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My Heart
My heart goes out to the good people of Oklahoma. My heart goes out to refugees. My heart goes out to all children who aren’t having a terrific childhood. My heart goes out to everyone in Boston who was injured in the bombings. My heart goes out to the homeless, to the hungry, to the abused. My heart goes out to the victims of bullying and to rape victims. My heart goes out to those who can’t make the next mortgage payment or cover next month’s rent.My heart keeps breaking and my feelings are often in tatters. I shutter and wince when a ferry goes down in waters off Bangladesh. I moan for every entombed miner, I grieve when trains collide, and I curl up in a ball when headlines of violent crimes keep streaming across the internet, day after day; month after month.
So my heart requires daily transfusions of trees and flowers and the breeze on my face. My heart gets energy from babies and dogs, from Sam & Dave, Paul Simon, and the Southern Rock of Little Feat and The Allman Brothers Band.
I draw upon shows like “Call The Midwife,” and actors like Denzel Washington and John Goodman. That is why I need the Red Sox, the Patriots, and the Crimson Tide. Certainly, love from my own children fills my heart with happiness and pride. But like all parents, I worry for them. I worry about them. I try not to, but… I am their father and that is simply part of the job description.
My heart is bolstered by every kindness and appreciation in all forms.
My heart usually tells me that I am safe and things are all right. I know where my kids are. In my heart I know that fathers and mothers in Moore, Oklahoma felt just fine two days ago. It can all change in a heartbeat.
So I am thankful. Meanwhile, tragedies keep happening. The News is one bad thing after another. Congress is crippled by partisan meanspiritedness. The floods, the earthquakes, the gas leaks, the rejections; the wishes that go ungranted, the prayers that go unanswered. I swallow it all in. I look for grace and for miracles.
I live in a world that turns and burns. It is cruel and wondrous, bitter and sweet, impossible and entirely possible. It is probably the same for you as well. We write our own stories, to the extent that we can. But 2013 belongs to us all, and we catch the starfish with the seaweed. The bitter herb and the harosis. Poverty kills. Joblessness kills. Stupidity kills. We all want security and opportunity. We want a fair shake in life. My heart is full of hope and despair – Harry Lipson III, 5-21-13_________________________________________________
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ELEPHANT
It’s probably time for me to move on. The Boston Marathon is over. But as a Bostonian, I know that, at least for the moment, part of me is not going anywhere.Boston has picked itself up, dusted itself off.
We are more than grateful for amazing outpouring of concern and support.
To us, this is personal. And thank you for feeling exactly the same. We are all Bostonians.
We are all Marathon runners.
In the face of terrorism, it feels vulgar for me to devote my weekly scribble to the fine weather we’re enjoying. There is an elephant in the living room. There is a fucking elephant in here, and the weather is only the weather. – Harry Lipson – harryShots.com
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My Heart
My heart goes out to the good people of Oklahoma. My heart goes out to refugees. My heart goes out to all children who aren’t having a terrific childhood. My heart goes out to everyone in Boston who was injured in the bombings. My heart goes out to the homeless, to the hungry, to the abused. My heart goes out to the victims of bullying and to rape victims. My heart goes out to those who can’t make the next mortgage payment or cover next month’s rent.
My heart keeps breaking and my feelings are often in tatters. I shutter and wince when a ferry goes down in waters off Bangladesh. I moan for every entombed miner, I grieve when trains collide, and I curl up in a ball when headlines of violent crimes keep streaming across the internet, day after day; month after month.
So my heart requires daily transfusions of trees and flowers and the breeze on my face. My heart gets energy from babies and dogs, from Sam & Dave, Paul Simon, and the Southern Rock of Little Feat and The Allman Brothers Band.
I draw upon shows like “Call The Midwife,” and actors like Denzel Washington and John Goodman. That is why I need the Red Sox, the Patriots, and the Crimson Tide. Certainly, love from my own children fills my heart with happiness and pride. But like all parents, I worry for them. I worry about them. I try not to, but… I am their father and that is simply part of the job description.
