Tuesday, December 29, 2020

R.I.P Phil Niekro

 When someone mentions knuckle ball pitchers the first name that pops in my mind is Phil Niekro. He was pitching well before I was born. However, as a Braves fan it wasn't long before I knew who he was. Later in his career I was able to see him pitch in person, he was playing for the Cleveland Indians and I saw him pitch in Baltimore.

He won 318 games, threw a no hitter, struck out over 3000 batters and is in baseball's Hall of Fame. He lead the league in wins twice, won 5 Gold Gloves, was a 5 time All Star, simply put he was a good pitcher.

He will be missed by his fans, friends and family.


                                                        Highlights...


His Hall of Fame Speech...





Saturday, December 26, 2020

R.I.P Tony Rice

 Tony Rice the great Bluegrass guitarist has passed away.  Eight years ago I was able to catch Tony Rice with Peter Rowan and the McCourys' my thoughts on the show are available here


Here performs "Church Street Blues"


"Blue Railroad Train"


A guitarist who played with Peter Rowan, Jerry Garcia,  David Grisman,  Ricky Skaggs,  Bela Fleck, and Jerry Douglas. Playing with the likes of those musicians it is no wonder he was inducted into  the Bluegrass Hall of Fame.

"Guitar Space Summertime" jamming with Jerry Garcia


"The Soul of a Man Never Dies" with Ricky Skaggs


The legend will be missed!








Friday, December 25, 2020

Battle of the Bands Results: If I Make it Through December

 Almost through December! In my last Battle of the Bands for 2020 Marty Robbins beat Alan Jackson 4 to 2.  I like both artist. Marty's cowboy songs were my first musical discoveries.


                                                   "Many Christmases Ago"



"Don't Worry About Me"


"They're Hanging Me Tonight"


"Devil Woman"


I hope you enjoyed! I will have a new Battle on New Year's Day to ring in the New Year!










Thursday, December 24, 2020

R.I.P Leslie West

 Vocalist, guitarist and founding member of the rock group Mountain has passed away at the age of 75. 


                                                      "Nantucket Sleighride"


"Long Red"

'

His band Mountain played at Woodstock and is said to have influenced Heavy Metal.

"Mississippi Queen"


Leslie West was a talent who will be missed. May he R.I.P.

 




Sunday, December 20, 2020

Monday's Music Moves Me: Christmas Music, Santa Songs

 Welcome to my blog! This Month's theme for Monday's Music Moves Me is Christmas Songs. I am breaking it up into many themes and this week I selected Santa Songs. 


                                                  Mariah Carey with Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson

"Oh, Santa" 


It wouldn't be Christmas without "Santa Shark"


Bruce Springsteen "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town"


The Beach Boys "Little Saint Nick"



I wish you all a Merry Christmas!









Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Battle of the Bands: If We Make it Through December

 I guess with Charley Pride's death my mind has taken a slightly country turn. 2020 has been a tough year. Covid would be the obvious finger point and then in the United States it was n election year. Personally it has been a tough year with my Dad passing and the other not so fun things going on in my life. Well time keeps going, and a new year is coming "If We Make it Through December."

The original written in 1973 by Merle Haggard...



Contender One: Marty Robbins


Contender Two: Alan Jackson 


Well you decide who wins in the comments. I count them up and announce the winner in a week or so in a different post. Marty versus Alan singing a Merle song well you can't say this song isn't Country. I am planning to post the results before the end of the month just in case we don't get through December. Hopefully we will ring in the New Year with my next Battle stay tuned!






Sunday, December 13, 2020

Monday's Music Moves Me: Reindeer Songs (Christmas Songs)

 Monday's Music Moves Me theme for December is Christmas Songs. I did my first one on a theme of Winter Time. My theme this time around is Reindeer games, I main songs!  Spike the Eggnog and let's start this Holiday Dance Party.

The Temptations take on "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer"


Chuck Berry "Run Rudolph Run"


Amy Grant Ali Lohan "Santa's Reindeer Ride"


Elmo and Patsy "Grandma Got Ran over by a Reindeer"


Gene Autry "Nine Reindeer"


Thanks for visiting! I hope you enjoy the Holidays!










R.I.P Charley Pride

 Charley Pride was considered the first Black Country star, one of three African-Americans in the Grand Ole Opry and  a Hall of Fame member. He was a two time All Star baseball player in the Negro leagues. In 1956 he was was drafted into the Army. Regardless of his race he could be described as a hero and due to his race he could be described  as a pioneer.

