Life In LA LA's Land

And nobody has to cry to make it seem real nobody has to hide the way that they feel

2011-12-21T13:46:00.000-08:00

It's the Holiday Season and in case you are looking for some last minute gifts for the music lover in your life I thought I would share some of my recent obsessions.....yes...obsessions...these CD's are awesome on so many levels I feel as though I want to listen to nothing more than these three. For weeks now if I don't have WFUV on I have one of these CD's playing.

Starting with Ryan Adams latest - Ashes and Fire - this CD is his first as a sober writer and I tell you - he's lost nothing by giving up the booze. His music is as thoughtful and at times pained as it ever was! Though it's hard to pick a favourite off of this incredible collection of tunes in this moment on this day it would be "Come Home". If you're new to him and his music this is a great place to start - if you're already a fan - this might become your new favourite CD...I dare say it's mine of 2011! http://www.losthighwayrecords.com/ryanadams

Next up lets talk about Adele. I know, right? If you know me you might not think I'd dig her - but how can you not? I've been a fan since her 19 release and I absolutely can't get enough of 21 which was released earlier this year. I have no idea what took me so long to acquire this but man - she has proven here that she's no flash in the pan. This chick is the real deal and seriously talented! I suspect we will know of her for many years to come as she does not appear to be of the Amy Winehouse School of Rock - what a tragic loss! Back to Adele - not only is she a talented songwriter she chooses some great songs to cover - I never thought I'd ever want to hear anyone but The Cure sing one of my favourites by them - "Lovesong" - but damn does she do it right! This chick is no product of computer generated ANYTHING....she is who you hear on her CD's...to prove it I am sharing her live version of the song from Letterman. Speaking of her live performances I can't wait to get my hands on her Live From Albert Hall CD! http://www.adele.tv/

I've been an Indigo Girls fan from the very, very beginning. I even saw them live at Yale playing to probably no more than 100 people one summer day back in the later 80's. But I have to say I've not loved every CD they've put out. They have come in and out of favour with me over the years. I've not felt that they have been as consistent with their music as one would hope. So maybe that's why I love Beauty Queen Sister so very much! It harkens back to their roots yet displays musical maturity that come from being around for so long and hopefully improving on your craft. To be honest I've always had a hard time with the religious references that permeates their music (hence their knick name "The Bible Dykes") but I've always been able to get past that and enjoy their honest, well spoken lyrics and pure, sweet as southern tea melodies. One of the things I want to say that surprised me about this collection of tunes is that Amy Ray's music - for possibly the first time for me - has truly tugged at my innards in a way that her songs never have. I've always felt that Emily's music, being the literature major of the two, was more romantic and appealed to me more than Amy's harder edged tunes. Not on this CD! Amy's songs are among my favourites - again - not that I could have a favourite - but in this moment I will say Amy's "Share The Moon" might be the best tune on the whole CD....so here you go! http://www.indigogirls.com/home.html

Ok - so to be clear - we've had a full year of new music so I'd like to throw in some 'also ran's' for some great music that I have yet to become obsessed with - though Cory Chisel and The Wandering Sons CD Cabin Ghosts (http://www.corychisel.com/) is very close to obsession for me. In no particular order here they are:

One half of The Swell Season - Marketa Irglova struck out on her own this year to put our Anar....what a great CD!! http://marketairglovamusic.com/

Iron and Wine also put out a cool one this year....http://www.ironandwine.com/

Totally digging David Mead's latest, Dudes, another CD worth your hard earned cash! http://www.davidmead.com/

Mildly obsessed with Brandi Carlile's The Story....this chick is awesome! http://www.brandicarlile.com/

Last but not least - Harper Simon - Wishes and Stars - Paul's 30-something year old son waited until he could afford to make this CD on his own instead of trading on his name...worth the wait! This guy has talent! http://harpersimon.com/

That about covers it for now so - go buy some new music!! I wish you all a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season and a Happy New Year! Remember - it's "What You Give Away" (thanks Vince Gill) that counts the most!

Thanks for tuning in...Until next time.....Cheers!!

I treated myself like I knew I would, I told you I was trouble, you know I’m no good….

2011-07-25T07:15:00.000-07:00

In honour of her very sad passing this past weekend I thought I would republish this post from May 2007. Needless to say this is a very deep loss to the music community and her talent will be missed! She was a true original....RIP, Amy...

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I picked up the Amy Winehouse CD, Back To Black , this weekend and thought I would try something new – writing about it as I listen for the first time. Over the last few months (her second album, it was released in October 2006) I’ve heard a track here and there but this is my first REAL sit down with it. So far it’s a smooth mix of jazz and R & B.

What strikes me most is her retro sounding voice. If I didn’t have a picture of her in front of me (she definitely looks like a modern woman – tattoos and all) I would think she’s some 1960’s girl jazz group reincarnate (were there actually any? But still….). This isn’t surprising since she sites as her influences many female jazz/R & B singers – Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington and the late great Minnie Ripperton to name a few.

At this point I’m about half way through the CD and so far I would say I’m really loving the music! Somehow, some way you get the feeling that this could be a live show in a club in NYC in the mid 1960’s. I swear it’s truly amazing how good this stuff sounds! Don’t get me wrong – it’s not some faux retread, it’s fresh and interesting and downright impressive! Even the backing vocals have it down…back when they added almost more than real instruments and certainly more than they add these days. I think that was what was so cool about the music then - it was more basic and stripped down – you couldn’t hide behind synthesizers and electronic drums – you had to work with what you had and vocals stood out more because of those now antiquated methods of recording and more ‘acoustic’ instruments. Nowadays it’s easy to fill in musical gaps – to make something better than it is because of all the recording tricks, and cutting and pasting one can do whilst in the studio and after the fact.

While I can’t be certain of the methods used in recording this CD, I can say that after hearing the whole album straight through it’s true to it’s word throughout– honest, pure and definitely a sexy listen! If you’re looking for something retro but new and fresh – this is it! She’s got a killer voice – the songs are cool and it’s a fun ride! Check her out at itunes, www.myspace.com/amywinehouse, or http://www.amywinehouse.co.uk/

My mother always told me ‘those who can’t do – teach’. She felt that if you were really capable at your art – you wouldn’t be teaching it – you would be a successful artisan. This was especially loud in my ears as she fought my tenth grade English teacher when he gave me a ‘C’ on a paper she (and others – including my mother’s own college professor) felt was a college level paper. She even tried to get the hack fired - that’s how strongly she was behind it. So when recently I was asked to donate time to run lights for the adult version of “Grease” for the kiddie school where I have worked on and off over the last six months – I was a little skeptical. Of course, it was all for their scholarship fund – about 30 students a session are on scholarship – so that wasn’t the issue – every person working on it donated their time – but I was unsure of what I would see on stage. In the adult versions of these musicals all the teachers, some former teachers and a few parents act and sing their way through the show.

I was, to say the least, pleasantly surprised. After months of seeing/working these kiddie shows where, despite the talent that some of these kids come from, the apple does apparently fall from the tree, it was great to see a show how it’s supposed to be done! There were harmonies, people being IN character, knowing their lines and knowing the songs. Overall I was impressed by the actors on stage! Of course some were better than others and some were more in tune than others but no matter what it was a lot of fun! Everyone on stage and in the audience had a blast – and it showed! At one point last night I held a blackout a little longer because “Good Lovin” came on (I know – “Grease” takes place in the 50’s and this song came out in 1966 – a point not lost on me) and everyone in the theatre started clapping in time and singing along, it was a cool moment that you think only happens in movies. But the point is – while no one on stage is an academy award winning actor or singer these teachers impressed me. They can do!

Thanks for tuning in…Until next Monday….CHEERS!

Our love is like a paper airplane flying in the folded wind Riding high, dipping low And innocence is fair game, I'm hoping I can hold it in

2011-06-10T08:15:00.001-07:00

Wow....has it really been that long since I've updated this? Needless to say it's been a busy few months. But I've still had time to buy some new music so I thought I'd share what I've been listening to in recent weeks and months...in no particular order...Enjoy!

I think I'll stop right there.....I hope you've enjoyed this snippet of new(er) tunes...

Thanks for tuning in...Until next time...CHEERS!

And in those times of trouble When you are most alone The memory of love will bring you home. John Denver

2011-01-19T07:04:00.000-08:00

It's been 11 years and one day since I last heard my Mother say "I love You". In fact, those were the last words she ever said to me the evening before she unexpectedly died. It is the memory of her love and those last words that carry me through my days. Those words echo in my heart when I feel the world has turned away. They ring in my ears and serve to remind me that wherever I am I am nothing if not loved. Love carries on and transcends time and physical place. My mother was not perfect - she had her faults - and her demons. Yet despite an early childhood spent in displaced persons camps in Poland and Germany right after WWII she embraced the world around her with compassion and grace along with an abundance of optimism. She was beautiful inside and out - she was humble - she was kind - she was giving. I am truly blessed that she was my Mother and that 'those' were the last words we spoke to each other.

The greatest gift my Mother gave me aside from her wit, her charm (I hope) and her nose- was her love. Or more specifically - her fearlessness towards love. She was not afraid to tell the people in her life that she loved and cared for them. She went out on a limb - she threw away all caution - she jumped right in - despite the pain that might follow - she LOVED with everything she had and did so generously. She may have feared rejection (she was, after all, an actress) but she didn't let the fear prevent her from expressing her feelings and demonstrating her love. She not only said "I Love You" she showed it. Maybe that scared some people - I'm sure at times in my troubled youth it scared me - but she persevered. She hugged, she held, and she cried right along with you if you needed her. She was supportive, encouraging and completely unconditional with her love. I say this not just as her daughter - but I've been told by those who knew her as an adult and a contemporary. She meant LOVE and she was LOVE.

I do my best to carry her lessons with me on a daily basis. Although it took me years of reckless behaviour to fully grasp Her kind of Love luckily my Mother bore witness and, hopefully, truly felt my love. My Dad tells me that she did. So if I love you - I say it. I fear nothing - except rejection - yet still I persevere. I mean it, too. I mean it forever. I mean it unconditionally. Once you have entered my heart there is no escaping. There are those I've not heard from in years - but if they were to reach out - they would find my open arms. I learned all this from my Mother. Love is forever and it will bring you home.

Thanks for tuning in....Until next time....CHEERS!

"Love is a flower, you gotta let it, you gotta let it grow..."

2010-12-08T06:10:00.000-08:00

Still such a loss.....

Well, there seem to be two states of mind, One is visionary, the other blind, And the best that we can hope to find, Is to meet somewhere in between

2010-11-24T15:16:00.000-08:00

You’ll forgive my silence these last many months I hope. You see, after writing about Ross I felt I really had not much more to add to this crowded world of blogs and ramblings. Some of it is because his music and his story touched me so deeply that I have been at a loss as to how to follow up. Some of it is that I’ve just been really busy working, resting from work, traveling, recording my own music – and lots of time running (or as some would say ‘jogging’, my drug, my sanity keeper). These activities have been keeping me busy. But - the Holidays are now upon us and the year has gone by quickly so it seemed like a good time to check in and say hello again.

This being Thanksgiving I thought I would chime in and share some of the thoughts and ideas I’m grateful for. If you know me personally than you know there have been some really dark years – if you’re reading this blog for the first time – let me just say the fact that I’m alive to write this blog and didn’t do anything stupid is a feat of – well – angels? Persistence? Upbringing? I think maybe that’s a big part of it. The lessons taught to me by my departed family members ultimately may have saved my life. I would also like to add that there are many living people who, along the way, saved me as well. I needed saving. I know it’s ‘weak’ to say that you ‘need’ something – but it’s downright true. We can’t do it alone – sometimes there are things bigger than us and fighting our demons many times requires the love and support of others.

I think the ‘funny’ thing about all of this – if there is a ‘funny’ thing – is that the love seems to go on. I know it might sound crazy but there are moments when I feel my mother’s presence – when I hear her voice in my head or can feel her last hug on me. I’ll never forget that last hug. I know what day it was – I know where we were standing and I know where the sun was sitting in the sky. I also know she looks over me all these years later. It was her voice that stopped me from taking things to too far and past the point of no return. It was her teachings and beliefs that she shared with me in the years before her passing that helped me get through her sudden departure - and the ones that followed in the next year and a half. So I do believe as that cheesy song says that ‘love goes on’. (Or was it my heart? Either way, if you have to ask what that song is you’re reading the wrong blog and should move on to the next one, lol).

As for another not – so - cheesy song featured in the most awesome film, Love Actually, love is, ‘all around us’ (really Hugh Grant says this in a voice-over but the song that’s playing whilst he’s saying it…well...). How do I know? I feel it. I feel I’ve come out of a tunnel since my departure from Los Angeles. I am feeling the love of those that came before me and those I’ve met along the way.

You see, when you emerge from a tunnel – whether you’re driving, you’re the passenger or you’ve been asleep, no matter what, it takes time to adjust your vision. I mean that quite literally and figuratively. It’s dark, the lights are on, but vision is limited. You see the light, you move closer, ever so slowly your eyes adjust. You reach the end of the tunnel – it’s a BIG light – but still your eyes need time, as does your mind. Time to take stock - figure out what’s going on – and though it’s blinding at first you find your way. You find the road – the line – the path you are meant to be driving. You feel the warmth of the sun and you put your foot on the gas….you are free.

Free? For what? Free to move on? Free to be you and me? Maybe it’s just feeling free to feel. Maybe it’s freedom to listen to your heart when your mind is bossing you around. Maybe when you’ve survived a tunnel you learn to appreciate the people in your life who make you smile, dance in the kitchen when a song comes on that you never knew you both liked, or maybe it’s as simple as making you feel loved. Maybe it’s not about ‘making’ you feel loved. Maybe it’s you allowing yourself to feel it.

I can say I do. I haven’t always but I do. I feel the love of the people in my life and those that maybe aren’t around. Maybe you stopped in for a spell, maybe you stayed awhile. But either way I think that love does carry on long after the person has left our side. It transcends miles, universes, and the hereafter. Love is, all around us. For that I am grateful. Grateful to be able to know that it is and grateful that it simply IS.

This posting is for all those people throughout the years who have made me feel loved and continue to do so. I wish you all (readers too) a Happy Thanksgiving…may your bellies be full and your hearts fuller. And may your mind take a rest...

Thanks for tuning in….Until next time…Cheers!

“I understand wasn’t part of the plan and I think we can agree that it’s hell when we’re apart…there’s Nobody Better than me….”

2010-03-21T14:43:00.000-07:00

I’ll never understand why this song from Ross Clark makes me cry – but it has ever since the first time his friend from High School played it for me. In fact, “Nobody Better” was the first song I ever heard from this very talented singer-songwriter, and gifted musician. From his self-made CD entitled Delayed Dreams, this and so many other songs are from a musical soul that is of a rare breed. Sensitive, yet edgy, uniquely voiced (he’s a tenor – a rarity in Rock/Bluegrass) and for so many reasons you should pay attention to him. If I were a music producer I would have signed him the moment I finished listening to this beautiful, sweet tune of love. Or the first time I heard “Feeding Dreams” – yet another delicate, melodic lilting song of love and tenderness. Oh that I were even remotely well-connected enough to make his dreams come true – Delayed or otherwise.

Last night over 200 people attended Ross’ memorial service in Upstate New York. When I first wrote about him in my last posting right before the Holidays unbeknownst to me he had already passed away (19 Dec 2009). He fought a lifetime of health issues and bravely one day said ‘enough is enough’ – three days later he was gone. He was only 35. But this blog isn’t meant to be about his death – it’s meant to be about his life and the musical legacy he left behind.

I never met Ross, but I’ve been a fan for several years. I had always hoped to play music with him when, or if, our paths crossed. The closest I’ve come is seeing video of him – he had a strong presence and a very sweet touch on the guitar. He could play soft, he could rock out – he seemed to have no boundaries – no fear – zero inhibition. His sweet voice that bordered on the feminine gave no hint as to the pain he felt in his body on a daily basis. Maybe that’s what made him so open? This hopeless, yet realistic romantic gave his every breath to the notes and feelings inside of him. He shared his gift with his family and friends and honestly the real tragedy is not of a life cut far too short – it’s that too many in this world have yet to discover his talents.

Maybe it’s his voice that makes me cry – maybe it’s the undiscovered talent I can relate to – the struggle of being an artist and needing to survive. Crappy jobs just to get by and too many packets of ramen noodles. Maybe it’s that I weep for a kindred spirit. Maybe it’s songs like “Crickets (Ode To Bree)” that reach my softer/melodic side. More than likely it’s because this guy was freaking talented. Oh that I could just let it all hang out like he did….oh that I could play a Blues song and make it sound as real…or give Dan Tyminski from Union Station a run for his money. You name it – he played it. Ross had a gift. A true gift.

“Am I strong enough, to be weak for you? Do I have enough to give all I have to you?....” Weak For You Blues. I was in the car yesterday on my way to go hiking. I have over 2000 songs on my iphone and of all the days – this song came on. I gave a nod upwards – a big smile crossed my face and then a tear came to my eye – not because I lost someone – because the world lost a talented musician. Somehow I felt that at that moment he was reaching out to me and saying ‘Hey – I’m with you…’. As long as people hear his music he will always be around. His family asked not for flowers or donations but asked that we – those who have already had the pleasure of ‘knowing’ Ross – share his music and hopefully learn from his passion. That is what this blog is about. Sharing Ross and all that he left behind. To his family I say – thank you for allowing me to know his music and for allowing me to write about him here in this forum. My condolences are with you all as well as my deep regret that I never met him. Though because of his openness in his writing – I feel as though I know him. I hope you will too! Please visit him on itunes or find him on his blog:
http://rossongs.blogspot.com

Thank you for tuning in….until next time….CHEERS!! and RIP Ross…you deserve it!

The Measure of a man is one who lends a hand that’s what my father said….

2009-12-21T12:56:00.000-08:00

Vince gill & Sheryl crow - what you give away
Uploaded by rawestern. - Music videos, artist interviews, concerts and more.

If you’ve been a reader of this blog over the years you will know that this Vince Gill song is one of my favourites from 2007 and at this time of year it’s become my holiday post. While I don’t consider myself a country music fan every once in awhile a tune will grab my attention. This song has done more than that – it’s stayed with me since I first heard it on the CMA’s. The message of this song is clear and obvious. It’s not about what you earn it is indeed what you give away.

A few months ago I was looking at a friend’s myspace page. In her ‘heroes’ category the first person she listed was her Mom who “raised me single and poor but I never knew it”. Something about that has stayed with me. Knowing what I know of this family it’s very clear - it’s about Love (‘Love Actually is all around us’ according to Writer/Director Richard Curtis). All this got me thinking – the song – her words – my favourite movie….what if, during this time of financial struggle for so many, we think about not just giving some cash here and there to our favourite charity or local Salvation Army, but we think about Love and how we can give it away.

As you well know this has been a HUGE year for me – LOTS of changes. A big move. Travel. Lots of time zones. I’ve logged over 11,000 miles on the roads of the US and Europe, flown over 15,000 miles, packed up and unpacked more times than I care to remember. All of it has been worth it and none of it could have been done without the support of those I love. I wonder – did I get all this Love because I gave/give Love away?

The other day a friend informed me that her best friends 35 year old brother decided to stop 3 years of dialysis. I don’t know him other than knowing that he’s a very talented musician but I’m touched by his decision. I wonder – aside from the obvious reasons - did he make it because he felt that he’d given and gotten enough Love?

My father this holiday season informed me that he would be short on presents for us kids because he was sponsoring a ‘needy’ family and wanted to give them a better Christmas (and it’s not like I need anything). He barely knows them – but he wanted to help. While he was telling me this I got the sense that he wanted to do more for them. Meanwhile I feel like I got an amazing gift knowing he is giving his Love and support to these strangers.

I wonder - do we ever feel that we’ve gotten or given enough Love? That’s a very hard question to answer. When I look back on this year I can say I gave of myself to those I love and maybe barely know – but was it enough? How do we quantify Love? I think when we give – we actually get. Sometimes it doesn’t take much. Maybe a smile to a stranger or kind words to a friend who needs to talk. Hell, sometimes all I want is for someone to be there. It’s very simple. I can only hope with all my heart that the people I know feel as though I gave enough Love. I sure as hell got it.

So no matter how much you made this year or how little – know that even the littlest gesture can mean so much. Some measure of Love is all it takes to make someone’s day. Irrespective of how you define Love – just give it away. Open your heart and do it. As the song says “no matter what you make, all that you can take, it’s what you give away, What You Give Away…”.

Thanks for tuning in…HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! Until next year…CHEERS!!!

I dont think I'm gonna go to LA anymore, Get lost on the boulevard at night, Without your voice to tell me I love you, take a right...

2009-11-19T11:11:00.000-08:00

I don't think I'm gonna go to LA anymore
I don't think I'm gonna go to LA anymore
I don't know what it's like to land and not race to your door
But I don't think I'm gonna go to LA anymore

I don't think I'm gonna go to LA anymore
I'm not sure that I really ever could
Hold on to a hotel key
in your bedroom neighborhood
With me sleep walking in Hollywood

I'm gonna steer clear
Burn up in your atmosphere
I'm gonna steer clear
Cause I'd die if I saw you
I'd die if I didn't see you there
So I don't think I'm gonna go to LA anymore

I dont think I'm gonna go to LA anymore
Get lost on the boulevard at night
Without your voice to tell me
I love you, take a right
The ten and the two is a lonely sight

I'm gonna steer clear
Burn up in your atmosphere
I'm gonna steer clear
Cause I'd die if I saw you
I'd die if I didn't see you

I'm gonna steer clear
Burn up in your atmosphere
I'm gonna steer clear
Cause I'd die if I saw you
I'd die if I didn't see you there, see you there

I think I'm gonna stay gonna stay, gonna stay in the grey, think i'm gonna stay
All the street lights say nevermind nevermind
All the canyon lines say nevermind
Sunset says we see this all the time, nevermind never you mind

Post Bridge:
Where ever I go
What ever I do
I wonder where I am in my relationship to you

Where ever you go
Where ever you are
I watch your life play out in pictures from afar

Where ever I go
what ever I do
I wonder where I am in my relationship to you

Where ever you go
Where ever you are
i watch your life play out in pictures from afar
[ John Mayer Lyrics are found on www.dapslyrics.com ]

Thanks for tuning in....Until next time....Happy Turkey Day and CHEERS!!!!

If everything we are is true,  Our memories are attics in those houses on the hill, Our love is there above us holding everything so still....

2009-10-25T14:04:00.000-07:00

This song, “Follow The Lights”, by Ryan Adams has been on my brain a lot the last few days. To be honest, it’s one of only a few songs I want to hear right now (the other being Shawn Colvin’s version of “This Must Be The Place” – another song about home….). When I first started listening to it (I discovered it whilst watching the TV show “October Road”) I was living in Los Angeles – it was just before the holidays in 2007 and I was feeling homesick. It made perfect sense to fall in love with the tune – it said everything I was feeling at the time and the visual that went along with it was truly magical to me. While living somewhere that was warm year round the idea of snow and houses and tree lined streets hit me in the heart. It was instantaneous and I immediately went out and bought the CD – Follow The Lights.

Now here it is nearly two years later and my life is VASTLY different than it was even five months ago. A lot has changed in my life – well frankly everything has changed. I’m living in the country with family surrounded by trees and the weather is changing for the colder. Snow is on the way and my life remains unsettled. It’s the chance you take when you jump off the bridge and finally do it. You don’t where or when you will land you just know that limbo is the place to be.

Home is, once again, the East Coast - this is where I grew up and when asked I say without hesitation Connecticut and North Carolina. So when I got the call to go down to Winston-Salem, NC for a job interview it seemed the perfect opportunity to take a drive, see a new place and then head to the beach where I grew up (not far from where Ryan Adams grew up coincidentally). The last time I set foot in that state was a horrible horrible time. It was September 2001 – my birthday - and on that day my grandmother was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. The time before that was for my mother’s funeral – so you can imagine my trepidation at the thought of heading back there to face all that sadness. For eight years I had put off going – understandable and undeniable as to why. Despite a lifetime of happy memories having to do with the beach the last two visits kept me away. Time to face up and deal.

I hopped in my car and headed south. A friend I met on a shoot in New York City lives in Winston-Salem so it was perfect. She had a little bit of time and futon for me to crash on. While we’d made a strong connection the day we met I was a little nervous about spending time with someone I didn’t really know and clearly with much going on in my head I was even a little more scared than usual. My friend is a student so she lives with her mother. In addition to hanging with her I was also meeting an important family member. Lots to face – I was feeling overwhelmed with emotion and yet excited to be setting foot again in my other beloved state. I had no idea what to expect from my head or from them.

From the moment I walked up to the house and got a hug from my friend I felt at home. I was truly taken aback. This is not what I thought was going to happen. These people are strangers to me. I thought: this is not my life. After twelve years in a city that I never understood surrounded by people I could not make sense of – this is not what I’m used to. This can’t be real. But it was.

After a quick meal - meeting her awesome mom and filling up on gyros and fries she asked me if I wanted to meet these very important friends of hers who are like family to her. After a day or two of traveling on my own I think I was ready for human contact again so….sure! Why not? Bring it on!! Lets go hang with your peeps! If you love them I’ll love them. Again – I didn’t know what to expect – everything, everyone, was new to me. So we drive out to the country, and I mean country, and meet her friends – a husband, a wife, three kids and assorted animals. Yep. Foreign to me! Now I’m surrounded by more people and a place I don’t know. Yet – you guessed it – I felt at home. And damn quickly I might add. These new people were amazing – warm – intelligent – and very welcoming. Did I mention the baby kitten they had? She and I had a moment and I realized I was ready for a new little guy to enter my life – Cali changed my mind that sweet thing!!

Looking back on my trip as I’ve been doing these last few days it’s no wonder this song has been heavily on my brain. My first twenty –four hours back in North Carolina far exceeded anything I had imagined. I wasn’t sure I’d ever feel right about that place again. Don’t get me wrong – it was hard approaching the bridge to the island that first time after so many years and so much sadness – and as I did I put on my mother’s favourite song that we played every time we went down there – but admittedly having my night in Winston-Salem surrounded by these four incredible people gave me a lot of courage to face a very difficult situation. Feeling at home – feeling welcomed – feeling cared for – made a huge difference in how I felt about facing my demons. These ‘strangers’ gave more than they will ever know and were a huge part in making North Carolina a happy place again. For that I will always feel blessed and feel lucky. One day on a music video, one person and her people - changed my life for the better.

After twelve years in Los Angeles one of the things I carry with me is a not-so – healthy dose of doubt that goes along with all new people in my life. I heard a lot of nice things, promises and happy ideas over the years that led to well – nothing. I’m not proud that I feel so distrusting of kind words and actions as I do right now – but I do know that I will eventually get over that and find a healthier balance. But for now I can’t help but feel a little damaged and so when I say I don’t know that I’ll ever see these people again or even hear from them it comes from that place. I don’t know that they even know this blog exists so there’s no way for them to truly know how appreciative I am for those twenty-four hours. But I am forever changed for the better and am so grateful for all they brought to my world that day and night. They gave me a home where I least expected and shone new light on an old one. I do hope I see them again because if I do – no doubt it will feel like……home.

Thanks for tuning in…Until next time….CHEERS!!!!

I want to know about you I want to live around you But it's easy to worry here Oh I hope I don't disappear...

2009-10-07T11:36:00.000-07:00

To say I'm mildly obsessed with Pete Yorn's release Back & Fourth is an understatement. I can't stop listening to it - seriously - it's like 5 times a day - on my run - when I put my computer on to stroll the internet - when I work - the only safe place is my car - so far. There is something about this CD that is really getting to me. Every song has a great melody and every song has lines in it I can relate to. That's a rare thing for me. I'm not the sort to buy a song here and there from an artist I like - I buy the whole thing and hope to enjoy the whole thing - which usually I do - but this CD has taken that to a whole other level.

I can't find anything about it I don't like. Seriously. I will say that he sure seems like a tough guy to be in a relationship with - not sure I'd want to go there despite how cute and sexy he is - if his songs are any indication of who is in a relationship well then I'll pass. Not like I have the opportunity anyway - but you know what I mean. I'm sure there are people who feel that way about my music - hell - there are people who feel that way about me to say nothing of the songs I write. But I digress and this is a blog about other people's music not my own.

His songs on this CD are absolutely some of the best he's written. I have everything of his except the stuff he did with Scarlett Johansson - so I think it's safe to say he's really tapped in well to some emotionally heavy topics here - not just love. There's a song about an old flame who has died - "Social Development Dance" - a song about leaving someone "Shotgun" and "Rooftop" my favourite from this one - about well - ok - I take it back - basically this CD is about love and breaking up in it's various forms - but it's not a Debbie Downer compilation it's merely a conglomeration of the varying stages of break up we all go through; denial, love, "come back to me", "you drug addict, you" etc etc. Clearly he had a rough time of it whilst writing this one - and that's cool - his melodies bely the pain he's expressing in his lyrics so you have to really listen (and read his lyrics) to totally get that - but that's what makes this CD so well done. If you don't pay attention you can just hum your way into happy denial. It's like Suzanne Vega's "Luka" and that 10,000 Maniacs song "What's The Matter Here?" - both have very catchy melodies but are about a very serious topic.

Here are some of my favourite lines:

"Comin over the rooftop Would you save me? Cos I'm not okay And seasons change for everyone I've seen it all
And if the rain comes down Let the rain come down..." Rooftop

"And when we kissed it was electric A chemist made us for each other But I was far from being your only one My roommate said he'd seen you before...There's something missing in us We try to make it whole Though it never feels like it, I know you have it all..." Social Development Dance

"I know men aren't supposed to act this way, but things they got too real; I couldn't stay....Turn the lights down low and close the door, and try to feel the way I felt before. Hell, cry in the middle of the day, It better make me feel a better way, if it could take my pain away..." Don't Wanna Cry

"I needed some time To figure out my shit Still walking Through the mines Explosions never far I want to know about you
I want to live around you But it's easy to worry here Oh I hope I don't disappear..." Shotgun

So yeah - you get it......check this one out!!!! www.peteyorn.com or find him on itunes!!!!