My heart is bolstered by every kindness and appreciation in all forms.
My heart usually tells me that I am safe and things are all right. I know where my kids are. In my heart I know that fathers and mothers in Moore, Oklahoma felt just fine two days ago. It can all change in a heartbeat.
So I am thankful. Meanwhile, tragedies keep happening. The News is one bad thing after another. Congress is crippled by partisan meanspiritedness. The floods, the earthquakes, the gas leaks, the rejections; the wishes that go ungranted, the prayers that go unanswered. I swallow it all in. I look for grace and for miracles.
I live in a world that turns and burns. It is cruel and wondrous, bitter and sweet, impossible and entirely possible. It is probably the same for you as well. We write our own stories, to the extent that we can. But 2013 belongs to us all, and we catch the starfish with the seaweed. The bitter herb and the harosis. Poverty kills. Joblessness kills. Stupidity kills. We all want security and opportunity. We want a fair shake in life. My heart is full of hope and despair – Harry Lipson III, 5-21-13_________________________________________________
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“The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up” – Mark Twain from the harryShots.com Good Quotations_________________________________________________
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“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind” – Dr. Seuss…from the harryShots.com “GoodQuotations”_________________________________________________
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“The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself” - Benjamin Franklinfrom the harryShots.com Good Quotations_________________________________________________
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“An economist’s guess is liable to be as good as anybody else’s” – Will Rogersfrom the harryShots.com “Quotes of What”_________________________________________________
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“We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust our sails“…from the harryShots.com Quotes of Whatever_________________________________________________
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“Don’t cry because its over. Smile because it happened.”
- Dr. Seuss
the harryShots.com “Quotes of Whatever”_________________________________________________
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recent bumper sticker:
“You should agree with me
It will save SO much time“
…the harryShots.com “Quotes O’ Whatever”_________________________________________________
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“An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind” - Mahatma Gandhi…from the harryShots.com “Quotes of Whatever”_________________________________________________
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“The shortest way to do many things is to do only one thing at a time” – Richard Cech…from the harryShots.com “Quotes of Whatever”_________________________________________________
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“I knew when my career was over. In 1965 my baseball card came out with no picture” – Bob Uecker…from the harryshots.com “Quotes of Whatever”_________________________________________________
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“I laugh so hard ’til the tears run down my leg“ - a rare Delta Blues joke, from the seminal blues tune, “Silverado in My Pathway“…from the harryshots.com “Quotes of Whatever”_________________________________________________
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“Everywhere is within walking distance… if you have the time”from the HarryShots.com “Quotes of Whatever”_________________________________________________
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“May the blessings of each day be the blessings you need most“from the harryshots.com “Quotes of Whatever”_________________________________________________
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“Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday“from the HarryShots.com Quotes of Whatever_________________________________________________
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“A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle” …from the HarryShots.com Quotes of Whatever_________________________________________________
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“I can only please one person per day. Today isn’t your day…and tomorrow don’t look good either” – anonymous
the HarryShots.com Quotes of Whatever_________________________________________________
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“Peace begins with a smile“ - Mother TeresaThe HarryShots.com “Quotes of Whatever”_________________________________________________
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“If you don’t know the blues… there’s no point in picking up the guitar and playing
rock and roll or any other form of popular music” —-
Keith Richards…from The HarryShots.com Quotes of Whatever
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“Every day is Earth Day“the HarryShots.com Quotes of Whatever_________________________________________________
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“I’ve chosen to treat my life more like a party than something to stress about” - Martin ShortThe HarryShots.com Quote of the Day_________________________________________________
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“Frisbeetarianism is the belief that when you die, your soul goes up on the roof and gets stuck” -
George CarlinThe HarryShots.com Quotes of Whatever_________________________________________________
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James Hood Was Here
It is reported that James Hood died today. from THE TUSCALOOSA NEWS 1-17-2013:-{ “James Hood, who faced down George Wallace’s stand in the schoolhouse door to help integrate the University of Alabama 50 years ago, died Thursday afternoon at the age of 70, in his hometown of Gadsden. James did a great thing for the University of Alabama,” said E. Culpepper Clark, former dean of UA’s College of Communication & Information Sciences, and author of “The Schoolhouse Door: Segregation’s Last Stand at the University of Alabama.”
