Thursday, September 15, 2011: Koko Taylor - I'd Rather Go Blind

You think you got it bad? You think life's treating you rough?

From the Telegraph's obituary on Koko Taylor, read up on how the Queen Of The Blues came into this world:

"Born Cora Walton on September 28 1928 on a farm near Memphis, she lived with her parents and five brothers and sisters in a "shotgun shack" with neither electricity nor running water. Although never professional singers, her parents used to sing enthusiastically while working the cotton fields, and she began to sing gospel in church. She also soaked up the blues played on local radio, which she and her siblings would surreptitiously perform with improvised home-made instruments, despite their father's opposition. By the time she was 11, both her parents had died and she too was forced to work in the cotton fields."


Muddy Waters said, "I've been in the blues all my life. I'm still delivering 'cause I got a long memory."

So did Ms Taylor.

Here's to long memories. And thank God that we at least got some record of them.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011: J Majik & Wickaman - Crazy World (Extended Mix)

"One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain."

— Bob Marley

Tuesday, September 13, 2011: Phil Collins - Take Me Home (Live)

I'm such a sucker for a good live album.

There are actually people out there who don't like "live" renditions of their favorite songs.

I can't explain way, I can guess it would have something to do with people dwelling in their comfort zone, not wanting to experience anything new? Or, maybe they think that anything that isn't the official, clean rendition of a song wouldn't be as good?

Who knows.

Obviously, the great and joyous readers of this humble blog are not so narrow minded.

So, over to you, Phil. Take us away. Take us home.

Monday, September 12, 2011: Pink Floyd - Us And Them

Still meditating on the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

I think this song will never stop being relevant.

And how sad is that.

Sunday, September 11, 2011: Mahalia Jackson - It Is Well With My Soul

When peace, like a river, attendant my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And he shed His own blood for my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Saturday, September 10, 2011: The Who - We Won't Get Fooled Again (Live)

From the Concert for New York City, October 20, 2001 at Madison Square Garden.

This was to be bassist John Entwistle's final performance in America with the Who; he died of a heart attack eight months later.

As we prepare ourselves for the 10th Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, let's strive to make this true. To not get fooled again.

Not by the politicians or the pundits.

Not by those who claim to bring peace where there is no peace.

Not by those who would use tragedy for gain; to gain profit, and power and control.

Not by those who would again lull us into a false sense of security.

Let us keep vigilant, keep aware, keep watch.

May we never get fooled again.

Friday, September 9, 2011: Candi Station - Young Hearts Run Free

It's high time now just one crack at life, who wants to live in trouble and strife?

To yourself be true.

Let's make that our mantra this Friday night, shall we?

Go on, you young hearts, go and run free.