R.I.P Paul Kantner

It has been a brutal winter for classic rock. Paul Kantner the longtime guitarist for Jefferson Airplane passed away at the age of 74.


                                             "White Rabbit" live from 1975...

"Somebody to Love" performed at Woodstock..

                                                      "Volunteers"

He will be missed but his music will live on!

R.I.P Abe Vigoda

Actor Abe Vigoda passed away at the age of 94 from old age. Apparently he passed away peacefully and without pain. He will be remembered for his role on Barney Miller and in The Godfather.

Here is a clip from Barney Miller featuring Abe as Detective Fish...

A scene from The Godfather...

He will be missed but we can enjoy his on screen legacy in reruns and videos.

Battle of the Bands Results: Sonics win!

A classic song "Louie, Louie" which has been covered numerous times opens up so many opportunities for a Battle of the Bands. This time I pitted the well known Kinks against their lesser known peers The Sonics.

The winners were The Sonics! They won solidly. Not a blowout, not a shut out, just a solid win for  the Sonics. 10 to 6 was  the final score.

The Sonics were influential to many bands including Nirvana, The White Stripes and others.

Here is something original from them called "Bad Betty"...

                                                Here is "The Witch" from 1965...

                                                 "Cinderella"

Thanks for voting the next Battle of the Bands will be February 1. Yes, I am inviting you back! Please come back and vote, comment, ad trivia and have fun! Feel free to visit back before then as well.

Thanks for visiting and exploring the sounds of The Sonics!

R.I.P Glenn Frey

Glenn Frey, guitarist, co-founder of the Eagles, and a darn good solo artist has passed away. I was fortunate to see him in concert once touring with Joe Walsh.

"The One You Love"

Coming of age in the 80s and early 90s Frey's solo work really grabbed me being featured in popular movie and television shows.

"The Heat is On"

Here is commercial from that era..

"You Belong to the City"

The Eagles with "Lyin' Eyes"

The world lost a great musician who will be missed by his bandmates, fans and family.

Martin Luther King Jr

Martin Luther King Jr was a great man. Certainly  civil rights leader but he was a religious leader as well. I could write a full blog on the man however in celebrating his day I thought it would be best to focus on one quote. This is my quote for the day.

What is your answer to this question? "What are you doing for others?" In my past I would have answered this by saying a lot. This time of year I would be volunteering at a cold weather shelter or at a food distribution center.

They don't have cold weather shelters here. Sure I participate in food drives and give donations here and there. Shop at a thrift store or support something in that way.

Am I doing what I should be for others? Honestly I could do more. Maybe that is something I can work on in this young year.

R.I.P DAN HAGGERTY

Photo from Time, Inc

Dan Haggerty the star of the 1970s show "The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams" past away at the age of 74 from cancer.

                                                     Series Intro..

I was a young kid when the show was first on the air. I was hooked as an animal loving kid. Who wouldn't want to be like Grizzly Adams? Adventures in the wilderness, befriending animals and hanging out with a Grizzly Bear sounded good to me. Dan Haggerty will be missed by kids like me who grew up watching him, his family, and the animals he interacted with.

Dan Haggerty

Battle of the Bands: Louie, Louie

Welcome to Battle of the Bands today's battle was going to be a tribute to David Bowie. I had the songs selected but then I had to go run a family member to urgent care. Nothing life threatening just something that had to be taken care. When I came back someone else was already using the song, so here I am back at square one.



The rules are simple I pick a song and present a couple of bands battling it out with the song. You pick the one you like best by casting your vote in the comments. The whys and other comments are always welcomed.


Please check out the other battles:

 list of Battle of the Bands participants..

 I snagged it from STMcC Presents 'Battle of the Bands': 

@ ‘FAR AWAY SERIES’ by clicking HERE.
@ ‘TOSSING IT OUT’ by clicking HERE.
@ ‘YOUR DAILY DOSE’ by clicking HERE.
@ 'BOOK LOVER' by clicking HERE.
@ 'MIKE'S RAMBLINGS' by clicking HERE.
@ 'CURIOUS AS A CATHY' by clicking HERE.
@ 'THE SOUND OF ONE HAND TYPING' by clicking HERE.
@ 'DCRELIEF - BATTLE OF THE BANDS' by clicking HERE.
@ 'THE DOGLADY'S DEN' by clicking HERE.
@ 'CHERDO ON THE FLIPSIDE' by clicking HERE. 
@ 'ANGELS BARK' by clicking HERE.
@ 'JINGLE JANGLE JUNGLE' by clicking HERE.
@ 'JANIE JUNEBUG, RIGHTING & EDITING' by clicking HERE.
@ 'J.A. SCOTT' by clicking HERE.
@ 'NOVELBREWS' by clicking HERE.
@ 'QUIET LAUGHTER' by clicking HERE.
@ 'BE REINVINTAGED' by clicking HERE


Let's get this party started....

