A little History about this coming weekend.
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service.
The Day is not about division.
It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.
In my attempts to bring you our music in a slightly different way, I thought it might be interesting to give a listen to some- just some- of the Rockers who served in the Military.
In order to show no favoritism to any Branch of the Services, I will be approaching them in alphabetical order.
In this Part Two, it’s the Army, Marine Corps and Navy.
I believe there will definitely be some surprises for you in these two chapters.
This will be fun, but with an accompanying amount of deserved respect.

Mike

A little History about this coming weekend.
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service.
The Day is not about division.
It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.
In my attempts to bring you our music in a slightly different way, I thought it might be interesting to give a listen to some- just some- of the Rockers who served in the Military.
In order to show no favoritism to any Branch of the Services, I will be approaching them in alphabetical order.
In this Part One, it’s the Air Force and Army.
I believe there will definitely be some surprises for you in these two chapters.
This will be fun, but with an accompanying amount of deserved respect.

Mike

I don’t know if you noticed, but back when I did this show I had far more vinyl records than CD’s.
And listening to it now I can tell we played at least as many of those wonderful warm records- if not more- than those cold, fidelity-challenged compact discs, lol!
It’s all Heart songs again, with more wonderful quotes about them.
I will say this, one Eagle led to another, and I played the other McGarrigle song by Linda among other things.
And I ended with a very surprising song, but one that lyrically said what I wanted.
Fun to hear my working with my old friend Engineer Ken Stanley.
All YOU have to do is enjoy this, and it’s a wrap, lol
Happy Heart!
 
Mike

Keeping it honest, this is an old show that for some reason I never put out for listening.
I remember that they wanted me to talk more back in those days, which didn’t bother me as long as I could pick any songs I wanted to play without interference.
As it still is!
What I am titling this show is just a variation of the quote, “In the Spring a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love”.
Didn’t seem fair to leave out the fancy of young women, lol!
It is from the poem Locksley Hall by Alfred Lord Tennyson, and I will read, not the whole thing thankfully, but that portion I am referencing.
Never one to waste what I consider a good idea, these are songs I didn’t play on the previous Valentine’s Day- the first time I played all “Heart” songs!
These are not the scrubs, not the ones that weren’t good enough.
I just couldn’t fit them all in for Valentines.
I have some nice quotes in here about the Loving Heart, and of course Music I hope you will enjoy.

Mike

Well this is it, at long last the Finale- until I get the itch to do Rain again someday.
By the way, it was pouring outside the morning I did this chapter.
I was losing myself in the Music and feeling comfortable again.
I knew weeks ago what song I would end this series with, so it was just a matter of setting a mood for me and for you until I got there.
You can decide how well I did regarding both mood and ending.
I openly admitted that I knew I undoubtedly left somebody’s favorite Rain song out.
But hey, I sure played an awful lot of them…there had to be some good ones in there, lol!
A big thank you to everyone who joined me for all or some of this wet, soggy, long and fun trip!
And a Happy Mother’s Day to all who qualify!
 
Mike

So much for my preventing Rain with this series,
It has been raining or threatening to, virtually every day since I opened my mouth about it.
This is the next-to-last episode, and not because I am running out of Rain songs.
In fact, I have so many left over, I decided this would be a Kitchen Sink presentation.
I would just throw the Kitchen Sink at you with Rain songs as they came into my head.
Actually that’s not much different than usual, lol!
I think most of these will be known to you, but maybe not.
One was banned by Radio Stations, one by a group that had begun in the early 60’s and was trying to keep up with the times and dip into what was starting to be called Progressive Rock, another is one of my favorite Oldies from the 50’s, one I really like was sent to me from Mother Hen Productions, and so on.
This first half of the show required less thought, as I had to work through a sadness- if Rain falls, so do Tears, and I don’t mean that in some philosophical sense.
I was feeling the shock, the disbelief, the mourning over the loss of Pete Fornatale, the most creative DJ I have ever heard.
He couldn’t REALLY have died, could he?
As I went along, I couldn’t help wondering how he would have handled this Rain series…what he would have played?
And I was slowly getting out of the funk, and getting back to the pride I have both in the similarities and the differences Pete and I always had.
In the near future I will find a way to honor him on Rockollections.
 
Mike

As we conclude our musical Kentucky Derby, I know a horse I would bet on but he is for a very good reason not on the field, not a contender.
Then I’ll play a couple of songs that are not only about Horses, but RACEhorses!
After that, just for kicks let’s become children again, and go to a place beyond the Derby, where nobody bets on the ponies- into a world of dreams and magic for a ride on and with the Pony Man.
Then what’s that expression, “You can lead a horse to water, but…”?
Followed by a song that seems to bring out strong emotions in people, both for and against.
Finally, and all out of breath, I will leave you with a perfectly named song that was # 2 on the charts in 1968.
Let me know if I came in Win, Place or Show.
I ran my ass off, lol!
Good luck picking the winner at the Kentucky Derby.
May he or she go on to the Triple Crown!