“With Vivian Malone, he liberated the university to serve all the people of Alabama and thereby join the ranks of the nation’s flagship universities.”
Hood and Vivian Malone Jones, who died in 2005, attempted to register and pay fees June 11, 1963, at UA’s Foster Auditorium, accompanied by Deputy Attorney General Nicholas Katzenbach. Gov. George Wallace, surrounded by a phalanx of state troopers, barred them, attempting to keep his infamous inaugural promise of “segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever.” Later that day, Wallace backed down after President John F. Kennedy federalized the National Guard. }
JAMES HOOD WAS HERE. Thank you Sir. Lord, may he rest in peace. – HL_________________________________________________
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“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” – Soren KierkegaardThe HarryShots.com Quotes o’ Whatevah_________________________________________________
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“How much easier it is to be critical than to be correct.” – Benjamin Disraeli_________________________________________________
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“Happiness depends more on how life strikes you than on what happens” – Andy RooneyThe HarryShots.com Quotes of Whatever_________________________________________________
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“I’m happy now!” - Nick Saban, 3-time National Champion Football Coach of The University of Alabama_________________________________________________
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“No coach has ever won a game by what he knows; it’s what his players know that counts” – Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant_________________________________________________
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May 2013 bring good health and happiness to all my friends; I wish you the very best.
Let us renew our faith in ourselves, and in each other, and let safety and well-being be a given for everyone, everywhere. Happy New Year. – Harry_________________________________________________ -
“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness“. – Dalai Lamathe HarryShots.com Quotes of Wha
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“My books are like water; those of the great geniuses are wine. (Fortunately) everybody drinks water.” – Mark Twain…from The HarryShots.com “Quotes”_________________________________________________
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“No one has ever drowned themselves in sweat” – Coach Lou HoltzThe HarryShots.com Quotes_________________________________________________
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“Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people” – Eleanor RooseveltThe HarryShots.com Quotes_________________________________________________
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“Most American children suffer too much mother and too little father” – Gloria SteinemThe HarryShots.com Quotes of Wha (whatever)_________________________________________________
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“Electricity is really just organized lightning” - George Carlinfrom the HarryShots.com Quotes of Wha_________________________________________________
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“Courtesy is as much a mark of a gentleman as courage” – President Teddy RooseveltThe HarryShots.com Quotes of Wha (Whatever)_________________________________________________
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“Think off-center” – George CarlinThe HarryShots.com Quotes of Wha_________________________________________________
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“Grown men can learn from very little children for the hearts of little children are pure. Therefore, the Great Spirit may show to them many things which older people miss“ - Black ElkThe HarryShots.com Quotes of Whatever_________________________________________________
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“Well done is better than well said” – Benjamin FranklinThe HarryShots Quotes of Whatever_________________________________________________
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“Happiness doesn’t depend on any external conditions, it is governed by our mental attitude” – Dale CarnegieThe HarryShots Quotes of Whatever
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“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible” – The Dalai LamaThe HarryShots Quotes of WhAtEvEr_________________________________________________
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“Imagination rules the world” – Napoleon BonaparteThe HarryShots QuOtEs oF wHaTeVeR_________________________________________________
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“Motivation is simple. You eliminate those who are not motivated” - Coach Lou HoltzThe HarryShots qUoTeS oF WhAtEvEr_________________________________________________
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“When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us” – Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephonethe HarryShots Quotes of Whatever_________________________________________________
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“I am easily satisfied with the very best” – Sir Winston Churchillthe HarryShots Quotes of Whatever_________________________________________________
