Waves of glorious flaxen hair rippled over her shoulders, swaying and bouncing with every high-heeled, leggy stride she took.
Never one to shy away from attention, especially that of the male population, she confidently waltzed down Fifth Avenue toward Saks, stunning in red Jimmy Choo thigh-high boots, a snow-white fur coat, and a single strand of pearls.
Admiring looks didn’t intimidate her; they titillated her, challenged her to be more daring and quite a bit risqué. It was all a game and she loved to play.
As she strolled the avenue, stopping to look at the exceptional Christmas displays in the store windows, she noticed the reflection of a man leaning drowsily against a parked car. Accustomed to men looking her way, she thought nothing of it at first but found herself glancing at his image more often than usual. Sliding her Ray Bans a little down her nose, she gave this mystery man’s reflection a furtive peek. Intriguing.
Repositioning her glasses, she continued window shopping, collecting all the longing glances cast her way and storing them in her bag like so many colorful Christmas lights. Every so often she’d linger at a quaint little shop or gallery, acutely aware of her mystery man shadowing her along the way. Now this was starting to get interesting. Slowly she removed her shades and gave his reflection a long look.
Why not? Slipping her sunglasses on, she turned around to a vision that caught her breath …. from head to toe the epitome of elegance and charm. Raven hair, tanned skin, black cashmere coat draped over his arm, charcoal grey pinstripe suit, crisp white shirt, black and silver Art Deco tie and Italian shoes …. not black but the exact color of his suit. Nice touch; the paragon of haute couture.
She smiled. He smiled. She turned slowly, giving him ample time to fall into place beside her.
She continued walking, no longer followed by a mysterious shadow but side-by-side with an intriguing companion. Together they would take the road wherever it led them.
We’re really getting close, kids! Only two more chances to play Name That Tune after today. Have you been naughty or nice? Are you checking off the days until Santa arrives? I know I am. 🎅🏼
But the big question is ….. “Can you name today’s tune and who sang it?”
Ok, get those thinking caps on; I have a feeling you may need them today.
And …. we’re off! Here are your five clues:
This 1957 Christmas song was co-written by a very well-known crooner who’s infinitely more famous for singing songs than writing them.
Today’s featured performer had a career spanning decades (as a singer, dancer, entertainer, TV host, Academy Award-winning actor and Chairman of the Board) and was as popular in his day as the Beatles were in theirs.
This song was not an immediate hit; ok, the fact is it never even made the charts but it has since become a popular little Christmastime tune. Is it in the top 10? Nope. The top 20? Doubtful. But if you like Christmas standards then you’ll know this one.
Our featured song is all about Christmas food, festivities and traditions; the title mentions two types of evergreen plants; one has bright red berries and the other one’s berries are white. PSA: Do not eat the berries; they are pretty but they’re also pretty poisonous and nobody wants to spend Christmas in the emergency room getting their stomach pumped!
Today’s artist was born Dec 12, 1915 in New Jersey and is probably solely responsible for putting Hoboken on the map.
Two evergreen plants with berries
So, who thinks they got it right? Let’s find out! Scroll on down for the big reveal.
That’s right, kids! It’s none other than Hoboken’s own Frank Sinatra singing a song he co-wrote called “Mistletoe And Holly”. How about we give a listen right now.
Well, I thought that was rather charming and after hearing Dino on Friday and now Frank, I’m definitely in the Christmas spirit! How about you? Are you decorating, wrapping, cooking and getting ready for the big day?
I hope you’ve been enjoying the wonderful holiday music this month. Everyone is so busy these final days of 2023 but there’s still more to come before we ring in the new year so stick around. You owe it to yourselves to stop and hear the music!
I’ll be back on Tuesday with more Sounds Of The Season; I have some of your old favorites scheduled so when you feel the pressure of the holidays starting to get to you, click on a video and enjoy the music. 🎄 ✨
And so the time came to pass that the young woman was too heavy with child to continue the journey. They had traveled many miles with still more land to cross and she knew her time had arrived to deliver her babe.
She told her husband she could endure no more of this pilgrimage and, reluctantly he agreed; while it was important for them to return to their hometown, the safety and comfort of his wife and their unborn baby were of the utmost concern. But they were strangers in a strange land and knew no one. The husband stopped at the first house they saw.
The couple waited patiently, the young woman suffering in silence as her baby wrestled inside her, anxious to make an appearance. Finally, the owner of the house answered the door and, holding up a lantern for a better view, quickly assessed the situation. He knew this young couple needed his help.
Quietly the homeowner informed the husband that he had no room in his house for them; the disappointment on the face of the husband was obvious, even in the darkness of the late hour. The young woman tried to maintain some propriety but could no longer stifle her pains of labor and let out a deep, low moan. Both men knew the time for her to be delivered was imminent.
The homeowner hesitated only a second, then led them to a lowly cellar. Apologizing, he offered them this place and they gratefully accepted…..
Today we have a treat for you: Keith is back in the house!
Keith Allen, AKA The Nostalgic Italian, has written another guest post which we’re sure you’ll find interesting and entertaining. With ten days to go until Christmas, it’s guaranteed to get you into the holiday spirit. Today Keith is talking about one particular Christmas song that’s become his favorite. It’s a great song and I like the fact that it isn’t one of those songs you hear constantly during the season.
OK, I’ve said enough! I’m going to hand the reins over to Keith for another edition of Be Our Guest. Take it away, Keith!
❖❖❖❖
Thank you, Nancy, and Happy Holidays to you, dear readers! When I heard that The RhythmSection was going to feature holiday music throughout the month of December, I had to be a part of it! I am one of “those” people who can listen to Christmas music all year. It always seems to brighten my spirits and put me in a good mood.
I love Christmas music so much that I wondered if I’d actually be able to pick just one song to write about. Off the top of my head, I could pick something from Elvis, Mel Tormé, Frank Sinatra, Bobby Helms, Jim Croce, Brenda Lee, and so many more. It will come as no surprise to those who know me that I picked a cut from my favorite singer …. Dean Martin.
