A to Z: Looking Back at April's Challenge

Probably too late for a reflections post on April's A to Z Challenge. I will just call it looking back. My theme was about my Mom. I never really came out and say why. My Mom had been battling cancer for some time. She was a fighter and she did win some battles. However, cancer is relentless.

Around my birthday she was diagnosed as Stage Four cancer and given six months to live.  That turmed out to be about 3.5 months. A nurse providing in house hospice  gave my Mom about four days to live earlier this month. Those four days ended up being eight hours and she had passed away.

In early May I told my Mom I used her in my theme for the A to Z Challenge. I hope she read a few posts. It was meant or at least an attempt to be a tribute to someone before they passed away. 

Happy Birthday Paul McCartney!

The Beatles had a song that goes "Will you still need me, will you still feed me when I'm  sixty-Today Paul McCartney wonders if the same is true at 77.  We are celebrating his birthday today.

Fitting I kick it off with The Beatles "Birthday."  Paul has so many songs with The Beatles and beyond.  He was a "Band on the Run" with Wings.

"Who Cares" from his latest solo release...

I've always liked "Maybe, I'm Amazed"

This carpool karaoke is incredible..

I hope he has a few more birthdays!

Monday's Music Moves Me: Father's Day Songs

Monday's Music Moves Me theme today is a freebie and since yesterday was Father's Day I thought I would share some Father's Day songs or at least some that mention Father or Dad.

                                           "Cat's in the Cradle"  Harry Chapin

"My Father's Eyes" Eric Clapton

Luther Vandross "Dance With My Father"

Tyler Wood "Dad"

Hope you enjoyed!

Battle of the Bands: Death Don't Have No Mercy

My battle of the bands song is "Death Don't Have No Mercy." I am doing this post on my phone so I apologize in advance. You know the drill I will post two covers and my readers select the winner in the comments. 

Contender One: Hot Tuna

Contender Two: Ramblin' Jack Elliot

So who is going to win Hot Tuna or Ramblin' Jack Elliot. 

Battle of the Bands Results: The Heard Prevails

The Heard won my Battle of the Bands by one vote 4 to 3. Not bad for a short lived, Mid 60s garage band from Texas. Not the biggest band in the world but one with some influence. Don't worry we will celebrate.

                                                   "Stop it Baby"

"Exit 9"

"If You'd Ever Leave Me"

In about a week I will be back with a brand new episode of Battle of the Bands.

R.I.P Dr. John

Another New Orleans music legend has passed away.  Malcolm John Rebennack better known to the world as Dr. John passed away today from a heart attack at the age of 77.

Most of the world know him for his hit song "Right Place, Wrong Time"

To call him a one hit wonder would be selling the six time Grammy Award winning, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted artist short. He also received an Honorary Doctorate from Tulane University.

"Such A Night"

"There Must Be A Better World Somewhere"

"Craney Crow"

He will be missed!

R.I.P Roky Erickson

Roky Erickson was a singer songwriter best known for his work with The Thirteenth Floor Elevators. I used perhaps the best known song from the catalog on my recent Battle of the Bands post. There is still time to vote on that.

I thought I would share more of his music and do a more proper tribute.

                                              "Cold Night for Alligators"

"Slip Inside This House" from The Thirteenth Floor Elevators days...

"Rollercoaster"

Back to solo stuff "If you have Ghosts"

"Goodbye Sweet Dreams"

May he rest in peace!

Battle of the Bands: You're Gonna Miss Me

Roky Erickson a singers songwriter, psychedelic music pioneer, and founding member of The Thirteenth Floor Elevators passed away yesterday at the age of 71.  In honor of his life and the fact that I like to mix up my genres, styles and musical selections on my Battles I am choosing one of the best known Thirteenth Floor Elevators songs.


                                                  The Original, even got the Mono version for you...

There's more if you order your Beyond Freedom Rock: The Far, Far Out Collection now we will throw in our bonus collection of covers called: We Tried but Today's Drugs Suck! Order now operators are standing by....

Challenger One: The Heard

Challenger Two: Jad Wio

Vote now in the comments, I will tally the votes when I come down, in a week or so. 60's cover or 80's French cover.I hope you enjoy! If you like the sounds of Thirteenth Floor Elevators stay tuned I will post a tribute to Roky Erickson soon!