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“Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were. But without it we go nowhere“. – Carl Sagan, astronomerThe HarryShots Quotes of Whatever_________________________________________________
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“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter“ - Martin Luther King, Jr.The HarryShots Quotes of Whatever_________________________________________________
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“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong” – Mohandas Gandhithe HarryShots.com quotes of Whatever_________________________________________________
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“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me” - Coach Jim ValvanoThe HarryShots Quotes of Whatever_________________________________________________
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“You don’t stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing.” – Michael PritchardThe HarryShots Quotes of Whatever_________________________________________________
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“PAGE ONE:
INSIDE THE NEW YORK TIMES”
a documentary (premiered at Sundance – 2011)
A very interesting movie about a very interesting subject. The question posed was (paraphrased): “Do we need the Grey Lady in an age of internet news, instant information, tweeting, the blogisphere, round the clock cable news channels, among the myriad ways we find out about the news?” There are those who see the New York Times, always “the newspaper of record” as either anachronistic now or soon to be so. In this digital age where everybody is a reporter and we all have cellphones, cameras, and are “tapped in” to what is happening, how important and useful, relevant is the NYT and its worldwide bureaus, staff writers far flung around the globe, and the thousands more in New York City who shape and deliver a newspaper on a daily basis?
Michael Kingsley of the New York Times panned the movie saying it was “all over the place” and “it does little to illuminate that struggle, preferring instead a constant parade of people telling the camera how dreadful it would be if The Times did not survive.”
David Carr, the Times media and culture columnist, is the man who gets the lion’s share of the face time. Frankly, I don’t think the Times could find a better advocate, one who can relate to the question of “relevance.” David is a very interesting man, casually impressive in an offhand but on-point way. I found the movie engrossing and highly interesting.
So, I’ll disagree, rather strongly, with Michael Kingsley and say that this is well worth a couple of hours, if only to see behind the veil and watch decisions being made and the paper put together. I give it “five highfives” “and it goes well with popcorn.” HL_________________________________________________
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Ratatouille
Ratatouille (rat-a-too-ee) is just plain fun to watch. For adults and kids alike. From Disney/Pixar studios and the creative people behind Cars and The Incredibles. Paris never looked so beautiful at night. Voicing by Patton Oswalt, Brian Dennehy, Janeane Garofolo, Peter O’Toole, Brad Garrett, among a host of others. Light, friendly, and charming, although set in a Paris restaurant’s kitchen that is anything but. As improbable as a story can get, but it’s animation, so relax take off your critic’s hat, and let yourself be entertained.I give Ratatouille five highfives, and “and it goes well with popcorn.” HL_________________________________________________
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OH BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU?
stars George Clooney, John Goodman, John Tunturro, Tim Blake, Holly Hunter, Chris Thomas King and Charles DurningFrom the creative minds of Joel and Ethan Coen. Which means its both funny and good.
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We start out with a chain gang prison break at Mississippi’s Parchman Farm Penitentiary in Sunflower County in the Mississippi Delta. The year is 1937. The film is said to be loosely based on Homer’s Odyssey, but you sure don’t need to be a Greek scholar to enjoy the hell out of this great movie. The soundtrack won the Grammy award and is good to the very last “Amen.”
We’ve got buried treasure, wanted prisoners trying to stay wanted, a scene at the Mississippi “crossroads of musical fame”, the Ku Klux Klan, Mississippi state elections, and a great deal more to feast your tired eyes upon. John Goodman is extraordinary as always in his cream colored Southern business suit and suspenders. Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? is a great movie and I give it five highfives, “and it goes well with popcorn.” HL_________________________________________________
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OUT OF AFRICAstarring Robert Redford and Meryl Streep (1985)
About once every year when I am restless and looking for something good, really good, to watch, I reach for one of the all time great movies, Out of Africa with maybe the finest work ever done by both Meryl and Bob.
This is an epic movie. It won the big awards as it should have: Best Picture, Best Cinematography, Best Director, Best Set Decoration, Best Musical Score, Best Sound, and Best Screenwriting.