Dean recorded two Christmas albums. The first was “A Winter Romance” for Capitol Records in 1959. It had some Christmas songs as well as “winter” themed tunes on it.
His second Christmas album was for Reprise Records (Sinatra’s label). “The Dean Martin Christmas Album” was the fourth of five albums he released in 1966. The release of the album in October and Dean’s TV show in November, 1966 were accompanied by what Billboard described as a “merchandising avalanche”. Billboard said Dean as running the “hottest streak of his career” and added that Reprise planned to sell $4 million of his records over the Christmas sales period. Billboard later reported that Martin had sold 850,000 albums in December, 1966.
Of all of the holiday songs he recorded, there is one that has always stood out to me as his best. From the opening notes, I am smiling; I am talking about “A Marshmallow World”. I am aware of the MANY other versions of the song; although Darlene Love’s version is a close second, I personally believe that Dean’s version is the ultimate version of this song! It is the perfect song for him and he delivers it in his very own style. He sounds like he is having so much fun with it.
The song itself had been around long before Dean recorded it in 1966. It was written in 1949 and while the song is about winter and is commonly regarded as a Christmas song, the lyrics make no mention of the holiday. The imagery in the song really stands out to me. It compares a snowfall to marshmallows and mounds of whipped cream covering the ground. It is such a beautiful thing that the singer “waits for it the whole year ’round.” It was first a hit for Bing Crosby in 1950 reaching #24 on the charts and done by many others afterward.
Here now is Dean Martin’s “A Marshmallow World” (Official Audio)
Dean recorded it just once, for his 1966 album, but he performed it more than a few times on his show. If you want to see just how much fun he has singing it, you need look no further than the following clips. As you watch each of them, you can’t help but love how he can have so much fun with it in one version and then make you swoon with another.
This is “A Marshmallow World”, duet by Dean Martin & Frank Sinatra (The Dean Martin Show)
From The Dean Martin Show, another version of “It’s A Marshmallow World”
For our final song, here is Dean Martin and “A Marshmallow World” – Live, Christmas 1971
To me, Christmas isn’t Christmas without “A Marshmallow World”!
Thanks again to Nancy and the good folks here at The Rhythm Section. I wish you all the Merriest Christmas and many blessings in the New Year!
Thanks, Keith! It’s always great to have you join us. Just like you said …. with only ten days until Christmas, I’m really feeling the spirit!
I have to admit, when you approached me about doing a holiday song and sent me a copy of your post, I wasn’t sure I even knew “A Marshmallow World”. Then as I thought about it, I remember saying to my husband “Yeah, I think I know this song!” It was really great to hear it again and you’re so right about this song being the perfect one for Dino’s voice. You really hit it out of the park this time, Keith! Thanks for a great holiday song!
Just a reminder, friends, to stay with us for the rest of December; we’ve got lots more holiday music coming up, all the way through December 31, as well as a couple of surprises. It won’t be the same without you!
Once again, a big “thank you” to our friend, Keith!
Today Sadje is asking us “What do you see?“ Using her image along with Eugi’s word prompt “boundless” and Fandango’s word prompt “back”, this is my response.
Image credit: Jr Korpa @Unsplash
I stand at the doorway and watch as she stretches her legs from her car seat in the back of her daddy’s car, grunting with that Little Engine That Could determination until her fur-trimmed black ankle boots finally reach the curb. With the boundless spirit of a 3 year old, she runs up the path to our front door, stops for a second to wave at our North Pole decorations, and gaily calls out “Grammy! Grampy! It’s your Kukla! I’m here!” …. my nickname for our youngest granddaughter, Colette. She flings herself into my arms and we share a big warm Kukla Hug. Her hugs are the best and I don’t want to let go. Eyes smiling, she excitedly tells me she saw Santa and the elves outside and asks if we can bake Christmas cookies today. Every day with her really is the most wonderful time of the year.
“What is this place, Draco, and why have I never seen it before?”
“Ah, Natalia, this is the most prized room in the castle! Very few know of its existence …. only those whom I trust implicitly with my deepest secrets, those whom I know will never speak of this room to another living soul.”
“Oh, dearest Draco! Tell me truly. Does this mean you love me?”
“Love you, Natalia? No, my dear. It’s not love that rules my vampiric heart, but lust.”
And with that he ravished her atop the sarcophagus before sinking his teeth into her comely neck.
Welcome to Birthday Thursdays here in The Rhythm Section. Each week I will feature someone from the world of music whose birthday falls on that day. There won’t be any chit chat from me, no facts and figures – just some great tunes (and an occasional surprise). Check it out right here every Thursday and enjoy the music.
Happy Birthday to Charlie Rich Born December 14, 1932 in Colt, Arkansas
Denise at GirlieOnTheEdge is asking us to write a Six Sentence Story and to include the word “farm”. This is my story.
My Tree
Early in our marriage, Bill and I inherited my parent’s ginormous artificial Christmas tree which we used for about ten years until it died; at that point our boys were very young and we thought it would be a nice family outing to go to one of the local nurseries to pick out a live tree, which was something we did for about four years until one Thanksgiving, while celebrating at my sister’s house in Rhinebeck NY, my brother-in-law mentioned they were going to Wonderland Farm the next day to get their Christmas tree (and you can bet my ears perked up at hearing a delightful fantasy name like that …. Wonderland Farm …. an utterly irresistible place if ever there was one and I definitely had to go!).
Well, it turned out that Wonderland Farm was a wholesale grower of Christmas trees, meaning people like you and I could go there, walk around the grounds until we found the perfect tree for our house, chop it down, drag it to the baling machine where it got bound and gagged and tied to the top of the car, then we had to drive the 90 miles home (the whole time checking to see if the tree was still on top of the car), drag the tree into the garage, saw off an inch or two from the bottom and let the tree sit in a bucket of water for a couple of days before bringing it inside to decorate; being totally unfamiliar with this activity and having young boys who thought it would be “awesome” to act like Paul Bunyan for a couple of hours, we decided to join in the tree chopping fad – a new family tradition that lasted for about three years until the back-breaking, ass-freezing novelty wore off.
