I first heard PROCUL HARUM at the Electric Factory in Philadelphia in the 60's. (The Electric Factory used to be a place to actually see performances, unlike just a concert promotion firm like it is now.) A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to see them again, and they sound as magnificent as ever. The song they do that I love the most is "Whiter Shade of Pale", but I love their whole catalog.
The MOODY BLUES are so much a part of who I am today. I listened to their music almost daily during the sixties, and while I don't obsess like that today, I still love this group. Their music includes some truly mystical themes, sometimes seeming rather obscure, but how many of you can't identify with "In Your Wildest Dreams"?
Another band that had a great impact on my psyche was QUICKSILVER MESSENGER SERVICE, especially their album, "Happy Trails". In my opinion, their version of "Who Do You Love" is THE best.
You may never have heard of IT'S A BEAUTIFUL DAY, but their song, "White Bird", always gets to me....especially when they sing, "White bird must fly, or she will die." It is one of my personal missions to introduce this song to everyone who has never heard it!
And speaking of birds, even though it has been played and over-played, I love the song "Free Bird" by Lynrd Skynrd.
Do you remember the song, "Suzanne"? "And you want to travel with her, and you want to travel blind, and you know that you can trust her for she's touched your perfect body with her mind..." Leonard Cohen wrote that wonderful piece of poetry, and a lot of other poems as well (only some set to music.) You can even get a wav of part of Suzanne at this website.
How many of you have ever head of Papa John Creach? I can't begin to tell you about his talent with the Blues.?you have to hear it for yourself.
And speaking of the Blues, one of the most magnificent ladies of the Blues was Billie Holiday. If you aren't familiar with her, please take some time to find some of her music and listen to her soul.
While it is rarely heard on the radio today,
"Elusive Butterfly" has always had a place in my heart. It was sung by Bob Lind, and I honestly can't think of a single other song that he did. But there is just something about the lyrics that is 'me'.
Another song that I identify with is
"Monday Monday" by MAMAS AND PAPAS, especially when they sing, "Oh Monday Monday how could you leave and not take me."
Throughout my college years, and most of my young adult life, my personal anthem was "Sound of Silence" by Simon and Garfunkl. And this song is no less poignant today than it was the first time it was played.
I loved almost everything Janis Joplin did, but her rendition of
"Summertime" always sends me off into a trance.
Do you like THE KINKS? I can't tell you how many of their songs I love. But the two that I love the most are "Come Dancing" and "Celluloid Heroes.":
Did you see the movie "Top Gun"? Then you know this song:
Neil Young is one of the people in music I respect the most. He's never 'sold out', and I don't think he ever will. He's a real artist. My favorite Neil Young song is
There is a song I love song by both Aerosmith, and the country singer Mark Chestnutt. I love both versions of "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing".
One of the most beautiful love songs I've heard in recent years is
"Amazed" by a group called LoneStar.
Andy Griggs must truly have been in love to write "You Won't Ever Be Lonely." There is someone I hope to sing this to.
There is a song I would like everyone to hear, but especially anyone who is part of a family which contains both Christians and Pagans. Dar Williams really hits the mark with
Tom Paxton wrote a song, THE MARVELOUS TOY, that has been sung by many different artists, including Peter, Paul and Mary. It always gives me a warm feeling inside.
I first heard of Tom Lehrer in the Sixties, when he was writing for a television show called "That Was The Week That Was". Here are two of my favorite songs by Tom.
There is a hilarious album entitled, "When You Are In Love, The Whole World Is Jewish." Trust me, you don't need to be Jewish to appreciate the humor on this album! My favorite piece is called "The Ballad Of Irving", by Frank Gallop. In case you didn't know,
Irving was "the 142nd fastest gun in the West".
Kip Addotta has written many a hysterically funny song, but my favorite is "Wet Dream". Don't read the lyrics if you dislike puns!
Please let me know if any of the links on this page no longer work.Musicals
A little of this, a little of that
Van Morrison website.
. (You can also help out with Harry's greatest concern...trying to save children around the world from starvation.)
Procul Harum website.
Moody Blues website.
Quicksilver website, including some fantastic RealAudio concerts. Check out the Happy Trails outtakes.
Listen to a sound clip from the beginning of "White Bird".
Free Bird with RealAudio!
Leonard Cohen website.
Papa John Creach.
Billie Holiday.
Don't be concerned, it will not harm you...
Monday morning gave me no warning...
The words of the prophet are written...
You can find a clip from this song here, as well as many other Janis songs.
The words to most of the Kinks' songs
"Take My Breath Away" by BERLIN touches my soul.
"Harvest Moon"
"I don't want to go to sleep 'cause I'll miss you girl"
"It just keeps getting better"
Andy's lyrics
and a sound bite
"The Christians and the Pagans"
Comedy Songs
Read Billy Edd Wheeler's respectful tribute song.
Wish I had a toy like this!
The Vatican Rag
The Masochism Tango
Hear the song in Real Audio
Something very fishy is going on!