River of Music 365

365 days, 365 songs.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

60/365 If I had a Hammer-Peter Paul and Mary

A lot of people my age tell me they grew up listening to country music-the old stuff-whatever that means. I grew up with folk music. I grew up with Peter Paul and Mary. They did songs about love and war and righteousness, songs about nature and growth and coming of age. They were simply a beacon in their field because they were simply themselves. Mary died today at age 72. Her music will live on forever.

Its the hammer of justice, the bell of freedom and the song of love between my brothers and sisters all over this land.


Friday, September 11, 2009

59/365 Wooden Ships-Crosby Stills and Nash

If you smile at me, I will understand cuz that is something everybody everywhere does in the same language... I heard this song this morning on 'XRT after Lins Bin as he spoke about America's fascination with negiversaries (anniversaries of death)..Pearl Harbor, JFK, John Lennon, leading up to today 911. Perhaps we like to reflect, respect and remember an event that we all can relate to in some personal and emotional way. We are all in this together. Lin went on to talk about the events during 911 and how amongst the extreme hatred, there were stories of help, hope, love, encouragement and resolve.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

58/365 Peter Gabriel-In your Eyes

Here is another one of those once thought love songs but really a god song. This is the original video for the song. The lyrics are touching and the music makes that touch come alive. No matter where I go, I come back to the place you are...Love...I dont like to see so much pain...So much wasted...I get so tired working so hard...I look to my time with you to keep me awake and alive.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

57/335 Genesis- Follow You Follow Me

I loved this song when I first heard it back in High School. I know it was very much over played but, I still love it. Back then I did not think of it as God love song but now...things are different.

In your arms I feel so safe and so secure... every day is such a perfect day to spend alone with you...the night is long but you are here...all my fears go drifting by me so slowly now...in the dark I can see so very clearly now ...and while I live I will follow you if you'll follow me.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

56/365 Jr Murvin Police and Thieves

This was one of the first Reggae songs I heard when I was about 18 or 19 yrs old. Working downtown at the BOT, we were done at 3, so we wandered around downtown Chicago discovering new things, places and people. We happened upon a band paying reggae when I heard this song...

Monday, August 17, 2009

55/365 Regina Spector-Laughing at God

Heard this on WXRT in the car on the way to Michigan with Andrew. He seemed to know a lot about this artist. I of course love her. She reminds me of a modern day Russian Carly Simon.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

54/365 Three Dog Night-I've Never Been to Spain

Windows rolled down, Edens expressway, singing loudly is how I experienced this song today on the way back from a food pick up. I was reminded of my Dad's album collection which included Dog's Live at the Forum. This song was actually not on that album, but I love it none the less.

Friday, July 10, 2009

53/365 Mavis Staples Keep Ypor Eye on the Prize

This post is in honor of Mavis Staples 70th birthday. With Keep Your Eye on the Prize her powerful, soulful voice communicates how growth and change comes out of steadfastness. Yhe video shows how far we have come-but not without oppression followed by standing up for what is right no matter what the norm was at the time.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

52/365 Brett Dennen-Ain't no Reason



There is a powerful message in this song. There is no reason except human nature as to why we live the way we live in futile efforts to have more, live longer, be the best. We think we will "win" and be happy and satisfied. Its a trap. Is there not something deeper, bigger than ourselves and our immediate families to work toward? Something that will truly satisfy our inner selves? Love will set us free I do believe...

Sunday, April 5, 2009

51/365 grace Potter and the Nocternals



Obviously influenced by my fav of all time Bonnie Raitt, Grace Potter sings with heart and emotion. I love the way the band rocks! I heard her last week on Annie's Ipod while we were mudding and sanding the walls of a house in NOLA. Baby treat me right.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

50/365 Buddy Guy/ Skin Deep

This song from Buddy's new album is moving. His voice, lyrics, the pictures shown and his musical style brings an understanding of how far we have come in the area of diversity and acceptance. On the same note, shows that we need to go further. If we all felt this way and acted on it as Jesus did, we would not have the heart attitudes of fear and jealousy which leads to bitterness and hate.

Saturday, January 3, 2009

49/365 Slightly Stoopid- Closer to the Sun



I found this song on somebodys myspace a while ago. I like the guitar and the reggae feel to it. This one's for you Carlos.