Gunfighter: A Modern Warrior's Life

My Vacation: "Official Music"

You know how it goes, right?  A song gets in your head, and the next thing you know, it represents a place or a time that will always be identified with just that tune.  What do you mean that doesn't happen to you?  You people are strange... it happens to me all the time.

I'll give you an example:  Every summer, before we go on vacation, some particular song winds up becoming our official" vacation song.  In years past it has been "I'm Gonna Be" by The Proclaimers, in 2008, it was the song "What Time Is It?" from the soundtrack of High School Musical 2 (go ahead, make a wiseass remark), and this year it was "Waking Up In Vegas", by Katy Perry... you know who she is, right?  I think that she is the chick who kissed a girl and liked it.

Well, all of these songs are still on my iPod, and they immediately remind me of driving around certain places in either Orlando, Florida, or St. Simons Island, Georgia (or places in-between).

I wonder what it will be next year?

Transported By Music

Music is an important part of my life.   It's probably important to you, too.

In my world, music is important to me on so many levels, it's hard for me to describe.  On one level, I enjoy music just to hear sounds that are pleasing to my ears, and on the level music holds an equal place with laughter, bells, and the sound of automatic weapons (the sound of machine guns make me smile, again, don't judge). 

On another level, music moves me emotionally, whether the music is inspirational in my faith, or it is a sad ballad, or a song about the joys of love, music has the ability to make me feel things that don't generally come out of the white noise in my head. 

On still another level, music can sometimes be something that is neither spiritual, emotional, or just pleasing to the ears.  Sometimes music just makes me want to move my body... whether it is just tapping my foot, dancing, or headbanging with an intensity that would make Angus Young proud.  I don't want to talk about any of those things today.

No. 

 

I want to talk about being transported by music.  Transported to a time and place in your life that is significant to a particular song.  I have many of them, as you probably do.  One of my "transportational" songs is the old Motown classic "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing" by Marvin Gaye & Tammy Terrell.  Some of you may remember the song... it is one of the quintessential songs of the Motownera.  For me, the song reminds me of the time immediately prior to my parent's divorce.  Released in 1968, when I was only 5, the song always brings me to riding in the back of our station wagon, when my dad was stations at Hamilton Air Force Base, California.

 

I am chronologically certain my parent's marriage was already in the toilet at that point, but I was a little boy... and the song always reminds me that we were an intact family in those days.  It makes me happy and sad at the same time.   It makes me happy because of the warm feeling of togetherness, however illusory... and it makes me sad because it's is the only "happy family" feeling I have of my childhood, and it is intensely fleeting.  When people say that divorce doesn't have long-term effects, tell them to come and talk to me, I'll call bullshit right to their faces.

 

Another song that transports me to a particular time and place is the song "Magic To Do" from the Broadway play "Pippin".  I have this song on my ipod, on my "Movie Music" play-list, and while I was on my way to work this morning, driving through the hated Springfield Interchange, I listened to it and enjoyed the fact that it took me back to 1977, when I went, with my Junior High School music class, to see the play in New York city.  I don't remember much of the play... to tell you the truth, beyond two songs, I don't remember any of it, other than the fact that Ben Vereen was in the cast when we went.

The songs that I mentioned aren't the only ones that take me places, but they stood out the other day when I decided to blog about this... I'll bet you have songs like this.

 

What are they?, and where do they take you?

CD Review: KISS - Sonic Boom

A new KISS album?  After all this time?  Oh HELL YEAH!

Let me tell you the story.  I was filing some paperwork in the office yesterday, and listening to one of Washington DC's last rock & roll radio stations when I heard it announced the KISS would be playing a concert at the Verizon Center.  I immediately announced to one of my colleagues that I was going... which made him laugh "Really Bill?  a KISS concert?  I suppose you'll be going to WalMart to get their new album tonight".  The truth is, I had no idea that KISS had released a new album.  I seldom listen to the radio and I pay little attention to music industry news, so I hadn't heard anything about the concert or the album.

As soon as I was finished shuffling paper, I called Mrs. Gunfighter and asked if she wanted to go to the concert and got the response I expected:  A laugh followed by "um... NO!"  Not to be put off, I decided that she would get 24 hrs to change her mind before I bought a ticket to go ALONE (I hope you are feeling guilty, sweetheart.... sending me off to Rock  Roll All Nite... by myself).  As I write this, she has about 4 hours to recant.