WOW....so what can I say? Some of you may have noticed that I've been AWOL these last few months. There's an excellent reason for that. You see, I left Los Angeles - hence all the changes to this blog (new place, new beginning) - and have moved to Connecticut for the time being. I'm currently staying with my sister and my niece, who at 6 can't really say my name (or won't, lol), thusly calling me "LA LA" which explains why the name of this blog didn't change much. This all happened for various reasons and quite suddenly (no I wasn't running from the law or some po'd producer) but it happened and once the decision was made (that had been discussed for several years) why not just DO IT!! So we did it - sold nearly everything that wouldn't fit in a cabrio and a Cherokee and mailed some things....gassed up and left LA on 27 May. Everything happened with one month's notice so as not to pay more rent to my useless landlord than necessary and we didn't tell too many people. Why? Well - the few people that gave a sh** knew and the rest we figured would figure it out. The reason I didn't come out and say I was leaving on this blog (I hinted at it in the last posing) was because we were surprising someone and keeping the secret off of here and facebook was more fun than any 2 people moving across country should have.

Yep. FUN. Well, no, not really. It sucked eggs. My AC was out, it was 100 degrees some days and by golly it's a brutal trip even under the easiest of circumstances. Never mind that I had four chairs strapped to my roof, and the back was loaded up to the ceiling inhibiting my awesome speakers from shining. Oh well. What can you do? Sometimes you gotta get off the pot. Sometimes being near family and those we love is more important than a silly, overcrowded, flakey city. No - I'm not bitter - I'm very glad for my time there. I learned a lot, I met a ton of interesting people and made some friends who will be around until the end of time - and I wrote some good songs about the place. In fact there is much about LA that I miss but there is so much here in New England I'm getting to know again. I never fit in in LA - it was never my scene - but I fit in here. I belong. I revel in seasons and rainy weather. I love snow. I love lobster. I love New England and am so glad I grew up here. I'm even more glad to be back even though I have no idea where I will end up settling down (that will depend on a job) and no clue as to when that will happen, for now I'm with my family - for better or worse - I'm here and, as my song, "Now", goes...."I still don't have the answers, I still don't know our chances, all I know is I'm alive...."

Thanks for tuning in...until next time.....CHEERS!!!

We lost our way, in California down in LA they never warn ya....

2009-05-27T21:59:00.000-07:00

We Started Walkin'
and then we learned to run
I still don't know what
We're Runnin' From
You said you loved me
but you couldn't stay

Oh We lost our way
in California
down in LA
They Never warn ya

it just all goes wrong,
it all turned bad
you said that love
was a funny thing
and you'd move faster
without a ring

Oh we lost our way
In California
down in LA
Nobody warns ya
it just all goes wrong,
it all turns bad

we searched for something
we could not find
and somehow somewhere
love got left behind

yeah we lost our way
in California
down in La
they barely warn ya
it all goes wrong
oh it all turns bad

I don't look back
cause it hurts too much
to see everything that
we just gave up

oh we lost our way
in California
down in LA
nobody warns ya
Oh We Lost Our Way
In California

and it all went wrong
it all turned bad
it all went wrong
it all turned bad

(metrolyrics.com)

WOW....I can not say enough about Chris Isaak's CD, Mr. Lucky.....so I won't. Suffice it to say I am deeply in love with his latest and long over due release. Check it out. www.chrisisaak.com

Thanks for tuning in...Until next time...Cheers!!!

I've been haunted by this old ghost before, I want to hear your voice you know it's been so long.....

2009-05-17T15:09:00.000-07:00

I've been haunted by this old ghost before
I want to hear your voice you know it's been so long
Like a dancing wave you balance on the shore
It would feel so good to see your face again

I still sleep with the lights on
I still stay up late alone
I still love another one
I still sleep with the lights on

We both understand we've got no way back
Our love was strange in a strange land
We got broken wings we were bound to fall
Until the sun comes up you can hold my hand

I still sleep with the lights on
I still stay up late alone
I still love another one
I still sleep with the lights on

Take it easy, take it slow
Let's just watch the tides they grow
The wind is coming from the side
We are sleeping in the light

Feel like waking up in your house some day
Or eating of your hand like a bird astray
But nothing's gonna change, we'll still be the same
We've said what's to say, nothing's buried nowhere

I still sleep with the lights on
I still stay up late alone
I still love another one
I still sleep with the lights on
[ Sleeping With The Lights On Lyrics on http://www.lyricsmania.com/ ]

It was Easter weekend and we were driving down the 101 on our way back from a camping trip in Bug Sur. Just outside of Buellton, CA – the pea soup capitol of the world (it’s worth the stop) – Teitur’s song “Sleeping With The Lights On” (from Poetry & Airplanes, 2003) came on a mixed CD. I had never heard the song before that I could remember. Something about it struck me and I couldn’t help but break our ‘only rewind 3 times rule’. For about 20 minutes or so it was the only noise I wanted to hear. I wanted to understand every word, every nuance and I wanted to be inside this guys haunting voice.

Rarely has a song struck me this way – inspired me even – it was truly a very cool moment. I think some if it has to do with the fact that I feel a little numb (no, not a shameful plug for my last CD though I wouldn’t mind if you had a listen on itunes…so maybe it has become a shameful plug, lol) living here in Los Angeles. After nearly twelve years on the same block it would seem that inspiration – in my listening to music, my writing of it, or even my enjoyment of this city - has severely waned. Perhaps that is why I haven’t updated this blog since before Christmas. I was working a job that sucked over 50 hours a week out of me and left my soul an empty jar. It seems no matter how much you love a job or learn from your experiences there in the end the stress can really sap so much out of you that you are left numb and uninspired. That has been me the last few months and I’m grateful to this song for reawakening a spark inside of me – planting a seed, if you will and opening my ears again.

Anyway….enough said. Have a listen for yourself! Unfortunately the 'embed' ability on the official video youtube link has been disabled - so try this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCigJ1G3TPw or listen to a live version below....

Thanks for tuning in and until next time (yes – there will be one)….CHEERS!!

What you give away.....

2008-12-07T12:19:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays all...and remember - it's not what you keep or what you earn that makes us who we are.....it's what you give away....here's one of my favourite songs from the last few years....Enjoy!!!

Thanks for tuning in and and until next time...CHEERS!!!

Suns are in the sky now, Suns are in my veins, Throw me in the fire now Love is what remains.....

2008-11-30T10:56:00.000-08:00

Some of you may have noticed that I have been MIA these last few weeks - there are several reasons for this - one is that I am working now and thusly have less time on my hands and because there is less time - time moves more quickly which means I didn't even realize until I opened this page that it had been a month since my last posting. In light of less time and the Holidays already upon us I thought I would put together a list of things that over the past year have made me enjoy life more. Some of these things, or people, have been around awhile, but have only this year made me happy or otherwise enhanced my life or they are new things that were released this year. In any case, in no particular order (but starting with Joan Osborne because of today's quote) here it goes:

Joan Osborne's "Little Wild Things" - because she can do no wrong and this CD is worth every last moment spent listening to it.

Joe Jackson's Rain - his latest - and one of his greatest - as a very long time fan he not only is one of the best live acts I've ever seen but he's one of our greatest song writers ever.

Kim Dickens - one of the most underrated and talented actresses of our time. Yes, kids, some former models CAN indeed act and until you've seen her in Allison Anders "Things Behind The Sun" your life is incomplete.

The next time you are sitting on your porch or patio on a chilly winter's night sipping some holiday wine - pop in Over The Rhine's Drunkards Prayer - it will warm your soul and stimulate your brain - you won't be sorry.

Ryan Adams' Follow The Lights - one of my favourites from last year is still hitting the mark and like fine wine gets better with age.

In The Wild - triple threat - GREAT movie from a
GREAT book that begat a GREAT soundtrack. Need I say more?

Awesome deal - awesome choices - affordable and amidst the bills in the mail good news arrives with every red envelope.

I know - kind of cheesy - but it's nice to be in touch with long lost friends.

Love Actually - one of my all time favourite movies it is a must see for me every year around this time.

See? Cameron Diaz is more talented than you think...and The Holiday proves it. Everyone in it is amazing and the story is very sweet. Worth watching.

My 1993 000C16L gets better sounding every year....

My new North Face tent and the greatest campsite ever - 12,000 feet up a mountain in Colorado next to a river off of Route 550. It really doesn't get much better than that.

My niece, Cate, because while I would like to see her more often - still - hearing someone say "I miss you" never gets old.

Even though I lost my little guy, Phineas, this year - I am grateful for the nearly 13 years we had together....and yes...Love is what remains.

So there it is - some of the people and things that have inspired me this year....I hope you enjoyed my list and while there are so many more pieces that could have been included I think this is a fair representation. Feel free to check out earlier posts for other CD's, people and movies that have made this a very good year.

Thanks for tuning in....Until next time...CHEERS! and Happy Holidays!!

Any minute now my ship is coming in…I’m ‘Waiting For My Real Life To Begin’….

2008-10-26T14:59:00.000-07:00

If the only thing you know about Colin Hay is that ‘he’s that singer from that 80’s band Men At Work’ (if you even know that)…than you are missing out on not only a great songwriter, but a great performer and singer. Originally from Scotland circa 1953 he moved to Australia in ’67 and formed what would be Men At Work in 1978 hitting the charts in ’82 and disbanding ’85. Shortly thereafter in ‘87 he released his first solo album entitled Looking For Jack. There have been nine releases since including Man At Work (2003) a fabulous collection of M.A.W. songs redone and a few new songs where you can find today’s title quote. His most recent release is Are You Looking At Me? from last year.

I have to admit that although I am a fan of Men At Work I didn’t start paying attention to Hay’s solo work until 2002 when I heard “Beautiful World” on the Scrubs soundtrack (also on his release Company Of Strangers). That song got my brain thinking and looking for his stuff (amazing what a well put together soundtrack can do). Around that same time I saw him play at Largo here in Los Angeles where he was promoting his then upcoming release Man At Work. The show was one of the best I’ve ever seen - just him, his guitar and his wife, Cecilia Noel. That show opened up a whole other world for me where his music is concerned and it’s where I first heard “Waiting For My Real Life To Begin” (even more powerful live) and “I Just Don’t Think I’ll Ever Get Over You” from Transcendental Highway (also found on the Garden State soundtrack where is also listed as a Producer). Clearly there is so much of his music I have yet to discover but I look forward to it because this guy has seen the world and he is still clearly not stopping any time soon. Check him out at www.colinhay.com and www.myspace.com/colinhay

Here he is performing “Waiting For My Real Life To Begin” with Cecilia Noel (typed lyrics follow)…..

“Waiting For My Real Life To Begin”

Any minute now my ship is coming in
I'll keep checking the horizon
And I'll stand on the bow
And feel the waves come crashing
Come crashing down, down, down on me

And you said,"Be still, my love
Open up your heart
Let the light shine in"
Don't you understand?
I already have a plan
I'm waiting for my real life to begin

When I awoke today suddenly nothing happened
But in my dreams I slew the dragon
And down this beaten path
And up this cobbled lane
I'm walking in my own footsteps once again

And you say,"Just be here now
Forget about the past
Your mask is wearing thin"
Let me throw one more dice
I know that I can win
I'm waiting for my real life to begin

Any minute now my ship is coming in
I'll keep checking the horizon
And I'll check my machine
There's sure to be that call
It's gonna happen soon, soon, oh so very soon
It's just that times are lean

And you say,"Be still, my love
Open up your heart
Let the light shine in"
Don't you understand?
I already have a plan
I'm waiting for my real life to begin

Hey heyeyeyeyey
Hey yeeeeeee
Hey heyeyeyeyey
Eeh eeh eeh eeh eh x5

On a clear day
I can see, see for a long way

On a clear day
I can see, see a very long way

(Colin Hay/Thom Mooney courtesy of www.metrolyrics.com)

So there you have it. This is where my brain is these days. ‘Nuff said.

Thanks for tuning in….Until next time…..CHEERS!! and don’t forget to go Rock The Vote next Tuesday the 4th…..

I want you to be my love, ‘Neath the moon and the stars above, I want you to be my love…

2008-10-13T12:35:00.001-07:00

So simple….so clear….so direct. There’s nothing complicated about today’s title lyrics. They are the words you wish you could put down on paper instead of trying to say more, or really, too much. They come from the band Over The Rhine – a Cincinnati, Ohio duo made up of married singer songwriters Linford Detweiler and Karin Berquist. She’s the voice. He’s the magician. Together they weave stories of love, angst, spirituality, and life questions and bring together a deeper meaning to the words ringing in your ears.

The CD I’m listening to right now is Drunkard’s Prayer from 2005 – it’s the only one of theirs I know even though they have a 17 CD’s out including one they released just last year called The Trumpet Child – no doubt as good as this one but for now, I want to get lost in this one. 11 songs – one cover – “My Funny Valentine” – and the rest of them originals. The songs that caught my ears are “I Want You To Be My Love”, “Bluer” and the oh so sweet “Born” (Berquist/Detweiler):

There’s something about her voice that pulls me in - she’s not your average female singer/songwriter – while her voice is smooth it has a depth that few other women out there have – she’s like Margo Timmins of Cowboy Junkies meets Barbara Kessler; I get lost in her notes and it makes me want to go running through a field of grain on a hot summer’s eve with some kind of reckless abandon I’ve long forgotten about. Some of the songs sound a little like what I would call ‘bluegrass jazz’, some are your out and out pop folk tunes a la Nanci Griffith (minus the country) with a crisp clear piano and swaying beat and others are well – just good music that I can’t pinpoint. All are catchy and have a simplicity and complexity that makes you want to just put the ipod on ‘repeat’. You really need to listen for yourself - they have a lot to say and they do it well. http://www.overtherhine.com & http://www.myspace.com/overtherhine

Sometimes the most perfect days are the ones you don’t plan. This past Saturday was one such day. It started with Abby putting on Drunkard’s Prayer and while I’d listened to a few of the songs before (I’m not sure how she discovered them but I’m glad she did) – I’d never really ‘heard’ the whole CD until Saturday morning. Ipod on, ipod on repeat, sour apples pancakes on the griddle, maple syrup, a cool morning, long jammies and suddenly before 11a it’s already a great day. With bellies full, dark blue jeans, short sleeve shirt, my keens and Red Sox hat on and we were good to go – with a purpose in mind we set out on an urban hike through the city to hit a health food store Abby had never been to – Erewhon on Beverly – to look for gluten free pizza crust mix. Yum!

It’s not a very far walk – 2 miles give or take each way - but the day was so beautiful it felt like you could walk forever. The air was clean, the sky pure blue (as opposed to the smog infiltrated blue we have most of the year) and the Hollywood Hills that feel so close you could touch them – it was a day long in the making as the heat from our eight month long summer slowly faded away. Perfect weather. Perfect day. After a rare (for me) soda break of Virgils Root Beer while we contemplated our Erewhon finds we hit The Grove and Farmers Market next door. We didn’t mean to go – it can be a little crazy touristy jam packed on a Saturday – but something in me figured – hey – we’re here – lets swing on by….glad we did. We ended up grabbing some lunch at Charlie’s in the Farmers Market – a place I’ve always wanted to try but wasn’t able to because I wasn’t eating meat until this summer. VERY TASTY burger and fries were had - add a Cider to the mix and you’ve got the perfect lunch. Next up – the perfect desert – Pink Berry and then ‘hike’ back home.

‘Perfect’ is hard to define. Sometimes I don’t think we know we’re having a great day until we settle in for the evening and think about our travels. I knew it while it was happening. I knew it as we made the pizza and put on The Red Sox game (even though they lost) that days like that are hard to come by. Days when you forget your troubles, when you realize that life is good even if the circumstances aren’t always good. Sometimes it is as simple as a great walk on a clear day, as simple as great music in your ears or as comforting as a hand on our shoulder and the presence of a loved one long departed. However you define it – I hope you find it. I hope you each have that day whatever it means to you and whatever you do. Sometimes the best days are the days you don’t plan – the days when you allow yourself and those around you to just ‘be’.

Thanks for tuning in….Until next time…CHEERS! And GO RED SOX!!!!

In the shadows of tall buildings....

2008-09-29T11:26:00.000-07:00

Because Joan Osborne is a goddess and can do no wrong I wanted to share her cover of Jump LIttle Children's "Cathedrals" from 1999 (reviewed here in an earlier post of mine from 27 Jan '08 entitled "In the Cathedrals of New York and Rome..." http://lifeinlaland.blogspot.com/2008/01/in-cathedrals-of-new-york-and-rome.html). This is from her latest release "Little Wild One". I look forward to picking it up and will review it at a later date....though what I've heard of it so far I love already. I first heard her do this song at a show here in Los Angeles that my dear friend Jodi, Abby and I went to two years ago. Joan was amazing and this song brought tears to my eyes...I found out this weekend that I wasn't the only one so moved by her performance. Yeah - she's a goddess of massive proportions and clearly I'm not the only one who feels this way. Nice not to feel so alone sometimes when amidst the shadows of tall buildings.

Thanks for tuning in...Until next time....CHEERS!!

It's alright, it's alright, it's alright....

2008-09-15T13:47:00.000-07:00

I'm finding it hard to write these days but I felt it was time to at least say something. Though I'm not sure something is better than nothing I wanted to let you all know I haven't dumped this blog all together - I've just been uninspired since my best friend kitty passed away in July. I'm still deeply saddened by his loss and have been left somewhat speechless as it were. I thought perhaps that if I start to write something the words would flow so this is all stream of consciousness writing and really has no point.

Today's title is from Dar Williams' new CD called Promised Land, she's an old neighbour of mine, a very sweet person who has done well for herself and she's certainly not lacking in talent. She's more than alright, that's for sure. I hope you check her out. http://folkmusic.about.com/od/darwilliams/a/DarWilliamsQA.htm

Anyway....life has moved forward - the summer is at an end. I celebrated my birthday in The Sequoias last weekend and wanted to share some pictures from the trip.

Thanks for tuning in...until next time (and there will be one)...CHEERS!!!

I can't tell one from another, Did I find you or you find me?

2008-07-21T10:37:00.000-07:00

Phineas Alexander Schuler
25 Aug. 1995-16 July 2008

Cover up and say goodnight, Little Man, say goodnight.....

Home is where I want to be, Pick me up and turn me ‘round…

2008-06-30T11:22:00.000-07:00

Home is where I want to be
Pick me up and turn me ‘round
I feel numb - burn with a weak heart
(so I) guess I must be having fun
The less we say about it the better
Make it up as we go along
Feet on the ground
Head in the sky
It's ok I know nothing's wrong . . nothing

Hi you I got plenty of time
Hi you you got light in your eyes
And you're standing here beside me
I love the passing of time
Never for money
Always for love
Cover up and say goodnight . . . say goodnight

Home - is where I want to be
But I guess I’m already there
I come home - she lifted up her wings
Guess that this must be the place
I can't tell one from another
Did I find you, or you find me?
There was a time before we were born
If someone asks, this where I’ll be . . . where I’ll be

Hi you we drift in and out
Hi you sing into my mouth
Out of all those kinds of people
You got a face with a view
I'm just an animal looking for a home
Share the same space for a minute or two
And you love me till my heart stops
Love me till I’m dead
Eyes that light up, eyes look through you
Cover up the blank spots
Hit me on the head ah ooh

(courtesy of lyricsfreak.com)

Whether you prefer the original, fast paced Talking Heads version of “This Must Be The Place” (from Speaking In Tongues) or Shawn Colvin’s more mellow, thoughtful take (from Cover Girl and one that she has performed solo/live as well) there is no arguing that this is one of the best tunes of the last too many years. While each version is vastly different the sentiment and the words remain the same – pain, longing, universal heartache and a desire to find that place where we feel whole and loved. It was not something I really expected to hear from David Byrne – but veiled in a fast beat and thin electric guitars it’s easy to miss the sentimental meaning. That’s where Shawn Colvin comes in. Her take on the song (I first heard her perform it at the late great Bottom Line in the early ‘90’s) illustrates the softer side of the lyrics and the more emotional breadth of the melody.

One of the things I find most interesting about music is how production values can change a song. “This Must Be The Place” is a perfect example of this. One the one hand you have a new wave dance song on another you have a sweet folk song. Both are relevant and both can speak to the ever changing moods of a person. Maybe, in fact, they speak to different sides of the brain. The more measured dance version I liken to a left brain experience – and the folky one – a more right brain emotional purging of sorts. These are the kinds of complexity’s that make me enjoy producing music. Most songs start off the same way – a guitar or piano being banged on with words waiting to pour out onto a page. You play around and play around and try to figure out the ‘voice’ of the song when it’s done. Is it fast? Slow? Middle of the road finger picking deal? Or is it straight out strumming with certain purpose? You go through all of this only to maybe change your mind when it comes to getting into the studio. Suddenly someone else hears the song a different way and wants to take it in a new direction. Choices, decisions, days later and you have Talking Heads or Shawn Colvin. I think it’s one of the coolest things about making music, you can take it anywhere, land anywhere and start again.

Do yourself a favour and listen to these two versions back to back – your eyes will open – your ears will get a jolt and you’ll be glad you did. Look for them on itunes! In case you’re wondering my favourite lyrics from the song are: “I can't tell one from another, Did I find you, or you find me?” They get me every time! ENJOY!

As I’m sure you can guess I’m feeling a little homesick right now. This is the first time since my niece Cate was born in 2003 that I haven’t been home in June. It feels weird and I honestly wonder with flights getting so expensive when I’ll get home again. Will it be me pulling up in the driveway loaded up with my crap after a cross country drive? Or will it be me landing at a local airport and hopping into my best friend’s car? It’s so hard to know and in some ways it really bums me out. As I’ve come to really enjoy living in my very cool neighbourhood in Los Angeles, the time away from my loved ones is getting harder to take. I know, I know, if I really want to go I’ll find a way…but it’s not always so easy when your main source of income is based in one of two cities and you have another person to consider. One of the things that makes L.A. so great is the presence of Abby and a few others. But is it enough? Right now it is and who knows what job lies ahead that may keep me here. As icky as it might sound – sometimes you have to stay where the money is until such time you free yourself from the financial ties that bind. It’s one of the hard things about life without a trust fund – money buys freedom and ou can never have enough of that.

For now I’ll gaze longingly at my pictures from my last trip home – miss the people in those pictures and hope that soon “you're standing here beside me, I love the passing of time, Never for money, Always for love, Cover up and say goodnight . . . say goodnight……..”

Thanks for tuning in….until next time….CHEERS!!! and have a safe 4th of July!

You got a lot of money, but you can't afford the freeway The road to Orange County leaves an awful lot of leeway….

2008-06-23T11:10:00.000-07:00

I was torn this morning on whether to write about Jill Sobule and her awesome tunes from the 2004 film “Mind The Gap” (in which she also starred) by writer/producer/director and very talented guy Eric Schaeffer, or to write about Aimee Mann’s latest, @#%&*! Smilers. It was a tough call since I was feeling haunted by the film that Abby and I watched Saturday on a rare night off in the last two weeks, but yet wanting to write about a newer release. Hmmm….two amazing songwriters….two sets of songs that are no doubt worth every moment spent listening to, one tired mind, and one blog.

So after a quick shower to wash away yesterdays near 12 hour day that included a co-worker who opted to be the first to criticize and boss people around yet the last to actually DO their job (a pattern I’ve noticed with this person) I opted to pop in Aimee Mann just a little bit ago and am having my first listen. Sometimes I prefer doing this so that I may write about my first impressions as opposed to something I may have over-listened to. In the interest of full disclosure I think Aimee Mann is a goddess. I’ve even had the pleasure of meeting her - she was so very nice and so humble despite her ginourmous talent that I felt like I was talking to a human being and not someone who was so caught up in who they were that you felt as if you were speaking to an empty shell. She’s the real deal. So right off the bat you know this will not be a negative review – no matter how hard I try I can’t find anything wrong with her. She could clap off beat and I’d still think she were the best thing to come around since the ipod.

OK – I’m on song 11 of 16 (if you download from itunes) – “Little Tornado” – so sweet - so simple I had to rewind:

Little tornado
Bane of the trailer park
Lifting houses to leave your mark

Little tornado
Noah can build his ark
But he will never disembark

Make it go faster
Baby go faster
Make it go twice the speed of you and me

Little tornado
You and the hurricane
Close your eyes and go campaign

Make it go faster
Baby go faster
Make it go twice the speed of you and me

Oh, no, no we don't
No we don't know

Little tornado blew out the window pane
Left the inside to the rain

(courtesy of metrolyrics.com)

Aside from the more bare bones production this song has this western feel to it – not country – but a guitar, a bass drum and some whistling. You could be on the plains of Nebraska next to a fire with a horse and a cowboy and you get what this song sounds like. Urgency with delicacy. Simplicity with meaning.

Now that I’m on “True Believer”, song 12 of the CD, which starts off with a bang with today’s title “Freeway”, it seems to get sweeter and sweeter as it progresses. Yeah – this is the best of Aimee Mann. Insightful, deep, and with a voice that hasn’t changed since her ‘Til Tuesday days whence time she sang about being a bi-sexual woman in a relationship with a man who was embarrassed by that fact (“Voices Carry” in case you weren’t paying attention from 1985) and of course who could forget “J for Jules” one of my all time favourites (said to be inspired by then boyfriend Jules Shear – also a talented songwriter). Who would have thought back then that this punk-ish new wave girl from Virginia (she went to Berklee in Boston where she met her ‘Til Tuesday band mates) would still be not only making music - but making GREAT music all these years later. Seriously. It doesn’t get much better than her and this CD is a tribute to her talent, her independence as songwriter and lyricist and her staying power. There isn’t a song on this CD that I wouldn’t want to hear again and again. OK - enough gushing….just check it out at: www.myspace.com/aimeemann

Yeah – I’m fried. Really. Two weeks – one broken toe - one day off and the aforementioned co-worker and their many foibles not the least of which is an undeserving ego – and you can understand where my head is right now: relieved to have what I hope to be only a few days off. I love my work and I love the people I just worked for and sometimes that’s the stuff that makes it all worth while. When you can like your bosses, want to work hard for them and respect them it can make all the difference in the world to help wash away the normal and expected headaches that come from human beings interacting under stress. Despite being tired and a little sluggish today I had a good time these last couple of weeks and I was really glad to be where I was. Now I’m glad to be home and while I can’t afford to drive the freeway right now – I can enjoy my life and the gifts that go with being surrounded by good people.

Thanks for tuning in…Until next time…..go rent “Mind The Gap” and CHEERS!!!

…I sit there by myself sipping a coke movie stars are making love and my heart is broken say I been Missing You….

2008-06-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

As you all know every once in awhile I’ll talk not about a whole CD but a song that is somehow stuck in my brain or otherwise possessing me – today it’s Hawaiian native John Cruz’ “Missing You”. Not only is the song infectious, but it’s simple and sweet like fresh pineapple from a roadside stand on Kamehameha Highway on the island of Oahu. The delicate guitar playing and his pained voice combine to make a truly touching song about loss and longing. Sure, nothing new – but the way this guy presents it is somehow more real and direct than the average tune about love and heartbreak. The scaled down production with few added instruments save for an accordion and minimalist backing vocals added to the way he uses the language as if he were talking to you and not singing a song make it a more personal endeavor and thusly easier to get inside his head. We’ve all been alone in a movie theatre aching for the one we just lost but not all of us write a song like this. It’s mellow like an island breeze, yet catchy like a gust of wind on your sails as you come about in your skiff.

“Lying all alone late at night in my bed was all full of feelings had pictures of you in my head, I was thinking about the springtime you and me on the beach my heart was open I held out my hand but you didn’t even reach. All dressed up nowhere to go I go to the movies theatre is so cold, I sit there by myself sipping a coke movie stars are making love and my heart is broken say I been Missing You…last time I saw you I was so confused, things that I thought had I found out I could loose but I don’t want to be demanding, babe, I wouldn’t do that to you, I walked away from outside your window watching you ‘til quarter past 2….”

Seriously – check this guy out – you might think that Jack Johnson has a lock on that mellow surfer music but John Cruz takes it up a notch and has more of that island feel with a modern bent. Less Don Ho – more Patty Griffin. www.myspace.com/johncruzmusic

Allright – so why all the Hawaii references? It’s because Abby and I went to Oahu over Memorial Day weekend. She found a great deal with a cheap flight, the flea baggiest of flea bag motels, and we upgraded to a Wrangler at 2am when we finally arrived. I say finally because after 6 flights on American Airlines from 5 May until 23 May – all of which were delayed I will never fly them again – not if I plan on maintaining any kind of schedule where I’m headed or hoping that the restaurant will still be serving when we finally arrive. Yeah – lame! But at least we got there!

As expected the weekend was amazing! We hiked a 6 mile trail to a waterfall, swam every chance we got and drove on some roads we missed the last time we were there. We even got to stand in the rain and watch the clouds roll on over. It was three days of seafood, cheap coffee and 400 miles on the road including a stopover where we were privileged enough to watch a mother and a baby sea turtle frolicking in the surf. One of the best moments on any road trip is when a great song comes on the radio and everyone in the car or well – both of us in this case – just jam and scream our lungs out. That happened after we ate our 2nd plate in 2 days of shrimp (fair warning: they don’t clean them over there so be prepared to work for your meal – worth it because it’s probably the best shrimp you’ll eat anywhere) as we headed down the road – windows off the jeep – wind in our hair and salt water burning our skin – one of those all time great songs came on the radio and the afternoon was made. The other moment was again when we were in the car and Abby really heard “Missing You” for the first time. Sure I’d played it for her but somehow when you’re in a jeep in a tropical place with mountains and the ocean in the air and the road is out in front of you it just clicks. I’m guessing she’ll never forget it now. Nor will we forget our awesome Hawaiian weekend though next time I think we’ll head back to The Hyatt. Here are some pictures since they can say so more than words. And oh yeah, Hawaii, I'm missing you....

Thanks for tuning in….until next time….CHEERS!!

There’s a big a big hard sun beating on the big people in the big hard world...

2008-04-28T11:22:00.000-07:00

SO - IT WAS A BRUTALLY HOT WEEKEND HERE IN LOS ANGELES...WHEN I WASN'T WORKING ABBY AND I WERE SITTING ON THE COUCH WATCHING MOVIES, READING AND LISTENING TO MUSIC. THE MUSIC OF CHOICE WAS THE "INTO THE WILD'' SOUNDTRACK....I THOUGHT SINCE I CAN'T THINK OF ANYTHING ELSE TO WRITE ABOUT I WOULD REPRINT ONE OF MY FAVOURITE BLOGS ABOUT THE MOVIE/SOUNDTRACK AND LET YOU ALL KNOW THAT I'M GOING TO BE TRAVELLING NEXT WEEK AND WILL THUSLY TAKE SOME TIME AWAY FROM THIS BLOG. NO WORRIES, I'LL BE BACK IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS.