Once we stopped cutting down our home-grown trees, we weren’t quite ready to bite the bullet and go cold turkey by putting up a fake tree, so back to the local nurseries we went for a few more years until that fateful day when I was un-decorating by myself and, while struggling to get the tree out the front door to the curb, I lost my balance and fell backwards into our partially frozen juniper bush; my hands and clothes were sticky from pine sap, I was a disheveled and scratched mess from wrestling my way out of the juniper, there was a trail of pine needles from my living room to the front curb, I was exhausted and achy and I’d had quite enough …. the perfect storm, the live Christmas tree coup de grâce.
The following weekend the family hopped into the car and drove to the Christmas Tree Shop where we bought a nice big artificial tree which we lugged home and immediately tossed into the attic where it remained until the following December which turned out to be a huge mistake because when we finally opened the box, we discovered it was not the gorgeous fake evergreen we saw on display but a namby pamby shade of pink aluminum which was never going to fly in my house, so we packed it all up and returned to the Christmas Tree Shop where we were told “No refunds after 90 daysof purchase”; logically, I knew that but it was still a bit of a blow because the store was to blame for the mislabeled box, so once again we found ourselves wandering around looking for a Christmas tree and we found something I’d never seen before – a skinny tree, fully decorated and lit, with its own storage bag, meant to fit neatly in the corner of a room – and we scooped that baby up and brought it home.
That skinny tree served us well but (you knew there was a ‘but’ coming, didn’t you?) for a skinny tree, that damn thing weighed a ton and lugging it up from its storage spot in the basement really took its toll on Bill’s rotator cuff [we still have that skinny tree neatly packed away in its storage bag and stashed in a corner of the basement and every time I go into that back room, it scares the hell out of me because I forget it’s there and it looks like a body bag up against the wall!]; now I was asking myself what we would do for our next tree and the answer came to me while at the dentist one day and I spotted his lovely 3-foot tall fiber optic tree with twinkling lights which seemed to speak to me in Morse Code saying “Buy me and put me right by the fireplace and surround me with nutcrackers”, so that’s exactly what I did and there it served us very well for a couple of Christmases …. until I saw something while searching for stocking stuffers on Amazon that turned out to be a veritable game changer.
There on Amazon was a gorgeous tree the likes of which I had never seen before and I read all about it (not once but twice) and ordered it yet I was still surprised when a package was delivered that resembled an extremely large pizza box which contained something that looked like a wreath that melted like the Wicked Witch of the West in the Wizard of Oz …. it sure didn’t look like a Christmas tree and I was beginning to wonder if I’d made a mistake or if Amazon had sent the wrong item …. but after laying out all the parts on the floor (which consisted of the melty-looking tree, a base and a pole), it all began to make sense and it was incredible to see it all come together; there’s no way I can adequately describe how wondrous this tree was in person or how amazingly easy it was to assemble so if anyone is interested in seeing for themselves just how easy it really is, go to Amazon.com and search for “Prextex Premium 6 ft Pre-Decorated Christmas Prelit Pop Up Tree” – but I must caution you …. you may very well want a Christmas tree or two just like this for your very own home .… and I absolutely couldn’t blame you!
Dectina Refrain: This refrain is written as follows: 1st line – 1 syllable, 2nd line – 2 syllables 3rd line – 3 syllables, and so on for 9 lines; the 10th line is comprised of the first four lines as one stand-alone line.
Welcome back to In The Groove: Sounds Of The Season! This week we are celebrating along with our Jewish friends the holiday of Hanukkah. Settle in now with your favorite beverage and a comfy blanket; we are about to begin.
Hanukkah is the Jewish eight-day, wintertime “festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers, delicious fried foods, dreidels and chocolate coins; the Hebrew word Hanukkah means “dedication.”
In the second century BCE, the Holy Land was ruled by the Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks), who tried to force the people of Israel to accept Greek culture and beliefs instead of mitzvah (commandment) observance and belief in God. Against all odds, a small band of faithful (but poorly armed) Jews, led by Judah the Maccabee, defeated one of the mightiest armies on earth, drove the Greeks from the land and reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, rededicating it to the service of God.
When they sought to light the Temple’s Menorah, they found only a single cruse of olive oil that had escaped contamination by the Greeks. Miraculously, they lit the menorah and the one-day supply of oil lasted for eight days, until new oil could be prepared under conditions of ritual purity. To commemorate these miracles, the sages instituted the festival of Hanukkah.
At the heart of the festival is the nightly menorah lighting. The menorah holds nine flames, one of which is the shamash (“attendant”), which is used to kindle the other eight lights. On the first night, just one flame is lit. On the second night, an additional flame is lit. By the eighth night of Hanukkah, all eight lights are kindled.
Very special thanks to my friend David ben Alexander (The Skeptic’s Kaddish) for lending a helping hand in selecting today’s videos. David, you made my “job” immeasurably easier! חנוכה שמח! תודה לך חברי היקר
The stage has now been set; let the music begin!
“I Have a Little Dreidel” (“The Dreidel Song”) is a playful song that is often sung during Hanukkah. It celebrates the spinning of the dreidel, a traditional Hanukkah game, and is a catchy tune that children and adults enjoy.
“Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah”: This song is a cheerful and lively song that celebrates the holiday and its traditions. It is often sung as a part of Hanukkah celebrations and is known for its festive spirit.
“Ma’oz Tzur” (מָעוֹז צוּר): Also known as “Rock of Ages,” this traditional Hebrew song is typically sung during Hanukkah to praise and thank God for delivering the Jewish people from their enemies. The song has several verses and is often sung with great emotion and devotion.
“Haneirot Halalu” (הַנֵּרוֹת הַלָּלוּ) is a Hebrew song recited or sung after the Hanukkah candles are lit. It expresses gratitude and joy for the miracle of Hanukkah and the opportunity to kindle the lights. It is a short, simple, and beautiful melody that is often part of the Chanukah candle-lighting ceremony.
Thank you, David! Now for two videos of my own because you can never have enough holiday music!
