Live and Let Die

Today's song comes from probably the most famous song writer of all time.  It's from the 1973 James Bond movie, "Live and Let Die." 

I don't know if you know this, but Paul McCartney makes gobs and gobs of money from his music. 

FYI, I make gobs and gobs of money from this blog* from all the visits we get from all over the world.  Most of the visits are from my mom and the people she shows the blog to, so I have her to thank for this.  And since we have so much extra money** we have been able to get an exclusive interview*** with Sir Paul McCartney himself!  And to show appreciation for giving me life and showing my blog to so many people, my mom is going to do the interview:

My mom:  Thank you for being with us, Paul McCartney. 

Paul McCartney: The pleasure is mine. 

My mom:  Did you read my son's blog post when he talked about the Beatles and made a pie with Ringo's face?

PM:  No I didn't

MM:  It was so cute.  It was adorable. 

PM:  Oh, I'm sure (looks at watch)

MM:  So, how have you been?

PM:  Well.  Thank you. 

MM:  Have you been cleaning behind your ears?

PM:  Uh.... yes. 

MM:  That's good.  It's the nooks and crannies that are hardest to keep clean. 

PM:  Yes. 

MM:  So, did you see my son's blog post when he sang that adorable song with the kids?

PM:  Uh, no. 

MM:  Oh, you have to watch it.  YOU.  WILL.  DIE. 

PM:  I don't know that I have time....

(My mom pulls out her iPhone to show him the clip.  A few minutes pass, she can't figure out how to make it work)

PM:  I'll watch it later. 

MM:  OK.  Honestly Paul, you are adorable, just like I remember you when I was a rebellious teenager.  But really, you could use a haircut. 

PM:  (looks at watch) 

MM:  But anyway lets "Get Back" to the good stuff.  What's "A Day in the Life" like for Paul McCartney?

PM:  Really, it's not very interesting.  I play a bit of racquetball in the mornings, try to eat healthy....

MM:  Did you catch the Beatle song references in my question?

PM:  Uh....

MM:  Never Mind!  Now Paul, have you ever tried using Fuller Brand carpet stain remover?  It's the bestest!

PM:  ...... No offense, I really appreciate you making time for me, and you seem like you're a wonderful mum, but could we talk about music?

MM:  Of course, Paulie poo.  Tell us what it was like to work with John Lennon. 

PM:  (Looks at watch)  Uh... well, I've talked about this before, but, yeah, it was good. 

MM:  Are you still doing drugs?

PM:  Pardon me?  Did you really just ask me that?

MM:  (Looks him down)  A mother knows, Paul. 

PM:  I appreciate your time, but I've had enough of this nonsense.  I'd like to excuse myself. 

As McCartney stands up and walks out, he knocks over my Mom's vase that she got in Europe breaking it in half. 

MM:  This is why I can't have nice things, Paul McCartney! 

*This is a lie

**This is also a lie

***This is a big fat lie

Can't Fight This Feeling

Who is the in mood for an 80's power ballad? 

Well, too bad, you're getting one anyway.

Did you know? 

-REO Speedwagon has been making music since the 1960's?

-REO Speedwagon is still making albums?  Their most recent is "Not So Silent Night."  It's a Christmas Album

-REO stands for Really Expensive Oreos?

-This song is about a man who has a crush on his best friend?

-I used to slow dance to this song at school dances?

-I was kidding about the oreo thing?

-I am really tired? 

Happier

Sometimes people ask me how certain songs get stuck in my head in the morning.  Truly there is no explanation.  I've been listening to music my whole life and I own nearly 8000 songs in my collection.  Usually when I listen to music, it's through my iPod and I usually shuffle albums when I listen.  I used to like to listen to just a shuffle of all songs, but I like to listen to the complete album better and usually can't decide which album to listen to, so I let the iPod do the choosing. 

So really what I listen to is usually music I like pretty good and it's pretty random what's playing if you find me.  I'm also inexplicably anal about not skipping songs.  It's how I learn to love new songs.

Today's song is from a singer-songwriter named Alison Sudol otherwise known as A Fine Frenzy. 

This is about someone choosing to move on in a relationship in order to be "happier."  My wife and kids have been vacationing in southern California while I stay at home to work.  Having them come home has made me much much "happier" and so the title is fitting, but the subject matter of the song is way off. 

Half Jack

I've had the fortune of having an amazingly kind and patient father.  It would seem that poor Amanda Palmer of The Dresden Dolls has not had the same thing.  Either that or she's singing about somebody else that has a lousy dad.  Or maybe she's singing about watermelons and Gallagher or something else important like that. 

Today's song, "Half Jack" I personally believe touches on this unfortunately common subject, dead-beat dads.  It uses the poem "Jack and Jill" as a metaphor- very clever- very dark and sad. 

I've already touched on Amanda Palmer a bit in the past.  I believe we'll be hearing lots from her in years to come.  Not only is she a great song writer with an intense passion for the arts, she's also headlined music news with the upcoming release of her new album "Theatre is Evil." 

Completely independent of a studio, she managed to raise well over a million dollars (of a 100,000$ goal!) from fans to fund the album's release.  She offered all kinds of valuable merchandise, including original art, music, and even a visit to a private party for the right price. 

Amanda Palmer may very well have revolutionized the way artists publish music. I know some artists like Ben Folds Five have already followed in her footsteps.

You can buy the forth coming album, donate to her cause or just see what's going on here:  http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/amandapalmer/amanda-palmer-the-new-record-art-book-and-tour 

  

The buzz is that it is cutting edge and incredible music.  I can't wait to hear it. 

Amanda's fund raising has inspired me!  I have an original work of art available.

This is a beautiful piece of work inspired by things that I love and beautiful neon colors, it's available to the highest bidder.  My fingers were practically bleeding when I was done I worked so hard on it.  And if you can believe it, I did it only with art supplies available to me in my work office!

 

Also for 500$ or some Hi-Chew candy I will come to your next party and play the piano backwards.  I can only play one song, but it will BLOW YOUR MIND! 

This sort of mentality will make us all rich some day.  Thanks, Amanda Palmer. 

Billie Jean

Still my favorite MJ song.  I love the music video too, probably for nostalgia more than anything. 

At the time this song and video were popular, I was 5 years old.  Michael Jackson was the COOLEST, and I'm sure most people my age would agree with me. 

Miss you, cool MJ.