Did you think I was done? Oh, silly you! I could go on and on, but I’ll stick to what’s on the playlist. More snow yesterday and overnight. Please, someone, tell it to stop.
I’m currently reading Laura Lippman’s newest book, which was just published and which I’ll review in a couple of weeks. And the third book in Cara Black’s series just arrived in my mailbox yesterday. I wrote about Cara Black on Monday on Just Let Me Finish This Page.
Lots of books, backed up and holding, which is my idea of perfection. I also have another book review coming up Friday on this blog for a book I loved. And today, I have a book review up at Just Let Me Finish This Page for All the Old Knives by Olen Steinhauer – a must-read, in my opinion. You can read the review here.
Books, books, books. Now, let’s talk music. Shuffle, please.
My Playlist
• Silly – Deniece Williams
I wrote about this song just – what was it? – last week. I kept hearing this song in the music that was playing during intermission for An Octoroon. Invariably, I was in the middle of a conversation and I would be trying to maintain my end of the conversation while also trying to identify the song and singer. Finally, I grabbed my iPhone and recorded it. I was pretty sure it was Deniece Williams and after a few times I found the song and downloaded it to iTunes. Silly. I have since played this song about a thousand times. I can’t get enough of it. I love the melody, I love the words, I love the arrangement. It was written by Fritz Baskett, Clarence McDonald and Miss Williams herself. Produced in Philadelphia by Williams and legendary producer Thom Bell, it is now one of her most famous songs. I can see why. I made Don listen to it. He loves it. It was released in 1981.
Silly of me to think that I could ever have you for my guy
How I love you…How I want you
Silly of me to think that you could ever really want me too
How I love you…You’re just a lover out to score
And I know that I should be looking for more
What could it be in you I see
What could it be…
Oh love, oh love, stop making a fool of me
Oh love, oh love, stop making a fool of me
Her voice is incredible. But I’ve said that before.
• Out of this World/So in Love – Nancy LaMott
Let me tell you about Nancy LaMott. She was a cabaret singer, a singer of the Great American Songbook. She had the voice of an angel. Truly. She died much too young. She is still held in great esteem by other singers. I can think of no other singer who moves me as deeply. Her voice was crystal clear. She conveyed great emotion. If you want to hear a great singer interpret American Popular Song, I urge you to listen to Nancy LaMott. Every week, Jonathan Schwartz (who I mentioned the other day) closes his show with one of her recordings. This one – a combination of So in Love from the musical Kiss Me Kate by Cole Porter and Out of this World (a personal favorite) written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer, brings me to tears every time I hear it. The arrangement is exquisite. Her voice? The most exquisite. I can’t even think about it without crying.
You’re right out of a book
The fairy tale I read when I was so high
No armored knight out of a book
Could find a more enchanted Lorelei than IAfter waiting so long for the right time
After reaching so long for a star,
All at once from the long and lonely night time
And despite time, here you are!
• Hotel California – The Eagles
Love, love this song. Another story song by the great Eagles. Written by Don Felder, Don Henley, and Glenn Frey. Don Henley sings the vocal. The guitar work alone is worth the listen. At the end, an extended guitar section played by Felder and Joe Walsh will knock your socks off. I’m not one who goes on and on about electric guitars, but this long riff takes my breath away. It’s simply great.
On a dark desert highway, cool wind in my hair
Warm smell of colitas rising up through the air
Up ahead in the distance I saw a shimmering light
My head grew heavy, and my sight grew dim
I had to stop for the night
• Wait – Earth, Wind & Fire
Another great one by a great, great group. Great horns in the background, great vocals. They just do this kind of thing better than anyone else. And it modulates. Can you tell that I like that?
It’s crazy if you think we’re just friends
Lovin’ when infatuation ends
The wait for you, baby, it now begins
• I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry – B.J. Thomas
I first discovered Thomas through one of my favorite songs as a teen – Hooked on a Feelin’. But this is even better. Thomas has the kind of voice that touches your heart, especially in this song, written by Hank Williams. Everyone’s been there. We’ve all felt it. This song breaks your heart, especially in the capable hands of Thomas.