Mike

Well it only took many years, but I finally realized in time to do something about it!
A show that has been bouncing around in my head for all those years, dedicated to the Kentucky Derby.
Because the only 2 vices I have avoided in my life are gambling and drugs, I never bet the ponies or the Derby, so it always sort of sneaked up on me.
But this year…voila…I am aware, lol!
So there will be much horsing around, and even imbibing in that famous traditional beverage.
There are some wonderful listeners I am blessed to have, who think along with me in these free-form-radio ventures.
And I am sure they figure there is a Rolling Stones song I HAVE to play.
They are correct of course, but I am going to throw them and everybody else a surprising curveball with that one, lol!
Something you may never have known about regarding that classic song.
Plus I have the chance to play within a Theme a song I have always loved, exquisite in its open to interpretation symbolism, that goes far beyond merely catching a horse.
Ah, there’s a lot here if you like Horses.
And we are only at the halfway marker- with a photo finish still to come.
You are invited to saddle up and join me.

Mike

When I was recording this second half of the show, it actually was RAINING!
A real downpour- the kind you want to walk in…well, maybe not, lol!
And April Showers has since been living up to its name.
I had decided to go Folk in this chapter beforehand, and that Sweet Rain made it so much more enjoyable.
Included in this episode is one of my Go-To-Guys…TWICE!
The urgent thought, during the old Cold War, of Rain as Song Metaphor for Nuclear War and Radioactive Fallout- hang on to something if you have never heard these- the poetic words will come fast and furious!
A Randy Newman song dripping with sadness and sarcasm, I’ll be playing my favorite version interpreted by someone who may surprise you.
Followed quickly by one that will pick you right up and make you feel glad you have those good times, bad times, true friends.
All the ingredients that are usually contained in these shows are here, but with a Folk & Folk/Rock bent.
I will give Rain a rest next week, then continue the following one with what I think will be the Series Finale- although man, I have so many Rain Songs left!
Next week, it’s Off To The Races.
But first, give this one a listen- a close, get-back-to-when-the-lyrics-mattered listen!
You won’t be disappointed.
 
Mike

Somebody help me!
For the past two weeks I have been caught in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, watching 2, 3, 4, sometimes 5 games in a day- tough, nasty, mesmerizing old-time Hockey the way I like it, lol!
Where’s that been the last bunch of years?
So I am behind on everything, those damn intrusions of life!
I have a correction to make.
Last time out, I must have thought I was going to tell a story- I incorrectly identified the Rascals album as Once Upon A Time…it is in fact Once Upon A Dream.
This time in, I asked a few friends Why People Walk In The Rain?
I’ll have their answers, but I didn’t say in the show that most of them said they didn’t like it at all, lol!
You have to go somewhere, it’s raining, so you walk in it- end of story.
Another portion of this chapter will deal with People Who Want It To Rain.
For reasons that will become quickly clear to you.
A nice cross-section of Music in here.
And a rushed out blog, lol!
Enjoy!

Mike

Before anything else, let’s all remember Dick Clark.
He did a lot for Rock & Roll and always seemed like a decent guy to me.
This show will note his passing as soon as I get the opportunity.
Continuing with our April Showers series, I’ll get a little serious regarding Farmers.
Too little Rain or too much Rain and you are in a world of hurt, it’s a tricky balance.
Don’t make enough money, you might lose your farm!
After that, a lighter touch as we lay back and groove while it rains and we dream.
Plus there is no finer time for romance (or even more if you handle it right, and find a willing partner) than a Rainy Day…well maybe a Snowy Day…but we get more Rainy ones, lol!
And I’ll have one of my very favorite Rain songs from the brilliant wordsmith John Sebastian with the Lovin’ Spoonful.
Sweet, happy, and saying so much in its brief simplicity- right up Sebastian’s alley.
Lastly, I want to let you know that Sunday, April 22nd is April Showers Day!
As the sign above says, enjoy the Day- I’m doing my part, lol!
The Showers and Rain will continue next week.

Mike

There has been far more Rain in these shows than we have actually had in April.
I’m not sure if it has really rained at all here where I live!
How difficult is it to be a Weatherperson in a continuously warm-weather location?
It must be mind numbing to say the same things every day, however that’s what they get paid for, and handsomely so.
I guess they must possess an entertaining quality about them- although if it’s a Weatherwoman, a short skirt and cleavage would make me tune in, lol!
Among other things, I’ll take a look at Rainmakers in this episode- those who say they can do it and those who believe in them.
Included in this chapter, a song I once considered myself too hip to play, an old FM Turntable Hit for those of us who remember it, and a cautionary tale straight out of The Twilight Zone.
Let it Rain!

