was the #3 song of the year.
Movie theme songs had been losing power on the chart, but not for singer.songwriter Ray Parker, Jr. His song Ghostbusters, for the hit movie of the same name, spent three weeks atop Billboards Hot 100 chart. Jaunty and catchy, the song was an instant hit. It was in the middle of a controversy in a matter of months, when Huey Lewis & The News released their new single, I want A New Drug. Shortly thereafter, a lawsuit was filed, claiming Parker has plagiarized Lewis' song, and the case was settled out of court. It certainly didn't slow the song up, as it was the #2 song of 1984.
Claiming the #1 song of the year honors was someone cheered far and wide, both for her awesome talent as well as an amazing comeback story. Tina Turner was part of the highly touted Ike and Tina Turner Revue. Ike and Tina were married, but with the fame came indulgences that left Ike out of control, and Tina running for her life. So when she released the album Private Dancer, the critics and the buying public couldn't get enough of her first since the 70s. What's Love Got To Do With It? was the first single off the album, and was the top single of 1984.
Wham! formed in 1981 in the UK, when George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley came together. But they weren't a blip on the US in 1984 with the release of the album Make It Big and the single Wake Me Up (Before You Go-Go), which could be found on top of the charts worldwide, as well as setting off gaydar detectors left and right. When George took the stage with the short-shorts, did anyone even notice Andrew was playing?
Wham! followed that up with Careless Whisper, a song that is still played almost non-stop on adult contemporary stations everywhere. At this time, the record company and George were trying to convince the world he was str8, even a bit of a playboy, the handsome blond singer not settling down with a woman [now we know there were obvious reasons for that]. Of course, this was long before he was arrested for propositioning police officers in public bathrooms in Beverly Hills.
In 1986, George and Andrew decided to go their separate ways. George was eager to make more sophisticated music and leave the bubblegum of Wham! behind. Post-Wham!, Andrew tried his hand as a race car driver in Formula One racing, then tried to revive his music career, before finally returning to the UK to live with his significant other, Keren Woodward of the girl-group Bananarama. George went on to super-stardom, a solo career that is marked by hit after hit. However, in the last several years, it has also been marked by oddness and appearances in the police blotters in papers across the world.