Did you hear that lonesome whippoorwill
He sounds too blue to fly
The midnight train is whining low
And I’m so lonesome I could cryI’ve never seen a night so long
When time goes crawling by
The moon just went behind the clouds
And I’m so lonesome I could cry
• Grazing in the Grass – The Friends of Distinction
First recorded by Hugh Masekela, this vocal cover by The Friends of Distinction shoots out of the starting gate and never stops. I don’t know how these guys can spit out ‘I can dig it’ as fast as they can. It’s a great arrangement of a fabulous song. You cannot help but move when you hear it. I’m moving right now as I listen to it. I’m dancing in my chair.
Everything here is so clear, you can see it
And everything here is so real, you can feel it
And it’s real, so real, so real, so real, so real, so real
Can you dig it?
• Monday, Monday – The Mamas and the Papas
Lord, I loved the Mamas and the Papas. Their voices blended together beautifully. My brother had their album (the one where they’re in the bathtub in the cover photo) and I ‘borrowed’ it and played it over and over again. I still have it. I love this song.
Monday, Monday so good to me
Monday morning, it was all I hoped it would be
Oh Monday morning, Monday morning couldn’t guarantee
That Monday evening, you would still be here with me.
• I’ve Got You Under My Skin – Frank Sinatra
Possibly my favorite Sinatra. This version of the Cole Porter song has Sinatra at his swingin’ best with an incredible arrangement by Nelson Riddle that builds and builds – horns blazing, strings singing. I’ve actually listened to this over and over to learn more about the arrangement itself. After hundreds of listens, I still learn more about it. The instrumental bridge with the horn solo just blasts it out of the park. And there’s a doubling of all the notes – buh-buh, buh-buh – that drives me crazy in the best possible way. A match made in heaven – Sinatra and Riddle. And then he winds it down to a quiet “And I like you – under my skin.”
I’ve tried so not to give in
I’ve said to myself: this affair never will go so well
But why should I try to resist when baby I know so well
I’ve got you under my skin
• I’ll Take Romance – Matt Monro
More from British crooner, Matt Monro. I’ll Take Romance, written by Ben Oakland and Oscar Hammerstein, is wonderfully waltz-like, a song of pure romance.
I’ll take romance
While my heart is young and eager to fly
I’ll give my heart a try
I’ll take romanceSo my lover when you want me call me
In the hush of the evening
When you call me in the hush of the evening
I’ll rush to my first real romance
Smooth as silk, Monro sings this beautifully.
• The Theme from Picnic – Morris Stollof conducting the Columbia Pictures Orchestra
The gorgeous theme from the movie Picnic. I’ve always loved it and this rendition is straight from the movie. All orchestra. All hauntingly beautiful.
• Last Train Home – Pat Metheny
I cannot tell you how many times I have played this since discovering it several years ago. I think it would probably be embarrassing. This, to me, is Metheny at his best. The haunting undertone of the train runs throughout this piece, with Metheny’s guitar taking us on the journey. There’s a real mournful quality to it, mournful but excruciatingly beautiful. I cannot get enough of it. If you want to hear Pat Metheny doing what he does like nobody else, listen to this. Think of sound of a train in the distance, add a gorgeous melody, and you’ve got Last Train Home. One of my favorite pieces – ever. I’m am head over heels in love with it.
• Get Together – The Youngbloods
Out of my youth: a plea for tolerance, a plea for peace. It is as powerful today as it was then. Performed by The Youngbloods, with a great arrangement and wonderful guitar work, it gets to me even now. Jesse Colin Young’s evocative voice is simply perfect.
Some may come and some may go
We shall surely pass
When the one who left us here
returns for us at last
We are but a moment’s sunlight
fading in the grassCome on people now
Smile on your brother
Everybody get together
Try to love one another
Right now
• Lush Life – Sammy Davis Jr.