Mike

I was thinking during the break about that somewhat lame Rain sound effect I used in the first half.
That got me to thinking about songs that have the Sound Of Rain in them.
And what was the first one I remember hearing?
I should have done this during the Academy Awards, lol!
So in this episode I will present, and it’s just my opinion, the Award For Best Song That Contains Rain Sound Effects!
A sort of Golden Pell!
What would be your favorite, or do you agree with me?
Have a listen and find out.
 
Mike

This is another of those Theme Series I have long thought about doing.
I am finally getting around to it.
I like the Rain- of course I like Snow better- but Rain can be very enjoyable, romantic, calming and a whole lot of other things…including ruining a special day, lol!
Without a doubt, I will hit on some songs you have forgotten about and have not heard in years in this Series.
And for the sake of accuracy, I will even start with that period just before it Rains.
Let’s have some musical fun and get wet together!
 
Mike

First of all, I just have to say for all of Rockabilly Music, thank God for Sam Phillips and Sun Records!
Mr. Perkins was an artist I had always wanted to spotlight, and being left alone at the station I was able to.
We’ll close out our featured artist in this final episode, beginning with a song I would have bought based on the title alone.
I’ll have the 3rd of the songs the Beatles covered by Carl.
This should be pointed out, it is extremely noteworthy that the Beatles released more songs written by Carl Perkins than any artist other than THEMSELVES!
Plus it is fascinating to note that Carl late in his career discovered that he was a legend in England…a country he had never even performed in!
But eventually he did play there.
So we will end this show with an All-Star Jam Medley featuring Gentleman Carl Perkins from a TV Special, accompanied by some indisputable Rock & Roll heavyweights!
It was real fun for me to do this one, particularly back working with my old buddy Engineer Ken Stanley.
Again, enjoy and ROCK!
 
Mike

Among all my favorite kinds of music, Rockabilly has always been right up there.
There is a raucous letting go that appealed to me as a kid, and still does it for me.
Among the names that should always come up regarding this kind of Music is Carl Perkins.
And rightly so!
While there may be more familiar names, there are very few better.
Here’s what Charlie Daniels said about him:
“Carl Perkins’ songs personified the rockabilly era, and Carl Perkins’ sound personifies the rockabilly sound more so than anybody involved in it, because he never changed.”
Perkins’ songs were recorded by artists (and friends) as influential as Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and Johnny Cash, which further cemented his place in the history of popular music.
Called “the King of Rockabilly”, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll, the Rockabilly, and the Nashville Songwriters Halls of Fame; and was a Grammy Hall of Fame Award recipient.
So my man Carl clearly has the pedigree.
Let’s Rock!

Mike

Well as they say, the Party’s Over, lol!
This is it for Birthdays anyway- until I get the itch to do it again someday with different Music.
I promised all Good Feelings for this episode.
Let’s see if I can deliver.
Happy Birthday Everyone…whenever it is!

Mike

Continuing with our celebration of ALL Birthdays Around The Calendar, I even have a song for those who don’t want to be included.
Musical selections include a Happy Birthday that doesn’t seem Happy, one that does, a song that captures almost all parts of my growing up by what I saw on TV, and as beautiful an interpretation of a Beatle song as you will ever hear- and remarkably it came out the same year the Beatles version did.
Oh, and in here, I will be playing what I have for many many years felt is the BEST song I have ever heard!
A rather small, minor claim, lol!
This chapter is more contemplative than the others, so please put your Thinking Caps on.
Have you noticed how I avoid saying what age I am…shrewd, lol?
I’ll end the Birthdays salute next episode with all Good Feelings.
Of course there is nothing wrong with this one.
Enjoy!
 
Mike

We are celebrating Birthdays, all around the Calendar.
So from me to you, whenever it is, Happy Birthday!
You can put that in the bank and cash it when your Birthday comes around.
This time around a musical look at nostalgia for the past as we move on in years.
That feeling that the best days are behind us, when they may just possibly lie ahead.
Plus, I have always felt that your birthday is your own Personal Holiday…YOU are a Holiday!
Take off from work, march in your own parade, etc.
But then, I think you should be able to have your Date Of Birth legally changed too!
After all, it’s YOURS, it belongs to you- why can’t you do what you want with it?
You can have your name legally changed.
Hell, I’d shave 10 years off my birth right away…I don’t mind waiting for Social Security, lol!
Ah, what do I know?
At any rate, maybe I should say “Happy Personal Holiday On The Anniversary Of Your Entrance Into The World”!
There…put that in the bank too.
Not done with this, I will continue next week.