This is “Happy Hanukkah” by Matisyahu
Live from the Levon Helm Studios, this is Woodie Guthrie with “Happy Joyous Hanukkah”.
Wishing all my friends who observe Hanukkah a most blessed, peaceful and happy celebration!
I hope you enjoyed today’s edition of Sounds Of The Season. Please join me again next week as we continue this holiday edition of In The Groove.
Today at Song Lyric Sunday, Jim is asking us to choose a song that was recorded in one take. Ok, let’s do it!
In my mind, I can’t imagine anyone not being a Beatles fan …. not to the exclusion of all other bands, mind you …. just an ordinary fan. With that thought in mind, I’m sure you’re all eager to know that the Beatles recorded not one but four songs in one take. The amazing thing about that is the lead singer for each of the four songs was a different Beatle!
Let’s see which four songs were recorded in just one take and who sang which song:
On February 11, 1963, Ringo took lead vocals for the first time on “Boys”, a hit song for the Shirelles written in 1960 by Luther Dixon and Wes Farrell. As usual, Ringo also played the drums. On that day the Beatles recorded ten songs for the first album “Please Please Me”, which was released on March 22, 1963.
Next up is Paul. On March 1, 1964, he did his greatest Little Richard impression on “Long Tall Sally” with George Martin joining in on piano. The song was written by session musician Henry Strzelecki and originally released in 1959. The Beatles version was released on June 1, 1964 on a 4-song EP that included “Matchbox’, “I Call Your Name” and “Slow Down”.
On October 18, 1964, George sang lead on a cover of the Carl Perkins song “Everybody’s Trying To Be My Baby”, originally written way back in 1936 by Rex Griffin. The take was so well done, there was no need for another. That was a very productive recording session, with the Beatles completing three songs in just five takes!
The last of the songs is one by John singing “Rock and Roll Music”, which Chuck Berry wrote and recorded in 1957. George Martin once again joined in on the piano (as he often did); it was such a clean and crisp recording, only one take was needed.
Nothing new here for the Beatles; they had performed all these songs in their Hamburg days so the group was used to playing them. Yes, you’re right if you’re saying “But, Nancy … Ringo wasn’t in Hamburg– Pete Best was the Beatles drummerback then“. And I would reply that Ringo had sung “Boys” with his previous band so it was only natural that he be given the lead for that song again with the Beatles. These songs were also Rock & Roll or Rockabilly covers – a genre the Beatles loved to listen to and play, which they did with extreme ease.
Many people mistakenly believe that the Beatles routinely recorded songs in one take when in reality it happened only four times in their entire career. Let’s listen to my favorite of the four “one take” songs …. John’s version of “Rock and Roll Music” from “Beatles For Sale”.
Rock And Roll Music (Remastered 2009) The Beatles Beatles For Sale
Written by: ChuckBerry Recorded: October 18, 1964 Producer: George Martin Engineer: Norman Smith Released: December 4, 1964 (UK),December 15, 1961 (US) Available on: Beatles For Sale Anthology 2 Live At The BBC
Personnel John Lennon: vocals, rhythm guitar, piano Paul McCartney: bass guitar, piano George Harrison: acoustic guitar Ringo Starr: drums George Martin: piano
The prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is to include the words “to me”. This is my response.
Whenever there’s an upset in my life, I ask myself the same question: “How could this be happening to me again?”
Sometimes I wonder if I’m a total sap to give myself entirely to a friendship and at some point end up getting hurt. I don’t know …. maybe I’m delusional but I expect people to treat me the same as I treat them. Perhaps “expect” is too strong a word; after all, do I really have the right to expect people to behave a certain way just because I think they should?
Someone once told me my expectations are unrealistic and that I can’t “will” someone to act or react a certain way simply because I want them to. Perhaps he was right. I think about his words when I feel hurt or angry.
So, yes, I was hurt once again by a friend going behind my back and lying to me. This leaves me wondering if I bring this sort of behavior on myself or if I’m just unfortunate with some of the friendships I have made?
One thing I simply cannot tolerate is lying. I have a personal pact with myself never to tell lies. I know people lie all the time; is it too much to ask those near and dear not to lie to me?
Writing about this recent hurt is cleansing and I have decided I will put it behind me. What gives me some small amount of satisfaction is the fact that the person who lied to me knows that I know. This friend certainly went to a lot of trouble to cover all the tracks but they weren’t 100% successful. First of all, I am nobody’s fool and I catch on fast. Secondly, when you involve a third party into the plot, things can go horribly wrong very quickly. And last, my friend slipped up by making a comment online which I saw through immediately; as I said, I am nobody’s fool. The plotting and scheming behind my back compounded with the lie is particularly vicious; it was entirely intentional. You can’t get much lower than that.
Well, while I am going through this cleansing period, I am not above admitting that I hope the liar(s) are squirming and feeling guilty about stabbing me in the back. This was a grievous act on their part; could an admission and an apology be on the way?
There’s nothing quite as poignant as the sight of a dying swan, when her beauty wanes like that of faded silken cloth.
A life of such magnificence she leads, dressed in only the most majestic and royal of attire, bestowed so easily by nature while other breeds look so ordinary in comparison.
Confident in her beauty, she floats like a downy queen; she renders no judgement on the world nor assumes a superior attitude. Hers is a graceful, peaceful existence.
She rises above the tumult and silently, in a sweetly romantic character, will she take to heart a mate for all her life. No other and never another will she need, for they are soulmates of the seas.
With wings and elegant necks entwined, they swim the waters together, no fear, no discord. In unison they fly with wings of angels, ever one with the other.
The finches and skylarks in admiration glance down from the trees and sing to the beauty of the swans.
Their love comes to fruition; their cygnets hatch like tiny balls of feathered fluff.
But now the song of the swan is almost over, come full cycle but far too soon for her mate has fallen victim to the fisherman’s nets and weights and has been dragged unceremoniously to the depths of the lake.
Now she is alone with only a broken heart until the time comes for her to rest and in silence she will close her eyes for one long and final sleep.