The Song "Louie, Louie" here is the original by Richard Berry...

Most of you know the song from this version by The Kingsmen...

Due to the popularity of that version I decided not to use it in the contest.

Contestant One: The Sonics

I picked this 60s garage band since I just ordered tickets to see them as they open for Robert Plant.

Contestant Two: The Kinks

Two bands from the same era. One a big name, one not as big. Which one do you like the best? Vote in the comments.

If I won the powerball...

If I won the powerball I would be shocked!

I wouldn't take the lump sump and I would contact an accountant possibly a lawyer and come up with a plan.

I would pay off any debt or bills first. I would work to eliminate any stress.

A good chunk would go to helping the homeless and hungry. Donations made to other charities as well. I might even start a non-profit.

My kids wouldn't have to worry about education costs. I would let them chase their dreams.

I would take care of my parents and a few relatives on my wife's side.


I would employ a couple of close friends.

I would travel more. I would fish, but like the song goes buy a boat and a truck.

However the guy in front of me who spent $200 on tickets has a better chance of winning

R.I.P David Bowie

David Bowie who released his last album, Blackstar,  just last week past away last night due to liver cancer. Bowie released 28 albums in a career spanning 49 years. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. He won one Grammy Award and one Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

"Absolute Beginners"

"Space Oddity"

"The Man Who Sold the World"

"Rebel, Rebel"

Probably my all time favorite  "Under Pressure"

What is your favorite David Bowie song? Do you have a David Bowie memory? Feel free to share in the comments. I will be back soon with a new post.

Happy Birthday George Foreman!

It is hard to believe George Foreman turns 67 today. George became famous for the sport of boxing. Boxing is sort of fading away in the sports world or at least to me. I see it being replaced by Ultimate Fighting and Mixed Martial Arts. Those sports haven't grabbed me like boxing. Not that I'm the biggest boxing fan on the planet. However, there was something magical about those big boxing matches in the 70s, 80s and 90s.

Foreman was a two-time world heavyweight champion and Olympic Gold Medalist. He won the title the first time against Joe Frazier who was undefeated at the time and regarded as a great boxer. He lost his title to the great Muhammad Ali. He would regain the title at the age of 45 and was the oldest heavyweight champion ever.


Below George Foreman defends his title...

Foreman has been inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame and International Boxing Hall of Fame.

An infomercial on his famous grill...

Outside the ring he is known for the George Foreman grill. He earned about $200 million from the grill. He also went on to be an author and a minister. We wish him a Happy Birthday and many more years.

R.I.P Otis Clay

Otis Clay started his career in gospel but his musical journey brought him into R&B, soul and blues. Highlighting his career was an induction into the Blues Hall of Fame.

A little Gospel...

"Trying to Live my Life Without You"

His musical gifts will be missed, may he rest in peace!

R.I.P Pat Harrington Jr

Pat Harrington Jr  passed away at the age of 86. The Emmy Award winning actor will always be remembered for his roll of Schneider on the sit-com "One Day at a Time."

He was also known for his voice acting for shows such as "The Inspector " and "Pink Panther."

Here he is in his own words...

May he ret in peace. He will be missed by his family and fans. His voice and acting will live on in reruns.

Battle of the Bands Champions: Guns N' Roses

I wanted a tight contest for my Battle of the Bands and matching Motorhead with Guns N' Roses provided just that! The contest came down to the final two votes. The final tally 7 to 6! Of course The Rolling Stones set up the match up with their song "Sympathy for the Devil."



Axl, Slash and Duff McKagan are reuniting as Guns N' Roses and will be headlining the Coachella Festival this Spring. Rumors suggest a tour will follow.

I guess "Patience" has worked..

"November Rain" with Elton John...

I'll be back on the 15th with a new and hopefully exciting Battle of the Bands!

Farewell Gator!

I never had the chance to meet William Earl "Gator" Farrington. He was a businessman, a veteran, and a hero. He passed away the Sunday before New Year's. He was 88 years old and lived a long full life. I knew of Gator through his restaurant. I would have enjoyed a chance to hear the stories he would have had to share.



I know of Mr. Farrington from Gator's Seafood which my wife pointed out to me on one of our trips to Navarre. The name grabbed me and the sign said see live gators. When I lived in Florida my first time in my formidable kid years between 6 and 12 I had a fascination with alligators. My parents probably thought this was unhealthy and may have contributed to us moving to Maine. I know my Mom chewed out my brother's teacher for giving him detention once. Something about me walking home five blocks taking several hours since I had to say hi to my reptilian friends. I could imitate their calls and literally call them to shore. A good skill to have when visitors come to town and to worry parents. My voice has since changed and I have since lost that skill. (The picture is William Earl "Gator" Farrington from his obituary in the Pensacola News Journal.)