THANKS FOR TUNING IN AND FEEL FREE TO TAKE THIS TIME TO CATCH UP....ENJOY!!!!

If ever there were a perfect symbiotic relationship between a film and a soundtrack it would be, hands down, Into The Wild. The story of an overly intelligent, idealistic and adventurous soul, the film, based on Jon Krakauer’s book of the same title retells the true story of a recent college graduate, Chris “Alex” McCandless, who leaves his cushy, privileged life behind to travel the country with the intent of conquering the Alaskan Wilderness. As we follow “Alex” (the name he takes to free himself of his WASPY upbringing and to avoid being located by his family) we are led on a journey of self discovery both within Alex and those he touches along the way of his two year sojourn. No one he comes in contact with is left unmoved; no one escapes his hypnotizing view on the material world.

So it is when the film begins and the voice of Eddie Vedder starts to ring out. While “Hard Sun” is written by Gordon Peterson, the rest of the songs, including “Rise” and “Far Behind”, other prominent songs we hear throughout, are penned by Vedder himself. As we follow Alex we hear Vedder somehow saying all that Alex is unable to say. The music becomes another character, or really, another facet of Alex.

HARD SUN

When I walk beside her
I am the better man
when i look to leave her
I always stagger back again

Once I built an ivory tower
so I could worship from above
when I climb down to be set free
she took me in again

CHORUS
There’s a big
a big hard sun
beating on the big people
in the big hard world

When she comes to greet me
she is mercy at my feet
I see her inner charm
she just throws it back at me

Once I dug an early grave
to find a better land
she just smiled and laughed at me
and took her rules back again

CHORUS

Once I stood to lose her
and I saw what i had done
bowed down and threw away the hours
of her garden and her sun

So I tried to want her
I turned to see her weep
40 days and 40 nights
and its still coming down on me

CHORUS
[Hard Sun lyrics on http://www.metrolyrics.com]

There is a subtle pain one witnesses when watching/listening to this film. A young man struggling to find his voice thrusts himself into any adventure that comes his way and embraces the world at his feet. Initially penniless (he gave the remainder of his $24,000 college fund to Oxfam) he grabs any job he can to get him to his next destination – sometimes unknown, sometimes haphazardly, but ultimately as the miles and months move along he knows Alaska is where he will find his final truth. That is where he believes the rest of the answers lie – in the solitude and the quiet of The Great Wilderness; only then can the answers within him be fully realized.

It is hard to imagine this film without the sometimes thundering music and insight that Eddie Vedder provides. Having read the book in 1996 when it came out I wonder if he did the same in order to really understand Alex’s heart, soul and desires for the world. Somehow Vedder really ‘gets’ him – really taps ‘into the wild’ that was in Alex. Perhaps we can all understand his need to question, be free and to take those brave steps to leave it all behind, but few of us actually go. His misanthropic leanings, as well as his inexperience (and some might say, stupidity) are ultimately his downfall. Simultaneously the one thing he was escaping most in the end turns out to be what he craves the most. There is a cruel and heartbreaking irony to this fact – something that we hear and feel as we take this journey with Alex, Eddie and Sean Penn the writer/director of the film.

FAR BEHIND

Take Leave
the conscious mind
Found myself
to be so inclined

Why sleep
in discontent?
Oh the price
of companionship

My shadow runs with me
underneath the Big Wide Sun
My shadow comes with me
as we leave it all
we leave it all Far Behind

Empty pockets will
Allow a greater
Sense of wealth
Why contain yourself
Like any other
Book on the shelf

My shadow lays with me
underneath the Big Wide Sun
My shadow stays with me
as we leave it all
we leave it all Far Behind

Subtle voices in the wind,
Hear the truth they're telling
A world begins where the road ends
Watch me leave it all behind

Far Behind

Far Behind

[Far Behind lyrics on http://www.metrolyrics.com]

THE LONG ROAD

Will I walk the long road?
I cannot say
There's no need to say goodbye
Oh, the pressure's building
All the memories going round
Round, round, round...
I have wished for so long...
Now I wish for you again
And the wind keeps blowin'
And the sky keeps turning grey
And the sun is set
The sun won't never rise again
I have wished for so long ...
Now I wish for you again
I have wished for so long...
Now I wish for you today
Will I walk the long road? (3x)

[The Long Road lyrics on http://www.metrolyrics.com]

I can’t say enough how amazing, powerful and haunting this film was. Thankfully it had been so many years since reading the book that much of it felt new whilst I was taken on the long rivers journey that is this piece of work – both musically and visually. Not only did Eddie Vedder capture Alex – it would not have been so without Jon Krakauer and Sean Penn and their deep love and compassion for the man that was Chris, the man that was Alex, and all the conflict and understanding that made him who he was and made his story so compelling. Stupid or not – he was braver than most of us could ever hope to be.

Do yourself a favour - don’t wait for the DVD – see this on a HUGE screen – you will be glad did.

Thanks for tuning in…Until next week….CHEERS!!

HARD SUN video:

In the easy silence that you make for me it’s ok if there’s nothing left to say to me…

2008-04-21T12:05:00.000-07:00

According to Webster’s Dictionary the definition of Freedom Of Speech is the following: Noun
1. Guaranteed by the 1st amendment to the US constitution.
2. ….is the right to freely state one's opinions and ideas.

Basically, Freedom Of Speech is all well and good as long as you don’t do it in a public forum. Such is the thrust behind the documentary “Shut Up & Sing” about the controversy and fallout of the Dixie Chicks’ 2003 statement at a sold out show at London’s Shepard’s Bush Empire that they were embarrassed that President Bush was from Texas. When you watch the footage of this fateful moment – which would unknowingly become a catalyst that would upend their lives both professionally and personally – it’s apparent that it was very simple between song banter – Natalie Maines was laughing and making light of what would later become a very embarrassing moment in U.S. history. She was expressing what most were fearful of saying but many were thinking. Somehow the press got wind of this statement – blew it out of proportion – fanned the flames and crucified her for having an opinion as did the many minions of die hard country music fans.

As the film unfolds in non –linear story telling you simultaneously witness the very public and private heartbreaking repercussions of the off the cuff statement and the healing that goes along with such an extraordinary moment. At the time this was going on I would not have called myself a fan of their music – sure I liked a song here and there but only started to really pay attention when this shit hit the fan. I very vocally applauded Ms. Maines’ courage and strength to speak out against the impending doom of War and misguided decisions - but until watching this film I had no idea just how amazing these three women really are. As the band rolls with the tide and tries to adjust to the rising swell of ‘Dixie Twit’ sentiment you witness a strengthening and unity among these artists that later informs their writing and their choices to keep moving forward. While it is clearly not an easy path that has been put in front of them never is there a mention of giving up and disbanding. In fact, it’s quite the opposite which therein proves further the point that the strength was there all along. Martie Maguire and Emily Robison steadfastly stand behind their band mate and support Natalie’s rock hard will to carry on and not take back the words that put their careers, and in one instance, their lives in peril. When, towards the end of the film Martie, in tears, discusses how she wouldn’t change a thing and would give it all up if Natalie would just realize that the journey they are on is worth every moment and is more precious than their careers as an entity, you can’t help but cry along with her as you realize that sometimes the journey we don’t plan can be the one that is the most fulfilling.

One of the more interesting sides to this film is that I found myself having some compassion for the radio stations that were pressured by their fans and their corporate owners into discontinuing playing the Chicks music. You could see that a few of the Dj’s they interviewed simply had their hands tied and had to answer to the small minded listeners that were in effect paying the bills. But, I did find myself being angered by the blatant disregard for the very right we were all born into and the corporate blandness that has overtaken radio. Not that this ‘we won’t play your music’ thing is anything new – it did, after all, happen to The Beatles when John Lennon mentioned something about them being ‘bigger than Jesus’. But still, some part of me had hoped that minds had gotten bigger since the 60’s not smaller. But perhaps this is more a statement of where this country is today thanks to our current and soon to be former President – not where we’ve been and seem to be returning. Of course, interestingly enough, many of the people who protested outside their concerts and stomped on their CD’s are, I’m guessing, having a change of heart as The President’s approval rating for this War falls lower and lower. Hmmm…..

One of the cool things about this film is that you get an insider’s look into not only the backstage lives of these three women and their traveling families but you get to witness their recording process and simultaneous renewal as they get back into the studio to record last year’s release Taking The Long Way. I don’t think you need to be a musician to appreciate their style of recording live and just how incredibly talented these women and those around them are. These Chicks can not only sing they can play the hell out of their many instruments - they are the real deal – they are more than an image and a ‘product’ they are very talented women in every aspect of musicianship.

As we go back and forth between 2003 and 2006 you see emerging these artists who’s greatest gift is not only that they kept moving forward and maintained their position that Natalie had every right to say what she said but they channeled their ups and downs into and exceptional and strength inspiring CD. Every lyric (co- written by Dan Wilson and the Chicks) is a testament to faith, strong will, survival, inner peace, and the need to stand up for what we believe in with no regrets and no apologies.

From “Not Ready To Make Nice”:

“I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
‘Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should

I know you said
Can’t you just get over it
It turned my whole world around
And I kind of like it

I made my bed and I sleep like a baby
With no regrets and I don’t mind sayin’
It’s a sad sad story when a mother will teach her
Daughter that she ought to hate a perfect stranger
And how in the world can the words that I said
Send somebody so over the edge
That they’d write me a letter
Sayin’ that I better shut up and sing
Or my life will be over….”

At the end of the film when the girls go back to Shepards Bush in 2006 to perform again amongst rousing cheers and yet another sold out show one gets the feeling of life coming full circle, life moving on and, again, the strength it takes to do so. When at some point Natalie Maines repeats that famous statement you realize you are witnessing the underdog winning and Freedom Of Speech fearlessly prevailing. I was brought to tears and deeply moved when they performed my favourite song, “Easy Silence” which in many ways sums it all up.

“When the calls and conversations
Accidents and accusations
Messages and misperceptions
Paralyze my mind

Busses, cars, and airplanes leaving
Burning fumes of gasoline
And everyone is running
And I come to find a refuge in the

Easy silence that you make for me
It's okay when there's nothing more to say to me
And the peaceful quiet you create for me
And the way you keep the world at bay for me
The way you keep the world at bay

Monkeys on the barricades
Are warning us to back away
They form commissions trying to find
The next one they can crucify

And anger plays on every station
Answers only make more questions
I need something to believe in
Breathe in sanctuary in the

Easy silence that you make for me
It's okay when there's nothing more to say to me
And the peaceful quiet you create for me
And the way you keep the world at bay for me
The way you keep the world at bay

Children lose their youth too soon
Watching war made us immune
And I've got all the world to lose
But I just want to hold on to the

Easy silence that you make for me
It's okay when there's nothing more to say to me
And the peaceful quiet you create for me
And the way you keep the world at bay for me

The easy silence that you make for me
It's okay when there's nothing more to say to me
And the peaceful quiet you create for me
And the way you keep the world at bay for me
The way you keep the world at bay for me
The way you keep the world at bay”

(Both lyrics courtesy of www.azlyrics.com)

Needless to say after watching “Shut Up & Sing” I now consider myself a fan of these women (it’s hard not to) and I can’t say enough how great a CD Taking The Long Way is - now even more so after learning about the back story. These women have taken a lot of grief for voicing an opinion and they had every right to do so as afforded by the Constitution Of The United States. We should applaud them not crucify them. So if you get a chance watch this DVD, do it – it just might change your mind about where we are and where we’re headed as a nation – even if you don’t consider yourself a fan of The Dixie Chicks – it’s still a very interesting story.

Thanks for tuning in…Until next week….CHEERS!!

Here they are from last year’s Grammy Awards singing “Not Ready To Make Nice”:

Out in the harbor the ships come in, it's Christmastime…All that I want, all that I want…

2008-04-13T15:16:00.000-07:00

All That I Want 
Words and music by Deb Talan and Steve Tannen

Out in the harbor
The ships come in, it's Christmastime
The kids all holler carols 'cross the water
Stars that shine

All that I want, all that I want

Above the rooftops
The full moon dips its golden spoon
 I wait on clip-clops
Deer might fly
Why not? I met you

All that I want, all that I want

And when the night is falling
 Down the sky at midnight
Another year is stalling
Far away a good bye, good night

All that I want., all that I want, all that I want

So small a turning
The world grows older every day
 An ache, a yearning  
Soften when I hear you say

All that I want, all that I want

And when the cold wind's blowing
 Snow drifts through the pine trees
 In houses lights are glowing
 Likewise in your eyes that find me here
With all that I want.

Out in the harbor
 The ships come in, it's Christmastime
 It's Christmastime
 It's Christmastime.

Courtesy of: http://www.theweepies.com

Ah….Tivo….it’s a great invention and a far leap ahead of the days whence time my mother would record “Days Of Our Lives’’ on our huge VCR (her best friend from acting school used to be on the show so she got hooked - and – this is hard to admit in such a public forum – so did I – to this day I still watch the show – maybe it’s more about Mom and less about the show – not that she can’t watch from Heaven – but you know – like I did in the summers when she came home for lunch I would watch it with her and thusly get that many more minutes to be by her side – something I’m very grateful for now). No more tapes to mess up the joint or swap out after a show, no by-products to destroy at the end of usefulness and it’s a ton easier to set up something to record. But, as Abby pointed out this morning as she explained how she’d first heard “All That I Want” from The Weepies, in this day and age when many an artist are getting noticed because of commercials, it’s easy to miss out on some of these cooler songs being used when you’re busy fast-forwarding through the advertisements.

Rightfully so – most ads are hardly worth the time spent on creating them since so many of them are LESS than creative – and frankly I don’t need to hear The Beatles (thank you Michael Jackson), Led Zeppelin, The Who or well – I think I’ve blocked out any other examples I could come with but you get the point – pushing products and promoting the very commercialism that they ‘protested’ against. But for some reason the idea of being turned on to a new artist via this venue is exciting to me. Maybe it’s because I don’t have feelings or emotions tied to these songs the way that I would if I were listening to a CD on my own time. But hearing them for the first time pushing JC Penney or say Landon Pigg (whom I was already a fan of) using a new song to promote a diamond company, makes it somehow ok in my brain. Or maybe it’s the idea of the underdog, unknown musician, getting some much deserved notice and perhaps being able to pay their rent for a few months or more because of the boost in sales from the attention they are receiving from a national campaign.

Either way it’s a cool thing - and while I’m not going to stop using the fast forward button any time soon – I will use it perhaps a little less often so I don’t miss out on becoming a new fan of a band I may not be hearing as frequently on my internet radio stations (WFUV and WMVY respectively).

SOME RANDOM THOUGHTS:

I don’t know who this chick is (Abby turned me on to her) – but she’s hilarious…check out her blog:
http://mirandablog.blogspot.com/

The guy who plays Jerry Espensen on “Boston Legal”, Christian Clemenson, dresses in real life the way you would expect his character to dress on his down time - and is taller than I thought.

My twelve-year old Maine Coon Cat loves oatmeal raisin cookies.

I’m deeply fascinated by the cops and will stop in my tracks if I think there’s even a chance of them pulling someone over.

Ingrid Michaelson’s song “The Way I Am” is a little too much fun to listen to.

For some reason Abby and I keep seeing Meg Ryan around – usually driving her car.

Sunday mornings are perfect for listening to Mary Chapin Carpenter.

“Nanny McPhee” is a great movie – even for adults!

Michael Chiklis played High School football against Doug Flutie – how cool is that?!?!?

My friend, and talented musician, Luis Oliart, is playing at Ghengis Cohen on 10 May…well worth saving the date. www.myspace.com/oliartmusic

Having a day off to spend with my favourite person, my favourite cat and some home cooked food truly makes me happy and is sometimes all that I want.

Thanks for tuning in….Until next week…CHEERS!!

Landon Pigg's A Diamond is Forever commercial:

Today has been a day filled with heartaches but tonight I'll be happy again…

2008-04-07T11:39:00.000-07:00

You can’t go wrong with Loretta Lynn. Even though I don’t consider myself to be a country music fan I can’t ignore it’s relevance and importance. There are times, indeed, when the heartache oft referenced in their lyrics hits the nail on the head and strikes a deep chord. Maybe it’s the dust, the dirt, the gritty feeling under the nails of those who write the songs that truly allow the expression of the pain that we can all feel.

Certainly Jay Lee Webb, who wrote “Today Has Been A Day” way back in 1966, has captured how I’m feeling today and no doubt Loretta Lynn, in a way that only she can, put more heartache into the song. It’s a two way street; you have great lyrics, but you need a great artist to hit the homerun and no matter how I feel about country music as a genre (odd considering I lived in North Carolina and Tennessee as a child before moving to Connecticut), there’s no denying that Loretta Lynn hits a homerun every time she opens her mouth.

Thanks for tuning in…Until next week…CHEERS!!

And the next time I see you - a new kind of hello

2008-03-31T10:23:00.000-07:00

KATHLEEN

all the other girls here are stars—you are the Northern Lights
they try to shine in through your curtains—you’re too close and too bright
they try and they try but everything that they do
is the ghost of a trace of a pale imitation of you
I’ll be the one to drive you back home Kathleen

this party is made with the night air and the chance that a smile
will wind its way from your face to one of the boys in your line
you act like you’re hip to their tricks and you’re strong
but a virgin Wurlitzer heart never once had a song
I’ll be the one to drive you back home Kathleen

and I’ll have you back by break of day
I’m going your way anyway
and if you’d like to come along
I’ll be yours for a song

I know you are waiting and I know that it is not for me
but I’m here and I’m ready and I’ve saved you the passenger seat
I won’t be your last dance just your last goodnight
every heart is a package tangled up in knots someone else tied
I’ll be the one to drive you back home Kathleen

so crawl up your trellis and quietly back into your room
and I’ll coast down the length of your drive by the light of the moon
and the next time I see you—a new kind of hello
both our hearts have a secret only both of us know
‘bout the night that I drove you back home Kathleen

www.joshritter.com....check him out!

Too tired from a long weekend of much needed Theatre work to write much.

Thanks for tuning in...Until next week....CHEERS!!!

I’m in love with an Angel, I can look but I can’t touch….

2008-03-24T11:51:00.000-07:00

I’ve been on an interesting journey this past week that actually started a few weeks ago. As many of you know, if you read this blog even semi regularly, I’ve had a hard time finding another job since my last one ended in October. The lack of work here has led me to look elsewhere – New York, Chicago, Boston and sometimes that search involves craigslist where I found myself a few weeks ago in the Western Massachusetts section. I always look in the same place for each location and while there isn’t much out there beyond the usual locals this time I spied an ad I couldn’t stop myself from looking at. It was an ad asking for music for an online television show – or would that be a ‘netshow? Hmmm….anyway…I answered, the writer/director/producer, Dave, of Mad Z Productions, checked out my myspace page and liked what he heard. We agreed on terms and I sent him a cd of twelve songs that after reading the first two scripts of “Without You” I thought might be relevant – or shall we say – I sent him most of the love songs I’ve ever recorded.

Fast forward to last week – I get an email (along with a signed contract) that tells me that he loves two of my songs right away and can see using them in the first episodes. WOW! While one song came as no surprise, “Dying Without You” from NUMB – a song I thought would be relevant, the other was a shocker. It was a song I sort of sent for shits and giggles. Now who’s laughing? Me I guess. The other as you can imagine is “Angel” today’s title tune. It’s an old song about another conversation I had in Harvard Square too many years ago. I was walking with my friend Marisa and she was asking me about my recent ex - needless to say the conversation leaned towards existential quandaries and later that evening a song emerged. A couple of years later after playing the song at the end of every damn gig I played I recorded it for Amanda’s Floor. All acoustic, one guitar, one voice and it’s the last song on the CD. My voice crackles, my guitar playing is decent at best and in some ways I think it’s too simplistic a song to have any real meaning. But what do I know? I’m only the writer who had a broken heart when paper and pen came together.

After getting over my shock of Dave’s email my wheels started turning. How could he possibly want to use a song, maybe even as the theme song, that’s only guitar and voice? Something needs to be done and quick. So I picked up my guitar and realized VERY quickly that even though I’d played the song hundreds of times it has been a few years since I did a gig that lasted more that 15 minutes and I hadn’t a clue as to how to play it – never mind how to write other parts for it. I looked through every piece of paper and every journal I could find that might have the chords and did my best to figure it out whilst having several listens to it hoping my fingers would remember. Eventually I found the chords scratched out somewhere between this page and that and got a good grip on the basic idea of how I used to play it. Slowly it has come back to me. Not bad for a song I haven’t even listened to in years.

As an artist you always look forward – forward to the next great song you’re in the process of writing – and rarely do we look back on the songs from another time. Another life. Another love. Another lost moment. When you write so many songs its easy to forget something you wrote years ago because you think every new song is an improvement over the last one. You think – I’m growing – I’m changing – life moves – and with it hopefully comes more understanding of the process and the world that influences the musical path you’re on. It’s easy to forget and to dismiss the “old works of art” that once were the best you’ve ever written.

This past week I started reexamining and rediscovering this old tune. In some ways it takes me back to that time, that walk, that wondering that inspired the song, that love long lost. Geez, did I really feel that way for someone? Someone I’m not even in touch with who doesn’t want me in touch? What was I thinking? Does any of that stuff really happen? Was any of it real? I’m guessing at the time it was, though it may not be now, and at the very least I got a song or two out of us. Though I think I’m the sort of person that always loves someone once I’ve loved them – irrespective of what comes between us - and yes, somewhere inside of me I do still love “Angel” - it doesn’t mean we should be together and nor would I want to be. These days I’m pretty blessed and pretty happy with what I have. But you know what? The song aint half bad! I think I actually like it – something that doesn’t always come easy for me – I rarely like what I’ve written – but time and distance and rediscovery have made me see some light where this tune is concerned. It might not be the best song I’ve ever written – that may be yet to come - but it’s not the worst song, either.

My project this week? Not only learning to like “Angel” even more – but learning to play the bass (thanks for the loaner, Julie) and maybe some piano to fill it out some more. That’s not to say that Dave will like the new version better than the original, or even use it – but I’m grateful for the opportunity and inspiration to have a look back – maybe make something old new again – and maybe give it some new breath – some new energy. Who knows? I might learn to love the song as much as I loved the Angel that inspired it. Or maybe I’ll love the Angel that’s in front of me even more – either way I’m glad for this journey. If you want to check it out you can go to my myspace page….www.myspace.com/laraschuler

Thanks for tuning it….Until next week…CHEERS!!

Everywhere you go always take the weather with you…

2008-03-17T13:48:00.000-07:00

Crowded House and the Finn Brothers are admittedly two of my favourite bands/gathering of great musicians. Separately and together both Neil and Tim Finn are amazing and adroit writers. Their careers are too long and their albums too numerous to discuss – but suffice it to say – they are incredible and each offers up their own view of the world that I really connect to. They are exemplary players and complete musicians. I bow down to them daily and aspire to be as good as they are at expressing my view of the happenings around me. Oh that I were 1/3 of what they are or that ANYONE was 1/3 of what they are – if they were the state of the music industry would be in a better place – full of talent and not just image and one hit wonders. www.crowdedhouse.com

Perhaps even the weather of the times would be different as well and people would be paying attention and noticing the rhetoric that is blinding so many. In fact, I wonder sometimes if anyone but the people around me are noticing the conflicting statements of a certain Male Presidential candidate who happens to be a Democrat. How can people buy this crap? Don’t they pay attention to his actual words? Doesn’t anyone take ANYTHING at face value anymore? If they did they might notice that some people don’t do as they say, but merely ‘say’ and then do something else entirely. How can you buy a nearly $800,000 house and then claim not to be privileged or rich, but be among the commoners? How do you not know how much a corrupt business partner of yours has donated to your campaign so much so that your initial statement is nearly $100k off what you NOW say is the ‘correct’ amount? Am I not wrong in thinking that there’s a HUGE difference between $150k and $250k? If you don’t know this than I question how in touch you actually are and I also wonder what else you are conveniently forgetting. Clearly you are forgetting the sermons your trusted pastor has given over the course of 20 plus years. Or maybe you weren’t paying attention – which begs so many other questions. Selective memory anyone?

Needless to say my hands are up in the air in frustration over the many discrepancies that have come to light in recent weeks. I know – Hillary isn’t perfect either and I know she’s made her mistakes – but at least she’s been consistent in maintaining her position in recent months. For instance, why is it ok for you to play the race card and use it to your advantage yet criticize Hillary for appealing to woman? Use what you’ve got – isn’t that part of politicking? What was wrong with Geraldine Ferraro pointing that out? All she said was essentially that if it weren’t for the black voters you wouldn’t be where you are. Well – she’s got a point. You’ve inspired so many to get out and vote and for that I’m grateful – you have opened some doors to democracy that many have been fearful to walk through – and now they are walking. But why is it a crime for that to be pointed out? Why attack someone for applauding you and stating what so many others are thinking? My head is spinning from your indecisions and your waffling Mr. Obama. I’m guessing you are a very nice man, intelligent, well read, you are certainly well spoken, you adore your family, and you’d be a great guy to have a beer with but c’mon – get a grip and stop bullshitting people. Say it, do it, be it and get your weather report straight – stop telling people it’s sunny when the rain of shit is pouring on your head.

On that note – some random thoughts for the week:

a) Why do people in LA say ‘now that the weather is getting better I’m going to get out more’? When has it been bad? When has it been below 60 degrees during the day? OY!

b) It seems my Uncle Stretch, my Aunt’s husband of many years – is not doing well with his lung cancer – if you’re reading this – send your good vibes, your prayers, your well wishes – anything you can muster – down to Arkansas – he needs them and so does my Aunt. It’s been a long road and it may not get any better….

c) My dear friend Julie is playing an important gig this Friday – she’s in the finals for a ‘battle of the bands’ competition – if you’re in LA – check it and her out: www.julieneumark.com

d) Don’t get the flu that’s going around – it sucks.

e) I know we are nation of ‘overbese’ people (I made that up – overweight + obese) but it’s not a crime to eat that mac and cheese every once in awhile. There’s a lot to be said for ‘comfort food’ as long as you don’t comfort yourself too much.

f) If you’d like to help build a new EMS station somewhere you’ve probably never been go to:
http://www.emeraldisle-nc.org/brick/default.htm

And finally….as my Dad says: ‘the difference between an ordeal and an adventure is attitude’. So don’t loose your cookies (that you shouldn’t be eating anyway) the next time you’re on a road trip and you get lost – think of it as having an unforeseen opportunity to see a whole other part of the world you wouldn’t have otherwise seen.

Thanks for tuning in….Until next week…CHEERS!!

And through it all she offers me protection, a lot of love and affection whether I’m right or wrong…

2008-03-10T13:26:00.000-07:00

I was a camp counselor in Maine in 1999 when Robbie Williams’ CD The Ego Has Landed landed in my consciousness. I had tossed him aside because of his boy band image (he was in Take That) and had dismissed his music as anything but relevant to me. But there I was at Camp surrounded by what felt like 100’s of miles of woods, lakes, 30 counselors, most of whom were European, and about 120 teenage girls. Somehow amongst all that solitude, JFK Jr’s death, a Great Dane named Bailey, the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team making headlines, and no way to escape camp Williams’ song “Millennium” struck a chord, freed us all and became the anthem of the summer. It was on everyone’s mixed tape, everyone knew all the words and through some of the language barriers and different cultures colliding we all cemented our bond through this and several other songs of that Summer.

“We've got stars directing our fate
And we're praying it's not too late
Millennium
Some say that we are players
Some say that we are pawns
But we've been making money
Since the day that we were born
Got to slow down
'Coz we're low down
Run around in circles
Live a life of solitude
'Till we find ourselves a partner
Someone to relate to
Then we'll slow down
Before we fall down
We've got stars directing our fate
And we're praying it's not too late
'Coz we know we're falling from grace
Millennium….”

It was, in so many ways, a magical summer. I met some people, especially my ‘sister’ Suzanne, who would have profound affects on my life. There was an intimacy to being ‘stranded’ as it were on 100 acres of a Camp – no cell phones – no accessible internet – no T.V. and nary a newspaper to be found. There was a sense of community that we rarely encounter in real life. How often do you get to eat all your meals with 150 other people at a time on a daily basis? How often are you huddled on a stormy afternoon under one roof with nowhere to go without getting soaked? How often do you have time to really connect and talk to people at length? How often are all of our problems shared with so many others who actually give a shit? Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t love everyone I met that summer nor did everyone love me – but the experience was a powerful one that is so undeniably rare.

With no car at my disposal, and one day off each week if I wanted to get off the property I took a run or a long walk to the neighbourhood store, or I snagged a sail boat and went for a sail. It was a very fun summer even though I worked hard in the theatre every night building and painting sets, redoing the light plot or fixing some old piece of equipment. The work was hard, I was underpaid, and I rarely got to speak to anyone in my family since there was only one pay phone for the counselors on which to be reached. Messages were hard to get – and time was scarce but somehow we all muddled through and learned to care about each other despite our differences. When Annette’s mother fell unexpectedly ill we all came together and camped out in the woods her last night before leaving early to get back to London. All of us sent her off and all of us cried for her. That’s what camp was about – we learned – we grew – we ended up appreciating each other and the endless Maine stars.

It was the last summer where everything was normal in my life. It had been 9 years since my grandfather passed away – life had gotten back to ‘normal’ in the family as we had learned to move around his absence. Then it wasn’t. The next January my mother passed away unexpectedly and four months later to the day – Annette’s mother succumbed to her Cancer. The months spent at camp both Annette and I would come to realize turned out to be a reverse salvation – the memories of the summer helped us both to carry through. In addition, a trip up and down the West Coast of California we had planned to take when camp ended had been, understandably, postponed. We would take that trip August of 2000 – doing what both of our mothers had encouraged us to do together. We camped, I drove, we played Robbie Williams, we met some very cool people over the course of the two week trip and we both got to spend time with someone who understood. None of that would have been possible if we hadn’t ended up at camp together.