My mother was coming for a visit – just a couple of hours but enough time to give my house the once-over.
I gave up long ago trying to please Mom or meet her unreasonable expectations; nothing I did made her happy or proud so why even bother? Now that I was a mom, spending time with my kids was more important than keeping an immaculate house.
To my surprise, the afternoon with Mom was delightful. As she was leaving, she walked by the pile of shoes in my mudroom and announced with a huff, “Nancy, you are such a disappointment.”
Denise @ GirlieOnTheEdge has once again challenged us to write a Six Sentence Story, incorporating the word “limit”. This is my response. 🎅🏼
“Now listen up, kids, because Daddy’s had just about enough of this nonsense; I’m at the end of my rope and very close to losing it right here in front of Cinnabon, you hear me?
Every year it’s the same thing with you kids; Timmy, Sally .… I need you guys to get a gripbecause people are starting to stare, mall security is checking me out and the big guy in the redsuit is becoming impatient.
Try to remember what we talked about last night when I read you a bedtime story, how you gotta behave because Santa is watching all the time and he knows when you’re being naughty (like now) or when you’re being nice; if you want Santa Claus to come to our house this year and bring you Christmas presents, you better shape up this minute and stop crying or else you’re gonna get a big fat lump of coal in your stocking!
Sally, I know you want Mommy right now but the last time I saw her she was ducking into Ye Olde Candle Shoppe and she hasn’t come out yet …. as if we really need more goddamn candles that smell like fruit cake and reindeer balls …. it ain’t normal, I’m telling you; look, we’re next in line to see Santa so everybody settle down, stop crying and when we’re all done we’ll go down to the food court and get ice cream at Baskin Robbins, ok?
Hold on a second, kids, cos one of the elves is putting up a sign and I wanna see what it says; whoa, whoa, whoa …. wait up there, pal …. what’s with the sign?
Ok, change of plans, kids …. Santa’s taking a lunch break and won’t be back till 3:00 so we’re gonna go hunt down Mommy in the friggin’ candle store and then we’re gonna go home where Daddy can watch Sunday football and have a couple of cold ones and Mommy can bring you back to the mall tomorrow while I’m at the office; Timmy, Sally …. for fuck’s sake …. that’s enough now cos Daddy’s good and pissed and has reached his limit …. so stop with the damn crying or I’ll really give you something to cry about!”
This is Bob Rivers & Twisted Christmas with “I Am Santa Claus”
It’s Birthday Thursday today at The Rhythm Section. Stop by and see who’s celebrating a birthday! No fuss, no muss; just wall-to-wall-music! https://rhythmsection.blog/
Welcome to Birthday Thursdays here in The Rhythm Section. Each week I will feature someone from the world of music whose birthday falls on that day. There won’t be any chit chat from me, no facts and figures – just some great tunes (and an occasional surprise). Check it out right here every Thursday and enjoy the music.
Happy Birthday to Harry Chapin December 7, 1942 in New York City
Out of the blue the call arrived. It was late and I was beyond tired after a day of Christmas shopping and decorating. We were tempted to let it go straight to voice mail, but Gary thought it might be important.
“Gary? Hi, it’s Alice from the adoption agency. I hope you and Carol are sitting down! We have a baby for you! Can you come by in the morning to talk?”
Gary stood up; his face registered shock. “What? My God! Are you sure?” Completely convinced that something terrible had happened, I grabbed the phone from Gary. “This is Carol Wheeler. Who’s this, please?”
It was not bad news …. just the opposite. It was elating, magical, top-of-the-world, The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year news!
A baby in need of a home! A baby for us to love!!
“Yes!! We’ll be there! Oh, Alice. I’m so happy! Thank you so much!” I was rambling.
Dumbstruck, we stood there …. then pandemonium broke loose. Laughing, crying, hugging, kissing, dancing, tossing tinsel around the room like crazy people. Anytime would have been amazing but for this to be happening during the holiday season was wondrous!
We didn’t think …. or even care …. to ask “boy, girl, age, etc., etc.”? After eight years of trying to get pregnant and faced with disappointment each time, an incredibly strong and loving stranger was presenting us with the most precious gift imaginable.
“Gary, do you realize in a few days we will be a family of three?” I asked breathlessly.
IN A FEW DAYS!!
All tiredness forgotten, we raced to the attic for the plastic bins of assorted baby items. There in the corner stood the bassinet; it seemed to glow in the darkness. I believe at that moment I heard angels singing. We reverently carried it down to our room. I leaned into Gary, overcome with elated exhaustion.
And then the phone rang a second time. We stared at it, afraid to answer, sure it was Alice calling to say the baby’s mom had changed her mind, there would be no happy family for us.
I reached for the phone and wearily, warily said “This is Carol.”
“Carol, it’s Alice again. Sorry to bother you and Gary but there’s been a development.”
I closed my eyes waiting for the words I didn’t want to hear. Not now, not at Christmastime. Alice continued talking and I felt my knees growing weak.
Stunned, crying, all I could manage was a hushed “Oh, Alice! Are you absolutely sure? How could this be happening? Yes. Yes, I understand.”
I hung up the phone without even saying goodbye. I was already crying when I turned to face Gary. He held me close and whispered “Shh. It’s ok, honey. Everything will be ok. Another baby is out there waiting for us. It’s just a matter of time.”
On tiptoes, I reached up to give my darling husband a little kiss. I murmured “I love you”, my mouth just brushing his. I looked into his eyes and spoke, my voice breaking.
“Oh, Gary. There was a mix up at the hospital and Alice was given the wrong information.”
Gary started to speak but I gently placed my fingers on his lips to quiet him. I continued.
“Alice called just now to ask how we feel about adopting twins.”
I’m quite sure neither of us was breathing at that moment. Gary’s eyes grew wide as the realization sunk in and I let out a little laugh. Gary put up two fingers and mouthed the word “Two”. I nodded and replied “Two. Twin girls”.
We fell to the couch, a huddle of tears and laughter and hugs. Then I heard my love’s voice next to my ear: “I told you another baby was out there waiting for us!”