I thought the establishment might have alligators in captivity and the place was named after the alligators. I was wrong on both accounts. The alligators were wild and free. Gator's Seafood was named after Gator who founded the restaurant with his wife. The restaurant is open on weekends during the summer and is located outside Milton, Florida. Picture on the right is a sign by the door at Gator's Seafood photo by me.



Above an alligator swims in the lake behind Gator's Seafood (picture by me.)

The story of how Mr. Farrington earned his nickname can be read inside the menu of Gator's Seafood. He earned his nickname by killing an alligator at the age of 13 and dragging the five foot critter out of the lake by it's tail. Witnesses to this feat called him "Gator" and the name stuck!

He served his country in World War II and the Korean War serving in the United States Navy. I assume he would have had some great tales to tell from the wars. He also loved serving his community.

He will be missed by his patrons, family, neighbors, country and people like me who never got the chance to meet the man.

The New Year

No big New Year resolutions for me. Sure I would love to get in shape, lose 20, 30, 50 or so pounds. Love to have a more active lifestyle. But I don't even have the time to do the things I do. How can I add more things on my plate.

Last year I gave up soda. Not really a  resolution more of a decision. I just decided I didn't need it anymore. I'm sure there are lots of benefits in doing that. I thought I may lose some weight. No I am still at my all time heaviness.

This year I want to read more books. In 2015 I might start a book but finishing one was a different story. I'll go into ready frenzies from time to time but I did not have that last year. Most writers I know read a lot, I jut wonder how they do it.

Yes I will do some cool things and have some neat adventures in 2016. No promises, no expectations but I know that is what I will do. Might even catch a fish or two.

R.I.P Natalie Cole

Natalie Cole passed away on New Year's Eve. She was the daughter of Nat King Cole.

                                                        "Unforgettable"

Natalie Cole may have been blessed with musical genes. Nine Grammy Awards back up her talent.

"This Will Be"

"Miss You Like Crazy"

CBS News Report on her death..

What's your favorite Natalie Cole song? Do you have a Natalie Cole memory? Feel free to share in the comments. I will be back soon with a new post.

May Natalie Cole rest in peace.

Battle of the Bands: Sympathy for the Devil

Well it is the first of the month and time to for an another Battle of the Bands. Hopefully it will be an exciting one!

Not only is it a new month it is also a New Year! So Happy New Year's to everyone.



On with the contest. The rules are simple I pick a song and present a couple of bands battling it out with the song. You pick the one you like best by casting your vote in the comments. The whys and other comments are always welcomed.


Please check out the other battles:

 list of Battle of the Bands participants..

 I snagged it from STMcC Presents 'Battle of the Bands': 

@ ‘FAR AWAY SERIES’ by clicking HERE.
@ ‘TOSSING IT OUT’ by clicking HERE.
@ ‘YOUR DAILY DOSE’ by clicking HERE.
@ 'BOOK LOVER' by clicking HERE.
@ 'MIKE'S RAMBLINGS' by clicking HERE.
@ 'CURIOUS AS A CATHY' by clicking HERE.
@ 'THE SOUND OF ONE HAND TYPING' by clicking HERE.
@ 'DCRELIEF - BATTLE OF THE BANDS' by clicking HERE.
@ 'THE DOGLADY'S DEN' by clicking HERE.
@ 'CHERDO ON THE FLIPSIDE' by clicking HERE. 
@ 'ANGELS BARK' by clicking HERE.
@ 'JINGLE JANGLE JUNGLE' by clicking HERE.
@ 'JANIE JUNEBUG, RIGHTING & EDITING' by clicking HERE.
@ 'J.A. SCOTT' by clicking HERE.
@ 'NOVELBREWS' by clicking HERE.
@ 'QUIET LAUGHTER' by clicking HERE.
@ 'BE REINVINTAGED' by clicking HERE

I know The Rolling Stones aren't everyone's favorite. They are among my favorites and I am going back to them like they were a musical comfort food. Also the contestants I am using for his battle  have been in the news lately. I do like to infuse a bit of purpose or theme into my battles.

The Song  "Sympathy for the Devil"

Contestant One: Guns N' Roses

Rumors are swirling that a Guns N' Roses reunion is in the works for 2016. Good news if you are a fan of the band.

Contestant Two: Motorhead

The song is a fitting tribute to Lemmy Kilmister who recently passed away. It comes from the band's last studio album from last year. You can visit my tribute post for Lemmy here if you would like.

Vote in the comments tell me which one you like the best. The one with the most votes will be crowned the winner in a few days. Enjoy and once again Happy New Year!