Gunfighter: A Modern Warrior's Life

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.

CD Review: Adele "19"

You know, every once in a while... and by that I mean rarely, I am totally blown away by talented musicians.  This is one such instant.

Here we have British newcomer Adele.  She isn't glamorous.  She isn't packaged.  She isn't the picture of pop stardom... but what she has that so many other performers lack is raw talent.  This young woman has talent in spades.  She sings with depth and emotion; she sometimes accompanies herself on the guitar; and she is a songwriter.

Not terribly long ago, the music world was abuzz about the soulful talents of another English vocalist named Amy Winehouse, but the buzz has died down because of that singer's tumultuous train wreck of a life.  None of that from Adele, thank you very much.  This young Londoner seems grounded in her family, and truly appears to have herself together.  She doesn't come across as being dazzled by new-found fame, or seem to be too taken with the fact that America has, once again, fallen in love with a British chanteuse who looks like she has the chops to go the distance.

On her album "19" Adele sings songs that range from the ballad "Daydreamer" to to the Grammy Award winning "Chasing Pavements" to the I-dare-you-to-sit-still "Right As Rain".  The songs, all (except one) writtern (or co-written) by Adele, are tightly done, and beautifully arranged. 

Since I don't really listen to Top 40 radio, I had not yet heard of this young woman before I saw her on Saturday Night Live a couple of months ago.  I enjoyed her performance, but I didn't really give her a second thought until she performed on the Grammy Awards show earlier this month.  Fast forward to this past Sunday, when Mrs. Gunfighter bought the cd while we were at Borders.  Since then, I have listened to the recording several times (I'm listening to it as I type this), and I have to say that it just keeps getting better.

Adele will be starting a tour of the United States in March, and if you happen to live anywhere reasonably near one of the scheduled venues, I recommend that you go see her.

I'm done praising this cd, and I am done praising this singer, because I have a class to teach in 27 minutes.  So here is the low-down:  Buy this cd and give a listen, you'll be glad you did.  Better yet, buy this cd, put your children to bed, listen to it with someone you love.  You (and that someone) will both be better for it.

CD Review: Tom Jones - 24 Hours

Ladies and Gentlemen... Mr. Tom Jones!

I'm cutting to the chase:  Tom Jones has a lot to teach the current generation of pop stars.  He sings with range that today's singers can't hope to match.  He sings with control, he sings with emotion, he sings with joy.

This CD isn't just good, it's great.  Jones hits the ground running and doesn't slow down.  Right out of the gate, Tom lays it down in grand, powerful style.  At age 68, Jones sings like a man half his age.  There are a couple of songs on this CD that I'm not thrilled with, but to tell you the truth, the whole is certainly much, much, better than it's parts.

Here is the thing about Tom Jones that has endured through a career that has spanned four decades.  Tom Jones sings like a man.  Not just a man, though.  Tom Jones sings like an alpha male.  His style is sexually confident, and he is unapologetic about it.  Tom Jones' musical style is strong and his powers are completely undiminished.

If you are a fan of powerful, masculine, vocal tracks, delivered with a retro feel that is, at the same time, very much "today", you'll love this CD.

In today's world of girly-man singers, it's nice to know that at least Tom Jones still refuses to compromise.

Hymns I Hate

• This is the fifth post in a series of posts whose topics were picked by my readers and pals.  If you are just tuning in and want to watch me make a fool of myself by posting about whatever is on your mind, drop me an email sometime and I'll see what I can do.   Today's post was suggested by Mr. Richard Faeder, of Fort Lee, New Jersey...
  

Are you a church-going person?  Have you ever been a church-going person?  Do you like to sing in church?  Well, I was raised in the church, and I loved to sing in church.  I still do.  When I was a little boy, there were lots of hymns that I really loved... and some... well, not so much.   The older (and more crotchety) I get, I am less and less thrilled with some of them.  Mrs Gunfighter suggested today's topic, and since it is Sunday, I thought I would post it for her.

I am going to try and refrain from getting ugly about some of these songs, but, alas, I fear I may not be able to throttle back.

Here Goes:

Let Us Go Now To The Banquet:  I. hate. this. song.  Mainly because it is kind of song-songy, and it probably sounds a heck of a lot better in Spanish, which is the language in which it was written.  Maybe it works better in the American southwest because of the greater influence of Latino culture and shared music (Tejano & Country Western). Hey, I don't have a problem with changing the lyrics because of language issues, but if you are going to do it, you should do it right.  Here is an example of when it works right:  A Mighty Fortress is Our God.  You see, this song works just as well in English as it does in the original German.

What makes matters worse, we usually sing this hymn in a key that is so high pitched, that I can practically hear all of the neighborhood dogs clawing to get into the church when we sing it.

The lake shore song:  You know... I'm not even sure of the real name of this hymn... which doesn't change the way I feel about it.  I will say that the one thing that this song has going for it, over some songs that I can't stand, is that we sing it in a key that most people can sing in... not that it matters, enough of the congregation hates the song enough to not bother singing it when it is being played.  Having said that, I still keep it in the "Hate it" category because it is tedious.

This Little Light of mine:  Now, I really don't hate this song.  Not at all.  I grew up singing it, as much as probably many of you have.  No... the problem with this song is that I go to church with a fairly diverse crowd... which is to say, most of the congregation is white.  Which doesn't mean that white people can't sing.  What I mean is that it is a congregation of Lutherans.  There.  I said it.  Lutherans.

God Bless 'em... I love Lutherans... they are a great deal of fun to go to church with... but they aren't really the most demonstrative people on earth... and the concept of clapping along with a hymn is alien... downright frightening to many of them. 

You know this song, right?  Easy to sing.  Easy for everyone (even the men) to sing. Easy lyrics, up-tempo, makes you feel good.  Good things, right?  Something to make a rockin' finish to the service, right?  Well, not so much.  Some days I wish that we could import a gospel choir to sing this song just once, and show these folks how to do it right... because I gotta tell you, if I have to hear the pastor remind the congregation that "OK, folks, this is an AFRICAN-AMERICAN hymn... you can clap... really"  one more time, I think I'll scream.

There are other hymns that I am not terribly fond of, but those are the ones that I can think of by name... fortunately for me, There are many hymns that I really love, so I have plenty of balance.

Adendum:  At church, this morning, we sang some of my favorite hymns, and my MOST favorite communion hymn:  "One Bread, One Body"