Thursday, April 30, 2020

Song of the Day - Benadryl - Sofi Tukker

I lost my sanity with my socks
One at a time, I barely noticed
'Til one day I found they all were gone
I couldn't find them and I couldn't focus

Sofi Tukker – Benadryl Lyrics | Genius Lyrics

We gotta put this to bed
('Cause I got some things to do
I got some things to do)
We gotta put this to bed
('Cause I got some things to do
I got some things to do)
Oh, how you make me laugh
Benadryl in the bath

Great song!  Enjoy...


Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Ten Albums That Changed My Life - #3 - The Truth About Love - P!nk

The truth about love comes at 3am
You wake up fucked up and you grab a pen
And you say to yourself
I'm gonna figure it out, I'm gonna crack that code
Gonna break it break it down
I'm tired of all these questions
And, now it's just annoying
'Cause, no one has the answer
So I guess it's up to me to find the truth about love is

The Truth About Love (Pink album) - Wikipedia

This one is probably the most recently released album on my list. It catapulted P!nk to the level status of Madonna in my eyes and she's remained there ever since.  The Truth About Love, to me, was the perfect album from start to finish.  

It's funny, but Blow Me One Last Kiss, the album's first single released ahead of the project, was, and still isn't, my favorite song, but that didn't stop me from buying the record when it came out a couple of months later.  I had really started to like P!nk with her previous Funhouse, and so I was excited for this one to be released.  And once I bought it, that was all I played. 

In all, between iTunes bonus tracks and separate Target bonus tracks, there were 17 songs in all on The Truth About Love, and I loved every last one of them.  From hard rocking, in your face tracks like How Come You're Not Here, Slut Like You,  and Timebomb to the heartfelt and beautifully written ballads The Great Escape and Beam Me Up to the seriously serious Try, Where Did the Beat Go and Chaos and Piss, the ever so sweet Just Give Me a Reason and the irresistibly catchy title cut, there's something here for everybody.  I seriously thought she was a shoo-in for the Record of the Year Grammy, but eh, so she didn't get it.   

There was one track in particular on this record that I especially loved, and virtually anyone who knows me will forever associate it with moi.  That is the album's fifth track and sixth single, True Love.  Just scroll down a bit and you'll see just how much I loved this one.  Oh, I haven't posted this in such a long time, so you're in for a treat here...  


Song of the Day - Disturbia - Rihanna

Disturbia (song) - Wikipedia

I can't think of a better name for the place we're living in right now.  Happy Wednesday!


Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Ten Albums That Changed My Life - #2 - Madonna - Madonna

Madonna (Madonna album) - Wikipedia

Partially reposted from John'sWorld, August 2nd, 2003.

Everybody (Madonna song) - Wikipedia

After playing the heck out of Everybody back in 1982, I welcomed with open ears the then mysterious singer's second, double sided single, Physical Attraction and Burning Up (which was a much more danceable version than the one that was put on the album). My thirst was quenched for a little while longer. Then, the following summer, that album featuring the now iconic platinum blonde posing youngster with the piercing eyes came out and I was simply in heaven! The people in my family can attest that way back then I knew she was something special.


I remember it well.  Crazy Eddie's on Fordham Road in the Bronx.  I hurried up there in between classes at Fordham University, where I was a student at the time.  Even then, the anticipation for more music from this new, largely unknown artist was huge.  I walked into the store and there she was, plastered all over the wall behind the register.  One of her first iconic photos gave us a first glimpse of a person who would rule the world as no woman had ever done before.  My love affair had begun! 

I'd mentioned in yesterday's post that I had become a lover of dancing by that time, and Madonna made me dance and sing...oh, I got up and did my thing for hours on end.  I loved every single second of this record, and by the time her second album debuted, it had to be pushed back because this one was so popular.  And the rest is history...and hugely my story too!  Here's a favorite track off the record, one that made me wish I had taken up professional dancing.  Here's Lucky Star...


Song of the Day - Another One Bites the Dust - Queen

Another One Bites the Dust - Wikipedia

I hope posting this song today isn't crude.  I was just reviewing the coronavirus statistics yesterday with one of my classes and they're just so staggering.  I'm starting to think this is the single biggest tragedy of my lifetime.  Here's Queen...