Lush Life is a jazz classic with words and music by the great Billy Strayhorn. It’s always been one of my favorites – the lyrics are beautiful. Davis does a beautiful job with it, from his album of the same name.
I’ll forget you I will
While yet you are still
Burning inside my brain
Romance is mush
And it stifles those who strive
Well I’ll live a lush life in some small dive
And I, I’ll be alright with the rest
All those who lives are lonely too.
• Lisbon Antigua – Nelson Riddle
I grew up hearing this on my mom’s radio and always liked it. Years and years later, when I was home visiting my mom and dad at their home in Northern Michigan, we were playing cards and this song came on the radio. I asked my Dad what the title was and he said “Lisbon Antigua.” There you have it. I made sure to get a recording of it and it’s now on my playlist. I love this piece, partly because of the melody, partly because it’s arranged by the great Nelson Riddle, and partly because it brings back a great memory with my parents. (It was originally written in Portuguese in 1937.) Riddle recorded his own arrangement of it.
• Fly Me to the Moon – Joe Harnell and his Orchestra
This song has been recorded by everybody, but this is an orchestral version by Joe Harnell. It’s hip, cool, and, as often is the case with me, I heard it on the radio and obsessed until I could find a copy. Harnell takes the theme and changes it constantly with different instruments taking the lead. It reminds me of theme and variations in classical music. Jazzy piano, plucked strings, soaring flutes, smooth violins – it’s got everything. And as always on this playlist, it makes me happy.
• Blue Tango – Leroy Anderson/Arthur Fiedler & The Boston Pops
Another great composition by Leroy Anderson based on the sultry rhythms of the tango. There was no one better than Anderson at creating a mood, a feeling, within a short piece of music. Lord, he was talented. I could listen to his music endlessly. Again, another piece I heard on the radio when I was a kid that I carried with me into adulthood. Reminds me of my Mom.
More tomorrow, then a book review on Friday.
Happy Wednesday.
I love the breadth and depth of your music playlist. The group I love best for horns is Tower of Power.
Great horns indeed, Wendy!
Bravo, Claudia! ‘Enjoying this SO MUCH! Thank you!!!
Thank you, Melany!
Ciao from snowy foggy New Jersey. I am loving your playlists Claudia, and started listing them and listening to them on iTunes. The Association, the Buckinghams, and Bobby Darin…they bring back so many memories…and of course Cousin Brucie. Thanks, this is such a labor of love. xxoo
Thank you so much, my friend!
Such a eclectic list, I love it!! Makes me want to branch out in my search for more music in my life. I’m about to start the the Cara Black book as soon as I charge up my Kindle!!
hugs,
Linda
Yippee! I think you’ll like it. I have to wait to read the newest one until I finish a book I’m going to review. Ah, well!
Oh no…we mustn’t ever forget The Mama’s and the Papa’s…Monday, Monday! And Hooked on a Feeling? Yes I am hooked! It’s gonna warm up here starting this weekend into next week…no mention of snow either…hope I didn’t just jinx that! ;)
We have even more snow coming tomorrow. We’re about ready to slit our wrists!
Ah, Blue Tango! As a violinist, can’t tell you how many times I’ve played this song (and The Typewrite, and Sleigh Ride…!) I’ve always had a real fondness for Leroy Anderson–his songs make me happy. Buglers Holiday–how can you not smile? I played that one once in a concert where the three buglers were…(wait for it)…triplet sisters!! How cool was that? Thanks for the trip down memory lane with so many wonderful songs, Claudia!
Oh my goodness, that would have been so COOL! Triplets playing Buglers Holiday. Wonderful. I love Leroy Anderson a whole lot. You’re right, the music makes me happy.
Claudia, your playlists have been such fun! I’d love to see them become a regular feature [seriously]. Well, let’s see, on today’s list we have mutual favorites with “Blue Tango” [anything Leroy is great with me], “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” [which gets under mine/stuck in my head for days when I hear it], “Hotel California” [practically the soundtrack of my college years] and the theme from “Picnic.” Did you know that it’s actually called “Moonglow” and was written in the early 30s? But became such an integral part of the movie that most people think it was written FOR the movie. Hence the name. Enjoy your day!