Can you believe we are in December already? Chanukah begins in just three days, Christmas is less than three weeks away and a new year is knocking on the door! I love the holidays …. the smell of pine trees, the sight of twinkling lights, the taste of peppermint, the warm feeling of a fireplace, the sound of seasonal songs and the love of family and dear friends. What a joyful time it is.
Welcome to In The Groove: Sounds Of The Season! To help get us in the holiday mood, I thought it would be nice to start our new category with some lovely traditional holiday instrumentals. Light the candles, pour yourself a brandy, a cup of cocoa or a glass of eggnog and snuggle up with your favorite blanket. The music is about to begin.
Now bear in mind …. as is my style, I have prepared a number of videos for you; think of them as the hors d’oeuvres at a holiday party. Sample a video today, perhaps another one tomorrow; they are meant to be viewed and enjoyed throughout the week. However, if you cannot wait and simply must gobble them all up at one sitting, then go right ahead. The choice is yours!
For your relaxing listening pleasure today I have chosen the beautiful sounds of Mantovani.
Annunzio Paolo Mantovani was an Anglo-Italian composer and conductor known for his signature cascading musical string sound. He was born in Venice, Italy in 1905 into a music-oriented family. His father, Benedetto Paolo Mantovani, was a violinist and served as the orchestra concertmaster of La Scala opera house in Milan, under the baton of Arturo Toscanini. The family moved to England in 1912, where young Annunzio studied at Trinity College of Music in London. After graduation, he formed his own orchestra, which played in and around Birmingham. By the time World War II broke out, his orchestra was one of the most popular British dance bands, both on BBC radio broadcasts and in live performances.
Sit back now and enjoy the soothing sound of Mantovani & His Orchestra.
This is “O Tannenbaum” (O Christmas Tree)
“The Christmas Song”
“Christmas Bells”
“O Come All Ye Faithful”
“Sleigh Ride”
“O Holy Night”
What beautiful music to put us in the holiday mood; let’s spread the joy of the season everywhere we go!
Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to meet up with me today. I hope you’ll join me again next Tuesday for more delightful Sounds Of The Seasons here In The Groove.
Stay well and be kind to yourselves and one another.
Today in Song Lyric Sunday Jim is challenging us to write about a killer album closer. Here’s my response:
Say “hello” to my little friend. This is Eddie, the official mascot for Iron Maiden. Eddie is a perennial fixture of the group’s artwork, appearing on all their album covers and merchandise, which includes T-shirts, posters and action figures. Eddie, AKA Eddie the Head, made his debut February 8, 1980.
There are metal singers and then there are METAL SINGERS. Bruce Dickinson, without a single solitary doubt in my mind, falls into the latter category. He is among the best of the best!
“Hallowed Be Thy Name,” the end track from the epic “The Number of The Beast” album, is not only one of Iron Maiden’s best songs, it’s one of the greatest metal tracks of all-time, period. The epic 7+ minute track instantly became a mainstay at live shows and has been covered by numerous artists, including Dream Theater and Machine Head.
Allmusic describes it as “perhaps the most celebrated of the band’s extended epics; it’s the tale of a prisoner about to be hanged, featuring some of Harris’ most philosophical lyrics.” Several band-members have since stated that it is one of their favorite tracks, with Bruce Dickinson describing it as “fantastic” and that performing it live is like “narrating a movie to the audience.”
On the evening of October 2, 1982, my mister and I hired a babysitter for our boys and drove into Manhattan for one of our final rock concerts. It had been a while. Now that we had kids, who knew when we would be able to have this experience again. We were all grown up with a different set of priorities but this was one event we could not miss. Performing that night at Madison Square Garden were two British groups Bill and I didn’t have a chance to see B.K. (Before Kids).
The concert tour was called “Beast On the Road” and the two groups were Judas Priest and Iron Maiden. It was incredible and the closing song sounded a lot like this:
“Hallowed Be Thy Name” by Iron Maiden
Lyrics
I’m waiting in my cold cell when the bell begins to chime Reflecting on my past life and it doesn’t have much time ‘Cause at 5 o’clock, they take me to the Gallows Pole The sands of time for me are running low Running low, yeah!
When the priest comes to read me the last rites Take a look through the bars at the last sights Of a world that has gone very wrong for me
Can it be that there’s some sort of error? Hard to stop the surmounting terror Is it really the end, not some crazy dream?
Somebody, please tell me that I’m dreaming It’s not easy to stop from screaming The words escape me when I try to speak Tears flow, but why am I crying? After all, I’m not afraid of dying Don’t I believe that there never is an end?
As the guards march me out to the courtyard Somebody cries from a cell, “God be with you” If there’s a God, why has he let me go?
As I walk, my life drifts before me Though the end is near I’m not sorry Catch my soul, it’s willing to fly away
Mark my words, believe my soul lives on Don’t worry now that I have gone I’ve gone beyond to seek the truth
When you know that your time is close at hand Maybe then you’ll begin to understand Life down here is just a strange illusion
Yeah-yeah-yeah, hallowed be thy name Yeah-yeah-yeah, hallowed by thy name
Little Arvid was just a wee babe when his parents were tragically killed in a sledding accident. The only family he had was his Uncle Gunnar and Aunt Sigrid, who happily took him in to live with them. They were childless and lovingly raised their nephew.
Gunnar and Sigrid were little people, married for so long, neither one could recollect; their devotion was so rare, it kept them young. In fact they hadn’t aged at all since the day they married!
They lived in a tiny house in the world’s northernmost town of Longyearbyen, just 650 miles from the North Pole.
As Arvid grew, it became obvious that he, too, would be a little person; this was no problem because almost everyone in the town of Longyearbyen was a little person.
When Arvid reached the age of 8, Gunnar and Sigrid knew it was time for “the talk”. With great care they led Arvid into a small privy which was so secluded, Arvid had never seen it before. There was an imposing teal blue safe inside …. how very curious! Arvid was even more surprised when Uncle Gunnar opened the safe’s door to find it led directly outdoors!