A veteran, a talented athlete and a legendary musician that was Charley Pride. As mentioned a member of the Grand Ole Opry and a Country Music Hall of Fame member. 30 number one hits, four Grammy Awards and numerous other awards document an incredible career.'

Here he sings the National Anthem...


Grammy for Best Sacred Performance "Did You Think to Pray"


Grammy for Best Gospel Performance "Let Me Live"


First song selected due to his connection with baseball and being a veteran. The other two for Gramy wins and showing his variety.

"Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'" is considered his biggest hit...


Country music lost a legend. He will be missed by his fans, friends and family.














Tuesday, December 8, 2020

R.I.P Chuck Yeager

 Born in a small town in southwest West Virginia Chuck Yeager would go on to serve his Country in three wars and become the first person to break the sound barrier. He has bridges, highways, and an airport named after him.  

Chuck Yeager was inducted into The International Air and Space Hall of Fame, the International Space Hall of Fame, and the Aerospace Walk of Honor. He had a military career that went from Private to General. He lived a life that places him deservedly in the pages of history books.  He passed away 12/08/2020 at the age of 97.


The breaking of the sound barrier...


He will be missed by his family, friends, the State of West Virginia and is a true hero!




Battle of the Band Results: Calypso and Mixed Drinks

 


Thought I would open my blog with some 1950s Coca Cola ads since my song featured Coca Cola. The winners even pre-dated the 50s. Rum has been adding the smile to coca cola for years!

I bet you weren't expecting a Calypso song.  However if you been following for a while you know I like to mix it up and nothing is really planned out. 

The Andrews Sisters beat Harry Belafonte 4 to 1. Somebody had shared the Andres Sisters version on a facebook group. It was kind of a ear worm that stuck around for the battle. We celebrate winners so let's go!

                                                     "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy"


They had a number one hit with "Ferryboat Serenade"


"Shoo Shoo Baby" another top hit



Well I have a week to come up with something for my last Battle of the Bands battle of 2020. Stay tuned to see what I come up with!






Monday, December 7, 2020

Monday's Music Moves Me: Winter Time (Christmas Songs)

 Monday's Music Moves Me theme for December is Christmas Songs all month long. As I do them, I am going to split them into still different themes. Happy Holidays and I hope you enjoy! To get us in the Holiday Season this week I will start us off with some Winter Songs that have made there way into the Christmas Carol list.


                                               Brett Eldredge and Meghan Trainor "Baby, It's Cold Outside"


The Ronettes "Sleigh Ride"


Ella Fitzgerald " Frosty the Snow Man"


Bing Crosby "Winter Wonderland"


I hope you enjoy! For more Christmas songs check out he other 4M Dance Parties here. See you next Monday!







                                      

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Battle of the Bands: Rum and Coca-Cola

 In the 1940s some radio stations apparently didn't play this song because it mentioned rum in the title. If that wasn't bad enough the lyrics allude to prostitution.  Guess it goes to show rock, pop, rap, hip hop or whatever didn't invent controversial music. Also it is good to point out the tropics had songs way before Bob Marley and Jimmy Buffett. So let's put some rum and Coco-Cola together  and take a listen. 

The lyric written by Lord Invader and here is his version.....


Well this a Battle of the Bands.  I play an original pick a couple of covers. You listen and tell me which cover you like the best in the comments. In a week or so, I count up your votes and announce a winner in a new post. 

Harry Belafonte


The Andrews Sisters


So who is going to win Harry or the Sisters? Let me know in the comments. Stay tuned I will be back with another post soon!





Monday, November 30, 2020

Monday's Music Moves Me: November Songs

Today's theme on Monday's Music Moves Me is a freebie before the month long Christmas music celebration. As we say farewell to November I thought I would go with November songs. Possibly a theme that would have been better served at the beginning of the month. However it is the thought going through my mind at 3AM. 


Wyclef Jean "Gone Till November"


Guns N Roses "November Rain"


Tom Waits "November"


The Avett Brothers "Blue November"


Sandy Denny "Late November"


Hope you enjoyed the music! Come back tomorrow for a brand new Battle of the Bands to kick off December!












Thursday, November 26, 2020

R.I.P Diego Maradona

 One of the greatest, perhaps the greatest soccer player of all time Diego Maradona has passed away at the age of 60. The superstar footballer lead Argentina to one World Cup Championship and one runner up  in four World Cups. 


Highlights from the 1986 World Cup.....


Below more of his highlights...