Further, Out of Africa was nominated for: Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Costume, and Best Film Editing
Suffice it to say that Out of Africa is a triumph of the human spirit. It is grand, it is large; a tour de force and very well worth your seeing, or seeing again. I love the scene where Meryl’s character, Baroness Von Blixen surprises a lion in the Kenyan brush. She implores Robert Redford to shoot the beast and the dialogue and tension are memorable. And that is just one of a great many rather extraordinary scenes we are part of, in this riveting and well told story. I give it five HighFives, “and it goes well with popcorn.” HL_________________________________________________
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MASKED AND ANONYMOUS
Want to see the coolest movie you never heard of? Want to see a movie with a cast that includes Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Jessica Lange, Val Kilmer, Ed Harris, Mickey Rourke, Luke Wilson, Penelope Cruz, Bruce Dern, Christian Slater, Fred Ward, Angela Bassett, Cheech Marin, and stars Bob Dylan?
Then you want to seek out an amazing piece of cinema called “Masked and Anonymous” (2003). The soundtrack is sensational. John Goodman channels The Big Lebowski to a certain extent.
The dialogue is incredible. Val Kilmer is at his peak in his brief but unforgettable cameo.The poster at left is a Spanish language promotional poster.
I give this film five highfives, “and it goes well with popcorn“. HL_________________________________________________
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The Boys: The Sherman Brothers’ Story (2009)
Two brothers who hated one another and wrote the most wonderful songs. Songs you sing, songs you hum, songs your kids (grandkids) sing or will be singing a hundred years from now. The two brothers, Robert (Bob) and Richard (Dick) Sherman collaborated uneasily, but wrote songs such as:It’s A Small World * A Spoonful of Sugar * Chim Chim Cher-ee * Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious * Winnie The Pooh * Chitty Chitty Bang Bang * Tall Paul (a pop hit on the Billboard charts) * You’re Sixteen (You’re Beautiful and You’re Mine) (another Billboard chart topper). Their list of songs is as long as your arm. Walt Disney recognized their talents early on and they were integral parts of the Walt Disney empire. They won Academy Awards, Grammies, Presidential Medals of Freedom, and more.
The movie is a documentary about their careers and lives, as told by their adult children. This is a story of two families, fame, creative genius, rivalry, dysfunction on one level and acclaim on another. It is truly amazing, award-winning documentary and definitely worth seeing. The Boys: The Sherman Brothers Story is a HarryShots.com Ramble recommendation, I give it five highfives, “and it goes well with popcorn“. HL_________________________________________________
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Barney’s Version
I am a fan of Paul Giamatti so it was a treat to stumble on Barney’s Version (2010) not long ago. If there was press and media hyping this movie, I totally missed it. You probably did as well, ’cause I think it was minimal at best. So if you are looking for a something not too taxing or heavy handed, may I recommend Barney’s Version, with a nice role for Dustin Hoffman as icing on the cake.
Rosamund Pike is magnificent to watch. Bruce Greenwood, Minnie Driver are both in the cast. “Barney” time travels back and forth over a handful of decades, weaving a remarkable and quirky story but a cool one. I give it five highfives, “and it goes well with popcorn“. HL_________________________________________________
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SOUTHERN BELLESStars Anna Faris and Laura Breckenridge. Looking for a good movie to rent? I’m recommending Southern Belles (2005). Might be hard to find, but good stuff often is. It is a little Georgia small town slice of life picture. Numerous memorable scenes and dialogue. It’s a lot of fun. Rated H for happy. I rate it Five HighFives, “and it goes well with popcorn“. HL_________________________________________________
“Here Comes The Sun” by Yellow Dubmarine
A sweet little version of a sweet little song. Actually, “Here Comes The Sun” may be one of the great alltime songs; still sweet, but not so little. Yellow Dubmarine has a great website at yellowdubmarine.com, and their slogan is “All you need is Dub.” The band is 7 guys playing reggae Beatles music. I think they formed the group in 2010 and they live in the Washington, D.C. area. Keep it up guys. - Harry Lipson, posted 5-21-13
“Homemade Boat” by Dry Land Fish
click this if you want to buy the mp3
The now defunct XM radio channel, “Cross Country,” would play this now and again. Here from Bowling Green, KY is Dry Land Fish with “Homemade Boat.”