The little family hopped on a long sled parked outside and sped down the snowy mountains until they reached the most magical place of all …. The North Pole! Soon, alongside his aunt and uncle, Arvid learned the mystical wonders of life …. helping Santa make toys for good girls and boys.
It’s only fitting that we conclude this week of “All Things George” with one of my favorite George Harrison songs.
“Taxman” was the sixth song by George to appear on a Beatles album; out of all the Beatles songs combined (not counting solo work), only 22 were written by George. “Taxman” was released as the opening track on “Revolver” in 1966. It’s a powerful piece of guitar rock with a sexy beat that dives into psychedelic rock.
Written from the perspective of a federal agent, the song sarcastically attacks the high levels of progressive tax taken by the British government of then Prime Minister Harold Wilson.
Early on, the press called the Beatles millionaires; they were so naïve, they didn’t realize their millions were earnings, not assets, and they needed to set aside a lot of those earnings for taxes. They were never happy about that and that’s why George wrote “Taxman”. They’d been poor boys who worked hard to make their money and now someone was trying to take it away …. something we can all relate to.
This song named names and pointed fingers; it’s down and dirty, gritty and sexy, and I didn’t need any more convincing that George had it going on. This song bashed me over the head like a caveman and dragged me home by the hair …. and I loved it.
From 1966’s Revolver, with superb artwork by the brilliant Klaus Voormann, this is the gritty, sexy, down and dirty “Taxman”.
Lyrics
One, two, three, four One, two (one, two, three, four)
Let me tell you how it will be There’s one for you, nineteen for me ‘Cause I’m the taxman Yeah, I’m the taxman
Should five percent appear too small Be thankful I don’t take it all ‘Cause I’m the taxman Yeah, I’m the taxman
I’ll tax the street (If you try to sit, sit) I’ll tax your seat (If you get too cold, cold) I’ll tax the heat (If you take a walk, walk) I’ll tax your feet (Taxman)
‘Cause I’m the taxman Yeah, I’m the taxman
Don’t ask me what I want it for (Ah, ah, Mr. Wilson) If you don’t want to pay some more (Ah, ah, Mr. Heath) ‘Cause I’m the taxman Yeah, I’m the taxman
Now my advice for those who die (taxman) Declare the pennies on your eyes (taxman) ‘Cause I’m the taxman Yeah, I’m the taxman And you’re working for no one but me (taxman)
Dad never learned to drive so mom had to take matters into her own hands.
She got her driver’s license in 1957 at age 40. Oh, she’d driven a bit when she was younger but women drivers in the 30s and 40s was unheard of.
Her first car was a Studebaker Golden Hawk and she ran that thing into the ground, literally.
One blindingly sunny day with the pedal to the metal, mom drove off the road, smashed into the cemetery and dug up a few floral arrangements along the way.
After a couple of discreet contributions to “Help!”, George really started taking his revenge with “Rubber Soul” and began to show his enormous capacity as a songwriter. With this new-found theme, George was on his way to surpassing himself on each upcoming album.
I thought I couldn’t dig George any more than I already did, but when this song came out in 1965, I realized I was wrong. I was under his spell!
In his 1980 autobiography, “I, Me, Mine”, George recalls a little about the inspiration behind “Think for Yourself”. He said that his intention was to target narrow-minded thinking and identified the British government as a possible source. Partly as a result of the vagueness of his comments, the song has been interpreted as both a political commentary and a statement on a failing personal relationship.
The song reflects the influence of Bob Dylan; just as their songs had encouraged Dylan to embrace rock music, Dylan’s work inspired the Beatles (and particularly George, as a budding songwriter), to address more sophisticated concepts than the standard love song. Some critics likened “Think For Yourself” to Dylan’s “Positively 4th Street” …. not too shabby a comparison!
From 1965’s fantastic “Rubber Soul”, this is the impressive, heavy-hitting “Think For Yourself”.
Lyrics
I’ve got a word or two To say about the things that you do You’re telling all those lies About the good things that we can have If we close our eyes
Do what you want to do And go where you’re going to Think for yourself ‘Cause I won’t be there with you
I left you far behind The ruins of the life that you had in mind And though you still can’t see I know your mind’s made up You’re gonna cause more misery
Do what you want to do And go where you’re going to Think for yourself ‘Cause I won’t be there with you
Although your mind’s opaque Try thinking more if just for your own sake The future still looks good And you’ve got time to rectify All the things that you should
Do what you want to do And go where you’re going to Think for yourself ‘Cause I won’t be there with you
Do what you want to do And go where you’re going to Think for yourself ‘Cause I won’t be there with you Think for yourself ‘Cause I won’t be there with you
You may have picked up on a theme here in my ‘all things George’ week. I started with the first song by George to appear on a Beatles album and am working my way up chronologically …. managing somehow to have overlooked two! 🤦🏼♀️ One of those songs appears today; the other will appear tomorrow. By Saturday I’ll be back on track with the correct chronology. True Giorgiophiles didn’t call me out on that booboo but those two songs are very good ones and deserve airtime here. Mea culpa!
Let’s backtrack a bit to the third George song included on a Beatles album. It was his second composition for the “Help!” album, recorded in 1965 for the film of the same name but it never made it to the soundtrack.
George double-tracked his vocals, with Paul joining in at certain times. Double-tracking vocals is the act of recording a vocal part two or more times, attempting to match each performance as closely as possible to the original, both in phrasing and in pitch, to add depth, dimension, character and harmony. (If you’re familiar with the songs of Connie Francis, you’ll know that she is famous for double-tracking and she certainly did it well.)
Presumably written about his relationship with Pattie Boyd (another ode to the divine Ms. B!) this is “You Like Me Too Much” from “Help!” or “Beatles IV”, depending on which side of the pond you’re located.
