Great new CD from Ty Herndon (country) !

This is great country music! A CD to listen to over and over!, 

I (Rob) have been a fan of country music from the 1960s to the early 2000s.  (until country artists started "rapping" - which hurts my head, so I turn it off). One of the country artists from the 1990s that I really liked was Ty Herndon. He's always had crisp, clean vocals and sang a number of songs that I really love. 

   He's been out of the spotlight for quite awhile though, and just recently released a new CD. I did a review of it on Amazon.com, and it's really great. 

 

Review:by Rob  

  This review is from: Lies I Told Myself (Audio CD)

This is great country music! All of the songs are catchy, easy to understand, clearly sung, and cover a gamut of experiences in life. From the uptempo "I'm in love with you" to the realistic "Lies I told myself." Every cut on this CD is enjoyable and I've listened to it every day for a week (since I got it). There is no "rap" in this CD, just well-sung, enjoyable, easy to relate to, emotional great music.  

     BTW- Ty Herndon finally came out of the closet and admitted he's a gay man. He went through two failed marriages to women ( I'm sure it was because religion forced him to hide who he was) and finally decided to be honest with himself and the world. I'm happy for him that he can now rest easier, and that he's back with a great country music CD. (Btw, there's nothing on it about his personal life. I highly recommend the CD. 

VIDEO OF FIRST SONG: (The Lies I Told Myself): http://youtu.be/1wo7qrLp7wI

Estate Sale at My Mom's House - and the perfect song

Things are moving along with my mom's house since her passing in December. My younger brother has been scheduling things and working hard to  get things in order. So, April 12 and 13 (next weekend) there's going to be a formal estate sale. After that, it's a house clean up and then putting it on the market.
   SO, since we went to hear/see Cheryl Wheeler in concert last weekend, and one of her biggest hits was "Estate Sale"- here's the video of the song (this isn't a concert video). This is a fun, produced video of going through an estate sale, with fun lyrics.
  Although this is a sentimental and somewhat emotional event, we might as well try to smile over it, right?  Enjoy the video and the great song!
VIDEO: http://youtu.be/BdDrrChPwz0

Concert Part 2: Cheryl Wheeler: "Ghandi, Buddha" Great Love Song

On Saturday, March 29th, I treated Tom to a concert (his Valentine's day present). We went to see folk singer Cheryl Wheeler, who had a huge country hit in 1997 with "Estate Sale." -
  One of the best songs she wrote and sang was called "Ghandi, Buddha" - as a tribute to her partner/wife Kathleen. This is a really touching song, and we think you'll enjoy it.
  (As it turned out, she canceled the next tour dates because she got laryngitis... so we were fortunate to see her).
   **Afterward, she did the "Counter-version" or the anti-love song version of being married to someone who thinks you're hell to live with. Quite funny! 
  The concert was great and she has some funny short songs like about what she'd do if cell phones were allowed on airplanes... :)
VIDEO/SONG:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oQSeShB-lY

Concert! Part 1: Opening Act: John Gorka: "People My Age"

On Saturday, March 29th, I treated Tom to a concert (his Valentine's day present). We went to see folk singer Cheryl Wheeler, who had a huge country hit in 1997 with "Estate Sale." - Her opening act was John Gorka who was entertaining and talented as well.
   The one song that stood out from his set was a funny one called "People My Age." (The song starts around 3:42, so you may want to skip past his funny banter.  Enjoy!
VIDEO: http://youtu.be/ar1e7-pupXI
 

VIDEO: Amazing Voice from Homeless So. Korean Teen

I didn't know that South Korea had a "national Televised talent show" - but this came up on You Tube, and this
amazing teen - who is homeless, and was beaten and abandoned, just shined. It has English subtitles, and
it will move you as the British 17 year old singing opera did, that I posted earlier this week.
His name is Sung-bong Choi.

An amazing muscial duo: found on You Tube: Someone Like You

A friend sent me a link that showed a comic video, and after watching it, I zipped through a couple and found this amazing duo singing a song called "Someone Like You." Apparently, this video has become an internet sensation, if you listen, you'll see why. The singers are Charlie Puth and Emily Luther.
 - As a result of this they were signed with Ellen DeGeneres' Interscope records. This is talent!  Enjoy!