Anyway, feeling good about myself, I went home in the afternoon, got a haircut, picked up soccergirl from swimming, got her home to finish her homework, gave her a snack, an was about to whisk her off to Girl Scouts, when Mrs. GF came home.  The Mrs. decided to come to Scouts with us, so after dropping SG at the meeting, we decided to kill an hour at WalMart, where I immediately snapped up the new KISS album; Sonic Boom.

A lengthy intro, I know... but I'm not just an aging KISS fan, I'm also a middle-aged suburban dad who blogs, what do you want?

When I got in my car to head into work on this fine morning, I loaded the new CD into the player, to rock out while I made the I-95 trek with the other Lemmings.  Let me tell you, I got no surprises.

Look, KISS is a party band... a stadium band.  They play rock and roll right out of the 1970's because that's where their roots are... and that's where most of their fans are from.  They didn't disappoint me.  Now, I don't think that this effort is going to garner them any timeless gems like "Calling Dr. Love" (which I am listening to as I write this)or the anthemic "Rock & Roll All Nite", but that doesn't mean that the album is no good.  Quite the contrary, it is good.  The music is good, lyrics are good, and the vocals are good... this is classic KISS, and I love it.

I suppose it is easy to believe that I would give the album a glowing review just because I was in my teens at the height of KISS's success... that I would give them a pass for nostalgia's sake in some sort of pathetic grasp at my youth, but I hope you know me better than that.  The bottom line is that, if you are a KISS fan, or ever were a KISS fan, this album won't disappoint you.  If you've never listened to a KISS album before, this is good a place as any to start.

NOTE:  I would have included an image but the new Typepad image up-loader is still in Beta, and it really sucks!

Playlist: 1970's Soul Playlist

Hi, it's me... the musical Gunfighter.  I enjoyed posting my 25 most-played songs from my Ipod last week, so I thought I would bore you beyond belief with another playlist from said Ipod.  This list is of the songs I have on my 1970's Soul playlist.

It's the bomb.  For realz.

Let's Stay Together - Al Green

Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) - Marvin Gaye

Oh Girl - The ChiLites

I'll Be There - The Jackson 5

If Loving You Is Wrong - Luther Ingraham

I'll Be Around - The Spinners

Kiss and Say Goodbye - The Manhattans

This Will Be (an everlasting love) - Natalie Cole

Turn back The Hands of Time - Tyrone Davis

She's Gone - Tavares

Betcha Bye-Golly Wow - The Stylistics

Break up To Make Up - The Stylistics

Do You Feel Me - Anthony Hamilton*

Have You Seen Her? - The ChiLites

I'm Stone In Love With You - The Stylistics

Toby - The ChiLites

Where Is The Love? - Donny Hathaway & Roberta Flack

You Are Everything - The Stylistics

You Make Me Feel Brand New - The Stylistics

What Is Hip? - Tower of Power

It's A Family Affair - Sly & The Family Stone

Soul Finger - The Bar-Kays

This Time It's Real - Tower of Power

Everyday People - Sly & The Family Stone**

Thank You (Falettinmebemicelf again) - Sly & The Family Stone

I Want To Take You Higher - Sly & The Family Stone***

You've Made Me So Very Happy - Blood, Sweat & Tears****

Notes:

*  Although this song is from the soundtracl of the 2007 film American Gangster, it fits so completely in the 1970's soul/R&B genre that I have in on my 1970's Soul playlist.  If you haven't heard of it, I suggest you find a way to do so.  Really.

**Released in 1968, but it still belongs here.

***Released in 1969, but it still belongs here.

****Released in 1969, and belongs here because it doesn't really work in any of my other playlists.

A Letter to Kanye West

Dear Mr. West,

For the sake of full disclosure, I feel that it is important to say that I have never been a fan of your music.  I have never been able to discern the "genius" that some people are, or at least were, attaching to your name.  That said, I would like to get straight to the point of this little missive.

You, sir, are a boor.  You have no class.  You are arrogant, rude, and clearly incapable of good and decent behavior.

In past years when you misbehaved as a result of perceived snubs at award shows, I put your behavior down to the general silliness of the entertainment business... I figured it was just another way of gaining publicity.  I was wrong.  You weren't doing publicity stunts, were you?  You were just being the ridiculous little prick that you apparently always have been. 

How sad.

As pathetic as your clowning has been in the past, your behavior last night at the MTV video awards was a new low, even for a little fellow like yourself.  In what mental plane do you exist in that you think that it is forgivable to treat a fellow artist with such incredible disregard?  In what world do you think that it is alright to get on stage and spew your opinions when someone else had the floor?