I think the theme is one thing and Moonglow is another, Janet. Sometimes you hear the theme with Moonglow added, but check it out if you have time. I love Moonglow, by the way. They’re both part of the movie Picnic, for sure.
If you go to this link, at about 1:11 comes the actual theme from Picnic. I think they’re worked in together here. And I think that’s the way it was marketed, also. I have just the theme on my playlist. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAxJ93LzaaA
Though I have to say I like this combination of the two and just might have to add it to my Playlist.
Does this make any sense?
Has anyone mentioned ‘The Water is Wide’ by Karla Bonoff? It has a beautifully simplistic melody that just gets into your head! I love it. She has also done it in a duet with James Taylor.
No, no one has. But thank you, Myra! I’ll check it out!
Hotel California and ‘Picnic.’ One of the best albums ever. One of the best films ever.
Mom and I would watch the movies. We are multiple generations of Los Angelenos so the movie studios and Hollywood are our ‘backyard,’ so to speak…movies feel familiar. From my earliest remembrances, when the great ‘ol films of the past would come on the television, we’d make an event of it, my mom and the young me, sitting down to watch the lavish ‘color’ movies (as opposed to b&w films) which would go ‘on location,’ like ‘To Catch A Thief’ or ‘Love is A Many-Splendored Thing.’ (If you couldn’t travel to those places yourself, at least you could dream of going there when watching a movie!) ‘Picnic’ came out about the same time as ‘Love is A Many-Splendored Thing,’ William Holden of course being the male lead in each. (When my handsome dad worked in Santa Monica and environs for a time in the 50s, he was routinely mistaken for, or told he looked like William Holden…that’s truth…it’s not uncommon to see celebs out and about in L.A. even today, if you’re in the ‘right’ places.) When I was a teen and taking extra English classes in high school, I became quite a fan of William Inge plays (besides ‘Picnic,’ ‘Bus Stop,’ ‘Splendor In The Grass’ are also among my fave films via him…of the latter, I’m nuts over anything with Natalie Wood and also loved ‘This Property Is Condemned’ – that, of course, being directed by the incredible and prolific Sydney Pollack and adapted from Tennessee Williams’ play…you would know of all this from your theater background of course…).
What I think is so amazing about the film, ‘Picnic,’ is how you can almost feel the heat of the day and hear the night sounds; it engages so much emotion and more senses than just sight. Those ‘real-life’ Labor Day scenes lent so much authenticity. I’d read quite a bit about William Holden’s life and the consensus is that he was a little bit drunk when he filmed the dance scene at the picnic with Kim Novak because I guess he really couldn’t dance very well and that’s the only way he could get through it. Yes, the music, ah that music…you never forget it.
Hotel California? Did you happen to catch the 1994 TV reunion…I guess it was MTV…when we hadn’t seen them as a group for so many years, and Felder and Walsh did that long, sort of classic/Spanish guitar (flamenco?) intro to the song…at first I didn’t know where they were going with it. By now, I was well into middle age but found myself dancing all over my living room, just hooting about how great they all sounded, like no time had passed at all. I also liked some of the work Don Henley and Glenn Frey put out in the 80s after the band stopped playing together. I read Felder’s book. Have seen Joe Walsh interviewed a few times; I like hearing his memories and perspective. Henley’s voice is so distinctive and it just doesn’t ever change. And, despite what the band says, we’ll never know exactly what the ‘Hotel California’ song really is about; there’s mystery and drama written into that song that’s only for an Eagle to really understand, in my opinion.
Another super-fun playlist from you, Claudia! I’ve loved so much of what you love, too. I could comment on most every song you highlight in today’s post…soundtrack of our lives, huh! So much amazing music. I also grew up with cast albums for “Oklahoma,” “The King And I,” “Camelot,” “South Pacific,” “Brigadoon,” “Carousel,” etc. My mom sang in school musicals/musical theater, was a wedding singer and then later a girl singer fronting a jazz orchestra in the swing era of the early ’40s, so music was her thing and it filled our home on the old-fashioned phonograph (as well as her voice, ‘live’ and in person, accompanied by herself on piano).