When camp ended I headed back to Los Angeles and very difficultly tried to assimilate back to City life. The first thing I did was buy Robbie Williams CD. I listened to it nonstop and discovered the rest of what I would come to feel was an amazing album! With “Angels” (today’s title and possibly the most moving song on the CD), “Win Some, Loose Some” (“she touched my face and she called me her lover I never thought I’d need another…”), “Jesus In A Camper Van” (“Jesus in a camper van he said sorry to leave you I’ve done all I can…”), “Strong” (“Every morning when I wake up I feel like Kiss but without the makeup, and that’s a good line to take it to the bridge...”) and the exquisite cover of World Party’s “She’s The One” this is a CD of truly incredible, diverse, sometimes dance-worthy music and well worth another long overdue listen as I am doing today. Or discover it for the first time if you haven’t already. www.robbiewilliams.com

Here’s “Angels”:

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This is my friend Joe. He passed away last Tuesday. He was my friend Holly’s dog. Not mine. I don’t have a dog. I won’t ever have a dog until I have a house – but especially since my cat got sick. I wont do that to him. But I had Joe. I walked Joe when Holly went out of town or when she was running late. He loved me. I loved him. Whenever he saw me on the street he would come running. He was 10 and still he ran to me. He was very special. Smart. Sweet. Big Bark. Big Dog. Protective. When he slept over I felt safer. When he kissed me I felt loved. When he smiled at me I felt special. He loved our walks. I loved our walks. I loved the security of hearing his leash jingle as he walked by my apartment every day. I miss that jingle. I miss our walks. I miss ‘the man’ as we called him. Now ‘the man’ is my cat, ‘’Dude’ we call him. He’s also special and I think in his own way he misses Joe, too. We all do. All those that knew him had a sad week last week. He touched everyone he knew and just like with kids – if he liked you – you must have been cool. But he was the cool one. He was unforgettable and now there is one more Angel looking over us all.

Thanks for tuning in…Until next week….CHEERS!! To Joe and all those that will miss him….

My favourite celebrity endorsement....

2008-03-04T15:09:00.000-08:00

They told me this was crazy, they told me expect the worst, they told me this is going to haunt you someday….

2008-03-03T12:36:00.000-08:00

To me there is something so quintessentially Bostonian about Patty Larkin, this despite the fact that she grew up in Milwaukee. I think it’s because not only has she lived in Beantown forever but it was when I was living there that a friend turned me on to her. Most of my memories in Boston can somehow be threaded through her silky voice, meaningful lyrics and her sweet melodies. Not to be confused with that other Patty (Griffin – another great Boston artist who actually grew up just north of the city) this Patty has a jazz vibe to her – a uniquely smart approach to her songs that while most qualify her as a folk artist (understandably so since much of her early work is as such) – this latest release, Watch The Sky, is harder to nail down; unlike her previous work this CD is rife with unexpected sounds and interesting turns.

Ever true to her lyrical voice – there is no mistaking that this is Patty Larkin as evidenced from today’s title lyric from “Hallelujuh” – she musically weaves in and out of her words as if she were on a Bunny Slope at Wildcat Mountain in New Hampshire. Gliding on ice as is typical of New England skiing – you know she’d headed down the mountain – but you don’t know where she will come to a stop. Not only did she, according to her website, write and produce this CD she also engineered and edited it as the ideas came to her – writing – then recording immediately following. I think this allows for less reflection – less time to criticize your own work and just put it out there as the inspiration ‘dictates’. Too often as a writer I know I’m prone to over analyzing my words (if you only knew how long it actually takes me to write these blogs you’d probably tell me just to give up) and thusly I’m not always as true to my voice as I should be – not always as fearless as I could be. The freedom she allows herself to purge her written voice and create sounds such as the ‘slapsteel’ guitar – a pedal steel guitar detuned and played with drumsticks – works so well for her songs that you would think she’s always worked this way.

If you’re looking to hear something akin to her Live In Harvard Square CD you’re barking up the wrong tree. This is a piece of work that could very well be in a Wim Wenders film or part of the soundtrack to any number of films such as Tumbleweeds, Sweet Land, or basically any indie film that has to do with hardscrabble living, dusty roads and quirky people in love. My favourite songs are “Waterside”, “Phone Message”, “Cover Me”, “Hallelejuh”, “Dear Heart” and “Traveling Alone”. Each song is different with it’s own spirit and one wonders – was a song written in the morning and thusly the day shaped around it? Or was it the other way around? We’ll never know – but it sure is fun imagining her process. No matter what, this is music worth listening to and getting to know – do it with a cup of coffee or a shot of whiskey on a sunday afternoon and if you’re really lucky there will be a gentle snow falling. www.pattylarkin.com or www.myspace.com/pattylarkinofficial

One thing you should never do on a Sunday afternoon in Los Angeles is go to the grocery store. Now that the writers strike is over and more people are working Monday through Friday – the weekend has once again become about running errands – especially Sunday afternoon. The last gasp of freedom is at our tongue tip – every so tasteful and soon to be sliding down our throats. I was itchy to get out and do something after damn near ruining my flat screen t.v. by pausing on a McDonalds logo for too long. I thought the imprint would last forever and that I would, ironically since I don’t eat fast food, be subjected to this imprint until the end of time – or at least until I’m forced to buy a new high def T.V. As the crisis loomed in my head I walked to Trader Joe’s to stock up on some bare necessities. BIG MISTAKE.

Of late I have tried to go to a store and be zen about it. The more crowded this city becomes the more difficult even the smallest of tasks can be. Driving 5 miles can take an hour; watching a movie in public can cause one to want to support the N.R.A. and apparently buying cereal has become hazardous as well. After patiently waiting behind some old guy to decide not to buy eggs – then politely excusing myself to get by so I could buy eggs only to be given a dirty look – I headed for the cereal aisle.

What was I thinking? Cereal? It seems simple enough a task – walk up to the boxes – try and remember what I buy – and pick up a box. Uh. Nope. Another old guy decided that his buying cereal was far more important than my need to buy it all the while attempting to use his cart to nudge me out of the way whilst muttering something about his oh-so important needs. Damn it! I got there first!! I’m slightly colour blind and can’t just pick out any old box based on what it looks like – I have to actually read the god damn label to make sure I’m not buying some sugar laden crap that’s going to give me diabetes later on in life or make me fall asleep after I eat it. Unbelievable!

Next up was to wind my way up to the cheese and meat aisle. Hard to do with all the excessively large baby carriages in my path. What should have taken half a minute took closer to two minutes because of the several detours I had to take to get where I wanted to go. Then of course after I checked out I was nearly run over by another baby carriage as I attempted to exit the store. GET ME OUT OF HERE!!!

As I walked out of the store I saw to my right a table and these cute little handwritten signs asking to ‘help our troops’. How can I resist? So in order to assuage my guilt over being so annoyed by all these ridiculous people and being less than zen - I bought Girl Scout cookies that I really didn’t need to buy. Oh well. I’m sure it will come back to haunt me in some way but I figured ‘why not? they’re kids and lets keep them off these mean streets of Los Angeles’. Though come to think of it - I think they were from the Beverly Hills troop. Oh well. I felt better anyway. No more Sunday shopping for me.

Thanks for tuning in…Until next week….CHEERS!! & GO HILLARY!!!

Take this sinking boat and point it home we’ve still got time…(part 2)

2008-02-25T10:29:00.000-08:00

I don't know which is more exciting - Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova winning the Oscar for Best Original Song for their tune "Falling Slowly" from the film Once or their deeply inspiring, and touching acceptance speeches (see the videos below). Either way their win was the most exciting moments of last night for me as I watched one of my favourite songs from last year get the recognition it truly deserves. It is absolutely one of the best songs of 2007 and if you'd like to read my original review hit this link:

http://lifeinlaland.blogspot.com/2007/09/take-this-sinking-boat-and-point-it.html

Oscar performance:

Acceptance speeches:

What can I possibly add?

Thanks for tuning in....Until next week...CHEERS! and Congrats to Glen and Marketa!!! WAY TO GO!!!!!!

Is it a warning? Is it a sign? Is it a people who have lost their mind?

2008-02-18T10:21:00.000-08:00

[James Blunt – “I Can’t Hear The Music” from All The Lost Souls]

It embarrasses and shames me to think that on this day next year, President’s Day 2009, George W. Bush could very well one day be among those honoured. He could be included on that list of mostly worthy Presidents that we celebrate. The list of greats like Washington, Lincoln, or an Adams. It disgusts me in fact. I didn’t vote for him the 1st or 2nd time he cheated, er, was elected to the highest office in the land and I’d never vote for anyone in his family irrespective of their party. All the dignity and grace of the White House has been tarnished by this idiot cowboy who’s been allowed by many in Washington (including the Democrats) to run loose and remain unaccountable. It makes me sick to my stomach.

On a brighter note – with any luck – this time next year Hillary Clinton could be among those Presidents to possibly be honoured in coming years. It’s small – but it offers some relief to know that the reign of terror is nearly over - because no matter who gets elected – anyone will be better than who we have now. 10 ½ months and counting……

GO HILLARY!!!!!!! www.myspace.com/hillaryclinton

Thanks for tuning in…Until next week…CHEERS!!!

PS:
Here's a fascinating video about Barack Obama....you can also go to www.obamatruth.org to read some very interesting articles about him....

There's a big, a big hard sun, beating on the big people, in the big hard world….

2008-02-11T14:21:00.000-08:00

If ever there were a perfect symbiotic relationship between a film and a soundtrack it would be, hands down, Into The Wild. The story of an overly intelligent, idealistic and adventurous soul, the film, based on Jon Krakauer’s book of the same title retells the true story of a recent college graduate, Chris “Alex” McCandless, who leaves his cushy, privileged life behind to travel the country with the intent of conquering the Alaskan Wilderness. As we follow “Alex” (the name he takes to free himself of his WASPY upbringing and to avoid being located by his family) we are led on a journey of self discovery both within Alex and those he touches along the way of his two year sojourn. No one he comes in contact with is left unmoved; no one escapes his hypnotizing view on the material world.

So it is when the film begins and the voice of Eddie Vedder starts to ring out. While “Hard Sun” is written by Gordon Peterson, the rest of the songs, including “Rise” and “Far Behind”, other prominent songs we hear throughout, are penned by Vedder himself. As we follow Alex we hear Vedder somehow saying all that Alex is unable to say. The music becomes another character, or really, another facet of Alex.

HARD SUN

When I walk beside her
I am the better man
when i look to leave her
I always stagger back again

Once I built an ivory tower
so I could worship from above
when I climb down to be set free
she took me in again

CHORUS
There’s a big
a big hard sun
beating on the big people
in the big hard world

When she comes to greet me
she is mercy at my feet
I see her inner charm
she just throws it back at me

Once I dug an early grave
to find a better land
she just smiled and laughed at me
and took her rules back again

CHORUS

Once I stood to lose her
and I saw what i had done
bowed down and threw away the hours
of her garden and her sun

So I tried to want her
I turned to see her weep
40 days and 40 nights
and its still coming down on me

CHORUS
[Hard Sun lyrics on http://www.metrolyrics.com]

There is a subtle pain one witnesses when watching/listening to this film. A young man struggling to find his voice thrusts himself into any adventure that comes his way and embraces the world at his feet. Initially penniless (he gave the remainder of his $24,000 college fund to Oxfam) he grabs any job he can to get him to his next destination – sometimes unknown, sometimes haphazardly, but ultimately as the miles and months move along he knows Alaska is where he will find his final truth. That is where he believes the rest of the answers lie – in the solitude and the quiet of The Great Wilderness; only then can the answers within him be fully realized.

It is hard to imagine this film without the sometimes thundering music and insight that Eddie Vedder provides. Having read the book in 1996 when it came out I wonder if he did the same in order to really understand Alex’s heart, soul and desires for the world. Somehow Vedder really ‘gets’ him – really taps ‘into the wild’ that was in Alex. Perhaps we can all understand his need to question, be free and to take those brave steps to leave it all behind, but few of us actually go. His misanthropic leanings, as well as his inexperience (and some might say, stupidity) are ultimately his downfall. Simultaneously the one thing he was escaping most in the end turns out to be what he craves the most. There is a cruel and heartbreaking irony to this fact – something that we hear and feel as we take this journey with Alex, Eddie and Sean Penn the writer/director of the film.

FAR BEHIND

Take Leave
the conscious mind
Found myself
to be so inclined

Why sleep
in discontent?
Oh the price
of companionship

My shadow runs with me
underneath the Big Wide Sun
My shadow comes with me
as we leave it all
we leave it all Far Behind

Empty pockets will
Allow a greater
Sense of wealth
Why contain yourself
Like any other
Book on the shelf

My shadow lays with me
underneath the Big Wide Sun
My shadow stays with me
as we leave it all
we leave it all Far Behind

Subtle voices in the wind,
Hear the truth they're telling
A world begins where the road ends
Watch me leave it all behind

Far Behind

Far Behind

[Far Behind lyrics on http://www.metrolyrics.com]

THE LONG ROAD

Will I walk the long road?
I cannot say
There's no need to say goodbye
Oh, the pressure's building
All the memories going round
Round, round, round...
I have wished for so long...
Now I wish for you again
And the wind keeps blowin'
And the sky keeps turning grey
And the sun is set
The sun won't never rise again
I have wished for so long ...
Now I wish for you again
I have wished for so long...
Now I wish for you today
Will I walk the long road? (3x)

[The Long Road lyrics on http://www.metrolyrics.com]

I can’t say enough how amazing, powerful and haunting this film was. Thankfully it had been so many years since reading the book that much of it felt new whilst I was taken on the long rivers journey that is this piece of work – both musically and visually. Not only did Eddie Vedder capture Alex – it would not have been so without Jon Krakauer and Sean Penn and their deep love and compassion for the man that was Chris, the man that was Alex, and all the conflict and understanding that made him who he was and made his story so compelling. Stupid or not – he was braver than most of us could ever hope to be.

Do yourself a favour - don’t wait for the DVD – see this on a HUGE screen – you will be glad did.

Thanks for tuning in…Until next week….CHEERS!!

HARD SUN video:

Wonder if you’ll understand it’s just the touch of your hand behind closed doors….

2008-02-04T12:33:00.001-08:00

It’s hard to explain the excitement I felt a few weeks ago when I read on her blog that Alison Moyet and Vince Clarke, collectively known as Yaz, or Yazoo, had decided to reunite for a U.K. tour, entitled Reconnected, (as preceded by In Your Room a four disc box set of their work) that begins in Galsgow on 4 June 2008. I damn near grabbed passport and credit card to book a flight and follow them around like some Grateful Dead hippie only with an Electronica/New Wave bent. It’s something akin to lots of people with interesting haircuts, skinny ties, and lots of black clothing gulping down espresso and dancing like there’s a backboard up their asses. I know – it sounds crazy – afterall – they AREN’T The Dead – but they sure are a hell of a duo who wrote some amazing tunes and would be more than worthy of their cult following following them around.

I don’t actually remember when I started listening to Yaz. I know it wasn’t until either late High School or early College – long after their 1982 debut, Upstairs At Eric’s. I do remember listening to Alison Moyet’s solo work (Alf, and Raindancing in particular) which perhaps caused me to look backwards and investigate her time with Vince Clarke. Either way their effect on me was immediate and powerful as evidenced by the above quoted song, “Only You”. There is something so pained and honest about it – the distance we can feel from someone we love and yet have no power to change. We can’t change our feelings and we can’t change their desire to move away. It’s like a drug – you want more – you can’t get it and yet you can’t walk away. Instead we are left holding a bag of emotions that we have no idea what to do with; still, we keep putting more in the bag and as it gets heavier we stand still because we can no longer carry it. What to do then? The song leaves it open and all we know, quite simply, is that there is only one person – only you. There are no answers sometimes – only feelings.

I woke up the other morning with this song in my head. You could say it’s haunted me ever since. I have no idea why it’s in my brain right now – but I woke up and put The Best of Yaz on (I think my copies of their only two albums, Upstairs At Eric’s, and You and Me Both disappeared in a move) and listened anew with great pleasure and astonishment at how refreshing the songs are and, of course, how timeless. Some say the test of a really great song is how it sounds on an acoustic guitar and an acoustic guitar alone. In it’s more bare form without all the trickery of synthesizers and vocal overdubs a song shows it’s true essence and heart. But I believe that another sign is how a song sounds twenty five years later.

Holy crap! Did I just say that? Yeah – twenty five years later their work sounds as relevant and meaningful as you can ever be. Alison Moyet, with her deep, throaty, soulful, hearty like a great stew voice has one of the best sounds of ANYONE since the beginning of time. You can’t go wrong with either her solo work or with her time within Yaz. With all the bands who have come and gone in these twenty five years their union will be one of the most everlasting. They are like The Eurythmics, time will go on, trends will come and go – but their music will last a lifetime. Oh yeah – if you’re wondering how “Only You” stands up to the acoustic guitar test – believe me – I investigated it and sure as the day is long – the song stands up and holds it’s own. But don’t worry – I won’t be doing a cover of it anytime soon because this is one of those songs that unless you are Yaz , The Flying Pickets, or Joshua Radin you can do more damage than good. www.myspace.com/yazooofficial or www.myspace.com/alisonmoyetofficial or www.alisonmoyet.com

It was a slow week in my world this past one; nothing too great to announce or even discuss so I thought I would toss out some random thoughts and then perhaps turn you on to some cool blogs I’ve started reading of late.

Delightful moment of the week: Joshua Radin on XM Café singing “Only You”. Yep – he’s good!!! Loved his tune, “What If You” on the Catch and Release soundtrack and have been paying attention ever since.

Snoozefest moment of the week: Colby Caillat on David Letterman. No – it wasn’t because it aired at 12.30a – I have tivo - I was wide awake when I put it on. Quickly I was put to sleep wondering – what’s the big deal? BORING. Oh right – your dad’s a music producer – THAT explains it. DELETE!!!!!!

Odd moment of the week: Seeing my uncle on a blog. Or at least seeing a present he gave to a friend. Whether my uncle is on it or not – it’s a cool blog: www.plaidshirt.blogspot.com

Bummer moment: The Patriots loosing the Super Bowl.

Happy but not the happiest moment: The Giants winning the Super Bowl. What can I say? They’re both my teams – I was going to be happy either way.

Happiest moment (despite the outcome): Watching the Super Bowl with two of my favourite people, Abby and Rebecca. Great afternoon, R! Thanks a bunch!

Sad moment: Getting an email from my dear friend Jodi about my 2nd favourite dog, Tigger, letting her peeps know that Tigger has cancer and had to loose a leg. All is good right now and she is doing well but if you want to follow their journey: http://hopalongwithtigger.blogspot.com/

True New Yorker moment of the week: My uncle (a die hard Brooklynite) sending me a link to a smart, biting and funny blog about Hipsters in our beloved city: http://www.diehipster.com/

Alright kiddies – enough of my blather for this week – I hope you all check out Yaz – check out Alison Moyet - and have yourselves a great listen...all of this work is worth your time...and you just can't go wrong!

Thanks for tuning in…Until next week…don't forget to vote.....CHEERS!!!

"Only You" Videos:

Yaz:

The Flying Pickets

In the cathedrals of New York and Rome…

2008-01-27T10:57:00.000-08:00

In the shadows of tall buildings
Of fallen angels on the ceilings
Oily feathers in bronze and concrete
Faded colors, pieces left incomplete
The line moves slowly past the electric fence
Across the borders between continents

In the cathedrals of New York and Rome
There is a feeling that you should just go home
And spend a lifetime finding out just where that is

In the shadows of tall buildings
The architecture is slowly peeling
Marble statues and glass dividers
Someone is watching all of the outsiders
The line moves slowly through the numbered gate
Past the mosaic of the head of state

In the cathedrals of New York and Rome
There is a feeling that you should just go home
And spend a lifetime finding out just where that is

In the shadows of tall buildings
Of open arches endlessly kneeling
Sonic landscapes echoing vistas
Someone is listening from a safe distance
The line moves slowly into a fading light
A final moment in the dead of night

In the cathedrals of New York and Rome
There is a feeling that you should just go home
And spend a lifetime finding out just where that is

(from Jump Little Children, “Cathedrals”, courtesy of metrolyrics.com)

Thanks for tuning in....Until next time...in sadness....Cheers.

Tell the sky don’t fall on me….

2008-01-21T11:57:00.000-08:00

I’m not sure why this happens but when I tell people I listen to classical music nearly every day they seem surprised. They look at me, somewhat perplexed, and tilt their heads and say ‘huh’. I think perhaps because of the music I’m likely to have playing on my computer either at home or work they think I’m not attuned to listening to any other kind of music; or they read my blog and make their assessments based on what they read. What few people don’t know is that more often than not I put the local classical station on at night before I go to bed, or in the car, or anytime I’m so inclined – which is as it turns out about once a day.

When I was growing up I was surrounded by people who not only listened to classical music, but were opera trained singers and actors. More often than not after - dinner - listening in the living room revolved around classical music and/or opera. While I wasn’t always in the room when that was going on – sometimes it was so loud it was hard to miss. Thankfully the house was big enough that I could, if I wanted to, escape and go play my drums (imagine the polarity of THAT night). Either way, what was instilled in me was a love of classical music, some operas and when it came time to study music it was the obvious choice. Start at the beginning and go from there. Classical music for me is something that I use for relaxation, something that reminds me of my family, and a tool that I use for my writing. When I’m feeling less than inspired I drown myself in it and let everything go. I’m told that if you know what you are listening to you can even hear the influence in my music.

So began yesterday, Sunday, after a day of tears and walking the beach on Saturday feeling the anniversary of my mother’s death, I lay in bed, not wanting to move. It is rare for me to not want to get out of bed. I have to either be sick or sicker. But it was an unexpected way to spend the morning. Perhaps it was Abby bringing me coffee in bed (yeah – I know – and I too love the band Squeeze so don’t think I didn’t chuckle when I saw her bringing me my travel mug full of hot, not so black coffee) or maybe it was the emotional hangover from the previous day, or simply the fact that it was Sunday and it was quiet for a change, but it was a nice change of pace. After about a half an hour of enjoying the silence I flipped on the Bose and put my favourite classical station on – KUSC. To my lovely surprise they had on a gorgeous choral program and very little talk. As we lay around drinking morning beverages, eating breakfast and chatting the music added to the calm and the feeling of a brand new day. It was so peaceful, slowing down, and letting the morning sink step by step upon us.

After the choral program they shifted gears and played some Baroque – a favourite genre of mine – and I heard some Johann Pachelbel I had never heard before (a sonata in G). It’s always a cool thing to hear someone’s music that doesn’t often get played in the radio. Of course if you listen to it carefully you can hear that it’s his work. Since most musicians favour certain notes it’s an easy connection to make and a refreshing one at that. Basically, it was a prefect morning that was enhanced by some new sounds (including a version of “Amazing Grace” I’d never heard before), some old sounds and some inspirational juice. I highly suggest you start off your Sunday that way sometime soon. Because in the hectic world we live in – with all the noise and chatter – sometimes you have to let the world fall down.

Speaking of the world falling down - rude awakening moment of the week: this morning at 7.20 the construction started next door and not just a little banging but MAJOR saws, hammering and yelling. I called the LAPD at 7.50 and was told by the dispatcher that they were not allowed to work on a holiday. When I called at 9 – I was told they were. I wish the police would get their stories straight or at least know the laws they are sworn to protect. Needless to say the yahoos next door are still at it and show no signs of giving us all a break today. I hope their world falls down on them.

Thanks for tuning in….Until next week….CHEERS!!

PS. This week's title is from REM's "Fall On Me"

In The Morning when the moon is at it’s raise you will find me at the time I love the best…..

2008-01-14T11:54:00.001-08:00

I was at a loss this week for a CD to review. You see, there are weeks when I am nearly obsessed with a song or a CD – it’s inhabited me, it’s haunted me – it’s maybe sent me to another plain as music has always done. I think I’m lucky that way – not everyone feels music and I’m grateful for it’s inhabitance of my soul. Maybe it’s no different than the person who feels that way about archeology or cooking, or maybe it is. Since art is subjective and, if you’re a Dadaist, art can be anything, it’s hard to quantify. I do know we all have our passions and if we don’t - we are dead. Irrespective of your passion – it’s good to have one, or a few – they keep us alive and aware of who we are and where we belong.

So I’m sitting here typing away rather uncensored as I listen for the first time to the CD that Abby suggested I review. This week’s offering: David Gray’s latest, a live CD of covers, A Thousand Miles Behind, released this past October. I’m not quite all the way through as I write this but so far I’m enjoying my listen. While doing a little research I did stumble upon his website and watched the Live Earth video of him and the reclusive Damien Rice singing “Babylon” (I’ll post it below). It was worth the detour since it was a performance that I had missed. But back to this CD; so far, so good.

I have to say, I think you need to be a fan of his to really enjoy this CD. His style is mellow and thoughtful and it’s not for everyone. All the songs are done in this manner of slow-moving, mildly sad, yet introspective way. Although, don’t get me wrong – hearing him cover Bob Dylan’s “To Ramona”, “One Too Many Mornings”, and “Buckets Of Rain” is a real pleasure and I do believe he does justice to these fine pieces of work.

One of the really cool things about this collection of covers is that some of these tunes are rather unexpected. I never thought I’d hear him sing the Barry Gibb song, “In The Morning”, done so beautifully and with a sensitivity to the tune that can bring you to tears. Though perhaps that says more about Barry Gibb’s songwriting than anything else since every tune that brilliant man has ever written, with the right production values, can do that (I believe a lot of his brilliance has been lost amid the schlocky disco production and sappy crap that has made him and the Bee Gees a ton of money – it’s a true shame that many don’t recognize this fact). Another surprise worth the price of admission is Bruce Springsteen’s “Philadelphia”. Surely few others could do this song justice in the way that David Gray has done. However, the most surprising for me is the Randy Newman tune, “I Think It’s Going To Rain”. I admit, I’m not a fan of Mr. Newman’s but after hearing this version of one of his songs I realize that, much like how I feel about Ani DiFranco, it may have less to do with the songwriting and more to do with the delivery. I think both are very fine songwriters but I don’t want to hear them sing their own tunes. David Gray remedies this and does it well. He has opened my eyes to Mr. Newman and perhaps now I won’t be so quick to dismiss him.

Overall I think this CD is a very sweet listen and will open anyone’s eyes to a few songs they may have never given too much thought to. It has opened my eyes and I hope you check it out. www.davidgray.com and www.myspace.com/davidgray

Last week I filled you in on my Christmas Holiday. In between the miles of travel and the martinis I learned some unexpected news. It was Christmas Eve and my niece’s first church recital; she did an amazing job and was as cute as a button! After it was all over while we were standing in the pew congratulating her and gathering our things I felt a tap on my shoulder. It was a dear old friend of mine from college, Sue, whose nephews were in the same chorus with Cate. As her brother and her wife looked on we did a little catching up – though not too much since we all had family to attend to. The inevitable question came up – ‘how’s (my ex boyfriend and her best friend) Jim? The last I heard he was an art teacher in The City, is he still doing that?’. Silence. A very long moment. A bombshell. ‘I’m sorry to tell you but he passed away five years ago of cancer’. WOW, not what I was anticipating and certainly not the time to talk about it. I gave her my card and hoped to hear from her.

After getting back to Los Angeles, settling in with a nasty cold and catching up on my myspace, I learned that Sue had put in a ‘friend’ request. Cool. It’s always good to be in touch with old friends – it makes us feel as if our ‘childish’ indiscretions and wild nights weren’t as bad as they seem in retrospect and that hopefully all is chalked up to ‘those crazy years’. Though I may never ‘get over’, (laugh), Sue calling me ‘the bitch on wheels’ (I used to ride my bike furiously across campus and apparently looked so intense it gave people, or Sue, the impression that I was well…you get it) I am glad she tapped me on the shoulder. It took some courage, and I don’t know why I was afraid, but I had to email her and ask what happened to Jim. She explained how they found each other and how it was just in time. She was in his life his last few months thanks to a mutual friend and they managed to reconnect, hang out and just ‘be’. I gathered she felt at peace about his passing.

It’s so odd to find this out five years after the fact. Jim and I lost touch long ago but he was one of my favourite boyfriends and I loved him. I still wear the pinky ring that we got in the West Village too many years ago – the rings that made us the ‘power twins’ – he wore his on his right hand, I wore/wear mine on my left hand so that when we held hands our rings touched. I have never taken it off except to record (the ring bangs on my guitar which can sometimes be an unwanted noise). I know now I will wear this ring until the end of time.

I was deeply saddened at Christmas to learn of his passing and, this week, to learn more details. One might think, ‘why would you be sad? You weren’t in touch and for all you know he had long ago forgotten about you’. But that’s not the point, is it? The point is that we are touched by those we love and no matter how many years pass between hearing their voice or getting an email, they remain a part of us. While they may get tucked away and sometimes put aside to protect our emotions from pain, they are somewhere inside of us. Maybe we bring them up to the surface sometime on a rainy day in private, or maybe they cross our minds when we walk around our old college. This week I mourned not only his loss, I mourned the loss of possibility. I will never get to thank him for opening my eyes to Punk music and dark beer. I will never be able to tell him again how talented an artist he is. He’ll never know I still have one of his self portraits. I’ll never meet his wife and be able to thank her for loving one of my favourite people more than I ever could. I’ll never be able to say how sorry I am for how things ended and for what a jerk I was to handle it the way I did. But no matter what – he will stay with me and when I get the courage I’ll look at our old pictures as I’ve done over the years – only this time I’ll know that he is gone. Somehow it changes everything.

Thanks for tuning in….Until next week….Cheers!

Here’s the David Gray/Damien Rice video:

There was never anywhere to go but home, home…

2008-01-06T16:32:00.001-08:00

I admit I didn’t start to pay attention to Ryan Adams until 2001 when “New York, New York” became a hit. I mean, who can forget the haunting image of The World Trade Center in the background (shot just days before 9/11) as he sang his ode to the great city I grew up around and love to this day. It was in those trying days that I started to really pay attention to this guy. In the midst of all the personal hell I was going through having been in NYC on ‘that’ day and the reasons I was home, I was able to grasp a hold of some new music that in some ways helped carry me through those horrible weeks that followed. Needless to say, I’ve been a fan ever since and his latest release, an EP entitled Follow The Lights is no less gripping.