The man had his controversy, battled his demons,  and died to soon. However, what he could do on the field defined him as a legend. May he rest in peace!




Monday, November 23, 2020

Monday's Music Moves Me: Grateful

 Thanksgiving is this week! Keeping in that theme today's topic on Monday's Music Moves Me is spelling out GRATEFUL. Well let's get started.

                                                 "Good Lovin' Gone Bad" Bad Company


"Radio Ga Ga" Queen


"All of My Love" Led Zeppelin


"Tears of a Clown" Smokey Robinson and the Miracles 


"Easy Lover" Phillip Bailey, Phil Collins


"Fun, Fun, Fun"  The Beach Boys


"Uncle John's Band"  The Grateful Dead


Love is a Battlefield Pat Benatar


Besides sharing the music feel free to share some of the things you are grateful for in the comments. I'm grateful there is music to share.
















Sunday, November 22, 2020

Battle of the Bands Results: Martha musician wins with 75 percent of the vote

 Stats can be misleading. The winner  received three votes, the loser one vote. I liked the lyrics to the song and apparently the song wasn't everyone's cup of tea. Hey that happens. 

The version that caught my attention won! It was Tim Buckley's version and he beat Meatloaf. I have nine days to come up with something new.  In the mean time we celebrate Tim Buckley.


                                                   "Once I Was"


"Song to the Siren" on the Monkees show



Well I will be back soon with a new battle.





Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Remembering Marshall 1970

 November 14th marked the 50th anniversary of the tragic plane crash. 75 people died on the crash including 36 student athletes who were the Marshall University football team. The coaching staff and the athletic director also perished.  

Opening scenes of the movie "We are Marshall"


Fitting that the Marshall Thundering Herd won on the 14th remaining undefeated for the season. 
The crash points out how fragile life can be. The team you root for, or perhaps a rival, can be gone in a moment. 

The plane that crashed was supposed to pick up the Mississippi State team later that day.

Highlights from Marshall's win on 11.14.2020





Monday, November 16, 2020

Monday's Music Moves Me: Songs from those who Passed Away in November

 This week's theme on Monday's Music Moves Me is a freebie. Last week we looked at artists born in November, I am flipping the coin and going with artists who have died in November. 

Freddie Mercury 11.24.91

"Another One Bites The Dust"


George Harrison 11.29.2001

"What is Life"


Michael Hutchence 11.22.1997

INXS "Disappear"


                                                                                                                                                                       Allen Toussaint 11.10.2015

"Southern Nights"


Leonard Cohen 11.07.2016

"Closing Time"



Leon Russell 11.13.2016

"A Song for You"


I hope you enjoyed the set and see you soon!





                                                                                







Sunday, November 15, 2020

Battle of the Bands: Martha

 I was listening to some music yesterday and stumbled across this song. I found the lyrics of the song to be something one could make a half dozen memes too. I also found out the version of the song was a cover and without a song selected for my Battle of the Bands all I needed was one more cover. Well I found that as well so here I am.

The song is by Tom Waits and is called "Martha" and here is his version...


Just a recap of how this is suppose to work. I select two covers and you tell me which one you like the best in the comments. (If you tell me in the comments which one you hate the least well I can count that as a vote too!) Then in a week or so I count up the votes and select a winner then I announce the winner in a separate post. Every vote counts and I can honestly say I have never had a candidate request a recount. 

Well let's start this contest out with a slice of Meatloaf..

Contestant One: Meatloaf


Contestant Two: Tim Buckley


I hope you enjoyed this Battle. Please vote in the comments. I'll be back with a new Battle on December 1st. 



Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Veteran's Day

 In a way Veteran's Day came early for me. Being a Veteran is a membership to an exclusive club paid for by service, sacrifice, sweat and sometimes blood. Some folks volunteered and some weren't given a choice. I'm not a Veteran but I can appreciate what they have done. My Dad was a Veteran and he was laid to rest last week.

I generally write a post about Veteran's Day every year. I think growing up with a Veteran as a Father possibly makes the holiday more important to me. I could easily blog about my Dad. However, my Dad was a member of a Veteran's Group. As an outsider to the group I learned more about what a Veteran really is, as I always thought it was somebody who served in the military.

My Uncle passed on the wisdom that I would find my group. If my group were half the character of my Dad's I think I would be alright. I've said of my Dad's group if I knew nothing about what a Veteran was I would respect the heck out of them from what I have seen from my Dad's group.