I have to tell you, Mr. West, your behavior was inexcusable.  I would like to call it childish, but I am certain that neither of my children would put on such a shockingly uncouth display.

I know that you lost your father at a young age, but was there no one to teach you how to act like a man?  Did no one ever tell you that you just shouldn't act this way?  Did no one ever tell you that treating anyone, especially a lady like that was wrong? 

Taylor Swift didn't deserve that.  She didn't do anything to you, or to Beyonce Knowles that could possibly have earned the treatment that you gave her. 

Personally, West, I don't think your are much of a man.  I think that you are a short, spoiled punk.  A horse's ass, a clown, a minstrel.  I used to look at you and shrug, now I will always look at you with scorn.

If you had treated my daughter, who is around Swift's age, with such disrespect, I would already have called you out to give you the beating... no, the spanking that you deserve.

Another List: The 25 Most Played Songs From My Ipod

Like you really need to know this... or care, but I don't have any ideas for today.  Well, that isn't true, but those ideas haven't finished gelling.

Let's take this from the top, shall we?  The following is a list of the 25 most played songs on my Ipod as of around 6 this morning.

Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee - GLAD

Smooth Criminal - Alien Ant Farm

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God - The Maranatha! Singers

Let The Bodies Hit The Floor - Drowning Pool

All Are Welcome - Marty Haugen

Revolution - Kirk Franklin

Shake A Leg - AC/DC

Fell In Love With A Girl - The White Stripes

Oh Happy Day - The Edwin Hawkins Singers

My Sharona - The Knack

Give Thanks - TD Jakes

You Shook Me All Night Long - AC/DC

Congress Reel - Slainte M'hath (pronounced slawnje va... or something like that)

Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee - Charles Billingsley

Back In Black - AC/DC

Kyrie Eleison, Christie Eleison - Taize`

Shout of The King - Hillsong United

Hosanna - Kirk Franklin

As The Grains of Wheat - Marty Haugen

One Day - Hillsong United

Theme from Superman - John Williams

Good Girls Don't - The Knack

Gather Us In - Marty Haugen

O Lord Hear My Prayer - Taize` Community Choir

There's Nothing Too Hard For God - Southern California Community Choir

So there you have it.  Some real contrasts, aren't there?  Well that's me... what can I say?

The Best. Song. Ever. (EVER!)

This is the best song ever recorded.  If you don't know it, go find it.  You can find it easily on Itunes or on the Bob Marley: Legend CD.

Old pirates, yes, they rob I;
Sold I to the merchant ships,
Minutes after they took I
From the bottomless pit.
But my hand was made strong
By the 'and of the Almighty.
We forward in this generation
Triumphantly.

Won't you help to sing
These songs of freedom? -
'Cause all I ever have:
Redemption songs;
Redemption songs.

Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery;
None but ourselves can free our minds.
Have no fear for atomic energy,
'Cause none of them can stop the time.
How long shall they kill our prophets,
While we stand aside and look? Ooh!
Some say it's just a part of it:
We've got to fulfil de book.

Won't you help to sing
These songs of freedom? -
'Cause all I ever have:
Redemption songs;
Redemption songs;
Redemption songs.

Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery;
None but ourselves can free our mind.
Wo! Have no fear for atomic energy,
'Cause none of them-a can-a stop-a the time.
How long shall they kill our prophets,
While we stand aside and look?
Yes, some say it's just a part of it:
We've got to fulfil the book.

Won't you help to sing
These songs of freedom? -
'Cause all I ever had:
Redemption songs -
All I ever had:
Redemption songs:
These songs of freedom,
Songs of freedom.

Soccer, Travel, Random Thoughts, Music, Father's Day

Item:  Right.  It's Father's Day.  Happy Father's Day, Dad... sorry my call caught you just as you left church.  Anyway, I'm glad that you heard from everyone by 1 P.M.  I hope everyone reading this got to talk to their dad's today.  If your dad is still living, and you haven't spoken to him yet... hurry!  You still have time.  It'll make his day.

Item:  This weekend was the Annual Father's Day soccer tournament that is put on by the Police Youth Club of one our local counties.  I was told that this tournament attracted nearly 450 teams this year.  In Soccer Girl's division (U-10), hers was the only team to go undefeated!  Oh, hell yeah!  I'm so proud.