 To see their interview on the Ellen show: http://www.youtube.com/user/CharliesVlogs


LINK TO VIDEO:
http://youtu.be/nAHyGbOXoF4

A video to make your day: Historic flashmob in Antwerp train station, do re mi

This video from 2009 is one of my (Rob) all-time favorites. This ALWAYS makes me smile, and I put it on the blog last year, and just HAD to put it up again. ENJOY! Rob

More than 200 dancers were performing their version of "Do Re Mi", in the Central Station of Antwerp. with just 2 rehearsals they created this amazing stunt! Those 4 fantastic minutes started the 23 of march 2009, 08:00 AM. It is a promotion stunt for a Belgian television program, where they are looking for someone to play the leading role, in the musical of "The Sound of Music." 

Classic Song & Video: Dolly, Loretta & Tammy

Here's a video from a collaboration album from 1993 that will always be one of my all time favorites because the whole album features Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette. It's from the CD called "Honky Tonk Angels" and this first single was a remake of "Silver Threads and Golden Needles." It features a huge list of country stars making cameo appearances trying to get in Dolly, Loretta and Tammy's dressing room bearing gifts, and is just fun to watch!

Check out our friend Fitz's New CD!!

Congratulations to our friend Fitz on the issue of his new Mesmers CD: Fitz's Subway to Another Life is available for sale on the Mesmers Website. Actually, there are two CDs:
1. The Regular Edition: 10 song and jewel case packaging.
2. The Limited Edition: 14 songs, nicer Digipack packaging, and we're only making 200 copies - so get them while they last.
The Regular is $10, the Limited Edition $18, and he's running a special where if you buy both the price is only $20. You can listen to samples on the Mesmers site. Fitz said "I hope folks like this one. I've put a lot of work into it and think it's miles better than our first release. Big thanks for all the encouragement and support!"
TO ORDER: http://mesmers.com/store/
Congratulations, Fitz!! We're looking forward to enjoying it!!

Happy Birthday to the Inspirational Dolly Parton!

Happy Birthday Dolly Parton!
Today, Dolly Parton celebrates her 64th birthday. Why is that important to me(Rob)?
She's been an amazing and powerful influence on my attitude, personality and outlook on life. Dolly is the greatest. She's not only one of the most talented people in the world, but a perfect role model, too. When I first saw her in 9 to 5 and listened to her talk about being optimistic and loving everyone (until they screw it up), I knew I could have that same outlook, and it's helped me thoroughly enjoy life. Every time I hear Dolly talk or sing, it makes me smile and feel good. I love the way she makes fun of herself, loves others, makes people feel comfortable, welcomes people of all lifestyles and walks of life and enjoys life. If only everyone would learn that, the world would be a better place.

In fact, that's why our Weimaraner is named Dolly!
For Dolly's web page: www.dollyon-line.com/
Happy Birthday, Dolly!
Here's a video of Dolly singing "Here You Come Again" from her recent "Live in London" tour. Enjoy!

To Get you in the Spirit: Carpenter's Video: Merry Christmas Darling

Tom's all-time favorite group is the Carpenters. I absolutely love them, too. I can't believe that Karen has been gone almost 20 years now... but her music is timeless. Here's one of our favorite Christmas songs from one of their old TV shows! Maybe it'll help get you in the Christmas Spirit.

Susan Boyle Returns with Amazing Version of "Wild Horses" (old Rolling Stones' song) -

Jeff sent me the link to the video of Susan Boyle's first U.S. performance "Wild Horses." It's apparently an old Rolling Stones song (I don't remember it), but her version choked me (Rob) up! Enjoy!

CBS' 60 Minutes Interview with Dolly Parton - fun!

We saw this fun 60 Minutes interview of Dolly Parton on April 5th, and now it's available on-line, so we're posting it. It's 13 minutes long, but funny and very entertaining as Dolly is. It also spotlights her "9 to 5" Broadway musical. Enjoy!