What did you think of Fleetwood Mac? Peter Frampton? Elton John? My fave Sinatra albums are his live album at Madison Square Garden and “September of My Years” (and of course the one with Jobim). Mom saw him perform at the Hollywood Bowl in the later years and it was a highlight of her life.
We love the Eagles – There’s a documentary about them on Netflix. I don’t know if you’ve seen it, it’s quite long, but it’s fascinating. Everyone is so honest, sometimes painfully so. Felder was eventually asked to leave the group – in the more recent incarnation. Tricky being together that long and each member having a strong personality…
Don lived in Los Angeles for, I don’t know? 25 years? More? And I’ve spent a small amount of time there, but of course, not nearly as much as he has. I’ve never lived there. San Diego – yes.
I routinely see celebs out on the street in NYC. I think it’s even easier for them to go about their business there. There are so many people out walking, hordes of them, so most everyone is used to celebrity sightings.
Never was a big Fleetwood Mac fan, I don’t know why. I didn’t dislike them, just wasn’t crazy for them. Same thing for Frampton and Elton John. I’m not sure what my favorite Sinatra album is, besides the two Jobim albums. Maybe Songs for Young Lovers? In the Wee Small Hours? It’s so hard to choose!
I have indeed seen I’m sure the same Eagles doc of which you speak (it’s in two parts). (My husband and I, also, are huge Eagles fans. I imagine so many of us in a similar age group are!) I’ve watched the doc three times (obsessive, I know!); it ran on premium cable for awhile, HBO or Showtime maybe. I thought it was quite well done. My husband, who has spent a lot of time in Nebraska, is a fan of Randy Meisner…who I believe has lived lifelong in Nebraska and, obviously due to his fame, is a local legend. Being in SoCal in the 70s, I couldn’t help but ‘hear’ that Governor Reagan’s daughter, Patti, was ‘involved’ with Bernie Leadon! (Didn’t Bernie Leadon have some of his growing-up years in San Diego? Maybe…) The Flying Burrito Brothers…another group my husband loved, and Bernie Leadon was in that band, too.
Yes, what you do…when you live among them…is just leave the celebs alone to live their lives but, you know, your eyes might meet; it’s just so hard sometimes not to stare or want to rush up and wax on about how much you love their roles in this or that, or their songs, etc. I’ve never done that when I wanted to! They’re allowed their space. I lived in Santa Barbara for a few years and there are rather a lot of famous (and wealthy) folks there, too (Oprah’s in nearby Montecito now, which is an enclave dubbed ‘the millionaire migration’ even in the late 1800s, not by show biz people [THAT came later] but by wealthy American families like Rockefeller, DuPont, Carnegie…when they wintered ‘out West’ once the railroad came). Celebs in a smaller city like Santa Barbara obviously stick out more. I’ve read recently about actor Brad Cooper’s run on Broadway with ‘Elephant Man’ and how he ‘loses’ the paparazzi on the subway because I guess they just don’t like the subway!
Elton John – Yellow Brick Road album
Frampton – Frampton Comes Alive
Fleetwood Mac – Rumours album (if I had to pick ONE)
Claudia, It is wonderful how much you know about all these songs! Doris
Well, a lot of it I know, but I also have to do a little research with each piece – just to check facts and dates.
I believe that some of the songs I don’t recognize I will look up this week-end..it may be that I will remember some once I hear them..if not maybe I will find something new to enjoy.. My favorite today..B.J. Thomas..
Have been enjoying your playlist posts. Found a lot of my favorites and a lot of new ones to listen to. This is my first blog comment ever. Just had to let you know that I found Nancy LaMott several years ago and have all her albums. Certainly agree about her clear voice. Always thought Karen Carpenter had a very clear voice also. Both gone way too soon.