Sorry I had to miss today's games, baby... but I was driving to Florida... which you and mommy are flying to as I type this from across the street from SeaWorld (woo hoo!).  Anyway, I am proud of you and the goal you scored yesterday, and the assist you made today.  Better still, I loved getting to talk to you at various times during my long drive (12 hours from Woodbridge,Va to Orange County, Florida, baby!).  I'll see you in just a couple of hours.

Item:  I realize that I shouldn't do this, but I have to confess that my drive to Florida was made much more pleasant by the electronics that accompanied me.  I had my Ipod, my Peek, and my Blackberry.  'Twas a well-connected ride.

Item:  I got involved in some dangerous thinking for Father's Day.  I did.  It involved music... yeah, I know, things get a little strange when GF starts thinking music, but hey, what can I say?  Anyway, I was thinking about one of my favorite recording artists, and the most popular song he ever did.  It has to be one of the shortest, and most simplistic songs ever written, but I suppose that's what makes big selling hit records.  I'm talking about Johnny Cash and his recording or "Ring of Fire".  Sure, sure... laugh at old eccentirc Gunfighter, why don't you (you young folks should show more respect... if not for me, for Johnny Cash).  Well, no matter how you feel about it, I still love it, and present it to you today for your own reading pleasure.

Love Is A Burning Thing
And It Makes A Fiery Ring
Bound By Wild Desire
I Fell Into A Ring Of Fire

CHORUS:
I Fell Into A Burning Ring Of Fire
I Went Down, Down, Down
And The Flames Went Higher

And It Burns, Burns, Burns
The Ring Of Fire
The Ring Of Fire

I Fell Into A Burning Ring Of Fire
I Went Down, Down, Down
And The Flames Went Higher Higher

And It Burns, Burns, Burns
The Ring Of Fire
The Ring Of Fire

The Taste Of Love Is Sweet
When Hearts Like Ours Meet
I Fell For You Like A Child
Oh ,But The Fire Went Wild

CHORUS
I Fell Into A Burning Ring Of Fire
I Went Down, Down, Down
And The Flames Went Higher
And It Burns, Burns, Burns
The Ring Of Fire
The Ring Of Fire

I Fell Into A Burning Ring Of Fire
I Went Down, Down, Down
And The Flames Went Higher Higher Higher

And It Burns, Burns, Burns
The Ring Of Fire

The Ring Of Fire

Thank you!

Hey!, I hear gunshots!... no, wait it's fireworks from SeaWorld!  I have a PERFECT view!  Dude!!!

Ok, I have to grab a shower, get a sandwich or something, and head to the airport.

You kids play nice together while I am gone!

***NOTE***  I know.  It's not time for my acation yet, you are right, but my bosses were sending me on a training mission to Orlando, and suggested that the family visit while I was there.  Great, right"?  Well, it WAS great until non-refundable tickets were purchased... and my trip was cancelled.  So, I drove, they flew, we have  a short stay and then will be back here in August to do this properly.

Geez... and the fireworks are still going!

My Mind on My Music, and My Music on My Mind

I have music on my mind today.  Not just music in general, but one particular song.

On the way back to my office from lunch on Monday, I was listening to one of the generic "oldies" stations that are all over the freakin' dial in the DC-area radio market.  While I was driving up  Edsall Road, Chicago's classic "Make Me Smile" came on.

I have always had a love/hate relationship with that song, because of some of it's themes.  On the one hand, you have this ode to a lover... the man sings "I'm so happy, that you love me!  Life is lovely, when you're near me!  Tell me you will stay... make me smile!"

Nice, right?  a man speaks of unqualified love.  How many of you wish someone would say something like that about you?  I think everyone would want that, right?  So, that was the good part.  What bothers me about this song is the end!

The song isn't particularly long, but it does follow the "rules" for radio-play pop music... it lasts about 3 minutes.  Apparently, it wasn't long enough for the radio stations of the day, and some absolutely mismatched music, reminiscent of a freakin' circus (indeed, it was an instrumental from another song the band had recorded) was tacked on at the end.

For me, hearing this song is always bittersweet.  You have a fine song with really great horns and splendid bass from Peter Cetera, along with a soulful lead vocal, and then end it with.... circus puffery!  It's like eating a great meal, only to find that the kitchen it was cooked in was condemned because of the presence of vermin.

Man Movie Music #3: Hawaii 5-0

Yeah, I know it isn't movie music, but, it sure as heck is Man-Music!

Steve McGarret was one of the coolest dudes that ever lived (on TV, anyway!), and you've got to love a sidekick named Chin Ho.