Watch CBS Videos Online

Went to the Maureen McGovern Concert -An Artsy, Political Presentation

Back in the late 1970s, Maureen McGovern became famous for pop music hits like "(There's Got to Be) A Morning After" from the Poseidon Adventure, and "Can You Read My Mind" the love theme from 1978's first Superman movie with Christopher Reeve. For TV watchers, she also had a hit with the love theme from the TV show Angie (from 1980) called "Different Worlds." She came to Washington, DC, and Tom bought us tickets to see her on Easter Sunday. Below is Tom's review, then mine! - Rob
(PHOTO: Maureen McGovern in the 1980s)
(TOM'S CONCERT REVIEW): Sunday afternoon, Rob & I went to see Maureen McGovern in concert. She is on tour with her one woman show entitled “Maureen McGovern: A Long and Winding Road.” This was not really a concert per se, but rather bordered on being performance art.
It is my humble opinion that audiences are either uncomfortable or ill-informed when it comes to viewing performance art; so they misunderstand the appropriateness of applause – when it is necessary and when it is not. Moments of silence intended to be times of reflection on what had just been presented are marred by the nervous and awkward clapping of the uneducated. Ms. McGovern’s carefully scripted monologue was intermittently interrupted by song – mostly covers of songs that were popular in the day – set against a photo montage of old family photos and 8 mm home movie clips.
The first half of the performance was filled with nostalgia and easy to relate to and there were bits of comedic repartee here and there. But the second half became moody, somber, and bordered on being the diatribe of a bitter and wronged woman. Ms. McGovern related the personal tragedies of a failed marriage, not being able to find a new and lasting romantic interest, a ruptured blood vessel on her vocal cords that almost cost her her career, and greedy managers and sundry other producers robbing her blind through trickery and small print in contracts. But through it all, she has retained her beautiful four-octave voice and a sensitivity and phrasing that only comes through maturity and a 37-year music career. (PHOTO: Maureen McGovern in 2009) Her rendition of “Let it Be” while juxtaposed over the sorrow of losing her best friend in the shooting at Kent State was, for me, a truly moving experience. While remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the images from that summer day when he delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech were flashed up on the scrim. Since there was not a black person in attendance, it seemed odd to me that she would include this in her repertoire or who the intended audience might be. But more importantly, for me, it really emphasized that there was a time in this country’s not so distant past that blacks, and whites, and people of all colors came together for a moment of solidarity to achieve a common goal – to purge society’s injustice and to give the down trodden a fair shake at the American dream. What has really crushed my spirits, and saddens me beyond words, is how much that dream has been squelched and squandered by an ungrateful segment of our population with an unwarranted sense of entitlement and a “here’s my thumb in your eye” attitude. I don’t believe that I was the only one in attendance that withheld nervous applause during this segment. Ms. McGovern’s closing number was a cover of John Lennon’s beautifully worded “Imagine” while images of President Obama’s inaugural were flashed behind her. In the final words of the performance, Ms. McGovern said, “Miracles do happen.” While some people may believe President Obama’s election to have been a miracle, I personally believe that, rather than being an act of Providence that caused these events into being, it was more likely due to hard work, perseverance, and the fact that this was the right time.
ROB'S REVIEW:
If you're going to hear Ms. McGovern's hits, "The Morning After" and "Can You Read My Mind" you'll be disappointed (like I was). If you go, don't go expecting a concert, but carefully constructed work of art. I personally thought she was personable, humorous and reflective, bitter over romance, and artsy. I still think she could've worked in her two big hits during her 80s segment to please dumber people like me!

Happy Birthday Loretta Lynn!

Today, April 14th, Loretta Lynn celebrates her 74th birthday! Every time someone has a birthday, we try to remember to play her song "Happy Birthday(, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year)." Of course, it's about a woman leaving her lying, cheating boyfriend, but it's the only Happy Birthday song she sang! :)
She's still kicking out the songs. Here's the latest from Nashville (and Jeff F. who adores Loretta -we've seen her together in concert about 4 times): Elvis Costello will release a new, roots-oriented album titled 'Secret, Profane & Sugarcane' on June 2 on Hear Music. Emmylou Harris offers harmony on one track, and Loretta Lynn co-wrote one of the songs, "I Felt the Chill," with Costello. The album was produced by T Bone Burnett and recorded in three days in Nashville.

Christmas with Amy and Vince!

(PICTURE: The only one we took at the concert- we were really close to the stage)
This week we saw Amy Grant and hubby Vince Gill perform their Christmas Concert at Baltimore's Lyric Opera House. It was a fantastic show. Tom loves Amy Grant, and I love Vince Gill- together they were incredible. Funny, personable, warm and wonderful. Amy performed her many unique Christmas hits, including a great new one called "I Need a Silent Night" off her new Christmas CD. This song makes the CD well worth it. Vince brought the house down with his version of "O Holy Night" and made me tear up with a song he wrote about Christmas after his big brother passed away (reminding me of my dad's passing this year). Amy and Vince covered the classics and had a great band, and beautiful set, too. THIS was the best Christmas show we've ever seen!

Well-Deserved Awards: George Jones and Barbara Streisand

Several singers that I enjoy were recognized for their contributions to music this week here in Washington, DC. George Jones, Babs Streisand and 2 members of the group "The Who." Of course, George Jones is the one I like the most (being the country-lover). His song "He Stopped Loving Her Today" has been called the "greatest country song ever written."
FROM USA TODAY: WASHINGTON — The star-studded performances at Sunday night's Kennedy Center Honors gala were a timely warm-up for January's inauguration festivities in the nation's capital.
Six recipients were honored for their distinguished careers and contributions to the arts: singer and actress Barbra Streisand, actor Morgan Freeman, country singer George Jones, choreographer Twyla Tharp and musicians Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey of The Who.