The title song from this EP, “Follow The Lights”, among three new songs of seven, has really struck a chord for me. From the first time I really ‘heard’ it (as featured on an episode of the ABC show “October Road”) I was hooked. Perhaps it was the timing of the release, it being The Holidays and me feeling homesick, or perhaps no matter the time of year it’s easy to identify with wanting to go home – wherever that is in your heart - even if no one is there to answer the door. Home is where we feel our naked feet and the grass beneath them, home is where we feel whole or where the ghosts live that either encourage or discourage us to return.

These very moments as they pass
It’s like you’re just dreaming of busting someone else
Hands they hold a candle to the pages
These days they go so fast
These days are ours

Follow the lights that line the streets
connecting telephones
Follow the lights from house to house
And they will lead you home
They will lead you home
Cause there was never anywhere to go
There was never anywhere to go
But home

If every second year is true
Our love is strong enough to guide the way we walk through
Hands inside of hands
Hearts inside of hearts
Like eyes closed
Side by side and through

Follow the lights that line the streets
connecting telephones
Follow the lights from house to house
And they will lead you home
They will lead you home
Cause there was never anywhere to go
There was never anywhere to go
But home

If everything we are is true
Our memories are attics in those houses on the hill
Our love is there above us holding everything so still
And we are always here
Yes we are always here

So follow the lights that line the streets
connecting telephones
Follow the lights from house to house
And they will lead you home
They will lead you home
Cause there was never anywhere to go
There was never anywhere to go
There was never anywhere to go
But home, home
[courtesy of http://www.metrolyrics.com]

As you can imagine from the lyrics the melody is sweet, touching and the music moves us along like a slow river in the deep south. It is surely one of my favourite songs of 2007.

As for the rest of the Ep – it is worth every song. The other two new tunes on it, “My Love For You Is Real” and “Blue Hotel” are fine pieces of work that will whet your appetite for his next release out, hopefully, later this year – another recording he’ll do with The Cardinals tentatively entitled The Cardinals III/IV. The remaining songs are newly redone older songs of his (a cover of Alice In Chains’ “Down In A Hole”, “This Is It” from Rock n Roll and “Dear John” from Jacksonville City Nights) – but with a catch – they are recorded live and thusly, for the purist in all if us, make them even better than the original versions. I tip my hat to anyone who can record live and not use all the tricks that machines afford us. What you hear is what they did, and felt in that moment – it is absolutely one of the best feelings for me. No overdubbing, no layering, just the music as it was in the studio without all the extraneous noise that comes from a concert recording. Very cool and worth downloading the whole EP (which I always prefer to do instead of just the songs I think I might like) or buying it in a real store.
www.ryan-adams.com or http://www.myspace.com/ryanadams

As you can probably guess if you’re a reader of this blog (where I use titles of songs to lead into a topic in my life) I did indeed go home for The Holidays. Thankfully I was able to spend nearly two weeks back east visiting with old friends and touching base with those I don’t see as often as I would like. It was a busy time and of course I didn’t even see everyone I would have liked but those I got to made the miles fade away and made me feel at home.

After a delayed flight in Los Angeles on the 18th of December I landed in Newark and was quickly brisked away to what has become a tradition for me and Fritz. He picks me up (this time in his new car) and we hustle back to Riverdale, drop of my crap and hightail it to Josepina’s where we try to get our order for food in before the kitchen closes and where they make the best Vodka Martinis in town. This time we were joined by his new girlfriend, Debbie, who, unlike the last one, isn’t a recovering alcoholic. Not that I’m against people who are recovering (one of my dearest friends is in AA) – but this last one was a headache and I’m glad she’s out of the picture since I never felt comfy having a drink in front of her thusly making time around them less fun. Though admittedly last year I made a point to get drunk in front her – I was kind of pissed that although they had broken up I was having to spend Christmas Eve with her so I kind of let loose. Ok – maybe that was more than you wanted to know. Needless to say I really like Debbie and I hope this works out for him – he deserves a woman like her and it’s about time he date someone we can all hang out with and like. She’s a real keeper.

After catching up with our college bud, Courtney, the next day we hightailed it to Brooklyn for dinner to see my dear old friend, Jodi, whom Fritz had never met despite us knowing each other for eight years. Another Vodka Martini, some very tasty food, stimulating conversation and meeting Jodi’s new girlfriend (odd that these two friends seem to be embarking on new relationships at the same time within a week of each other) and a good time was had by all. Despite a ‘new’ restaurant, and new surroundings, I felt at home. Sometimes ‘home’ has to do with the people at the table and not where that table is located. I’m glad we hauled our asses out there – it was well worth the trip.

Next up was a trip to Boston to see Amanda and Rosemary. It was Thursday the 20th and it was time to break in the new car, aptly dubbed Klaus. For the most part it was an uneventful drive up until Fritz got tired and asked me to take over, conveniently in a snow storm. Hmm…oh well, he knows I love to drive and he knows I love weather so it worked out very well – but instead of heading into to town we had to go straight up to Redding for fear of getting stuck in nasty weather traffic. It was a smart move to just get on up there because the snow didn’t stop until well into the night. Unfortunately, it was also the day Amanda was having surgery on her shoulder so they weren’t exactly home when we arrived. Oh well. After some shoveling and sheer will we got up into the driveway and had a good time in the car watching the snow and drinking some Sam Adams Winter Lager that I stashed in a snow bank to keep cool. Why not make the best of it, right?

Thankfully they showed up just as our hunger was making us contemplate loosing our spot on the hill/driveway that we’d worked so hard for to head out into the storm. Yep – they have four wheel drive so any errands (including dinner) that evening were consequently run in their vehicle whilst Klaus rested and snuggled up with his first snow. Even though Amanda was on painkillers and just basically out of it it was another good night at ‘home’.

Next up after a leisurely breakfast with the girls: a ‘queer eye’ makeover for Fritz. It was time for him to loose his “Michael Bolton” locks and cut the shit off. We went back to my old ‘hood in Somerville and got an appointment at Judy Jetson’s – a place I used to get my hair cut back in the day. WOW. Wonders never cease – he looked great! We also had enough time to walk into Harvard Square and hit the old streets. I was comforted to realize that much of what I’ve always loved about Harvard Square remains. It is and always will be a very beautiful part of town and I’m so glad for my time there.

Saturday rolled around and it was time to head out to The Berkshires to catch up with Lauren and Katherine (my second favourite niece). Fritz and I took one of my favourite roads and traveled out Route 2. It was simply amazing and beautiful! Thanks to the snowstorm everything was covered in white and idyllic in it’s feel and look. It was truly magical as was our time with them which included meeting Lauren’s new cheese making boyfriend, David, who managed to convince me with his deft pouring hands that Gin Martinis are the bomb. You rule, man, really you do. Another keeper.

After a breakfast of Lobster Benedict (only in New England) on Sunday it was time to head down to Connecticut to see my sis and my first favourite niece, Cathryn so I could spend the week with them and hang out for Christmas. It was a busy week – my dear old friends Corrina and Nicole swung by on Wednesday for the night (good times) and then Thursday and Friday I used my carpenter skills to finish up the window between the kitchen and living room that a looser carpenter my sister hired never bothered to finish. It’s ok – he did a crappy job and I had to fix his work – if he had stayed the window would have eventually collapsed so it all worked out in the end. It wouldn’t be a trip home without working on my sister’s house - something I greatly enjoy.

Anyhoo……my last night in town, Saturday, was spent in Times Square with Fritz, Debbie, Nicole and Corrina. I rarely do such touristy things in NYC but it was, after all, The Patriots/Giants game and what better place to watch than in the middle of the city with the game being played just miles away. It was very exciting and if you’re wondering who I was rooting for I chose The Patriots since it was when I was living in Boston that I learned how to watch Football. It’s kind of hard NOT to root for them when you live there – it’s like The Sox – it’s in the water and you drink it.

Overall it was an amazing time at home. The weather was awesome – I got my snow – I got my hugs and I ate some amazing food. I even saw a movie (Juno – awesome!) with my sister for the first time in years - just like we used to do on Christmas Day when we were old enough to stretch our legs and get away from the family whilst they lounged in front of the fire. It was all very sweet, and it really felt like home – ghosts or no ghosts.

Thanks for tuning in…Happy New Year & Happy Russian Christmas…Until next week…CHEERS!!

Ps. I’ve posted some pictures on my myspace page under the title “Christmas ’07…” www.myspace.com/laraschuler

Here's the video for "Follow The Lights":

Believe In Me...

2007-12-16T17:24:00.000-08:00

13 August 1951- 16 December 2007

"You've got to just follow your heart and do your best work … There is no doubt in my mind or heart that everything I've done is exactly what I intended to do."

RIP Dan Fogelberg

And though time goes by, I will always be, in a club with you in 1973…

2007-12-10T10:38:00.000-08:00

Ok, so James Blunt wasn’t alive in 1973 (he was born in 1974) and if he had been I doubt he would have been clubbing, but that doesn’t mean he can’t write about that time. It’s called ‘artistic license’ and we’re all guilty of it. We all write about stuff we may know nothing about – hell – I write this music blog every week, don’t I? People actually read it too, not just my Aunt in Arkansas. But I digress……

To assume a sophomore album from an artist is going to suck is all wrong. If you think about all the songs that didn’t make their way on to the freshman debut than it makes sense that you would have a good starting point, right? While I have no idea what did or didn’t make it on to Back To Bedlam, certainly his second CD, All The Lost Souls, doesn’t suck. While it may lack a potentially overplayed, misunderstood, and misplaced wedding song (“You’re Beautiful” in case you weren’t paying attention last week), which I would think would be intentional on his part (can you blame him?) the CD does contain ten very catchy, slightly depressing, well written songs that make you think and feel your way around a dimly lit room.

I don’t’ think he can help it really. His voice is naturally predisposed to sounding pained and thusly each song he sings seeps a little bit of sadness from each lilting note. But I like it that way. I don’t want to hear him sing some happy horse-shit crap tune about how wonderful the world is (can you tell I don’t like musicals?). I want someone to express the pain and anguish that I can’t always put into words. If I want a “Silly Love Song” I know where to happily turn. I like James Blunt because of the heartache he puts into his songs and the discomfort that he expresses. In a music world filled with senseless one hit wonders, this guy is the real deal.

All if this, of course, is masked by his sweet melodies and retro production values which make me feel like I’m listening to an album from, say, 1973. It’s a cool thing, actually, about this CD – many of the sounds are very reminiscent of some classic 70’s artists like Firefall, Poco or Al Stewart. It’s a great balance between what’s happening now and what happened way back then. He does it well – it’s refreshing, his lyrics are honest and I truly love his voice both literally and figuratively.

My favourites from this collection of songs are “Same Mistake” (“I’m not calling for a second chance, I’m screaming at the top of my voice. Give me reason but don’t give me choice. ‘Cause I’ll just make the same mistake again.”), “Carry You Home” (“As strong as you were, tender you go. I’m watching you breathing for the last time. A song for your heart, but when it is quiet, I know what it means and I’ll carry you home. I’ll carry you home.”) and “Give Me Some Love” (“Why don’t you give me some love? I’ve taken ship-load of drugs. I’m so tired of never fixing the pain. Valium said to me, I’ll take you seriously, and we’ll comeback as someone else, who’s better than yourself.”). Though really, it’s hard to pick a favourite here – these are all really good works of art. If you’re a fan, you’ll like this one. If you aren’t – check out his first one, Back To Bedlam, than move on to this one. You’ll be glad for the journey. www.jamesblunt.com and www.myspace.com/jamesblunt

Ah…..Christmas Shopping in Los Angeles. Where else can you be shopping and see the ‘stars’ – it still trips me out – walking around The Grove last week I saw/smiled at Neil Patrick Harris and Martin Short. Then there’s the time we nearly ran over Keanu Reeves as he was crossing our path. Or this one time we walked by this chick who was all bundled up (I dismissed her as just another L.A. freak) and Abby turned to me and said it was Paris Hilton. Weird. Sometimes I can’t believe I live here. Even though I grew up down the road from David Letterman (he was always very nice to me), and used to see Paul Newman around, it still amazes me sometimes the people I’ve seen and met during my tenure in this place. I know - they’re just people too – some of them have been very nice (George Clooney, Annette Bening to name a few) and others, well, maybe they were having a bad day so I didn’t take it personally.

Either way – it can be cool to be here and I’m glad that for now I am. As wacky a place as this can be, and I don’t think I’ll ever understand how this place ‘works’, there are times when I’m happy to be here and grateful for the opportunities this place affords. Not just running into or meeting famous people, but having opportunities I wouldn’t have if I lived on a lake in Maine. That will happen one day – just not now.

So kids, The Holidays are nearing, and I’m not sure how inclined I am to do another blog before the New Year. I’m getting ready to head back East – reconnect with my peeps, get my feet on the ground, and hopefully play in some snow with my most adorable niece. In case I’m not back next week (you’ll have to check in to find out) I want to thank you all for your loyal readership this past year. It means a lot to me that this thing gets read by more than my family. I hope you’ve learned something along the way – discovered some music you may not have thought you’d like or learned something about life in Los Angeles that you never thought you’d know.

Either way – thank you for tuning in….Until next time…Happy Holidays!! & CHEERS!! To you – the New Year - and all the hope that comes with it! Nasdrovia!!!!

…But I say nothing, I talk to no one, I know what I believe don’t need to wear it on my sleeve….

2007-12-02T10:59:00.000-08:00

What can I say about Voice Of The Beehive? Hmm…perhaps they were one of the most fun bands to come out of the 80’s. Funky, poppy, bouncy stuff that made me want to dance and scream out in misanthropy. Their song “I Say Nothing” certainly struck a chord in my brain. I’ve often been accused of being vague upon attempting to answer a question or simply not answering. This song said it all for me when I could say nothing (forgive the pun). Oh yeah – the rest of the CD entitled Let It Bee is pretty fab, too! Check them out: www.myspace.com/voiceofthebeehive

This week I thought I’d do something a little different. There’s a lot going on in this huge world of ours and I thought I’d offer up some of my views. For whatever they are worth and for ever how much salt you wish to take them with here they are:

Carson Daly going back to work, despite the Writers Strike, so that 76 of his crew don’t miss their mortgage or car payments or otherwise have a crappy holiday because five staff writers are striking: AWESOME! (I get the reasons for the strike but c’mon guys…TAKE THE DEAL AND STOP HARRASSING PEOPLE FOR WANTING TO GO BACK TO WORK!).

Dave Lettermen paying his, and the Late Late Show with Craig Furguson, crew out of his pocket until the end of the year so they don’t have worry about cash: AWESOME! Conan O’Brian doing the same: DOUBLE AWESOME!

Jay Leno doing a back flip and NOT taking care of his staff & crew after telling them he would: CRAPPY!! The guy who defended Leno for doing this: DOUBLE CRAPPY!

Jay Leno doing yet another back-flip and this morning (Sunday) saying that he’ll pay his people until the end of this coming week instead of doing the right thing to begin with: LAME, BUT SOMETHING IS BETTER THAN NOTHING!

George Bush asking for more money for The War when Hurricane Katrina victims are being kicked out of trailers with no affordable housing to move back in to because what little that is being rebuilt is not the affordable housing that existed before the hurricane: SHAMEFUL! ON SO MANY LEVELS!!

The upcoming election year: EXCITING, BUT TOO BAD AL GORE ISN’T RUNNING!!

Running 2 ½ miles in 28 minutes, 11 seconds, in the rain, on muddy grass, in 55 degree weather on Friday: EXHILERATING!

Camping, Hiking, Running, Tennis, Sailing, Rowing, Kayaking, Cycling, Climbing: FAVOURITE THINGS TO DO (besides write a song and play my guitar).

Discovering a new internet radio station that plays only chicks: COOL!!

Don Imus returning to radio: ABOUT TIME!

Some guy standing outside Old Navy at 2p in 60 degree weather saying “Man it’s cold out here!”: UNBELIEVABLE!!

People walking around L.A. with scarves on in 60 degree weather: WIMPY!!!

Anne Curry (and other newscasters) starting a sentence with ‘Meantime’ as opposed to saying ‘In the meantime’ or ‘Meanwhile’: ANNOYING, INNAPROPRIATE, INCORRECT!!!!!!!!!!

Hearing people ask “where are you at?” instead of asking “where are you?”: DON’T GET ME STAHTED! DON’T EVEN GET ME STAHTED!!! (intentional fake Boston accent).

People walking into a crowded store with their baby carriages on a Saturday and giving me a dirty look because I want to get around them: ARE YOU KIDDING?

Having people turn their heads and looking to see if anyone is behind them as they walk out a door and then holding it open: POLITE!

Alison Krausse singing anything (except Shawn Colvin’s “I Don’t Know Why” - I wish she hadn’t): HEAVENLY!!

Corinne Bailey Rae: SNOOZEFEST!!!

Jill Sobule going from her first album Things Here Are Different, 1990, to Underdog Victorious, 2004: GODDESS!

People choosing James Blunt’s “You’re Beautiful” as a wedding song: ARE YOU HIGH?!?!

Getting an email from my favourite old boyfriend from High School simply because he went to see Suzanne Vega last night and thought of me: SWEET! (yes I still have the Tiffany Heart he gave me).

Getting an invite from a neighbour to watch “Weeds” even though she knows I have Showtime: THOUGHTFUL!

Neighbours who walk by and look in my apartment every time they walk by: ANNOYING! RUDE!!

Witnessing people at Halloween taking pictures of a really drunk or possibly dying guy whilst waiting for help to arrive: ONLY IN L.A.!! or WHAT’S THE WORLD COMING TO?

Construction guys yelling under my bedroom window at 7a six days a week: HATING!

10 million immigrants arriving in the United States since 2000: IMPRESSIVE! 5 million (out of 10 million) ILLEGAL immigrants arriving in the United States since 2000: WHAT?!?!?!?

People who want to give ‘amnesty’ to those illegal immigrants: OK! BUT NEXT TIME I RUN A YELLOW/RED LIGHT OR JAYWALK YOU BETTER LET ME GET AWAY WITH IT!

Deporting a Police Officer who, because he was an illegal immigrant took the identity of his dead, younger, legal, cousin so he could ‘serve’ the community: YEP! SO MUCH FOR UPHOLDING THE LAW YOU ARE SWORN TO KEEP! KIND OF DEFEATS THE PURPOSE, DOESN’T IT?

Julia Roberts chasing down a paparazzo for taking pictures of her at a school: YOU GO GIRL!!

George Clooney ripping the paparazzi a new one as they endangered his life while trying to take his picture: WAY TO GO!!!

The press saying the guy who walked into Hillary Clinton’s campaign office claiming to have a bomb strapped to his chest and taking hostages ‘may’ have been mentally ill: DOESN’T THAT GO WITHOUT SAYING?!?!?!?!

“Damages”, “The Closer”, “Rescue Me”, “Weeds”, “ER”, “Grey’s Anatomy”, “Scrubs”, “30 Rock”, “Men In Trees”: BEST ON TV!

“The L Word”: THE WORST!

The movie “Love Actually”: UNDERRATED!!

The movie “Swingers”: OVERATED SNOOZEFEST!!

Hugh Grant, Terrence Howard, Jude Law, Christian Bale, Mary - Louise Parker, Julia Roberts, Annabeth Gish, Anne Heche: DELICIOUS!

Ty Pennington, Tom Cruise, Mario Lopez: UGH!

Sean Taylor being killed: SENSELESS!

Joe Torre coaching The Dodgers: OK – I MIGHT ACTUALLY ROOT FOR THEM WHEN THEY AREN’T PLAYING MY TEAMS!

Brett Favre: INSPIRATIONAL, GOD-LIKE!!!

Dumping the over-rated Eli Manning from The New York Giants: NOW THERE’S A THOUGHT!

Christmas shopping: FUN!

Going home to New England for Christmas: CAN’T WAIT!!

And finally:

A guy named ‘Peterson’, a missing wife, him denying any involvement even though he can’t really explain how is last wife ended up dead: I’M NOT A COP BUT EVEN I KNOW HOW THIS ONE ENDS…GEE, CAN’T WAIT TO SEE WHAT ‘48 HOURS MYSTERY’ DOES TO THIS ONE!

WHEW!!! Now I don’t have to wear anything on my sleeve…

Thanks for tuning in…Until next week…CHEERS!

The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time….

2007-11-26T10:45:00.000-08:00

Forgive me for talking about James Taylor again this week. I’m not obsessed, really, but I think One Man Band is worth mentioning again.

Thanksgiving was a lot of fun but tiring. After a day of visitors, including excellent wine brought over by my old friend, Sasha (also from Connecticut), and two games of scrabble with Abby and Rebecca, Friday was a time to settle in and not move. Abby and I spent the day inside, watched some TV and popped in the One Man Band DVD that came with the CD. Holy COW!!! What a treat!

As I mentioned last week we had gone to see him perform this show here in Los Angeles when he toured. That night was amazing and this DVD, Produced and Directed by Don Mischer, brought that home in more ways than one. First of all – who could think that you could recreate that night – but you can. The way it was filmed made you feel as if you were part of the audience, and not just a camera capturing the music and images of the evening. There were a lot of wide angle shots intermingled with some delicious close-ups but I never felt like a camera, instead I felt like a fly on the wall.

Thankfully Mr. Mischer did not use any cheap tricks and allowed the music and JT to speak for themselves. Where he could have brought the images that often played behind JT to the forefront, he instead allowed us to see them as someone in the third row would have seen them. Not using that production trick meant that I felt more involved in the ‘evening’ and less like I was watching typical concert footage. I felt that same way the first time I watched his 1993 release Squibnocket – a taped rehearsal on Martha’s Vineyard for his 1992 tour that was originally broadcast on The Disney Channel. Mr. Mischer also, thankfully, shied away from too many gratuitous audience shots that so many are guilty of. When I’m watching someone perform on a screen I don’t want to see annoying people singing along – I want to see the artist and their hands playing their instrument. There was, indeed, a healthy balance between the audience and JT.

While I admit since I had seen the concert first hand I may be slightly prejudicial towards liking this DVD, however, there is no denying that there was a magic to the evening that is definitely an art to recreate without making the viewer feel like an unwanted guest at a large party. Abby and I both felt that we were at the show again only with better seats and no noisy L.A. people on their cell phones.

The whole package of One Man Band, CD and DVD, is worth your hard earned cash. Sometimes there really is nothing better than an afternoon on the couch, shades drawn, candle lit, enjoying the passage of time.

Thanks for tuning in….Until next week…CHEERS!!

If I’m well, you can tell that she’s been with me….

2007-11-19T10:39:00.000-08:00

There are a ton of things I’m grateful for this Thanksgiving week – there is much to be happy for, much to be celebrated, and much to look forward to. Life is good. But, life is better this week with the much anticipated release of James Taylor’s One Man Band CD/DVD - the live collection of songs that he recorded at The Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield, Massachusetts in the heart of my beloved Berkshires – a culmination of tunes from his first semi - solo tour in over thirty years (he is accompanied by Larry Goldings).

Not only does it remind me of the most amazing show Abby and I have ever seen together (this past February at The Wilshire Theatre – read my post from 26 Feb – “In my mind I’m gone to Carolina.”) but it is like listening to an old friend tell some new stories all the while taking me home. I’m not sure if I’m more homesick listening to this CD or if I’m comforted again that home is where my heart is. Home is New England and North Carolina. Home is with Abby and Phineas. Home is wherever my mind travels to when I get lost in the music. But no matter what or where – this CD is like going home.

There are of course the classic tunes to be heard here – “Something In The Way She Moves”, “You’ve Got A Friend” “Secret Of Life”, “Never Die Young”, "Sweet Baby James" (see below) and of course, my forever favourite “Carolina In My Mind”. It’s a definite must have for any fan, whether you’re meeting him for the first time or whether he defined your musical childhood. Frankly, it doesn’t matter that you think you’ve heard these songs a thousand times, and maybe you have, but no matter what - you’ve never heard them like this. This is music to be grateful for. Music to be inspired by. THIS is MUSIC. www.jamestaylor.com or www.myspace.com/officialjamestaylor

Thanks for tuning in….Until next week….Happy Thankgiving!......CHEERS!!

Finds a convenient streetlight steps out of the shade, Says something like you and me babe how about it ?

2007-11-12T10:48:00.000-08:00

A love struck Romeo sings a streetsus serenade
Laying everybody low with a love song that he made
Finds a convenient streetlight steps out of the shade
Says something like you and me babe how about it?

Juliet says hey its Romeo you nearly gave me a heart attack
He’s underneath the window she’s singing hey la my boyfriends back
You shouldn’t come around here singing up at people like that
Anyway what you gonna do about it ?

Juliet, the dice were loaded from the start
And I bet and you exploded into my heart
And I forget the movie song
When you wanna realize it was just that the time was wrong Juliet?

Come up on different streets they both were streets of shame
Both dirty both mean yes and the dream was just the same
And I dreamed your dream for you and your dream is real
How can you look at me as if I was just another one of your deals?

Where you can fall for chains of silver you can fall for chains of gold
You can fall for pretty strangers and the promises they hold
You promised me everything you promised me think and thin
Now you just says oh Romeo yeah you know I used to have a scene with him

Juliet when we made love you used to cry
You said I love you like the stars above I’ll love you ‘till I die
There’s a place for us you know the movie song
When you gonna realize it was just that the time was wrong, Juliet?

I can’t do the talk like they talk on T.V.
And I can’t do a love song like the way its meant to be
I can’t do everything but Id do anything for you
I can’t do anything except be in love with you

And all I do is miss you and the way we used to be
All do is keep the beat and bad company
All I do is kiss you through the bars of a rhyme
Julie I’d do the stars with you any time

Juliet when we made love you used to cry
You said I love you like the stars above Ill love you till I die
There’s a place for us you know the movie song
When you gonna realize it was just that the time was wrong Juliet?

A love struck Romeo sings a streetsus serenade
Laying everybody low with me a love song that he made
Finds a convenient streetlight steps out of the shade
Says something like you and me babe how about it?

(care of: http://www.lyricsfreak.com and see the video below)

“Romeo and Juliet” – by Dire Straits - one of the most amazing and coolest songs ever written. Not only because of it’s sweetness but it’s literary depth and subversive ode to William Shakespeare, one of our greatest, most romantic writers ever. Need I say more?

Sometime nearly two weeks ago I had this idea that all the construction noise I wrote of last week was getting to me and that it was time to go camping to get out of the city. I needed some peace and quiet and so did Abby. Then she got sick. She’s still sick – or getting over the cold so we didn’t go last weekend as I had hoped. Then I got sick – some intestinal nastiness that I still don’t know what it was or where it came from all I know is it kept coming. The noise was still getting to me, especially after a LONG week on the couch, so this past Friday I psyched myself to get better, made some hummus, and drank nearly a bottle of Pepto. YUM!

After dressing for where we were heading and not where we woke up (a necessary skill to acquire whence living in an area where you can wake up in shorts and drive into a snow storm two hours later) we hit the road Saturday morning to head on up to Idyllwild – one of our favourite places to camp in the Southern part of this state. It was a beautiful drive on up the mountain to nearly 7,000 feet of elevation and a twenty degree temperature drop. We thought we were so awesome and ‘together’. I had put on a long sleeve shirt, t-shirt and brought a fleece for extra measure. I mean hey – we’re east coast folks – we know how to dress for a night in the 30’s. Right?

Yeah, right. Not so fast you city dweller. I mean seriously. Did you really LOOK at the temperature on the internet? Idiot. As we pulled up to our favourite campground, and Dire Straits “Romeo and Juliet” played on my over-stuffed ipod, I stepped out of the car after the two hour drive and got slammed by the chill. No. I’m no wimp. I’m the girl who doesn’t mind walking around in snow with nary more than a thick fleece and a wool hat on. I’m the girl who thrives in the cold and hates the heat. I’m the girl who lives for this time of year and never turns the heat on. I love this shit. But I admit I was caught off guard. I hadn’t expected to feel the chill the way that I did. It’s different in the mountains – that’s for sure. Or it’s different when you haven’t eaten in a week.

After tooling around the campground we settled on a site that we had never stayed in. It was near the entrance of the park and not close to anyone but a large (as if there is any other kind) RV with an untold number of people inside. Our site was small, well protected by a stone wall and was just large enough for my small three season North Face tent (I’m not a label whore I assure you, but they make damn good crap and this tent has been in my life for no less than 12 years). As is my job when we camp – I set up the tent. It’s mine and I’ve been using it for too many years and too many trips – I can do it easily, in darkness, light and in any weather situation. We made our home for the night and hiked into town to walk around, people watch, window shop and to buy a much needed scarf to keep me warm.

Since there are no campfires allowed it was an early night in the tent. Scrabble, vodka, and bed – all by 9p. and thanks to the Pepto fourteen uninterrupted hours of getting to know my North Face sleeping bag as we tried to stay out of the chill and stay warm. I know what you’re thinking – really – they just make good shit and they stand by their product – so why not give them a shout-out? That bag has seen more places than most Americans and has been a very good friend to me for many, many years. North Face, when they aren’t making designer crap, actually makes really good camping gear.

Because of the early night – it was an early morning. Ah – the peace and quiet of the mountains, the fresh air, the chill in my bones as we ate our hummus breakfast and I drank my coffee cold because I was too lazy to fire up the stove. It was truly blissful. It reminded me that I need to camp to save my life. It’s not just some thing I do because it’s a cheap place to stay – it’s something my father taught me well to do and somewhere along the line it has become a life saver; a way to deal with living in a city and a way to clear my head.

Until the moment when the people in the RV fired up their noisy golf cart. To their small credit it was after 9a at the time. Ok – I get it – you’re going into town to get some coffee or a Sunday times (not NY I’m guessing) – I understand that not everyone wants to walk/hike or make any attempt to be a responsible consumer (they are sleeping in an RV so really what could I expect from them?). But what I saw was truly unbelievable and absolutely the worst of all “L.A.” behaviour I have ever witnessed. I thought I’d seen it all living here. People driving to the store that’s a block away – or spending too much time jockeying for a closer parking space for their Hummer. But really. This was too much.

As Abby and I watched through the trees and pontificated on why these guys would need their golf cart the answer slowly came to light. Ever so slowly. These two guys who could use a lot of help from Weight Watchers did not disappoint in pointing out the reasons why they are such fat asses. As they clutched their box of doughnuts (ok, I made that part up) they climbed into the golf cart that was decked out with mag wheels and a stereo (no I’m not making that up) and headed towards the entrance of the Park that was all 300 feet away. Just when we thought they were heading into town they turned the cart toward the bathroom. Yep. The bathroom. It was actually about 320 feet away. I’m not kidding. These lard sucking, grease loving lazy pieces of crap actually drove, I can only surmise, to take a crap. I’m guessing these are the guys who walk through life wondering why their pants, and other things, have gotten smaller. GEE, YA THINK?!?!?! Amazing. NOW I’ve seen it all.