“Feelin Alright (LIVE)” by The Black Crowes
This is one of my favorite “pep me up” songs. When you need a little get up and go, this baby does the trick. Turn it up pretty loud, and it will change your mood. A cure for depression, well temporarily, yes, I’ll make that claim. This is a free sample from the doctor.
This is The Black Crowes doing a live version of Dave Mason’s “Feelin Alright.”
If you are really low on energy, may I suggest playing the Isley Brothers, “Shout” followed by J.J. Jackson’s “It’s alright.” Follow those instructions and you will be good to go. – Harry Lipson
Sid Selvidge 1943-2013. An Appreciation
Sid Selvidge passed away today and tonight I am thinking about his legacy, and how much I liked almost everything I ever heard from him. As a recording artist, Sid was a fine interpreter of songs and one can tell that he chose those songs with care. My Ipod library has half a dozen of his sweet songs.
Sid Selvidge, like me, was born in the Mississippi Delta and we both shared a lifetime’s love for folk and Americana music.
Here is Sid singing Fred Neil’s “A Little Bit of Rain“ The song begins “If I should leave you, think about the good times.” We will.
By the way, Memphis, Tennessee was Sid’s home for much of his adult life, and it was where he produced his acclaimed weekly NPR radio program “Beale Street Caravan.” Sid Selvidge. 1943-2013. Godspeed. – posted on May 5, 2013 by Harry Lipson / harryShots.com
“Graceland” (LIVE version) by Paul Simon
click here for mp3 version
Paul Simon is close to, if not, the best musical artist of the 2nd half of the 20th century (with apologies to Maestro John Williams, Little Feat, The Beatles, Bobby Dylan, and John Phillip Sousa).
Eric Clapton, Jerry Garcia, a younger Jimmy Buffett, Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Joni Mitchell, Steve Earle, Aaron Copland, Andrea Bocelli, and The Band are among those I can think of that are deserving of honorable mentions.
To set this scene: Central Park. Tens of thousands of fans camped out. A hand picked crackerjack band. “Graceland,” which is fine both lyrically and instrumentally. And Paul Simon… and Paul Simon……….HL
“Dirty Water” (Boston, You’re My Home) by The Standells (1966)
click here to buy mp3 of song (via Amazon)
“Dirty Water” by The Standells. The anthem of the City of Boston. Prideful. Impudent. Attitudinal.
From 1966, The Standells, with their big hit. Almost fifty years after this first hit the airwaves, it sounds just as good as it ever did. Music keeps us young.
“Down by the banks of the River Charles” (which has been environmentally cleaned up, and is no longer, literally, dirty water).
“Oh, Boston, you’re my home.” – Harry
“Golden Slumbers” (The Beatles) by UAKTI
UAKTI (pronounced WAHK – chee) just blows me away. Four Brazilian instrumentalists with a number of previous albums to their credit, recorded BEATLES (2012), a phenomenal CD of Fab Four music.
If you like The Beatles, you should hear this. If you like instrumental music, ditto. Same goes for avant garde interpretations. This is a very refreshing, vibrant take on songs that are part of our musical DNA.
My new favorite record. Enjoy. – posted by Harry Lipson III on 4-19-13
“Here Comes The Sun” by UAKTI
UAKTI (pronounced WAHK – chee) just blows me away. Four Brazilian instrumentalists with a number of previous albums to their credit, recorded BEATLES (2012), a phenomenal CD of Fab Four music.