George Jones' latest CD: "Burn Your Playhouse Down - The Unreleased Duets"
http://www.georgejones.com/home/ The Duets are pretty interesting.

Technology Brings Elvis and Martina Together on "Blue Christmas"

I think this is kind of cool - a new CD of musical collaborations with Elvis- but what's most interesting is the VIDEO below. What incredible video editing!!!- rob
A 'Blue Christmas' with Elvis and Martina McBride
By Brian Mansfield, Special for USA TODAY
Elvis and Martina McBride spend a Blue Christmas together.
Martina McBride was just shy of 2 when Elvis Presley filmed his 1968 "comeback" TV special. This year, the country singer steps back in time 40 years to join the King of Rock 'n' Roll in a video for Blue Christmas.
"They took Elvis out of the '68 special and put him on the Idol stage," he says. "We were taking Martina to the '68 special." The posthumous collaboration also appears on Elvis Presley Christmas Duets, a new album that pairs Presley with singers such as Carrie Underwood, Amy Grant and Olivia Newton-John. WATCH THE VIDEO HERE: http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2008-11-14-elvis-mcbride_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip

Dolly Needs to Sue Howard Stern!

AP- Dolly Parton says she is "completely devastated" by a segment on the Howard Stern radio show featuring her voice discussing sex and other celebrities.
The country performer released a statement Wednesday saying editing or trickery made it appear she was commenting on topics and celebrities including Kenny Rogers, Linda Ronstadt, Burt Reynolds and Johnny Carson.
"I have never been so shocked, hurt and humiliated in all my life," Parton said. "In a blue million years, I would never have such vulgar things come out of my mouth."

She's furious and said today that if there was ever a reason to sue someone, this would be it. I She has every right to be upset. Celebrity or not, NO ONE would want their words jumbled into something that may be deemed offensive about the people they love.

If some of the people think it's funny, it wouldn't be if it happened to them. Saying something directly and being quoted out of context is one thing, but to toy with audio clips to make something offensive on purpose is stupid, disrespectful, and childish. That is defamation of character, and frankly, I hope she sues Stern penniless. I know she'd give any award to charity. She is a great person and role model. Howard Stern is totally the opposite.

Eddy Arnold Passes Away at 89

As a kid, I remember my mother singing "Make the World Go Away... put your head on my shoulder..." - Rob
Eddy Arnold, one of Country Music's Greatest Stars of all time passed away at 4:40 a.m., on May 8, 2008, in Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. Arnold was 89 years old. Eddy's wife preceded him in death in March 2008.

Eddie has had scores of #1 hits (see below). The Country Music Hall of Fame inducted him in 1966. The following year, the Country Music Association chose him as its first entertainer of the year, making him the only artist to win that award after becoming a Hall of Famer.
Arnold had more top 10 hits (92) and spent more weeks at No. 1 (145) than any other country act. He is the only country singer to have charted in every decade from the 1940s to the 2000s. A remake of Cattle Call, sung as a duet with LeAnn Rimes, provided Arnold with a final hit. He briefly emerged from retirement in 2005 to record one last album.

He officially retired from performing in 1999, at 81. "I wanted to give my wife the rest of my life," he said in 2002.

THE NO. 1 HITS
What Is Life Without Love, 1947It's a Sin, 1947I'll Hold You in My Heart (Till I Can Hold You in My Arms), 1947Anytime, 1948Bouquet of Roses, 1948Texarkana Baby, 1948Just a Little Lovin' (Will Go A Long, Long Way), 1948A Heart Full of Love (For a Handful of Kisses), 1948Don't Rob Another Man's Castle, 1949One Kiss Too Many, 1949I'm Throwing Rice (At the Girl That I Love), 1949Take Me in Your Arms and Hold Me, 1949There's Been a Change in Me, 1951Kentucky Waltz, 1951I Wanna Play House With You, 1951Easy on the Eyes, 1952A Full Time Job 1952Eddy's Song, 1953I Really Don't Want to Know, 1954The Cattle Call, 1955 That Do Make It Nice, 1955 What's He Doing in My World, 1965Make the World Go Away, 1965I Want to Go With You, 1966Somebody Like Me, 1966Lonely Again, 1967Turn the World Around, 1967Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye, 1968
Source: Billboard magazine