Thanks for tuning in….Until next week….CHEERS!!!

Baby I was not the one, I guess you know that now, but I kept you real distracted for awhile….

2007-11-04T12:04:00.000-08:00

He’s the distinctive voice of Del Amitri and if you either know me personally or have been a loyal reader of this blog than you know they are one of my long-time favourite bands and Justin Currie can write no wrong. I can’t explain it, but there is something in his voice and his writing that has touched me deeply and kept me inspired as a writer for as long as I can remember.

I think it all dates back to the Del Amitri debut release, Waking Hours, with “Kiss This Thing Goodbye” in 1988 and came full force with 1992’s, Change Everything, from which came “Always The Last To Know”, “As Soon As The Tide Comes In” and my favourite, “Be My Downfall”. But the album that gets me the most and has shaped me more than any other is Twisted. There are too many great songs on this collection to list but I will mention one tune, a tune I actually dare to cover, “Tell Her This” (see the video below). The song in so many ways embodies how I am in my relationships (sad, I know), how I feel about the world and what I aspire to be as a songwriter – devastatingly honest – though when it comes down to it I can rarely open myself up to that level; I am not as brave as I should be and thusly fail miserably at being that songwriter. I am not Justin Currie, but I sure wish I were.

It is with great excitement that a couple of weeks ago I downloaded his solo release, What Is Love For? As with his work with Del Amitri these songs are personal, catchy and at times heart wrenching all the while being romantic and yet bitter like warm piss beer in a dirty pub. Though I think the title of the CD is lame, (the original title, Rebound, is far less cheesy), I can get past that and dive into the music. Because no one writes heartache like Justin Currie.

“What is love for? What do I do with love I can’t use for her anymore? Where do I put this beautiful suit another memoir? What is love for?” (from “What Is Love For?”)

“I’d love to hurt you without you ever knowing. I could desert you without you ever seeing me gone...” (from “Where Did I Go”)

“…but Only Love makes killing time so cruel. So many things that you must get ‘round to, a dripping tap amongst mail to sort through, if you could just get your mind to clear, but it’s Only Love and it keeps you waiting here….” (from “Only Love”)

“My keepsakes have their places at the back of drawer or slipped between pages and stuck on a shelf. But I’m still in love, I’m still in love, I’m still in love with nothing but myself…” (from “Still In Love”)

And my favourite song on this CD:

“When you dance and your baby’s dancing too, than I will walk through you…when you wake in the silence of your room than I will walk through you.” (from “Walking Through You”)

If you’re looking for a dance record, this is not it. The production values are more mellow pop/rock than hip, teenage one - hit - wonder dance crap. Of course, you have a lot of electric guitars, beautiful, haunting piano, drums and the occasional orchestral movement with harp-infused brilliance. Make no mistake, this is not a sleepy collection of tunes, this is music that enhances as opposed to drowning out the thought-provoking lyrics. If you turn your head you might think this is just another Del Amitri CD with less rock and less roll. That’s ok….he is afterall the main songwriter for a band that has reputedly broken up, or has it?

Either way, Justin’s voice shines clear and his point is never lost. Love sucks. It’s hard work. But we stick around because it takes us to places we can never go without it. Love is good. Love is in everyday places and no matter how you feel – you need it. Like that warm piss beer in a dirty pub and the woman you can’t drink away. www.myspace.com/justincurrie & www.delamitri.com

If you’ve been following my blog than you’ve heard me mention the decimation of this once-quaint nieghbourhood. In a few short years we’ve gone from homey, two story four-plexes to monstrous five story, double lot, thirty-five unit blocks of ugliness. Councilman Jack Weiss and The City of Los Angeles, seeing green and reportedly being bribed by developers, who also reportedly bribe the city inspectors, have told their constituents that they were ‘cracking down’ on over-development and hearing our complaints about more traffic, more smog, less available street parking, and thusly because of the thousands more people in the area, more noise. Bullshit. They have done nothing to slow anything down and in fact things seem to be speeding up.

It’s very sad to see this quiet neighbourhood disappearing and of course, being duped by that A-Hole Jack Weiss, makes all this sting even more. This is a man who came to our neighbourhood meetings (United Neighbors for Responsible Development), shook our hands, and promised us that he was ‘on our side’. He told us he was ‘listening’ to us, reading the traffic reports, the noise reports, and he would do everything he could to protect our way of life in this little corner of the city. Of course he never told us he was saying the same thing to the Developers.

He played us. Hard. Many people are very fed up and have made considerable efforts to effect change – of course, not the people who have moved in in recent years, but those of us who have lived here a long time and came here because of the quiet, ‘you’re not in a city’ feel to these few blocks of concrete that are nestled between Hollywood and Beverly Hills. I could go on and on but I won’t; if you’d like to read more about the efforts to rid our district of this scum-sucking, dumpster licking low life go to: www.recalljackweiss.com

The reason I bring all this is up is because I’m not just fed up with the noise and the dirt, I’m fed up because I’m tired of getting leered at by the construction workers every time I leave my house. It’s an odd thing. Don’t they have better things to do with their time, like, say, I don’t know, working, than ogle a woman as she goes by? Why, just the other day I hopped on my bike to run an errand and no less than three guys stopped what they were doing to watch me ride by – I’m not kidding and I’m not exaggerating. Where do they find the time? No wonder the building never seems to cease.

Now that it’s cooling down enough to run outside, and now that I’m not working and thusly running during the day, I actually have designed my run AROUND the many construction sites (there are no less than FIVE in a two block radius of here) that are currently on operation. I can’t believe I have to do this but to be honest, I don’t want to feel like I’m on display when I go out for a run. I don’t want to feel eyes on me.

The thing is, I never used to mind, but lately I do. As I feel that this area is being invaded by large machines, disgusting, trash-dropping, pissing in public loud music playing workers who yell all day I feel my nerves being pushed over the edge. I don’t find the attention of these guys flattering in the least. It’s an annoyance. I mean, it’s not like I’m the prettiest girl around, either. I can only imagine when a REAL pretty girl walks by. I mean it’s bad enough that guys shout at you from a car on occasion – and not always nice things, but to have to deal with this when you are just going about your business and doing your thing is a real pain in the ass and I can’t wait for this shit to slow down…if it ever does.

Thanks for tuning in…Until next Sunday….CHEERS!!

There’s Fire in L.A. it burns at your feet, I try to keep moving…

2007-10-28T11:36:00.000-07:00

All things considered I’m sure you’ll understand me using my own lyrics as today’s title. You see, they’re the only lines that come to mind. I know, I know, this is a blog I write to talk about and review other people’s music, not my own, though it’s not as if my friends have written reviews if my latest, NUMB, on itunes (not for lack of me asking, though should I really have to ask?). So I figure, since “Fire In L.A.” fits what’s going on this week here in La La Land, I might as well talk about it, even though it’s from an earlier CD of mine called Amanda’s Floor.

I wrote the song one day in the mid 90’s after walking around Harvard Square with my best friend Fritz and my girlfriend, Kristin. He was describing his time living in Los Angeles and the reasons he was thinking about moving back to New York. He actually said to me “I left so I could come back….” and so began the first lines of the song….

“I left so I could come back, it hits you when you’re not looking, there’s Fire In L.A., it burns at your feet, I try to keep moving. But there aint no bricks to build a life, no woman to be my wife, there’s no place like home. Tears evaporate before they hit my cheek, I can’t look anymore, despair on the streets, it’s just like home, but I can’t take the heat, cause there aint no bricks to build a life, no woman to be my wife, there’s no place like home ….”

I’m quite proud of this song. To be honest, it’s one of the few songs I’ve written entirely about someone else and their experiences. At the time I hadn’t even been to Los Angeles and I certainly wasn’t looking for a wife, well, neither was Fritz, but it made for a good line.

The day I was inspired to write this song was a very awesome, beautiful day. Fritz, who had gone to Brandeis and was no stranger to Harvard Square, had come up to Boston to say hello and meet Kristin on one of his few trips back east during his tenure in L.A.. It was a cool Fall day and we spent it walking around talking about life and where we were all going. Of course we discussed the pros and cons about Life In LA and when he was potentially making the move back home. As the three of talked and he got to know Kristin he was quite open about his feelings and his desires for the future.

I remember the moment I started to write the song. It was after lunch, liquid and food filled – I believe we ate at the late great Wurst House – and after a very long stroll we headed back to the car for the short ride back to Porter Square where Kristin and I were living. I was a few steps ahead of them as we neared the car which was parked on the corner of Harvard Square that leads to Central Square and Fritz’s words and feelings started to fill my brain. I knew I had something and I couldn’t wait to write it down. I damn near stayed silent for several minutes as I repeated the opening lines to myself a dozen times so I wouldn’t forget them.

Kristin drove us all home, I ran into the house and excused myself leaving her and Fritz to bond while I feverishly wrote down what I was afraid I’d forget. Not too long after getting those first lines down on paper I was pretty much done writing the lyrics. The music would come later, easily, and all in all I had a song that for the first time had nothing to do with me, or was some kind of silly love song. I was, and am, very proud of the song to this day. I believe it was a turning point for me in my journey to be a more complete writer…and of course I couldn’t have done it were it not for Fritz, his tales of woe, and our wonderful day in Harvard Square. If you’d like to check the song out I’ve posted it on myspace – you can even download it: www.myspace.com/laraschuler

So about those fires in L.A.; I’m sure you’d have to be living in a cave somewhere in the U.S. not to know that this region has been slammed with what will amount to a pretty nasty, and expensive fire season, culminating in one of the worst ‘disasters’ (I use quotes because some of these fires were set by arsonists and thusly while it’s horrible there’s something less disastrous when it isn’t nature causing the melee) in recent California history. Thankfully I don’t live anywhere too close to the fires. Living here in West Hollywood which is a neighbourhood couched between Hollywood and Beverly Hills, the nearest fire is about ten/fifteen miles away and a HUGE hill/mountain keeps us from even seeing the fires. Needless to say I haven’t felt the affect the way others who were evacuated or had to reroute themselves did.

Not to say we haven’t felt it…the air quality has been downright horrible because the winds were blowing so strong fro much of the week (80 plus miles an hour at times) that the smoke made it’s way here, and how. The sunset looked more vibrant than ever, and my eyes and lungs feeling crappy are proof of that. Not that I’m complaining, because I’m not one of the thousands who have lost their homes. But even here we are not immune to it’s effects. The window’s have been kept closed, I’ve spent very little time outside and I worry about Phineas and how he might feel with his little kitty lungs (he spent most of the week under the bed where I’m sure the air quality was better). Basically, this is how I picture the 70’s to have looked and smelled here. ICKY.

All that being said – we are very lucky. Though I will say I’m deeply saddened at the thought that two of my favourite places in Southern California, Lake Arrowhead and Running Springs, just may have been decimated. I’ve spent a lot of time up there and I feel very sad for the folks who lost their homes and livelihoods. There are a lot of nice people who live in that area, and it’s a truly beautiful place to spend time.

My thoughts are with all who have been affected by these fires. Though to be honest, I’m not rooting for the arsonists or the idiot construction workers who were working with a spark producing machine in high winds; those people can basically rot in hell for all I care. But the rest, I hope, are well taken care of in a way that will hopefully be good for all involved – or at least better than the victims of Katrina were (lets not drop the ball this time fellas). Maybe with all the money coming here to help these victims there will be less money to fund the war and will thusly force the powers that be to bring some troops home. We can only hope. Maybe something ‘good’ will come out of all this after all.

Thanks for tuning in…Until next Sunday….CHEERS!!

PS. GO RED SOX……3-0…..lets melt those Rockies!!

The winner takes it all, the looser takes a fall...

2007-10-21T21:30:00.001-07:00

Paying to talk to Dice K: 51 Million Dollars
Signing Dice K: 52 Million Dollars
Paying J.D. Drew to NOT hit all season and saving it all for the Playoffs:
70 Million Dollars over 5 years
Winning the Amercian League Championship after being down 3 games to 1: PRICELESS!!!!

YEAH RED SOX!!!!!

Thanks for tuning in...Until next Sunday...CHEERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now that you’ve found it it’s gone now that you feel it you don’t…

2007-10-14T12:12:00.000-07:00

I’ll never get over the 1995 release The Bends. I know this. I accept it. I think it’s a brilliant album with one of my all time favourite songs ever – “High and Dry”. “….Drying up in conversation you will be the one who can not talk. All your insides fall to pieces, you just sit there wishing you could still make love…” The song gripped me the first time I heard it too many years ago on a Boston area radio station (probably WXRV) and it’s never let go of me. BUT that doesn’t mean I’m not open to new Radiohead material. It just means that The Bends is hard to top in my book.

It is with open arms and an open ear or two that I listen to their newest release, In Rainbows. I have to say I’m not in love with the first two tracks “15 Steps” and “Bodysnatchers” . I’m not sure why but I think I’m missing some melodic point. These two songs lack for me the thing I like most about Radiohead – their ability to create a mood and an atmosphere that few can ever achieve. Not that I’m against trying new sounds – but the reason I go back to them is for that rainy Sunday morning October feel. When I listen to them it’s as if I’m back on Willow Avenue in Porter Square wrapped up in a blanket reading my latest greatest favourite book.

Once the song “Nude” gets playing (today’s title quote - see video below)) – assuming you listen in order – which I always do the first few times so I can really understand what the artist is saying since order is so well thought out – I feel the guys from Oxfordshire are up to their old tricks. THIS is the stuff I like. THIS is the reason I go back to them. In Rainbows does not disappoint the long-time listener. The whole CD is rife with intelligent lyrics, Thom Yorke’s ethereal, sometimes sad voice, and if you stick it out until the last song, “Videotape” will leave you feeling as if you are in the studio with these guys witnessing the recording of the next great soundtrack for an English-made film. It’s the parting shot, the London Bridge is in the background and our heroine has just tossed her wedding ring into the River Thames.

In the interest of full disclosure I did not pay for In Rainbows. Abby paid for it – 5 pounds 45 I believe and she shared it with me as we often do. What Radiohead is doing – allowing their fans to choose the price they want to pay for the download – I think is very cool. The record industry is in a sad state of affairs these days and part of it I believe is that the few remaining places to actually BUY a CD charge too much for a piece of plastic that essentially costs under a dollar to mass produce (or with marketing/packaging etc maybe costs under $5.00 total) . No wonder no one wants to pay $18.99 for a new release.

Radiohead has been around a long time. They don’t really need the cash at this point – how many mansions does a guy need, afterall? But what they are doing is about freedom. Freedom from a record label, freedom from financial expectations, freedom to do whatever the hell they want, how they want and the freedom to know that their fans will follow. And pay. Many have paid from what I’ve seen. It’s the honour system they are relying on. They understand that for every person that pays a healthy rate there will be someone who pays less, or nothing and that’s ok with them. The point is to get their music out there – not make people feel that they’ve been raped by the band or the guys in suits who need to pay their child support off of a band’s successful CD. Good for them.

As for music sharing – well – that’s been around a LONG time – probably since our parents were kids and the ability to tape vinyl became mainstream. I’m all for it – to a point. However, sites like limewire go too far. Or the people on it do. There is a woman in Minnesota who just this week was ordered to pay $222,000 to six record companies for illegal music sharing. If you ask me she got what she deserved, or not enough.

I know I know – I may get some hate comments about this but I don’t care. You know – share a few songs here and there, or a CD now and again – but to give away over 1700 songs I think takes ‘sharing’ to a whole other level. She doesn’t own the music – the ARTIST owns the music. If an artist wants to give away their music – I think that’s awesome….and if the people who got the song for free give it away – great! But to take such egregious liberties with music you did not write, record, or otherwise have anything to do with making borders on some kind of moral thievery. Share and share alike but exercise some kind of restraint. Give a thought to the artist who slaved over writing a song, paid for studio time, and or otherwise whored themselves out to a record company to get their music made. You have a career that pays your bills – so do these folks. Think about it. Don’t over share.

Ok – time to get off this horse….y’all know how I feel and I hope to keep feeling it. Time to go watch some football and relax.

Thanks for tuning in…Until next Sunday…CHEERS!!

I believe right now if I could I would swallow you whole, I would leave only bones and teeth, we could see what was underneath and we would free then

2007-10-07T11:43:00.000-07:00

If your first impression of Suzanne Vega was the hit song, “Luka”, from her sophomore album, Solitude Standing, than I highly suggest you check out her freshman release, Suzanne Vega. I believe it is one of the best releases of the last twenty years, well, twenty two to be exact. It’s hard to believe that the music that changed my life is that ‘old’ well – sort of ‘old’- I guess it’s all perspective since you still hear The Beatles on the radio. So – what is ‘old’? I’m not sure but this week I wanted to share with you what I believe to be some of the greatest lines ever written. A few of the lines that follow are words I have lived by since I first got my hands on the CD and some are just cool lines I’ve rediscovered whilst writing this blog this morning. Either way, I hope you enjoy them as much as I do and I hope you check out the CD, or, have a long-overdue 1000th listening….

“It’s a one time thing, it just happens a lot” – track 1 – “Cracking”

“You stand with your hand in your pocket and lean against a wall, You will be Bogart and I will be Becall” – track 2 – “Freeze Tag”

“Even if I am in love with you all this to say what’s it to you?…And I tried so hard to resist when you held me in your handsome fist and reminded me of the night we kissed and why I should be leaving, Marlene watches from the wall, her mocking smile says it all as she records the rise and fall of every man who’s been here…” – track 3 – “Marlene On The Wall”

“Today I am a small blue thing…” – track 4 – “Small Blue Thing”

“There’s a sound, across the alley of cold metal touching skin and you can see if you look in her window that she has gone and cut her hair again, in straight lines…” – track 5 – “Straight Lines”

“I believe right now if I could…” – track 6 – “Undertow”

“We talk and talk and tell the truth, there are no shadows here…” – track 7 – “Some Journey”

“And he said ‘I want to live as an honest man, to get all I deserve and to give all I can and to love a young woman who I don’t understand, your highness, your ways are very strange’” – track 8 – “The Queen and The Soldier”

“And if you wonder what I am doing as I am heading for the sink, I am spitting out all the bitterness along with half of my last drink, I am thinking of your woman who is crying in the hall, it’s like drinking gasoline to quench a thirst, until there’s nothing there left at all” – track 9 – “Knight Moves”

“I am just walking through the smoke, finding out if this is it, because I’ve got this feeling that things are going grey, and I’d like to hear a straight line to help me find my way” – track 10 “Neighborhood Girls”

I can’t remember specifically when I last saw my dear friend Sabrina. It may have been our last night of work at our local Chinese restaurant, Mr. Lee’s. It was there, every Wednesday night, that she gushed as she flirted with David Letterman when he picked up his weekly take-out order. I can’t be sure, but I do know that I have missed our friendship all these years; her witty, intelligent banter and her doe-eyed blonde cynical view on the world. Back then I wasn’t sure why were friends - we seemed an unlikely pair. She had big, fluffy hair and was as preppy as you can get. Me – I was the musician with my black clothes and my artistic bent playing my guitar every chance I got.

Now as I reflect on that time I get it. I understand why we were friends. It was her witty, intelligent banter and her doe-eyed blonde cynical view on the world. It makes sense now as I recall how my stomach ached so hard from laughing at her world - from - a - bubble observations. How did we, two kids from a very uptight, Republican, old money town, escape with our humour and creativity intact? I have no idea. But I think it was because of friends (and neighbours) like her. I think no matter what age you are you find those that you relate to – you may not always know why – and you stick together. You muddle through, you lean, you stand up strong.

Sabrina found me yesterday. I checked my email (something I don’t always do on a Saturday because of all the time I spend on the computer during the week) and through the wonders of the internet and all of the networking sites out there she was right there in my inbox. It was wild. It was cool. It was shocking. There are a lot of people from my small home town that I remember but I’m never sure if they remember me – or would even care. She was one of those people.

When I reflect on our friendship why I ever doubted whether she would even think of me I’m not sure. I think it’s because I’ve been spurned when I’ve reached out to people from the past so I basically stopped doing it awhile ago. I’m very easy to find on the internet and if someone wants to find me they can so I leave it at that knowing if someone wants to find me I’ll be all too happy to be in touch with them.

I always wondered what happened to Sabrina, and I always wondered why we lost touch. I have no answers to that but when I looked at her networking page on Facebook (where she found me and my two other friends because I’m new to the site) I was pleasantly shocked to see that listed as her favourite quote was “I believe right now if I could I would swallow you whole…” It happens to be one of my favourite quotes of all time. Funny. Odd. Very cool. Yeah – we were meant to be friends way back when and I’m thinking we are meant to be friends again. Maybe when you find those people the ties never break – they may weaken because you loose touch – but I don’t think they ever break. Clearly.

By the way, did I mention we used to be neighbours (again) here in Los Angeles? Yep. She lived a few blocks away and I never knew it until this morning. She’s in Amsterdam these days, but thanks to the internet I’m guessing she’ll still feel like a neighbour. Now – if it were only Wednesday night at a Chinese restaurant the circle might be even more complete. Thanks for finding me, Sabrina, I’m awfully glad you did!

Thanks for tuning in...Until next Sunday…CHEERS!!

If I had a heart I’d cry…

2007-09-30T13:07:00.000-07:00

I don’t think you can be a musician and not like Joni Mitchell. It’s like being German and not liking mustard, or being Russian and not liking your family’s Borscht. You can’t be one and not be a part of the other. You don’t have to LOVE but you like, you appreciate, and you applaud a good batch when it happens. Such is the case for me. I’m a musician, I really dig Joni Mitchell, but I don’t love her the way others do. In fact, this week I let Abby choose the title lyric for today’s blog. She LOVES Joni and everything Joni.

On Tuesday, new music release day, Abby ran to our local Starbucks and picked up Shine. It’s the latest, and long overdue, 10 years (since she wrote her last song before being inspired to write Shine) in the making album from one of the greatest singer songwriters ever born. Say what you will about Starbucks, and I have, but you have to give them credit for doing some good in the lame music industry. Clearly they, or rather, Hear Music, the Starbucks record label, said all the right things to get Joni to come out from her official or unofficial retirement and release some new work. If you ask me – it was worth the coaxing, and the wait.

Shine is everything you expect it to be. Jazz - influenced, moody, smokey voiced songs that sound as relevant now as they would have 40 years ago and 40 years from now. What I mean is, with age her talent has not waned. She is timeless and so is her work. This is particularly evident in her remake of her classic “Big Yellow Taxi” – a song that was ruined for me by that horrible remake a few years ago by The Counting Crows and Vanessa Carlton. EW on so many levels. I’d like to shoot the Producer who thought that was a good idea. Thank god Joni remade this song and has thusly reclaimed the tune as her own once again. Some songs should never be remade except by the original artist.

One of my favourites of this collection is “Shine” – the title track. “Shine on world-wide traffic jams, honking day and night, Shine on another asshole passing on the right.” Not since Harry Chapin has an artist used the word ‘asshole’ with such reverence. Of course that’s not the only song or line that she wrote that reflects the modern world around her. Nearly every piece addresses some kind of issue or observation on the state of the world. Not to say this is a preachy CD – far from it – Joni is never preachy, merely more adept than others at shining a soft light, as opposed to a 1000 watt spotlight on any topic. She makes you think without you realizing you’re doing it. Much like Natalie Merchant or Suzanne Vega have done with their work. Clearly they have been influenced, and justly so. There are worse people to model your songwriting style around.

If you ask me, and while I don’t own everything she’s done, I may not be the person to ask, I’d say this CD is the bomb. Since I’m not a HUGE fan, but I am Russian and I like or rather, love, my family’s Borscht, I may not get as obsessed with this new work as I did say, with Blue, or the Once soundtrack – but I know every time I hear it I’ll enjoy every minute. I think you will too.

It’s week four of the 2007/2008 football season. Once again I’m faced with a disappointing Sunday. For some unknown reason we get the crappiest games shown out here which I’ll never understand. If it weren’t for the Sunday game of the week on NBC I wouldn’t even be tuning in today. I admit I didn’t grow up watching football – my family being European meant they cared only about Tennis and Soccer. Not the worst sports to watch, but I can’t claim some lifelong obsession with the game that others, like my best friend Fritz, can claim so maybe I have no right to complain. BUT I have been watching football since I was hanging out with Rugby players back in Boston more than 10 years ago so I feel I have a right to express my disappointment with the Sunday coverage.

Someone please explain to me why with so many people living in Los Angeles that come from other places, and no home football team that we are shown games like ‘Raiders at Dolphins’ this morning with no afternoon game to follow? Do the programming execs think that people in Southern California care about The Oakland Raiders who play over 400 miles north of here? Give me a break!! I get showing the San Diego Chargers since we could easily go to a game – but the Raiders? Who wants to see the near-dead Daunte Culpepper throw some lame passes? Show me Brett Favre surpassing Dan Marino’s all-time TD record. THAT’S newsworthy and certainly deserved to be seen out here.

I think, like the oil companies who bought the Los Angeles Railway system in the early 1960’s only to dismantle it and force people to drive, that this is a conspiracy to help the local bars/pubs and the state economy. If they don’t show the games we want, we’ll all go spend our hard-earned cash at say, Barney’s Beanery, that is, if we can even get a seat since not many bars around here show games. They force people into the public places, crowd us in, encourage us to drink at 10a and then around 12.30p the cops stand by waiting to give a ticket to the dumb-ass who thought that it was ok to drink and drive on a Sunday – the holy day of Football. I don’t know about you but something sure does seem fishy about all this and maybe if I had a heart I’d cry about it. But alas, I’ll do something more productive with my day and wait until tonight when, I hope, The Giants kick some Eagle butt.

Thanks for tuning in…Until next Sunday….CHEERS!!

Take this sinking boat and point it home we’ve still got time…

2007-09-23T10:29:00.000-07:00

I’m not sure this week whether I’m talking about the film, Once, from whence today’s title song, “Falling Slowly” came or whether I’m talking about the soundtrack, so you’ll forgive me if this blog doesn’t make sense this week. You see, it’s very hard to discern one from the other since the music in the film is so much a part of the dialogue of the characters as well as echoing the feel of the city of Dublin, Ireland where Once takes place. You can’t talk about one without the other, or at least I can’t. Perhaps this is what makes it one of the more incredibly entwined soundtracks I’ve ever ‘seen’, quite literally.

If someone had told me this film was classified as a musical I would have scoffed and said – ‘no way am I going to see a musical – I hate musicals…’. However, a few months ago as I was listening to XM Radio on my TV, I heard “Falling Slowly”. My first thought, as I listened to the cadence of Glen Hansard’s singing and the way the song was written/produced was that it was a new track from Damien Rice. After I listened more closely I realized, no this is something new, deeply gripping, and pretty amazing. As the song drew to a close I hit the ‘info’ button and it showed that it was Glen Hansard (of the Irish band the Frames) and Marketa Irglova from the soundtrack to Once. WHO? WHAT? WOW! As I kept hearing the song played on XM Radio I enjoyed it more and more but then life took me away and it wasn’t until they sang on David Letterman on 10 Sept that I decided I had to see the film.

Abby being the music lover she is immediately after seeing them on Letterman downloaded the soundtrack off of itunes. Thankfully, with a guest in town last weekend, I didn’t have time to listen to it but once (forgive the pun). Odd you might think that I could be so in love with a song and not listen to it a ton of times but I really was busy and I’m glad for that.

Yesterday, Saturday, was the perfect day. It rained cats and dogs, the sun would shine, then it would rain again. As Abby and I ran around the city doing errands and getting caught in the rain our treat was going to be walking up to the local indy film theatre (Leammle’s Sunset 5) to see Once. You couldn’t ask for a better time to see this film. It was chilly, moody and the city, for as much as it can, had a romantic air about it. We settled into our seats and prepared ourselves to really like the film. We were wrong though, we ended up both really loving it.

I don’t want to give anything away. This film is too perfect to want to ruin it by talking about scenes in the film that were moving or particularly touching. I will say that Glen Hansard is the very handsome and talented love child of Cat Stevens/Yusuf and Damien Rice. This is evident in the first frames of the film where we see him on a sidewalk in the middle of the afternoon strumming his very old beaten up Takemine and singing the songs he thinks a passerby wants to hear – namely Van Morrison. We find out later that as night falls he sings and plays the songs his soul wants to play – the songs he wrote that give him life and give his broken heart a place to rest.

Guy meets Girl and you have a film that is hard to describe, easier to feel. He is the older love - weary guy living in his childhood bedroom, she’s a young immigrant and talented songwriter who doesn’t know it yet. It’s not a love story, that would be too easy, and love is never easy as is evident as the film unfolds. It’s not a musical, but the songs are part of a subtext of dialogue that have their own life and breathe in this film (the songs were written by both Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova – writing partners and a real life couple who recorded the 2006 album Swell Season). We all have our stories, our paths and our history that we carry with us wherever we go and with whomever we meet. Basically, Guy meets Girl and the rest is an amazing film.

Maybe it was the rain, the fluffy, intensely grey clouds and the unusually awesome 65 degree New England Fall - like feel of a city that is normally 95 degrees and terribly ugly in September. Maybe after hearing one song I knew I would love this film. I don’t know – but I do know that all these factors made me feel as if I was in a dreary, chilly, intensely grey clouded Dublin – a fly on the wall of these people’s lives that I got to witness and feel as much as they did.

Which came first? The script or the songs? I don’t know and I can’t figure it out from my research. No matter. Because no matter what for as much as I want you to go buy the soundtrack I think I want you to see the film first. Allow yourself to hear these songs as they are in the film. Allow yourself to feel the songs as you hear the intertwined dialogues of the characters speaking and the characters singing. I think this is the best way to understand both and fully understand whatever your heart feels as you watch these fine pieces of work unfold, hand in hand.

Like me, you may find yourself unsure of whom you relate to most – the young Czech girl with the weight of the world on her shoulders or the thirty-something year old struggling artist. It’s been fifteen hours since I walked out of the theatre and I still don’t know. All I know is I’m still haunted by this film and these characters. As the sun shines brightly this morning in Los Angeles, I still feel like I’m in Dublin, falling slowly.