Monday, April 27, 2020

Ten Albums That Changed My Life - #1 - diana - Diana Ross


Yesterday, I was nominated on Facebook to post ten albums that changed my life over ten days.  There supposed to be posted without words, but you know me, lol.  In fact, I thought it would be a great idea to share them here, so then I can delve a little deeper. So here goes my first choice...

Back in 1980, I was a shy, chubby sixteen year old who loved rock and hated disco.  One day, I was at the mall, specifically Samm Goody, perusing albums and came across this one, simply named diana.  I took interest at first simply because I was a big KISS fan back in those days and Diana Ross had dated lead member Gene Simmons for a spell around that same time.  I didn't know too much about her (well I actually did know more than I thought), but I knew it was different to the type of music I normally listened to and so I thought, "what the heck!," and bought it.  Little did I know that it would be one monumental purchase!

During the time of this record's release, there were two huge singles which I'm pretty sure most of you know.  Upside Down and I'm Coming Out have since become two of the crowned jewels in Diana Ross' long anthology of classic tunes.  Both songs are vibrant and uplifting, and most of all, they made me want to dance!  I think that from the moment I put the needle to the record, my body started moving involuntarily to the beat and I was definitely hooked!

Now those who know me in real life know that I've got it when it comes to dancing, and this entire album was the spark that ignited that fire.  I soon learned the other gems on the album, like the dance anthem Tenderness, the groove-aliscious My Old Piano, the sultry, sexy Now (That Your Gone), and the defiant Give Up.  Oh, I spent hours listening and dancing to this one, and I even began to lose a little pudge, too!  

I still call Diana Ross my first diva, and she was.  She and this album were an introduction of sorts to what would become the rest of my life.  Within months I had almost her entire collection and this particular record I've owned on cassette and CD, in addition to that original vinyl.  Indeed, the songs on this album and many of Diana Ross' other songs are a special part of the Soundtrack of My Life.  In fact, I foresee a day of listening to Diana all day long tomorrow.  

In the meantime, here's a grainy video of her performing what would eventually become one of the gayest of gay national anthems, I'm Coming Out...



Song of the Day - Can't Feel My Face - The Weeknd

The Weeknd – Can't Feel My Face Lyrics | Genius Lyrics

I really don't think that loss of feeling in one's face is one of the symptoms of COVID19, but I think we're all feeling a little numb at this point.  Here's The Weeknd...


Friday, April 24, 2020

Song of the Day - Dancing On My Own - Robyn


Do you Tik Tok?  For any of you who don't know what Tik Tok is, it's the hottest social media app today where people post themselves lip syncing to songs and even dialogue.  Of course there is the usual, "Look at how beautiful I am" narcissism, as with any app (waaay too many of those!), but there are plenty of Tik Toks that are fun to watch.  

Just recently, singer Robyn made her own Tik Tok and has now challenged users to show how they've been dancing on their own during the quarantine.  It's called the #onmyown challenge and already there's some great stuff out there, including Robyn's own Tik Toks dancing on her own...


How cool was that!  Here's the original.  Happy Friday!


Thursday, April 23, 2020

Song of the Day - Hold On Tight - R3HAB, Conor Maynard

R3hab & Conor Maynard – Hold On Tight Lyrics | Genius Lyrics

Here is a beautiful pop ballad by two of my favorite artists from across the Pond, and it's got a very good message for all of us.  We got this!


Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Song of the Day - You Need To Calm Down - Taylor Swift

Facebook removes some events calling for protests of stay-at-home ...

Today's song is dedicated to all of the morons out there protesting the lockouts across the country.  What's ironic about much of it is they're saying some of the very same things that they're usually against, like "my body, my decision," "medical mandates are unconstitutional."  Really?  Well these medical mandates are there to save lives, so what the hell are they talking about.  I tell you, these people are very cult-like in these latest of bizarre displays.  You all need to calm down because you're going to make even worse for all of us!


Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Song of the Day - Precious Time - Pat Benatar

Precious Time (album) - Wikipedia

Pat Benatar's 1981 tune from her album of the same name is what I feel most during this quarantine.  How much more precious time are we going to have to waste?  Here's Precious Time...