Mike

It is hard to believe that in all these years I have never tackled the subject of Birthdays as a Theme.
Prompted by the fact that my youngest brother’s birthday is March 20th, and mine is the next day, I’ll take care of that beginning here and now.
Birthdays are fascinating- some people eagerly look forward to them while others dread them.
But the one indisputable fact is that we all have them!
Everyday is someone’s birthday.
So a Celebration of All Birthdays Within the Calendar Year, leaving no one out.
And I hope this is a surprise, lol!

Mike

I’ll close out this from-5-years-ago album and show with more selected cuts.
I haven’t listened to this show since I did it, and I can’t believe I played so few songs, although they were kind of long.
Not to bum anybody out as to that aforementioned mourning period, but my main memory is that I had listened to the CD before the show, and there was a song that applied to my ex-girlfriend Angel’s death- at least in my mind.
This was after all, only about 3 weeks after she died.
So hovering over me was this wondering how I would handle playing it- I could have skipped it but not me, I was going to play it no matter what.
You’ll hear it…and me, in this Part Two.
I thought it was what I said after the song, but surprisingly I am equally affected by what I said with the intro also.
It funny, these shows are Time Capsules, and I do forget what I did and listen just like a stranger to them years later.
And speaking of Time, it hasn’t healed much with regard to that whole sad situation.
Maybe I won’t let it!
Hey, I am always what I am on that show, and I think that means something.
People can actually get to know me, for good or bad.
No machine me, but a real person!
Music Radio could use more of that!
Ending with Death this week, so next week it’s all about Birth!
 
Mike

Here is a show I did 5 years ago to the DAY!
So obviously it is NOT the latest album by Bob Dylan, but it was back then.
There is a lot of strangeness involved in this show.
For one thing, although I tried to hide it- and did a good job in this first half- I was in mourning, and this was the first show I had come back to do.
More about that in Part Two.
Listening to it now, it is evident I was distracted.
But that takes nothing away from the music.
Since the CD was over an hour and longer than the show, I played selected cuts from this critically acclaimed album- and it is/was terrific!
A few guys like Dylan seem to be rocking harder than ever as they get older- Leonard Cohen comes to mind, Tom Waits is another.
And at 65, Bob Dylan was the OLDEST  living person to EVER have an album enter the charts at # 1.
We’ll have some rockers that set the tone, beginning with the opening track, and even a jazzy, crooning Dylan (HUH?).
More to follow.

Mike

I’ll open this last half of our Road Trip to New Orleans with a short musical History Lesson about events almost exactly two hundred years ago!
I’ll have a guy who was a child prodigy, writing his first song at age 8.
The funniest song here is by another guy who could sing like a girl…and a frog, lol!
Earning himself a nickname in the process.
I’ll finally get around to playing one by a female solo singer- I hadn’t noticed how top-heavy New Orleans was in that department, loaded with guys.
But for me, the centerpiece of this half  hour is the very first song I ever heard by Dr. John back in 1968.
Back when he was known as the Night Tripper.
If you have heard it, maybe you’ll remember how mindblowing it was on that first listen…and many listens afterward.
If you have never heard it, well they are not at all necessary, but mind-altering substances can only enhance it, lol!
We’ll walk out of the city, and undoubtedly take another of these Road Trips in the future.
Enjoy!

Mike

We were in New Orleans for Mardi Gras, so I thought we might stick around for their definitive sound.
Rock & Roll, from its earliest days, most assuredly owes a debt to the artists who came out of that relatively small city.
And it was very difficult making the selections for this show- so much music I had to choose from, so many folks I had to leave out.
But I did the best I could with my spontaneous picks, and now I’ll get to see if you like them.
Fish Frys, Good Times, Original Versions of Songs You Know By Others, the Legendary Producer & Writer Allen Toussaint, a Boxer named Kid Chocolate who became a Singer- and that’s just the first half, with more of it to come in the second.
You know something?…I Like It Like That!

Mike

I’ll close out the Mardi Gras here, but will be staying in New Orleans for another show next week I am pretty sure, but maybe in the future.
Depends on a few variables.
The opening song in this last half of Mardi Gras may surprise you- a B-side of a single by a guy you surely know.
Then an authentic New Orleans Indian group doing a song for Mardi Gras (we talked about them in the 1st half), with the leader of the group, Bo Dellis, declaring himself a Big Chief.
Of course that made me think of an instrumental…and…well you know how my mind works, lol!
More notable and pioneering New Orleans musicians in this one.
Including what I consider the Musical First Family of the Big Easy.
Get your costume, mask and your dancing shoes, all Rockers here!
 
Mike