Thanks for tuning in…Until next Sunday…CHEERS!!!

And I know where you live, and I know who you are, don’t get too close and don’t go too far…

2007-09-16T10:42:00.001-07:00

You will forgive me for talking about Shawn Colvin again this week. I know, I know, I mentioned her last week after my trip to Santa Barbara where I bought her latest CD, These Four Walls. While I had a listen to it on the way back to LA it was only a passing listen in a noisy top up convertible going 80 miles an hour – hardly the time to really HEAR the music – but just enough to know I would enjoy a real sit-down with it. Boy did I ever.

I’m a little obsessed right now. It started Wednesday morning when I hopped in Abby’s VW Cabrio, Hamish, to avoid having to park my 12 year old Cherokee in a neighbourhood behind work that has street cleaning. A small car means I might be able to fit into the last available all day space and avoid another ticket. While driving my car, The Big Red Onion (named after my favourite bar, and former brothel, in Alaska) I listen to my old shuffle since my changer is way in the back and hard to access when parked in my garage. Since I was driving her car I thought I would take advantage of the easy to access in dash CD player. I pulled a couple of CD’s to listen to that would get me through my 25 minute each way commute – one was These Four Walls.

I had every intention of listening to another CD, I swear I did, but it never happened. For 3 days straight all I wanted to hear was Shawn’s voice. This might be one of her best pieces of work ever. I think her having a kid, not writing for three years and the general process of getting older really shaped the sounds and phrases of this CD; it’s a journey she takes you on down a river of time that far outreaches four walls.

Her narrative consists of truthfulness, honesty, admissions of childhood abuse, and tomboy toughness as evidenced in the song “Tuff Kid”. She writes “my momma had me, but she didn’t get me, I guess I broke her at the age of 5, my Daddy hit me, but he couldn’t quit me, we showed each other how to feel alive…” She takes the good with the bad and clearly knows how to forgive and love those around her – and write a damn good song while she’s at it.

In “Summer Dress” we hear the fond reminiscence of a young girl setting out on her own to face the world leaving the comforts of Carbondale, Illinois to follow her dreams. “I put on my finest Summer Dress, so light and thin it was my best, I brushed my hair I held my breath I went out to face the wilderness, I went out to face the wilderness. The men in hats the boys on bikes, the perfect girls, the baby dykes, the superstars the blighted ones, I went out to face them one by one, I went out to face them one by one. Goodbye MaryAnne, as you turn to watch me, don’t cry MaryAnne, and don’t try to stop me…” Yes, on paper, this could remind you of Nanci Griffith’s “There’s a Light Beyond These Woods (Mary Margaret)” but in reality I think at some point in all of our writing processes we write a song like this. If we haven’t – we should.

I could go on and on singing the praises of this fine CD and believe me when I tell you it’s hard to stop writing about it. From the first song, today’s title tune, “Fill Me Up” to the very last desert like special – her cover of the Bee Gees “Words” (it is as if we have been treated to a surprise live performance - using just guitar and voice in it’s simplicity is quite simply brilliant and adds some credence to what I once thought of as a cheesy song) you wont be disappointed. You may even become obsessed, wanting more – like a movie you don’t want to end. At the very least you will be glad you spent your hard earned cash. www.shawncolvin.com or www.myspace.com/shawncolvinmusic

I have an old friend in town, Laura, we’ve been friends forever like Shawn and MaryAnne and I’m going to get going here. Yesterday I took her to Santa Barbara so she could touch the Pacific Ocean for the first time – today we’re staying closer to home and heading out to Santa Monica…..but it’s time to hang with her so I’m taking off…y’all have a great week!!!

Thanks for tuning in…Until next Sunday….CHEERS!!!

MAKING MEMORIES OF US

2007-09-09T12:05:00.000-07:00

I’m gonna be here for you baby,
I’ll be a man of my word,
Speak the language in a voice you have never heard

I wanna sleep with you forever,
And I wanna die in your arms
In a cabin by a meadow where the wild bees swarm

And I’m gonna love you
Like nobody loves you
And I’ll earn your trust making
Memories of Us

I wanna honor your Mother
I wanna learn from your Pa
I wanna steal your attention like a bad outlaw

I wanna stand out in a crowd for you
A man among men
I wanna make your world better than it’s ever been

And I’m gonna love you
Like nobody loves you
And I’ll earn your trust making
Memories of Us

We’ll follow the rainbow
Wherever the four winds blow
And there’ll be a new day
Comin’ your way
I’m gonna be here for you from now on
This you know somehow
You’ve been stretched to the limits but it’s allright now

And I’m gonna make you a promise
If there’s life after this
I’m gonna be there to meet you with a warm wet kiss

And I’m gonna love you
Like nobody loves you
And I’ll earn your trust making
Memories of Us

Written by Rodney Crowell

This song, “Memories Of Us” from Keith Urban’s 2004 release, Be Here, is I think one of the most romantic songs written in the last few years. While I don’t consider myself a country music fan, I do, on occasion find my ear latching on to a tune or two and feeling touched by the message or the melody. I think mostly it’s Keith Urban. His mix of rock/pop infused country music of late is what keeps me listening.

Yesterday Abby and I took a little birthday road trip up to Santa Barbara. No, it’s wasn’t to go to Oprah’s shindig for Barak Obama. Maybe if it had been for Hillary Clinton or John Edwards I would have wanted to go. This was a way to celebrate my birthday that fell on Thursday in a way that was fun and allowed us time to spare (yes, Thursday morning/night was awesome, but I did have to work in between). It was a ton of fun, not crowded and we did our usual lunch/dinner, shopping, beach/jetty walking and even managed to walk by a wedding in progress while listening to a High School football game over a loud speaker which was kind of cool and odd at the same time.

One of the coolest things about Santa Barbara besides easy access to kayak rentals, tasty seafood, and Santa Barbara Outfitters is Morning Glory Music right on State Street. I can’t walk around that town without stopping and loading up on used CD’s. In addition to new normal priced CD’s they always have cool stuff on sale – some CD’s go as low as $1.99. It’s easy to spend a ton of money there though I did resist spending too much.

While I did my usual ‘pick up a bunch of CD’s and then wander around contemplating whether I ‘need’ them or not’, or whether I’ve heard too much of something to want to own it at this point I did manage to spend under $23.00. It was my attempt at fiscal prudence that saved me from purchasing everything I laid my hands on. It was hard, but I managed to walk out of there with only three carefully chosen CD’s.

The first CD I practically ran into the store hoping they would have used and to pick up was Shawn Colvin’s latest, These Four Walls. The CD was everything I hoped it would be and more. She (and co-writer John Levanthal, Rosanne Cash’s hubby) is a songwriting goddess, she’s beautiful and she’s one of the nicest people I’ve ever met (see my entry from 23 Oct. 2006 entitled “Do You Believe in a Lover or just the curve of the word?” for more on that). While it was not as cheap as other CD’s I could have bought, at $9.99 it was better than downloading it from itunes. You see, I love reading liner notes – they enhance the experience for me - you just don’t get that when you hit a button and the music appears effortlessly.

The second CD, Keith Urban’s above-mentioned Be Here, was a no brainer because of “Making Memories of Us”. This would be the song I would play if Abby and I were playing our ‘why I bought this CD’ listening game which we play every time we buy new stuff. Last night, however – we just popped in the CD and kept listening on the hour and a half drive home – playfully pointing out the songs, but it’s not the same as sitting on the living room floor in front of the CD player. While not all of the Cd is my flavour – it does get a little too country for me at times – I’m certainly glad I bought it.

The third CD was, speaking of country, Vince Gill’s Let’s Make Sure We Kiss Goodbye. Why? Because it was $1.99 and why the hell not?

Overall it was a great, fun day. Unlike last weekend where it was too hot to move/think or write my blog, this weekend we are at a very tolerable and fan-only temp which is how I like it. I actually woke up chilled this morning. But that’s cool with me – and it’s how I like it.

On another note – RIP Pavarotti – you were a force to be reckoned with and truly once in a lifetime talent. I will miss you. No doubt you were greeted by many of my late family members when you reached those pearly gates of heaven.

Thanks for tuning in…Until next Sunday…CHEERS!!! Now it’s time to really watch my New England Patriots….HAPPY FIRST SUNDAY OF FOOTBALL SEASON, ALL…

After all the foolish things you put me through I can always make a start of something new and I’ll always be a man who’s open to Persuasion….

2007-08-26T11:23:00.000-07:00

duet |d(y)oōˈet| |d(j)uˌɛt| |djuːˌɛt|
noun - a performance by two people, esp. singers, instrumentalists, or dancers.
• a musical composition for two performers.
verb ( duetted |d(j)uˌɛdəd|, duetting |d(j)uˌɛdɪŋ|)
[ intrans. ] perform a duet.
DERIVATIVES
duettist |d(j)uˌɛtəst| noun
ORIGIN mid 18th cent.: from Italian duetto, diminutive of duo ‘duet,’ from Latin duo ‘two.’

I was thinking the other day of all the people who have sung duets together over the years. I’ve always thought that the right pairing of voices can elevate a song to another, higher level. It can be down right heavenly when the energy of the two people, the music and the words all come together. Like a fine plate of true southern biscuits and gravy there can be nothing better.

This week I thought it would be fun to share with you all my list of top 21 duets of all time. In addition, for good measure, I came up with a top 10 wish list; the duets I would produce if I were a famous producer and could have anyone I wanted for a week. Here you go (in some kind of order starting with my all time favourite):

1) Richard and Teddy Thompson: “Persuasion”
1A) Placido Domingo and John Denver: "Perhaps Love"
2) Shawn Colvin and Mary Chapin Carpenter: “One Cool Remove”
3) Jules Shear and Paula Cole: “The Last in Love”
4) Jane Siberry and kd lang: “Calling All Angels”
5) Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush: “Don’t Give Up”
6) Nanci Griffith and Tanita Tikaram: “It’s Too Late”
7) Sonny and Cher: “I Got You Babe”
8) Vince Gill and Sheryl Crow: “What You Give Away”
9) Melissa Etheridge and Joan Osborne: “Bring Me Some Water”
10) Don Henley and Stevie Nicks: “Leather and Lace”
11) Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris: “If This Is Goodbye”
12) Mary Chapin Carpenter and Joe Diffie: “Not Too Much To Ask”
13) Huey Lewis and Gwyneth Paltrow: “Cruisin’”
14) James Taylor and Carly Simon: “Mockingbird”
15) Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina: “House At Pooh Corner”
16) Roseanne and Johnny Cash: “September When It Comes”
17) Dido and Eminem: “Stan”
18) The Corrs and Bono: “When The Stars Go Blue”
19) Carol King and Louise Goffin: “Where You Lead (I Will Follow)”
20) Bon Jovi and Jennifer Nettles: “Who Says You Can’t Go Home”

Abby’s Honourable Mention:
Alison Krauss and Brad Paisley: “Whiskey Lullaby”

My “if I were a famous producer” wish list:
1) Elvis Costello and Sarah Mclachlan: “Tramp The Dirt Down”
2) Suzanne Vega and Mat Kearney: “The Queen and The Soldier”
3) Lucinda Williams and Mary Chapin Carpenter: “Passionate Kisses”
4) David Gates and Deborah Harry: “Goodbye Girl”
5) Colin Hay and Aimee Mann: “Beautiful World”
6) David Mead and Dave Matthews: “Indiana”
7) Peter Himmelman and Amy Ray: “Shilo”
8) Luka Bloom and Kate Bush: “I Need Love”
9) Jackie Green and KT Tunstall: “Marigold”
10) Michael Stipe and Regina Spektor: “Everybody Hurts”

Abby’s Honourable Mention:
Joni Mitchell and Alexi Murdoch: “Shadows and Light”

I hope you enjoyed this list, I realize that Mary Chapin Carpenter comes up a lot and to be honest, I’m not sure why – maybe because she’s pretty amazing no matter what she sings or who she sings it with.

It was a really great week; my last week of free time. I watched as much baseball as was on – I ran my errands and spent too much money. I took myself out to lunch nearly every day. I went to the gym, went running in the cooler mornings and generally enjoyed my time.

Tomorrow begins a new phase. A new job. A new sense of purpose. I am one of those people who gets more done when I’m busy. I write more when I have less time on my hands and I play more; I feel more creative because more parts of my brain are being used and after feeling a bit NUMB lately I need the stimulation.

While it might be odd at first being the only chick in the office I think it will be cool. I like my boss and I like that they love my diverse background. I think it will be a great fit and I’m so excited to get in with a new company. You have more of a chance of making a difference when you are aren’t fighting people who have been somewhere too long as was the case when I worked at the studio. These guys are young, creative and really love their work. So will I.

Thanks for tuning in…Until next Sunday….CHEERS!!!

Something’s Gotta Blow when you work so hard and the sweat pours down on you….

2007-08-20T11:04:00.001-07:00

I’ll be honest, I’m not a fan of the Blues. I mean to say that while I’ll listen and I understand the historical musical relevance in the same way I understand Rap, I don’t choose to play the Blues or beyond Eric Clapton give too much time to listening to it. When I heard that Joan Armatrading was putting out a Blues record, aptly entitled Into the Blues, I was curious, and excited. This woman could slurp her soup and I’d clap. Ever since High School, thanks to Lauren Marano and Rachel Murdy who turned me on to her, I’ve been a fan. However, despite this, I wasn’t so sure I’d like this CD.

She’s been around since the early 70’s and this, her 18th album, is her first CD of new material since her 2003 release, Lovers Speak. Some of the songs on it, like “A Woman in Love” are not as bluesy as one would expect but are rather truer to her sense of jazz/pop influenced singing and songwriting. The same is true of the exciting tune “Something’s Gotta Blow”- it has a lot of energy, a lot of power and is very jazzy/rock-like. It even has some cool overlaying of her voice that is really kind of trippy and overall it’s a very catchy song. I really dig this tune! I think it’s my favourite on this whole CD.

Other songs, like the title track “Into the Blues”, “Empty Highway” and “Allright” are true to the form of Blues. Heavy on the guitar licks, slower moving, kind of sad and thoughtful. It’s easy to envision a smoke filled room, lots of old Gibson guitars being played, and an old stand-up piano for good measure. Don’t forget the whiskey.

According to Wikipedia Ms. Armatrading says this is "the CD I’ve been promising myself to write for a long time". I think she has served herself, and her fans well. There is something on this album for everyone – true Blues fans will appreciate it, and her loyal fans will groove on it as well. No matter what she does she is the one and only Joan Armatrading: singer/songwriter, jazz influenced, rock and roll pop/folk artist. However she does it it all comes together and it sounds amazing! www.joanarmatrading.com and www.myspace.com/joanarmatrading

I’m not really sure what to talk about this week. It was one of those weeks that started off like any other. Unemployed, blue, trying to stay out of the sweltering 95 degree heat and contemplating how I would move back east if I didn’t find a job very soon. I had two job interviews – the first job I didn’t really want was at a recording studio (no money and well, I’m significantly overqualified). The other job I ended up wanting.

I went into my second interview as usual a little apprehensive. I had done my research and this advertising agency seemed like a very buttoned up kind of place. Not my style but I’ll go anyway (after working at the studio I don’t ever want to have to wear nice clothes to work unless for a special occasion). It goes to show you that websites can be deceiving. This place was funky, creative, the owner was wearing shorts and a t-shirt and I thought – Wow. VERY COOL!!! I really liked the place. This was Wednesday. I got offered the job Thursday. I took it. Life is good.

After a near –perfect weekend (the only thing that would have made it perfect would have been a rain storm and 70 degree weather) I’m spending this week hanging out and enjoying my last few days of freedom. There are baseball games to be watched, errands to run and money to spend now that I’ll have more of it at my disposal. Don’t worry – not too much – just some things I haven’t allowed myself to buy lately.

As I sit here sweating while typing I’m reminded of the fact that I didn’t move here for the weather. This is not my idea of fun. I don’t like the sun very much, I don’t like the heat because it forces me to stay inside and I don’t like bathing in sunblock when I need to go outside. But such is life and I’m glad to be alive, so I’ll deal while the sweat pours out of me and enjoy my time. I’m lucky to be where I am, to have what I have and I’m grateful for my time.

What does this mean for this blog? The blog I started because I had a lot of time on my hands and needed a creative outlet outside of music? It means I’ll likely post on Sunday’s. It may mean shorter posts, but hopefully it means more interesting stories as I navigate new waters in my life. Yeah – I’ll still try and push NUMB on the world but a girl’s gotta make a living (and pay off NUMB)!

Thanks for tuning until...Until next Sunday?...CHEERS!!!

I’ve got nothing to say but it’s OK, Good Morning, Good Morning….

2007-08-13T11:41:00.000-07:00

As a musician, writer, and Beatles fan I would be remiss if I did not, in this forum, mention the 40th anniversary of the release (1 June 1967) of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Of the album John Lennon once said: “[Sgt. Pepper] is one of the most important steps in our career. It had to be just right. We tried, and I think we succeeded in achieving what we set out to do. If we hadn’t, then it wouldn’t be out now.” (“The Beatles Anthology” [page 252] Copyright  Apple Corps Ltd. 2000)

I was not alive when this historical album was released. In fact, it wasn’t until I was 6 or 7 years old when we were living in Charlotte, North Carolina that, thanks to a neighbour who had his hands on copies of ‘The Blue and Red’ albums that I became conscious, or rather, mildly obsessed with The Beatles. Before too long tennis rackets became guitars, and we all jumped around on a waterbed pretending to be the band while listening to the albums. I played Paul, my friend played John and whomever we could find in the neighbourhood played George and Ringo. It was a very cool time, and being so young I had no idea who these guys really were I only knew that l loved what I heard. Only later on as I got older and I discovered the rest of their catalogue did I fully comprehend the magnitude of their influence – not only on my life as a musician but also on the world of music at large.

I am at a loss for words as to how to describe ‘Sgt. Pepper’ suffice it to say that it is probably one of the most amazing and complete albums ever produced. EVER. I don’t just say that as a Beatles fan I say that as a lover of music of many kinds and a lover of words. “Good Morning Good Morning” is probably my favourite tune of the whole collection with “Getting Better” and “She’s Leaving Home” coming in very close seconds. It is a masterpiece, every last breathe of it, every sound effect, every drumbeat.

Sometimes I’ve found that I have had the most fun in my life when I’ve woken up in the morning and had no plans for the rest of the day. Some days something comes up that you never imagined you would want to do but find yourself glad that you were available to do it. Life is funny that way and it’s cool when we can just, as Anne Morrow Lindbergh wrote, ‘lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach…’(from “Gift from the Sea” 1955). This is how my Saturday began.

Four sips into my morning ice coffee (cream, no sugar) I got a text message from my neighbour Holly asking if I was awake – I replied ‘barely, y?’. She wrote me that she had two tickets to The Hollywood Bowl show “Sgt. Pepper at 40” that night that she was too busy to attend and would I want to go in her place? Sure! Why not? I’ve got no other plans and it could be a lot of fun.

I have to admit that I’m a bit of a purist in my approach to people covering The Beatles. Basically, they shouldn’t. To me it is sacrilegious to even dare attempt to interpret or recreate their songs. Sure, do it in your living room, or your bedroom when no one is around. I see the point in that as it is how, at age 12, I taught myself how to play guitar, but some random cover song…nah – not for me; hence my reluctance to get tickets to see the show when it was first advertised. Somehow the last minute idea of how to spend a Saturday night in Los Angeles, the free tickets and the experience of hearing Joan Osborne, Aimee Mann, Ian Ball (from Gomez) and Cheap Trick playing these songs along with Edwin Outwater conducting The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra was too much to pass up. I’m glad I didn’t.

Short of having Paul or Ringo on stage this was a very cool night of music! While the first half of the show consisted of the guest artists choice of other Beatles songs (Joan Osborne singing “Lady Madonna” was truly amazing while Aimee Mann and Rob Laufer playing “Blackbird” was nearly heavenly) - the second half was a recreation of the album in order, in it’s entirety, and right down to the last sitar. Not only was the engineer, Geoffrey Emerick, who worked on ‘Sgt. Pepper’ the engineer for the night, but all was performed and mixed as it was on the album - right down to the last sound effect and vocal arrangement and it was done LIVE!!! YES. LIVE!!! Something that had never been done before. As I listen to the CD while I write this I can hear how accurate and true to the original recording that night was.

Perhaps for me the most exciting moments were when I would peak over the heads of the many in front of me in order to catch a glimpse of Geoffrey Emerick working his magic. Oh to have been a fly in that sound booth. Oh to have been a fly on stage. Oh. I’m so lucky I was able to go and be a part of the sold out audience.

Performance - wise there was none more perfect a moment than Joan Osborne – in her own right an incredible musician, songwriter, and performer (I saw her live with Abby and my friend Jodi at The Roxy in July of 2005 – she kicked ass) – who, whilst singing “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” in this incredibly sexy and bluesy voice had her long, curly blonde hair tousled and played with by the breeze that was flowing through the Bowl. There was something ethereal about that moment, something otherworldly and something so perfect about the timing that I got shivers. A beautiful moment that made me grateful that I had woken up that morning ‘empty, open and choiceless’.

As for whether my views on covering The Beatles have changed, I’d say yes – to a point. Cheap Trick playing their music (or any recreation of Saturday night) – I’d see again; Aimee Mann, Joan Osborne, in a heartbeat. Alicia Keys, Regina Spektor, Jamie Cullum or Lily Allen – sure. Justin Timberlake, Rihanna or anyone from “High School Musical” – not on your life! I guess it all depends on who is doing the singing. But no matter what Saturday night was a cooooool night and it was pretty amazing witnessing a small part of history!

A note about last week’s entry: If you are interested in seeing some pictures from the trip I have posted them on my myspace page www.myspace.com/laraschuler. Also, not to point out the obvious but the song I wrote on my latest release, NUMB, entitled “Jackson Hole” is indeed a love song that tells my parents story and can be sampled on itunes.

Thanks for tuning in…Until next Monday….CHEERS!!

And I was watching you from above long after life there is love…

2007-08-06T12:09:00.001-07:00

Headlights on a Texas Road
Hank Williams on the radio
a church wedding, they spent all they had
now the deal is done to become mom and dad

And I was watching you
from above
long after life
there is love

See those little girls dressed like china dolls
all for one, then one by one they fall
high on a hill where the world passes by
you never came back but I know you tried

Cause I was watching you
from above
when it all falls apart
there is love

All these years to prove how much I care
I didn’t know it, but you were always there
until September when you slipped away
in the middle of my life
on the longest day
now I hear you say

I’ll be watching you
from above
cause long after life
there is love…
Baby, I’ll be watching you
from above
‘cause long after life
there is love.

There is nothing I could possibly say about this Rosanne Cash song - “I Was Watching You” from her latest release Black Cadillac - other than that it is one of the most perfect songs I’ve ever heard and it may have saved my life last week. www.rosannecash.com

24 July I hopped on a plane to Calgary where Abby was picking me up after driving to Minneapolis to see a childhood friend. Our trip was somewhat last minute in the grand scheme of things. She called me while I was in Connecticut in June and asked if I’d be up for a Western road and camping trip that would encompass god knows where but I needed to get a flight to somewhere north of Yellowstone National Park. Cool, I said – but if we’re going out that way can we hit Jackson Hole, Wyoming so I can finally see where my parents got married and the place that was the inspiration for a song on NUMB? Yeah, we’ll make it work, she said. Fine. Done – I’ll book a flight as soon as I get back to Los Angeles.

On that fine Tuesday evening two weeks ago Abby, after traveling for a week on her own, picked me up in Calgary and after a brief stopover for dinner in a grocery store parking lot, we headed up to Banff. I was so excited I couldn’t contain myself. Finally, Banff – a childhood dream realized. It did not disappoint as we pulled up to the gate an hour later and then half an hour later or so found our camping site. It was truly amazing and while we set up camp I think we were both pinching ourselves thinking – we’re finally here amongst these very tall trees, this beautiful sky and darkness that doesn’t come until after 10.30p! WOW!!!

The next day we packed up and headed north to Lake Louise (a glacial lake within Banff) – we drove the long way after an amazing breakfast at a Chalet and took in the glacial rivers, tall trees and winding roads with the VW Cabrio’s top down (aptly named Hamish by me and my ‘sister’ Suzanne on a road trip to Santa Barbara when she visited from Scotland last summer). After a hike around the lake and many attempts on my part to keep my feet in the lake for more than 10 seconds we grabbed some ice cream and around 2.30p headed south on Route 2 out of Alberta and into the States.

Our goal was to get to Glacier National Park, which is partly in Alberta and mostly in Montana. We wanted to enter in Montana because Abby has a National Park Pass that we weren’t sure would be accepted at the Canadian entrance (and at $44 a night to camp in Canada we were wanting to save some cash). We arrived shortly after 9p only to be told that the campgrounds were full at this, the eastern side of the park, and that the nearest site within the park was a mere 50 miles west, through the mountains, more glacial runoff and narrow, narrow roads. If we’re lucky, we were told, it should only take about 2 hours. Ok – lets go for it…the sun was beginning to set, and we would want to drive through the park anyway at some point so why not, as a deeply existentialist soul, have a reason to do it? We’ll simply get up and head back east in the morning, see the part of the park we missed in the dark and set up camp closer to the road that would take us to Yellowstone Park (Route 89 if you want to map it) and have the rest of the day to see another part of the park.

At 11p we set up camp for the night – after a shot of Vodka Surprise (a vodka and juice mix started when we went camping on Catalina Island over four years ago that we have never let run out and have added to for every trip we’ve taken) which had been cooled by me standing under glacial runoff holding the cooler while Abby and billy goat laughed, we settled in for the night surrounded by RV’s and more tall trees.

The next morning, Thursday, after the 50 mile ride east we got to another campground by 11a – we were told to get there early to secure a spot - even with some construction traffic to rebuild the main road within the park we arrived early enough to get a site. We set up camp and then got back in the car to go up to Twin Glaciers a part of park that was about 20 miles away, and worth the drive.

We stopped at a little store – did a little shopping and then headed to a lakeside chalet that promised boat rentals by the hour and if we were brave – we could swim anywhere we wanted to dock the boat on the lake that, yes, was fed by glacial runoff - my favourite term of this piece. After 2 ½ days of traveling, some very hot weather, and some lonely stretches of highway we were both ready for a swim. We hopped in a row boat – I paddled my heart out as if I was a kid again escorting my family around Griers Ferry Lake in Arkansas where my grandparents had a lake house, and we found a quiet little spot, took off our clothes to our skivvies and jumped in. EXHILERATING!!!!!!!!

That night we built a fire, had some vittles, and we were joined by some neighbouring campers from Michigan who were traveling around the west with their Vespa’s heading to/from a conference all the while kayaking and seeing some of their favourite National Parks. It was cool talking to other people, getting advice and being reminded of that time in life when car camping felt like more of a community and less of a nod of acknowledgement (I later realized that this was more about camping in California, and not about how ‘times have changed’).

Friday morning it was time to pack up and head to Yellowstone Park where we had reservations for 2 nights at Bridge Bay Campground. We knew it would be a long day anywhere from five to seven hours in the car down route 89. Having never been to Montana I was excited to take this drive. Yes – we avoided the fires that have now set that part of the world ablaze. We were lucky, that’s for sure.

Around 5p we got to the main gate of Yellowstone. WOW! I was so excited and despite the 100 degree heat jumped out and took a ton of pictures of the gate and the surrounding town. We had a ways to go before getting to the campground but it was so cool driving through the park, encountering bison, and generally just being in Yellowstone.

All in all we spent two days there, we saw Old Faithful, walked within feet of a bison that was near our camp site and Saturday evening took a swim in Yellowstone Lake – the highest altitude lake in the world. That was amazing, I have to say, and while everyone advised us it would be too cold (we’re from New England - have you ever swam off the coast of Maine? I replied) after four and half days without a shower and only one swim we needed a bath. It was a little chilly – but it was also one of the most incredibly beautiful swims I’ve ever taken. I highly recommend that if you ever get to Yellowstone you take a dip in the lake.

That night we sat under that stars, built a fire, cooked some food and drank some local beer. It was our mission on this trip to taste as many different kinds of local brews as can be consumed by two small girls who aren’t capable of drinking more than a couple in a night. YUM!! Everything we tasted was well worth the time we spent seeking it out and buying ice for the very small cooler we had packed. Word of advice : anything you buy that comes from Montana, or Wyoming will be tasty; there’s something in that glacial water that makes a fine brew.

Sunday the 29th it was time to pack up and continue down Route 89 and essentially start the drive home, but not without driving through the Grand Tetons and stopping in Jackson Hole. As we drove into town we pulled around a corner and found a parking spot in front of The Wort Hotel. I turned to Abby and said “wouldn’t it be cool if this was the building my parents got married in? But I’m sure it isn’t because I think there were married at Town Hall”.

We got out – basically ran to the famous antlers where my dad proposed to my mother, and I called him. Without saying a word he knew where we were despite not having spoken to him in days because of non existent cell phone coverage. I think I started to cry while we were on the phone and he told me how he proposed and how three days later they were married at The Wort Hotel. Yes - the very same place that we pulled up in front of to park. I had no idea. I’m guessing someone was guiding my way to that street and that place and was glad I was there.

After walking around town and debating about whether to camp in the heat for another night or treat ourselves to a hotel, we found a great little place called The Sundance Inn, around the corner from The Wort (they were booked or we would have stayed there). After grabbing our stuff and carrying it up this old, narrow spiral staircase we settled into a nice little suite with a patio that overlooked the mountain that my parents woke up seeing every day that summer of 1963.

We had ourselves a great night, I cried more tears and pictured my mother – the woman my dad said was the most beautiful woman in all of Wyoming - she looked like Natalie Wood so I’m guessing he was right – walking around and beginning her life with my father. Another life long dream fulfilled. Though I never found the cabin they lived in at the base of the mountain (most likely replaced by a bigger house) I did walk those streets, and I did feel my mother’s presence. Thankfully much of the town is how they left it as was evidenced by the clearly older buildings and houses that still stand.

Monday around Noon it was time to head out and start the sojourn back to Los Angeles. By this time we were both ready to get back and I think for both of us, the trip was ‘over’ when we left Jackson Hole. The rest of the trip would be utilitarian driving and occasional stopping to fill our bellies and stretch our legs. One more night and we’d be home in time for dinner.