If you like The Beatles, you should hear this. If you like instrumental music, ditto. Same goes for avant garde
interpretations. This is a very refreshing, vibrant take on songs that are part of our musical DNA.
My new favorite record. Enjoy. – posted: April, 2013, by Harry Lipson III / harryShots.com
Annette Funicello – The Mickey Mouse Club – A Thank You
Annette Funicello has gone to the Magic Kingdom. Even though she had long suffered from a debilitating illness, her death took me by surprise, when I read today’s headline.
Annette was my secret in Fantasyland. Back in the 1950s, on Disney’s Mickey Mouse Club, Annette’s perkiness and prettiness popped right out of our black and white TV; as did Annette in her full Mousketeer sweater.
An American everygirl. She was my girl.
- posted by Harry Lipson III
“Four and Twenty” – Chris Hillman
Written by Stephen Stills. Perhaps Chris Hillman had a hand in the writing, he certainly is interwoven with Stephen Stills, musically, with many connections between the two. He does a great version here.
I am fascinated by Chris Hillman’s musical connections. Here are some of them. Chris was in the following groups: The Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers, Desert Rose, Manassas, The New Christy Minstrels, Hearts & Flowers, The Hillmen, The Green Grass Revival, Souther-Hillman-Furay Band, McGuinn-Clark-& Hillman, and has had a remarkable solo career.
Chris Hillman’s musical connections include his performing and recording with Gram Parsons, Roger McGuinn, David Crosby, Vern Gosdin, Don Parmley, Randy Sparks, Gene Clark, Michael Clarke, Clarence White, Rick Roberts (Firefall), Stephen Stills, Richie Furay (Poco and Buffalo Springfield), J.D. Souther, Dan Fogelberg, Poco, Herb Pedersen, Bob Dylan, Tony Rice, Larry Rice, Steve Earle, and The Bellamy Brothers. source: Wikipedia
One of my favorite artists, Chris Hillman has the song of the week, “Four and Twenty.” Enjoy. - Harry Lipson
“Wenyukela” – by Ladysmith Black Mambazo
click this for the mp3 download (Amazon)
In the pursuit of Happiness, may I suggest Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s “Wenyukela.“ Happiness is easier to find and better enjoyed with music and song. With that in mind, harryShots recommendations attempt to make your search that much easier with our weekly suggestions. – Harry Lipson
“Calico Train (instrumental)” by Steve Martin
Click here to download the mp3 of this great song, at Amazon.com
Steve Martin, the famous comedian, used to bring his gold banjo to his shows (I saw him, fake arrow through is head and all) back in the 70s at The University of Alabama, in Tuscaloosa. I could tell how good he was as soon as he started picking and playing in between jokes.
Fast forward to the 21st century and the very same Steve Martin is putting out incredible banjo fronted albums. Using the Steep Canyon Rangers as his band, Steve has written several dozen world class tunes.
“Calico Train” instrumental is one such, and is the HarryShots Song of the Week. Enjoy. Harry Lipson
“Treetop Flyer” by Stephen Stills
Click here to download this good song, at Amazon.com
I think “TreeTop Flyer” is Stephen Stills best song. Love the spare guitar, the way cool lyrics, and the laid back style of delivery. There are lots of superlatives we can attribute to Brother Stills; playing good golf is not one of them. I played nine holes with Steve, going back a few years and, oh lordy, the birds stopped singing in the trees and the squirrels went into hiding. Golf is a hard game. Hey, we should all have Stephen Stills’ artistic ta
lents. Nuff said.
I hope you enjoy Stephen Stills‘ “TreeTop Flyer” which is our HarryShots.com Song of the Week. – Harry Lipson
“I Like It Like That” by Chris Kenner
Click here to download the mp3 (99 cents at Amazon.com)
Way down yonder in New Orleans and once upon a time there was a blues pop musician named Chris Kenner. Back in the very early 1960s, Chris came to the attention of New Orleans musical legend, Allen Toussaint. A hit song was produced and it was “I Like It Like That.” In 1961, it rose all the way to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
I saw Chris Kenner at a frat party on campus at Tulane University in 1966, and someplace I have a polaroid of Chris, in his off-white suit replete with a purple shirt, face glistening, leaning into his microphone. Chris Kenner also wrote the ever popular “Land of 1000 Dances.” In 1976, at the age of 46, Kenner passed away.