When my Dad did something foolish, they would give him a hard time. However, they would be the ones to help him out. The hard time and the help came from a place of love. This group of Veteran's is called the JaxVets. They aren't super organized, few rules but they meet for breakfast weekly. They raised the funds to support two service dogs for Veteran's. 

Not only did they respect each other, they also respected and supported the current military members.  Today is a day to appreciate Veteran's and thank them for what they have done, what they are doing, and perhaps reach out to them and share some love.


Monday, November 9, 2020

Monday's Music Moves Me: Born in November

 It's Monday time for Monday's Music Moves Me and today's theme is musicians born in November! 



Let's start the party!

Jimi Hendrix born 11/27/1942

"Purple Haze"


Tina Turner 11/26/1939

"The Best"


Jeff Buckley 11/17/1966

"Last Goodbye"


Miranda Lambert 11/10/1983

"The House that Built Me"


Joe Walsh 11/20/1947

"Ordinary Average Guy"



Miley Cyrus 11/23/1992

"The Climb"



There are many more but I thought I would get this party started with a six pack of songs!



















Sunday, November 8, 2020

R.I.P Alex Trebek

 Alex Trebek the longtime host of Jeopardy passed away at the age of 80 after battling cancer. He was nominated for 31 Daytime Emmy Awards for hosting the game show and won seven.


An emotional moment on the show....


About his death from the Washington Post...


He will be missed by his fans, friends and family. TV has lost a familiar face!




Battle of the Bands Results: Commander Bond there is no Shut Out

 The votes were down for the Battle of the Bands, maybe my readers from the USA were tired of voting after the Presidential election. Anyway the Chaka Khan won 4 to 1, or 5 to 1 if you count the voter with a plus one.

Shirley Bassey's "Diamonds Are Forever" was the song. A James Bond theme song.  I have a week to come up with the next song. In the mean time we celebrate victories..


                                                  "I Feel for You"

 

"Through the Fire"


"Ain't Nobody"


Sty tuned! I will see you next time!






Tuesday, November 3, 2020

Congratulations to the Los Angeles Dodgers

 Covid 19 has been terrible for sports, especially Major League Baseball. Empty stadiums, a shorten season, no All Star game, and a World Series played at a neutral site are four glaring reasons it has been bad for baseball. However, 2020 is proving to be a great year for the city of Los Angeles as the Lakers won the NBA title and now the Dodgers have won the World Series.

The Dodgers won the series in six games a week ago today. They bested the Tampa Bay Rays  who had a great Cinderella season with a very low payroll. 


The Dodgers won game one 8 to 3, below are the highlights...


Tampa Bay won game two 6-4



Game three the Dodgers won 6-2


Game four Tampa Bay won 8-7


Game five Los Angeles won 4-2


Game six the Dodgers won 3-1


Congratulations to the Los Angeles Dodgers! Hopefully baseball and the world will have a better 2021!










Monday, November 2, 2020

Monday's Music Moves Me: Election Theme

 Today's theme is a freebie and I have chosen "election themed songs" as my theme. I don't care who you vote for or if you are like me already voted for it is none of my business. I have international readers obviously they can't vote in the U.S. election. Others may choose not to vote and that is your choice. However election day is Tuesday and it is kind of a big event. 



James Brown starts the party with "Living in America"


Johnny Sea "Day for Decision"


We went way back to 1966 for that one.

We'll stay in that era with "Voice Your Choice" by The Radiants released in 1965


Paula Webb "Please Mr. President"


From 1985 "Election Day" Arcadia


Alice Cooper "Elected"


Maybe a "Funky President" ...


A double helping of James Brown "I feel good!"

Just for fun The Presidents of the United States of America "Peaches"


Hope you enjoyed! The election is tomorrow stay safe, have fun and enjoy the dance floor!
























Sunday, November 1, 2020

Bands, Battle of the Bands: Diamonds are Forever

 AS you know Sean Connery has passed away and I thought I would use a James Bond theme song for my battle of the bands. 

Today's song "Diamonds are Forever" by Shirley Bassey..


I pick two covers and you vote buy telling me which version you like best. I count the votes and announce a winner in about a week or so. This time around I have Chaka Khan versus Artic Monkeys.

Contestant One: Chaka Khan


Contestant Two: Artic Monkeys


Tell me which version you like!

Now a word from our sponsor De Beers Diamond Company..


A clip from the movie...


Well I hope you enjoy see you soon!












R.I.P Sean Connery

 Sean Connery best known for being the first and arguably the best James Bond has passed away at the age of 90. He was more than just Ian Fleming's character brought to life on the silver screen.