After Monday night in ‘Deliverence, Nevada’ we got up early and hit the road. Great! We’ll be back by around 4.30 at this pace and we’ll have the evening to chill out before life goes back to normal reality.

Hmmm….not so fast. It was around 12.30p – we had just driven through Idaho, more miles of mountainous deserted highway where the ‘nearest gas’ is 140 miles away – and we had to stop for construction a mere 4 or 5 miles from the California border. Ok – not so bad, a minor delay and even though it’s over 100 degrees out here in god’s country we’re still closer to home – only 280 miles to go. Just after we stopped, Rosanne Cash’s song “I Was Watching You” came on my ipod on random play. The song has always made me think of my mother, of course, so I naturally weeped a tear or two than had a sinking feeling. Oh my god, something’s going to go wrong, I thought, I panicked, I imagined the worst and on this our last day of travel we might not make it home. After a few moments I calmed down and started to breathe again. Whatever happens, the song says, I’ll be watching you. I knew then we would be ok.

Half an hour later we were allowed to pass behind a convoy truck that led us through the construction site. We were on a hill, I went to step on the brakes to slow down and they weren’t entirely there. Holy shit! What now? We’re 70 miles from the nearest town, we don’t have any brake fluid, if that’s even the problem, and how the hell are we going to make it that far? We did. In fact, after a 2 hour layover in Bishop, California and a diagnosis from a local mechanic (Hamish’s rear brake disc was cracked and was leaking fluid – they didn’t have the part) Abby took the wheel and guided us safely, if not gingerly, back home. We were OK. We were back in one piece and yes, clearly someone was watching over us.

Despite the headache of that last day it was an amazing trip. One day I want to get back to Jackson Hole for more than 24 hours, and I would love to spend more time in Banff and Glacier National Park. Every moment was priceless and worth the hours on the road with Hamish – the toughest little car on the highway.

Thanks for tuning in…Until next Monday….CHEERS!!

And so now we know it’s not enough to be in love…

2007-07-22T16:01:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I wrote about one of the little things I do to make less of an ecological impact on this world – a smaller footprint if you will. For the most part I don’t buy new CD’s, it’s rare for me these days. Yes – I can write them off so the cost is not the issue so much as it is encouraging the world to produce more plastic. But there are artists whose work I deem to be extremely worthy of holding the jacket card and reading the liner notes whilst every word is in my hands as the music trickles through my ears for the first time. Suzanne Vega is one of those amazing artists.

For so many reasons I am in love with her music, in fact, she inspired me to be a songwriter, she’s a HUGE influence of mine and I’ve never hidden that from anyone. I have even met her a number of times – the coolest, or most insane time was the first encounter. It was after a show at Princeton University, someone had found out where her dressing room was so, with a little help from some nearby fellows, I climbed up to her window to say hello (this was no small feat if you understand how old and high the window ledges of that school are). It was very cool – she was very nice and she got a big laugh out of it.

I biked up to Virgin Records this week – her latest release, Beauty and Crime, came out this past Tuesday. I couldn’t wait. Sure, I could have gotten an advanced copy through her web sight (of course I’m on her mailing list) and waited for it to be shipped – but I wanted instant gratification and to hold it in my hands as soon as the cash left them. Oh boy….is this shit good!!! To be honest, I haven’t loved everything she’s done over the years and I definitely have my favourite CD’s. I fear, or perhaps I rejoice, that this could be in my top 3.

If you’re expecting a folkie album I suggest you go get a Dar Williams CD. This is not a folkie collection of tunes. This is a woman in love with her city, in love with her new husband and paying tribute to her late brother, Tim, to whom this CD is dedicated. Like her other writings she is adept at people watching, city watching and noticing the small things in herself that most don’t.

On “Ludlow Street”, she bears her soul showing a woman in pain as she walks her brothers old block noticing how empty it now feels as his presence is noticeably absent. “Love is the only thing that matters, love is the only thing that’s real, and when I think of you now love is the only thing I feel, this time when I go back to Ludlow Street I find each stoop and doorway’s incomplete without you there…” I can picture her walking in mourning trying to feel him one last time. I know – I’ve done it. Every time I go home to Connecticut or North Carolina I have tried to embrace the air hoping to catch my mother walking by. So yes, love is the only thing that matters and love lives on long after those we love have left the earth.

On another song, such as the above lyric/title for this week’s blog, “Frank & Ava”, we witness one of Suzanne Vega’s greatest traits. Her ability to write about other people and capture their essence is truly a gift (have yourself another listen to “Marlena On The Wall”). I feel like know Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner in a way I never have before hearing this song. Her inspiration came from something Ava Gardner said about how she and Frank fought – never in bed – but on the way to the bidet. It shows you that the genesis of a song can be something as simple as a first person account or something deeper as is her forte. You never know what this lady is going to say in her music. On this outing she also writes about Edith Wharton, Ruby, her daughter with Mitchell Froom, and if you want to hear one of the greatest love songs about New York City check out “New York Is A Woman”.

Overall this work harkens back to her first CD, Suzanne Vega, only instead of being a neo-folk collection this one is rife with some serious guitar and synthesizer licks. It’s more of a pop album – only of course deeper than your average lot of tunes that’s out there these days. With background vocals from KT Tunstall (one of the coolest new chicks in music) and her daughter Ruby – Producer Jimmy Hogarth took Suzanne’s music to another level. A very cool level. Die hard fans will love it for the depth and new fans will love it for the catchy melodies and pop production values. Ok – enough gushing – just go check it out!!! www.suzannevega.com
www.myspace.com/suzannevega or hit itunes!

As I’ve mentioned before I don’t drive much in this city. There are several reasons for this: a) everything I need is either walking or biking distance (though it could be argued that everything is biking distance if you are so inclined), b) in the last five years or so this city has gotten so crowded that rush hour nearly lasts all day and c) a lot of drivers out there are real jerks and don’t let shit go.

I heard recently that Miami has the worst road rage of anywhere in the U.S., since I’ve never been there I cannot attest to the truth of that statement, but I can guess that L.A. is a close second. I was reminded of this the other day when I drove to Santa Monica to hang out and get a change of scenery. I was coming upon a construction site and this guy in a ginourmous (I can use that word now since it’s officially in the dictionary) pick-up truck with huge wheels cut me off – he nearly hit me – so I went around him - he proceeded to pull up to my passenger window the first chance he got and yelled “Hey – you’re not gonna let me in?” – I retorted that he had cut me off and I drove away. Fine. Maybe I was a jerk, maybe I was being a little New York with my driving and asserting my way – besides – don’t these idiots know about the zipper affect? Why should I let him in just because his truck is huge and his, well – you know is probably smaller than an ear bud? Whatever. I just want to get to the beach.

Ten minutes later – I’m not exaggerating - and more than a few miles down the road he made a point to find me and pull up next to me. He wasn’t asking for Grey Poupon – not that he even knows what that is – he pulled up to yell at me again. I have an “I love NY” sticker on the back – he noticed this and yelled ‘NY F***** sucks!! Why don’t you go back you….’. I ignored him. I drove off cursing myself for not having rolled up my window in the 85 degree heat all the while thinking he was probably going home to beat his wife and just couldn’t wait. F***** looser!!!

Ok, not a bad story, right? That’s not even the worst because at least this guy did let it go, eventually. The worst thing, and maybe the scariest form of road rage that just won’t quit was this time Abby and I were driving down the mountain from Big Bear on an icy February afternoon. This lady in some wimpy fake SUV was tail gaiting me. It was dangerous and there was nowhere for me to go – there were a ton of cars ahead of me and she was in some kind of rush. I tapped my brakes a few times and she wouldn’t back off. This went on for forty - five nail biting minutes down a very windy road. Even if I’d let her pass she wouldn’t have gotten very far and would have done the same to another driver – or worse.

When we got to the bottom of the mountain where it stretches out and becomes a two lane highway I thought finally the antics were over. I was wrong, she continued tail gaiting me even when there was ample room, and another lane for her to go around. I pulled off the highway to get away from her, but no, she followed us. Not wanting to stop or endanger anyone else I jumped back on the highway. After a few more miles of this never ending nonsense Abby pulled out a pen and paper and showed her that we were taking down her info and calling the police – Abby actually dialed 911– the lady got scared and drove off. She could have killed us or anyone else on the road that day with those kinds of antics.

I have never experienced anywhere else this kind of attitude that people have – you piss me off – I’m gonna chase you down for miles and make you scared. Back east road rage happens but it’s over and done with as quickly as it began. A finger flies, nasty words are mouthed and you move on. Out here you better hope they don’t have a gun. To the outside word California comes across as an easy going, laid back place – but it’s just a façade like most things out here. Tell me, where is the love?

This time next week I’ll be in a tent somewhere in Wyoming so I wont be updating the blog – but I shall return the following week. Hopefully you’ll use this time to catch up on my entries you haven’t read. ENJOY!!

Thanks for tuning in…Until next time….CHEERS!!!

I think I’m gonna be a little damaged, I think I’m gonna be a lot scared, here is more than I can manage, I need to find Another There…

2007-07-15T17:25:00.001-07:00

You’ll forgive me this week if I talk about my own CD, NUMB. My apologies, really, but you see I can’t seem to get a few of the songs from it out of my head, including the above-mentioned “Another There”. It’s a bit of a curse to me that I can’t shake these tunes I played Friday night at Loud Music Symposium. You see, I spent the last few weeks playing only three songs – practicing and practicing to get them right and sounding as perfect and natural as they can be.

You would think after seven months of recording “Another There”, “Now” and “Mice and Men” that I would know the words but I don’t. When I’m recording I am listening to so many other elements that the words escape me. Since I am mildly dyslexic and I easily confuse words and names of objects anyway it makes it harder for me to memorize sentences whether I wrote them or not. Obviously, performing live is a very different beast than recording so I have to do all kinds of things to make sure I know the words. This can include a trick my mother taught me when I was trying to learn my lines when I was acting in High School and College. She always told me to get into the character of the person I am singing about and the story I am telling – if I do that than the words will make more sense and hopefully come more easily. This little trick definitely helps.

The other trick I do, and thusly explains the mess in my brain today, is that I play the songs over and over again. Sometimes I play a song three or four times in a row before moving on to another one. I do this for at least one to two hours a day depending on how much time I have. Hence, irrespective of any other music I listen to this stuff is deeply imbedded and effluent within my brain – even in the middle of the night when I wake up these songs are present. Yes, I need help. Hopefully by next week I should have a different CD running through my brain – and a review will surely follow.

I must say though – I’m very proud of the work I did on NUMB – I’m pleased at how it turned out with the limited resources I had and the struggles that came about during the recording process; flakey people, people that would only play if they got paid, or those who simply were too busy to ask around on my behalf. I did everything I could to get others to play on the CD and in the end it was mostly me along with my co-producer Rebecca, and Dan my bass player. I was challenged, I stood up to it and I’m glad for it all. I hope you, my readers, will take the time to check out this work. Please go to www.myspace.com/laraschuler, or itunes and sample NUMB – hopefully you’ll like it as much as I do.

As for Loud Music Symposium it was a lot of fun! This, despite the blackout that occurred just minutes, yes, minutes, before the show was to start. What did we expect? It WAS Friday the 13th, afterall. The show was delayed all of an hour while the crew scurried to find performers to ask if they would still play if they could get a generator and make-shift sound system going, and then hustled to set everything up - two bands bailed, I’m not sure why, but I wasted no time in saying yes. Why not? I’d sat in traffic for over an hour then jumped onto some ugly surface streets for an untold number of miles to get OUT of the traffic just to get there – damn it of I wasn’t going to play after all that. It was a no brainer and I’m glad I stayed.

While I certainly can’t speak for how my performance sounded under the stars with a generator buzzing in my ear I will tell you that it felt good, and I had fun. I can, however, say that the folks who organized it did a great job stepping up to the plate and getting the show back on track. Tom, Seth, Anne, Lee and the rest of the folks were amazing!

The whole night was a benefit performance meant to raise money for The Renegades, and So Cal Dream – two drum corps bands that perform in competitions around the country. Needless to say they didn’t make any money that night because of the circumstances so if you would like to make a donation please go to: www.renegades.org or www.socaldream.org

Thanks for tuning in…Until next Monday…CHEERS!!

Chester the dog he lives across the street he’s got four furry tiny feet….

2007-07-09T10:52:00.000-07:00

I’m a little biased towards this week’s featured artist, Dre Towey, a.k.a. Andrea Loomis Towey. You see, we went to Jr. High/High School together, and while we weren’t the best of friends back then we were always friendly. To be honest, she was one of the nicest people in our school. We reconnected at our High School reunion this past fall, both of us, coincidentally, working on new CD’s. As her adorable kids played at our feet we discussed our projects and have stayed in touch since then - even sending each other MP3’s of our demos through the glory’s of email. It’s been very cool to share the rough mixes and get the support and encouragement that comes from the feedback of another artist.

Her debut solo release, Chester the Dog, is Dre’s first foray into the world of children’s music. Wait. Don’t stop reading. All my readers who drop by every week for rock n’ roll reviews – hang tight……..Ok – back to it…..so here’s the deal – yes – it’s children’s music – but only if you actually listen to the words closely. Unlike Laurie Berkner’s work this music is very appealing to adults. The production values are excellent (the CD was recorded at The Carriage House in Stamford, CT), and are such that you could be listening to a country/bluegrass CD. Her voice is reminiscent of Nanci Griffith, and her three kids singing backup on several of the songs is absolutely priceless. Part lite rock, part 50’s roll, throw in a dash of a screaming telecaster and you have music for all ages.

While a few of the tunes are traditional and she does a cover of the Carol Hart song “A Friend Like You” my favourite songs are Dre’s originals. “Chasing the Cat” is fun and hilarious and makes me want to chase my cat more than I already do. I also love “Mama Makes the Mashed Potatoes” and the title track “Chester the Dog”. Of course, you have songs about days of the week, counting, and other cool things for kiddies to learn about – but there are other messages in the music – such as stopping to smell the roses – something we all need to do. All of her tunes are very cool and accessible - I even hear hints of Badly Drawn Boy in her song “Engineer Emmet”. Basically you don’t have to be a kid to appreciate this CD.

Overall, I feel like dancing. It’s a very happy mix of tunes and I know I will be popping this one in whenever the mood strikes me. Way to go Dre!!! For more info: http://www.littleloomis.com

Thanks to Tivo I watched or skimmed over 22 hours of the “Live Earth Concert” over the weekend. It was a lot of fun and while the channels I get didn’t show as much of the London show as I would have liked (I missed James Blunt, Damien Rice and all but one song of David Grey’s – this bummed me out immeasurably) for the most part the coverage was good and I really enjoyed seeing Roger Waters (amazing!!!!), KT Tunstall, Crowded House (awesome!!) The Police, Lenny Kravitz, Dave Mathews Band, UB40, John Mayer and Alicia Keys, one of the most talented folks to come out of music in recent years. Though I did think her performance was brought down a notch by her collaboration with the snooze fest that is John Legend and Corinne Bailey Rae – two of the most boring people to come out of music in recent years. I think I fell off my couch reaching for remote to fast forward as quickly as humanly possible. Oh well – the rest of the show was very cool and more than made up for that blunder.

One of the great things about the show was that not only were the short films interesting and thought provoking, as I’d read they would in the New York Times friday the organizers made a point to show how easy and accessible making a difference can be. You don’t have to be rich and put solar panels and windmills on your roof to affect change – you can do some little things that in the long run can add up to a big change. Here are some things I do and have been doing for some time (in no particular order):
1) I walk or bike when I can instead of taking the car.
2) I changed my light bulbs to the fluorescent kind and then turn them off when I leave a room.
3) I take a canvas bag(s) for my walk to the grocery store.
4) I turn the water off when I brush my teeth.
5) I don’t use air conditioning at home.
6) I turn off power strips when I’m not using them.
7) If it’s yellow I let it mellow if its brown I flush it down.
8) I don’t eat red meat.
9) I don’t shower every day and when I do I keep it short or take a bath.
10) I recycle even though my landlord doesn’t provide a bin – I stealthily use other’s bins around the neighbourhood. It’s kind of fun, actually, except when I’ve gotten yelled at – I think they were missing the point.
11) I use a Brita filter instead of buying individual bottles of water.
12) I don’t buy over packaged foods.
13) I only use natural, biodegradable detergents and soaps.
14) I made a point not to manufacture too many copies of NUMB in the hopes that people will download the music and save packaging and shipping resources. Basically, I rarely buy new CD’s – I download or buy used.

If you look around – you’ll see the little things you can do to make a difference. One step at a time. One act at a time. We can all do it. For more info go to www.liveearth.org

Thanks for tuning in….Until next Monday…CHEERS!!!!

PS. I saw a great bumpersticker the other day, it read: Am I a liberal or am I just educated?

Her name is Rio and she dances on the sand….

2007-07-02T11:16:00.000-07:00

Like a lot of folks yesterday I got up in the morning, turned on VH1, and watched the “Concert for Diana”. In case you’ve been living in a hole it was a 6 hour concert organized by her sons, Prince’s William and Harry, to commemorate what would have been her 46th birthday. This being the left coast I wasn’t sure how ‘live’ it would be – you see, you never know around here – many things are tape delayed, including the evening news, award shows, and the morning shows. I wasn’t initially sure what time it aired since to be honest, I don’t much watch VH1 since it became a mostly game show/reality oriented station, not an actual music station. Scrolling through my online guide I discovered that it was indeed live and airing - and was about 1 ½ into the program. Ooops. But I did stay tuned in until the end.

The featured act was Duran Duran, The Princess’ favourite band, which I missed because I wasn’t awake at 8am PDT. But I did manage to catch them every time VH1 did a recap – which seemed to happen a lot. I’ve got to say, those guys can still kick butt on stage. While I wasn’t a huge fan of theirs in their heyday, I do enjoy listening to them now and it looked to me that they put on a good show. It seemed fitting that they were the 2nd act to kick off the day after Elton John – one of Diana’s closest friends.

Overall the acts I saw were pretty cool…everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and got into the spirit of the day – celebrating the life of Princess Diana. Though admittedly I was glad that some artists only did one song – my guess is that they were the artists that maybe only had one song that the world would actually know. I thought it was very smart of the Princes to give more time to the classic artists and not waste time on the unknown songs of what may turn out to be a one hit wonder act. It also added to the very cool mix of music that was on stage throughout the day and I think they did a great job of choosing the performers – old and new.

One of the coolest things was the series of video vignettes that were interspersed throughout the day in between on - stage performances. The testimonials, called “DIANA and me”, from real people that the Princess had met were touching and often enlightening. While we all know her as ‘the people’s Princess’ for some reason seeing/hearing these tales of her interactions with commoners, and the sickly, made her seem even more human and real than I would have ever imagined. I almost felt as if I had met her – and I think that was the point. To show her to the world more as a mother and caretaker and not as just a Princess of the tabloids. It was a nice touch and all of the segments were very well produced, well written and sent a very positive message. It made the day seem not to be just a day of music – but a day of opening our hearts and reliving the goodness that she brought to this world. It reminded us that it’s not just about having money and doing good things with it – but that being human, kind, and real can also make a huge difference in the footprint we leave on this earth – it can be fleeting and flighty – or it can be tangible, sweet and last forever.

Last Monday Abby and I went to Las Vegas for a couple of days. We had gotten a good ‘deal’ on a room at The Luxor – as long as we took some silly tour of one of their vacation time share units down at the ghost town side of the strip. What a load of crap that was! We were lied to from the very first second we met the first sales person in the hotel months ago – ‘no – you don’t have to take the trip if you don’t want to’ – only to find out that we DID have to take the tour or we’d pay a significant penalty. Then we had to check in at one hotel to then go stand in the long ass line at our hotel to actually get into our room – which all total took over an hour and a half to complete.

Oh yeah, and when they tell you that the tour only takes 2 hours – or longer if you are interested in buying into the waste of money time share scheme – they mean it takes 3 ½ hours whether you are interested in buying or not. No matter how many times we told them we are NOT interested and no matter how many angles we came up with to tell them that (‘we’re outdoor enthusiasts and don’t find this to be our thing’ or ‘we like to road trip – hike, camp, sleep on the ground and not be surrounded by annoying ill behaved spawn of other annoying ill behaved fat americans’ or ‘we already have vacation property’) they had an answer to everything. It was very tiring fighting them and I mean them – because all total we were face to face with no less than four, yes, four sales people up until the moment we walked out the door. I’m surprised the security guard didn’t try to sell us anything. Or did she? I may have blocked it out.

Oh yeah – the last and final lie was that although we’d been promised a free Vegas show the one we wanted that didn’t have anything to do with ‘t and a’ was of course sold out that night. REALLY?!?!!? You don’t say…..We opted for the gambling voucher and I proceeded to win $25 off of their cash. It was a small victory – but a victory nonetheless. I’m guessing non of these slimy vultures has a clue about how to be human and I’m guessing like their main demographic won’t make much of a positive impact on this world.

Needless to say after 2 ½ days of being pushed around, mowed down, and generally overcome with homicidal feelings I was ready to get in the car and head home. Don’t get me wrong – for the most part we had a good time – as long as we stayed away from elbows, large bellies, and the children who ran amok in casino.

Thanks for tuning in…Until next Monday…CHEERS!!

What kind of world do you want?

2007-06-24T15:42:00.001-07:00

I love John Ondrasik. There is nothing musically in my mind that he could do wrong. I love his band (basically anyone who plays on his recordings), I love his songs, I own all four albums he’s released since his debut in 1997 with Message for Albert and I think he’s one of my generation’s best songwriters. His songs are topical, personal and catchy all at the same time. He’s made me cry, he’s made me think and he makes me want to be a better songwriter.

His latest release, Two Lights, (August 2006) is no exception. Starting with the above - mentioned song “World” he dives in and gives a look inside his head and what he thinks of the mess we’ve all made of this world and how we can change it. It’s an interesting and deeply existential question to pose and it reminds us that change starts at home.

As on his previous releases the topics of Two Lights vary - love, family, cops, a 65 Mustang - and have something to offer anyone who listens. If you aren’t a fan yet – you should be. While I really like Two Lights I recommend you start with my favourite CD of his, The Battle For Everything, and go from there. www.fiveforfighting.com and www.myspace.com/fiveforfighting

It’s Sunday as I write this – a nice lazy Sunday save for my gut wrenching trip to the gym to undo all the badness I ate and all the miles I didn’t run while I was back east for the last two weeks. I’ve been back for a few days and my brain is still a little fuzzy, my eating schedule is still three hours off and I’m falling asleep way too early to do anyone any good. But it’s par for the course for me when I go back for more than a weekend and at least I can handle it – though I do feel sorry for anyone around me who has to engage me for more than 5 ½ seconds in these first few days.

I had a blast! The first weekend I helped celebrate my niece’s fourth birthday by playing grill chef at her party (I don’t eat red meat but managed to cook more hamburgers in one day than I’ve probably eaten in my short lifetime), and I got up to Western Massachusetts with my sis, niece, and Fritz to see our friend Lauren and her daughter Catherine (and yes I got to drive Lauren’s new Mini – awesome!).

Last weekend my sister and I drove up to Newburyport, Massachusetts to see some other old friends/family and then on up to Maine to see one of my best friends, Amanda and her wife Rosemary at their new lake cabin. It was great to see all these folks over the course of my two weeks – people I consider to be family and people for whom I would do anything.

The many miles we traveled flew by and at the same time managed to get my feet on the ground. It felt great to be in my old haunts (I once did an archeological dig in Newburyport, and was a camp counselor in Maine one summer – to say nothing of an ex and my many shopping runs to L.L. Bean, and our lunches in Freeport) and it felt great to eat some real lobster and other seafood that simply taste better because they come from the Atlantic. In between weekends I worked on my sister’s house painting her doors and building a garden for her. It was hard work but I was justly compensated by the slab of ice cream cake left over and the time I got to spend with her and Cate.

I needed this trip as I contemplate my future and wonder where I should be and where I should go. I am very strongly pulled by my family and family of friends to head back east and start all over with a new old life. I am also very torn. I have a good life here in West Hollywood, someone I love, and a life we share that would be either enhanced by moving back or troubled. It’s so hard to say and so hard to know. Ultimately though, I know it comes down to one question: What kind of world do I want?

Thanks for tuning in…Until next Monday…CHEERS!!

Ps. In case you haven't picked up your copy of my CD, NUMB,
.......it's now available on itunes!

With my stomach on the mattress and you whispering from above….

2007-06-04T09:09:00.000-07:00

Los Angeles is a tough crowd. I’ve seen a ton of shows here at various places large and small and no matter what or who you are – it’s a rough place to lay your hat on a stage and sing your heart out. Many a famous performers have been quoted as saying that L.A. is their least favourite place to play. People pay good money to go see a show and they talk loudly all the way through the set thusly distracting the other attendees and the people on stage. But this is L.A. and these are important people so whatever they are saying is more important than whatever the person on stage is saying – and as long as you get that you’ll be ok.

Friday night we went to The Mint to see my friend Emma Hill – I had met her through myspace and she’s one of the few people who has actually been in touch and wasn’t reaching out just to hopefully gain a new fan. She did - but that’s beside the point. She was friendly, communicative, and I told her to let me know if she was ever going to play in L.A. – so we exchanged some emails, kept in touch, and there we were at The Mint. I was excited to be there – even though all I knew of her music was what I heard on her myspace page I knew it would be a good show.

The Mint is a very cool place. It’s small, intimate and the food smells amazing. I like it because you feel like you could be in a club back east with it’s long, wooden bar, low ceiling, and dark feel. Emma came to say hello before the show – or rather – I found her and she graciously hung out as we all waited for the place to fill up a little before she took the stage.

She went on around 7.45 and played for about forty-five minutes. Poor thing. I felt bad for her. And for the idiots in the audience who wouldn’t shut up and missed out on a great show. Her first gig in this town, at one of the cooler places around, and most people talked through her set. Typical. We didn’t, neither did the folks up front or Michelle Shocked who sat just to our right. I explained to her that it wasn’t a personal thing, in fact most everyone at least clapped after every song, it’s just that this is how this place is – and whether you’re Sting, Joe Jackson, or Patty Griffin – this is what you get. Hopefully she felt better.

So yeah – about that great show. I’m not lying. She has a beautiful voice, she plays well and her songs harken back to the days of Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, and early Shawn Colvin. She is folk through and through. She does it well and does it with heart, soul and a dash of sad optimism. I got the feeling that this Alaskan native has seen more than she’s letting on and at the tender age of ‘I’m not old enough to drink in this bar’ she seems wise beyond her years. This is clearly evident in her music and her writing. She also happens to be a very nice person and I thoroughly enjoyed hanging out with her before and after the show. I offered her my couch the next time she’s in L.A. or wherever I happen to be in the future. In the meantime – check her out: http://www.myspace.com/emmamariehill

Well folks, it’s that time of year – birthday parties, divorce parties, working on a house, and heading to my favourite places. I’m going to be a bit busy this coming week and will be taking a little break from the blog. I won’t be around next Monday but I hope you’ll look for me in the coming weeks. In the meantime, check out my new CD, NUMB, at
cdbaby.com/cd/laraschuler

Thanks for tuning in…until the next Monday…CHEERS!!

At first when I see you cry it makes me smile….

2007-05-28T11:31:00.000-07:00

The other day I was watching the “Today Show” – it was Friday and they were kicking off their summer music series with an appearance by Blondie. As a long time fan (how could you not like them?) I was very excited to see three of the original members on stage – including, of course, the inimitable Debbie Harry – who at sixty three is probably one of the hottest women in Rock ‘N Roll. They were on the show to promote their upcoming re-release of Eat To The Beat on DVD and digitally remastered CD – out on 26 June.

Even at 8.45a they were on their game – Debbie Harry can still sing with the best of them. So she did – maybe not the best but certainly one of today’s more interesting new talents, Lily Allen (I love her CD Alright, Still and if you haven’t checked it out it’s a fun mix of reggae and pop music – really awesome). On stage to sing a duet of “Heart Of Glass” mid way through the set I was completely blown away. WOW! There was something so cool about the two of them together – old torch – new torch – what you heard was not only a timeless song but a timeless meeting of talents and for anyone who has ever doubted Lily Allen’s ability to sing live (not me, ever, by the way) than all your doubts would surely be erased - it was a great duet! http://youtube.com/watch?v=F3U_sVIIJqs

A few weeks ago I wrote my blog about Hugh Grant and his bean throwing incident justly aimed at the paparazzi. It got me thinking and got me feeling a little nagged as well. How do I contribute to the furthering of these useless photographers careers of stalking the famous and infamous? I know how. Over the last year I have been reading a couple of the online websights that publish these silly pictures of women’s crotches as they get out of a limo, or take their kids to school, or are drunk as they leave a party (horrors!!). Well, last week one of them (I won’t dare name the sight as I don’t wish to publicize further the lameness that is them) published a picture of Sharon Stone on a boat at Cannes – showing her backside. I admit I’d love to see Sharon Stone in a bathing suit - having seen her in person at an airport she’s just as beautiful on person as on screen. But what got to me was the caption under the picture – some bitchy, queeny comment about the cottage cheese on her upper back thighs. I was really bothered by the comment and thought that it went too far because if I look as good as she does at her age I’ll find religion – and fast! I realized that that’s all that guy does – he posts pictures of the stars and does nothing but write nasty, mean things about the people in them. Rarely does he, or any of the other sites, post anything nice.

As I checked his site again Friday morning, as I’ve done nearly every day for the last year I found I’d had it. I deleted the web address from my browser. I felt good. I felt freed. I felt like less of a fraud. How can I condemn the photographers who take the nasty pictures so that other nasty’s can post nasty comments when I read the blogs that post this crap? As I watched the film “Georgia Rule” Friday afternoon I found myself thinking of the ugly comments I’d read about Lindsey Lohan on one of these blogs. My viewing of her performance was clouded – unjustly so because she was, as usual, excellent in this role – and I knew I’d made the right decision. No matter what her personal troubles may be – she’s a hell of an actress who has more talent in her little pinky than the nasty’s who write those blogs that get off on smiling while others cry.

On this Memorial Day I’d like to give a shout out to our troops (my cousin being one of them) – I hope you know how much you are appreciated – now lets get those yahoos in Washington to end this silliness so you can all come home.

Thanks for tuning in….Until next Monday…CHEERS!!