Lyrics
Though you’ve gone away this morning You’ll be back again tonight Telling me there’ll be no next time If I just don’t treat you right You’ll never leave me and you know it’s true ‘Cause you like me too much and I like you
You’ve tried before to leave me But you haven’t got the nerve To walk out and make me lonely Which is all that I deserve You’ll never leave me and you know it’s true ‘Cause you like me too much and I like you I really do
And it’s nice when you believe me If you leave me I will follow you and bring You back where you belong ‘Cause I couldn’t really stand it I’d admit that I was wrong I wouldn’t let you leave me ’cause it’s true ‘Cause you like me too much and I like you
‘Cause you like me too much and I like you I really do
And it’s nice when you believe me If you leave me I will follow you and bring You back where you belong ‘Cause I couldn’t really stand it I’d admit that I was wrong I wouldn’t let you leave me ’cause it’s true ‘Cause you like me too much and I like you ‘Cause you like me too much and I like you
Welcome to Birthday Thursdays here in The Rhythm Section. Each week I will feature someone from the world of music whose birthday falls on that day. There won’t be any chit chat from me, no facts and figures – just some great tunes (and an occasional surprise). Check it out right here every Thursday and enjoy the music.
Happy Birthday to Billy Idol November 30, 1955 in Stanmore, UK
Denise at GirlieOnTheEdge is challenging us to create a Six Sentence Story using the word “detail”. This is my response to that challenge. (Revamped, rewritten and reposted from a 2022 story)
Recently, while talking with a friend, I asked her “What is your earliest childhood memory?” to which she replied her days in kindergarten and there may have been some mention of earwax and/or sticking bubble gum in her ears but that’s her story to tell; as it turns out, some of my early childhood memories also revolve around my kindergarten days and what a joy it was to be five years old when all that really concerned me was eating and playing.
My kindergarten teacher’s name was Mrs. Merchant and she could have been anywhere from 34 to 64 years old with her short, curly salt-and-pepper hair, rimless glasses, shirtwaist dresses, sensible shoes and sweaters (which she wore every day regardless of the temperature), but the single-most thing that stands out in my mind about Mrs. Merchant was the fact that she would discreetly vomit daily into a silver bowl which she kept behind the piano, and then cover the bowl with a towel and carry it off to the bathroom for a good washing; our mothers told us not to stare because it was rude but it was pretty damn hard to ignore your teacher puking behind the piano every day.
We did all sorts of fabulous things in kindergarten like arts and crafts, story time, marching band parades and show-and-tell but my favorite thing of all was the talent shows where we could sing, dance, tell a joke …. basically whatever 5-year-old kids did that qualified as talent; I always sang a song and I remember every detail about one of my performances – my song, my little dance and most of all my costume, my little pig costume.
My mother, ever the creative seamstress, bought a child’s pair of pink one-piece Dr. Denton footed pajamas with a rear flap for “easy potty time” (if you don’t remember Dr. Denton pjs, you’re really missing out on something!) and she brought home some pink felt from the shop where she worked to make little pig ears and a curlicue tail which she fashioned out of a short length of a wire clothes hanger covered in pink felt and stitched to the little rear end flap of my pjs; my mother covered one of my plastic headbands with felt and attached the ears to it while my piggy nose was made from stiffly starched fabric covered with felt with two holes cut out on each side for the string which tied around the back of my head to keep my piggy nose in place like a mask.
I did a little Pig Jig which I can only describe as a cross between clogging and the tarantella and I was told I looked absolutely adorable but sadly …. or luckily, depending on how you look at it …. no photos remain of that momentous occasion – at least none that I’m aware of; I’m sure if there were any photos out there, someone would have used them to blackmail me by now, don’t you think?
Yes, those days in kindergarten were great and I believe Mrs. Merchant (who probably suffered from bulimia, poor thing) didn’t have a first name because I’d never heard it; I also wasn’t crazy about nap time because no 5-year-old wants to nap but what I wouldn’t give these days for a nice cozy afternoon snooze!
Today we mark the 22nd anniversary of George Harrison’s death; as I said the other day in my post on Song Lyric Sunday, the passing of George broke my heart. The youngest of the Beatles, he was only eight years my senior, almost to the day, but when I was 13 or 14 years old, that eight years seemed like a huge age gap.
I was in my car driving up to Rhinebeck NY to see my mother and sister when the news came on the car radio. I cried for the rest of the trip and, upon my arrival, shared the sad news with them. The irony was not lost on me how 36 years earlier the three of us bonded at a happier occasion …. the Beatles concert at Shea Stadium. The Lads always had a way of bringing people together.
And they still do for here we are once again brought together by their great music!
After “With The Beatles” and “Help!”, George was ready to take his long over-due revenge with “Rubber Soul”. “If I Needed Someone” marked the start of his (acknowledged) emergence as a songwriter beside the likes of Lennon and McCartney.
This is yet another song which George wrote for his future wife, Pattie Boyd. She must have been something else, that Pattie, to have two men (George and Eric Clapton) fall madly in love with her, marry her and have three songs (that I know of) written for her!
In “If I Needed Someone”, George invites is love interest to “Carve your number on my wall” yet offers only the possibility that he will call her back. I always loved the way he cleverly used the word “carve” when a songwriter of lesser chops would have gone with the word “write”.
From 1965’s “Rubber Soul” here is “If I Needed Someone”. There’s not a single thing wrong with a George Harrisong!
LYRICS
If I needed someone to love You’re the one that I’d be thinking of If I needed someone
If I had some more time to spend Then I guess I’d be with you, my friend If I needed someone
Had you come some other day Then it might not have been like this But you see now I’m too much in love
Carve your number on my wall And maybe you will get a call from me If I needed someone Ah, ah, ah, ah
If I had some more time to spend Then I guess I’d be with you, my friend If I needed someone
Had you come some other day Then it might not have been like this But you see now I’m too much in love
Carve your number on my wall And maybe you will get a call from me If I needed someone Ah, ah
Here’s a link to a story I first wrote in 2021 then reposted earlier this year. Most of you have read it but some have not. I’m rather proud of this piece; a ton of research went into it and it took me about 2 weeks to paraphrase everything George said because the last thing I wanted was a cut and paste type of job. It’s about as close to the truth as I could get without actually sitting down and talking with George himself. Thank you! 🩶