A clip from Connery in "The Untouchables" where he won an Academy Award and Golden Globe for best supporting character...



Below is Connery in "Highlander" 


Here is his first scene as James Bond in "Dr. No"


A clip "From Russia with Love"


He was an icon, a sex symbol, an award winning actor who will be missed by his friends, family and fans!
















Sunday, October 25, 2020

R.I.P Jerry Jeff Walker

 Jerry Jeff Walker a songwriter, Country Music performer, and an artist who has appeared on my Battle of Bands posts a few times has passed away. 

Most recently I used his song "Trashy Woman" and he lost a battle with Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett on a Guy Clark cover. 

He is best known for writing this classic tune..."Mr. Bojangles"


Some of us are just "Gettin' By


Here he performs a song he wrote with Jimmy Buffett "Railroad Lady" 


He left behind a bunch of songs, I'm sure there are plenty of stories out there too. He will be missed by his fans, fellow musicians, family and friends.








Saturday, October 24, 2020

Battle of the Bands Results: Once Bitten Twice Shy

 The Rocktober Battle was close decided by one vote. Shuan Cassidy won this one 4 to 3 over Great White. We celebrate his win,,

                                            Perfect for Rocktober "That's Rock and Roll"



"The Doo Ron Ron"


My next Battle will be November 1, hope to see you there!




Tuesday, October 20, 2020

R.I.P Spencer Davis

 The Spencer Davis Group performing "Gimme Some Lovin'" circa 1967..



The name sake of the band, guitarist, multi-instrumentalist Spencer Davis has passed away. He was 81.

"Keep on Running"


Steve Winwood would go from the Spencer Davis Group to Traffic. However in the 60s and Early 70s they created some magic!

"I'm a Man"


He will be missed by family, friends and fans but his music will live on.





Thursday, October 15, 2020

Battle of the Bands: Once Bitten Twice Shy

It is time for the second Battle of the Bands for Rocktober. Today's song is the classic "Once Bitten Twice Shy." I didn't know it was a cover. Here is the original for your listening pleasure.

                                             Ian Hunter "Once Bitten Twice Shy"


Here is how it works. I select two covers. You tell me which one you like the best in the comments. I count up the votes and announce a winner in about a week.

Contender One: Great White


Contender Two: Shaun Cassidy


Let me know which one you like best! I hope you enjoyed this battle. I will be back soon!




Tuesday, October 13, 2020

Congratulations to the Los Angeles Lakers

 In a year where sports have taken a back seat to the world the Los Angeles Lakers have won the 2020 NBA Championship 4 games to 2 over the Miami Heat.

Here are the final moments of game six...


The MVP was Lebron James...


It adds to the debate where Lebron ranks all time. Is he the best? Is he better than Jordan? The Lakers add their 17th Championship. Is this their best team? They certainly give us some topics to discuss. Congratulations to the Lakers I hope they enjoy!




R.I.P Joe Morgan

 Baseball great Joe Morgan has passed away. Many considered Joe Morgan one of the best second baseman to ever play baseball. Joe enjoyed a Hall of Fame career and was a big part of the Big Red Machine of the 70s. The argument for Joe to be considered one of the best second baseman could start with being named a 10-time All Star. His five Gold Glove awards help.       

He was on two World Series winning teams. He was the National League MVP in both Championship seasons.  His number has been retired by the  Cincinnati Reds. He was elected  the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1990.


A look back at his career and life from the MLB Network...

                                             

                                            Higlights from the 1976 World Series...
             


Joe Morgan was a great one who will be missed by his fans, friends and family.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  . 


Monday, October 12, 2020

Monday's Music Moves Me: Roctober 80s Edition

Roctober edition. Today is Monday October 12, 2020.  It is time for Monday's Music Moves Me! Today's theme is pick a decade and celebrate Rocktober. I am picking the 80's so crank up your Walkmans and Boomboxes it is time to rock!

I am Mike and I will be counting down the top Rock songs from 1980-1989, my source playback.fm.

                                            1980 "Keep on Loving You" REO Speedwagon


1981 "Start Me Up" The Rolling Stones



1982 and 1983 The Police "Every Breathe You Take"


1984 Foreigner "I  Want to Know What Love Is"


1985 Dire Straits "Money For Nothing"


1986 Bon Jovi "Livin' on a Prayer"


1987 U2 "With or Without You"


1988 R.E.M "Orange Crush"


1989 Alannah Myles "Black Velvet"

 

Did any of these surprise you? Well I will see you soon with a new post!