Monday, April 20, 2020

Song of the Day - Sign of the Times - Harry Styles

Sign of the Times (Harry Styles song) - Wikipedia

Just stop your crying
It's a sign of the times
Welcome to the final show
Hope you're wearing your best clothes
You can't bribe the door on your way to the sky
You look pretty good down here
But you ain't really good

If we never learn, we been here before
Why are we always stuck and running from
The bullets?
The bullets
We never learn, we been here before
Why are we always stuck and running from
The bullets?
The bullets


Saturday, April 18, 2020

Song of the Day - Mercy - Shawn Mendes

Mercy (Shawn Mendes song) - Wikipedia



Consuming all the air inside my lungs
Ripping all the skin from off my bones
I'm prepared to sacrifice my life
I would gladly do it twice

Please have mercy on me
Take it easy on my heart
Even though you don't mean to hurt me
You keep tearing me apart




Friday, April 17, 2020

Flashback Friday Song of the Day - Keep It Together - Madonna

Keep It Together (song) - Wikipedia

Good morning and Happy Friday!I've been contemplating sharing this one for awhile, because as the days go by in this quarantine, it's getting harder and harder to keep it together.  Many of you may not know this song from Queen M, but it was featured in the film Truth or Dare, as the number was the closer of the Blonde Ambition Tour, which is where this performance is from.  Enjoy....


Thursday, April 16, 2020

Song of the Day - No Sleep - Janet Jackson, J. Cole

No Sleeep - Wikipedia

Just like in summer when I don't have to work, my sleep schedule is all screwed up these days.  I've been awake at 3 a.m. and sleepy at 10.  I think I need work to have better sleep!  Somehow, though, I don't think that's why Janet is getting no sleep here (wink)...


Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Song of the Day - Dear Sense - Louis the Child, Max

Louis The Child & MAX – Dear Sense Lyrics | Genius Lyrics

Louis the Child's Dear Sense is the kind of song that deserves more recognition than it's ever gotten.  Just one listen to this highly funky and infectious song will do the trick!  Oh, and it also fits this time we're living in because there are a lot of people out there who seem to have lost their senses...  


Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Song of the Day - Never Felt A Love Like This - Galantis, Hook N Sling, Dotan

Galantis & Hook N Sling – Never Felt a Love Like This Lyrics ...

Taking a step away from my COVID19 Quarantine Playlist to share this beautiful, multi-dimensional song.  It's really worth a listen for the melancholic lows and the uplifting highs.  It's my favorite type of song.  Here's Galantis...


Monday, April 13, 2020

Song of the Day - Blue Monday - New Order

Don't Let Blue Monday Get You Down - Robinson Reade Estate Agents

Good morning everyone!  I don't know about the rest of the country, but it is one gloomy, rainy, blustery Monday here in New York, and this is a perfect song for the day...


Sunday, April 12, 2020

Song of the Day - Wake Me Up - Avicii, featuring Aloe Blacc

Wake Me Up (Avicii song) - Wikipedia

It's Easter Sunday, the first one I've spent not in Europe in several years.  In a normal world, I would be in Madrid today, but instead I am home, alone, with no one but myself to keep me company.  I can't even spend the day with my family...sigh!  I'm so tired of this.  Please, just wake me up wen it's all over...



Saturday, April 11, 2020

Song of the Day - No Word - Big Wild

Big Wild - No Words - YouTube

Oh, light the walls on fire, let them burn
We've got a lot to say but we don't need words
Ooh, light the walls on fire, let them burn
We've got a lot to say but we don't need words

No words! Check out this great song...


Thursday, April 9, 2020

Song of the Day - Powerless - Nelly Furtado

Cause this life is too short to live it just for you
But when you feel so powerless what are you gonna do
So say what you want, say what you want

Powerless (Say What You Want) - Wikipedia

Here's a great song that many of you may not know, but it's a classic and a good reminder for us that we are not Powerless!


Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Song of the Day - Prayer For the Dying - Seal

Prayer for the Dying - Wikipedia

I spend much of my days not paying too much attention to the news, but every once in awhile I'll catch something and I know that right now, in this moment, we are over 10,000 deaths in the United States (12,064 as of this morning) and over 83,000 worldwide.  These are sobering numbers and here in New York, and even Long Island, the numbers are the worst in the country, so I'm finding my self touched by hearing of victims within a degree or two of separation from me and that makes it all the more scary.  So here's an old song by Seal that is very fitting for this day...


Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Song of the Day - Crazy - Gnarls Barkley

Crazy (Gnarls Barkley song) - Wikipedia


I remember when
I remember, I remember when I lost my mind
There was something so pleasant about that place
Even your emotions have an echo in so much space

And when you're out there, without care
Yeah I was out of touch
But it wasn't because I didn't know enough
I just knew too much

Does that make me crazy?
Does that make me crazy?
Does that make me crazy?
Possibly

Crazy is something I think we've all been struggling with these past few weeks.  Crazy in the house, crazy when you look at the news, and the most crazy, at least for me, is when I have to go to the store.  Thinking too much can really drive you crazy!  Let's hope this crazy goes away soon!  


Sunday, April 5, 2020

Saturday, April 4, 2020

Song of the Day - Lean On Me - Bill Withers

Sometimes in our lives
We all have pain
We all have sorrow
But, if we are wise
We know that there's,
always tomorrow

Lean On Me,' 'Lovely Day' Singer Bill Withers Dies at 81 - KTVN ...

Lean on me
When you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For, it won't be long
Till I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on

By now,, most people have heard about the passing of singer Bill Withers yesterday at the age of 81, so what other song to post today than this one?  Lean On Me is surely his most iconic song, though he had other hits, and it so fits our world, especially today.  I was only 8 years old when this came out and I remember getting goosebumps when I heard it even then, and it still does.  

There are so many people out there who we are all leaning on these days, just to get through this crisis.  We should all be grateful for that.  Without them, life could be a lot worse than it already seems.

Virtually anyone in the medical field...nurses, doctors, EMT's, and even medical clerical staff are all on the front lines of this war against an invisible enemy.  

We lean on them.  

The grocery store, box store and pharmaceutical workers, mail carriers and utility workers, and even restaurant staff who still come to work so we can at least get a meal takeout, risk their own well-being to serve us.  

We lean on them.  

And of course, there are people out there offering whatever help they can give to those in need, neighbors, the elderly, friends and family.  They offer to buy groceries from a trip to the supermarket, cook a homemade meal, provide some company, an ear.  Playing the part of Mr. Withers and offering support to others.  

We lean on them, too!  

The song gives me goosebumps and so do these heroes of today.  In the spirit of this song of humanity and all of these wonderful people, I'd like to offer whatever I can to help you.  So please, if you know me personally, or even if you don't, and if there's anything I can do to help you, I'm telling you to lean on me.

Here's Bill Withers:


Friday, April 3, 2020

Song of the Day - Stand Back - Stevie Nicks

Stand Back - Wikipedia

If you look, it;s not hard to find songs that go with these times we're currently living in, as evidenced by the tunes I've been posting lately.  Here's another relevant track, suggested to me by my pal Eddie, the biggest Stevie Nicks fan I know.  There's a definitive message in the title of this song, something that still too many people are not heeding, and that all-out stupidity will unfortunately force us to live like this longer than we should.  So please everyone, Stand Back...


Thursday, April 2, 2020

Song of the Day - Missing You - Diana Ross

Since you've been away
I've been down and lonely
Since you've been away
I've been thinking of you
Try to understand, the reason you left me
What were you going through...


Today's song fits in so many ways.  Right now, in our third week of quarantine, there are a lot of things and people I am missing...going out to dinner, my friends, my family, work, my students, etc., etc., etc., but today is also a very special day.  On this day, April 2nd, 1941, my father George Myers, was born.  It's almost 11 years since he's been gone and we are all still missing him.  Rest in peace dad.  I still miss you!


Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Song of the Day - La Tortura - Shakira, Alejandro Sanz

La Tortura - Wikipedia

I don't think you need to know Spanish to figure out how today's song is pertinent.  Here's a live performance from Shakira and Alejandro Sanz...
Oh, me duele tonto!