“I Like It Like That“ became a hit all over again in 1965 with The Dave Clark Five. It has been recorded over the years by Bruce Springsteen, Fairport Convention (I need to hear that), The Ramsey Lewis Trio, Bobby Womack, and others.
Here is a flashback to 1961 and one of the first rock n roll “party songs.” – Harry Lipson III
“Xiger Xiger” by Hanggai
Click here to download the amazing mp3, at Amazon.com
When I heard this song, I knew it was a keeper. It is that and much more. Wow. This is amazing music. “Xiger, Xiger” from Hanggai is the HarryShots.com Song of the Week. Check it out. HL
“Hill Country Girl” by Will Kimbrough
click this to link to Amazon.com mp3 download
Will Kimbrough you devil. You have written another one. Damnation and I do declare. Scrumptious music and thoughtful writing. A little jealousy lives where you and I are concerned.
How does it feel to look like you ain’t tryin’ whilst you are paraphrasing Shakespeare and Guy Clark. Perhaps I overstate the case, but Willie Boy has gone off and found a path to the everlasting song writer’s workshop.
And here, for biographical background, I quote directly from Wikipedia:
“Kimbrough is also a producer and has produced albums for Adrienne Young, Rodney Crowell, Todd Snider, Kate Campbell, Kim Richey, Garrison Starr, Matthew Ryan, and Josh Rouse.
His songs have been recorded by Jimmy Buffett, Little Feat, Jack Ingram, Todd Snider and more. Kimbrough has also collaborated with many artists including Rosanne Cash, Guy Clark, Rodney Crowell, Steve Earle, Gomez, Emmylou Harris, The Jayhawks, Mark Knopfler, Buddy Miller, John Prine, Toumani Diabate, Kim Richey, Josh Rouse, Matthew Ryan, Billy Joe Shaver, Todd Snider, Mavis Staples, Garrison Starr, Adrienne Young, and others.”
Willie Boy was also chosen a while back as the Americana Music Association‘s Instrumentalist of the Year.
Okay, if you are familiar with his music, then you already know what you need to know. If you ain’t, well, allow me to open the door.The HarryShots.com Song of the Week, is “Hill Country Girl” by the aforementioned Mr. K. - Harry Lipson
“I’m Going Home” by the late, great Alvin Lee
ALVIN LEE 1944-2013. One of the great, and probably, under appreciated rock guitarists and lead singers of his time ( Alvin was the lead singer and lead guitarist of Ten Years After ).
If you want to see and hear Alvin and Ten Years After, check out the famous film “Woodstock.”
Alvin Lee is going home. He was one of the greats. - Harry Lipson
“This Morning I Am Born Again” – by Lucy Kaplansky
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LUCY KAPLANSKY- Her intelligence washes over her lines as she sings. Lucy comes out of the Fast Folk scene of New York City, in the 1980s. Both Shawn Colvin and Suzanne Vega became stars. But Lucy Kaplansky runs circles around both of them. Check out “This Morning” which is the HarryShots.com Song of the Week. I hope you also become a fan of Lucy K. - Harry Lipson
“Hope of A Lifetime” by The Milk Carton Kids
If you go to their website, the first two albums by the Milk Carton Kids are free to download.
In October, 1964 a couple of guys from NYC released an album and Simon and Garfunkel were discovered by folk aficionados in those halcyon days when the music really fucking mattered.
Fast forward about 50 years (say it ain’t so) and recently I have been listening to The Milk Carton Kids (Kenneth Pattengale and Joey Ryan), a couple of guys from LA, and damn if I don’t hear something that bears resemblance to early Simon and Garfunkel in some of their songs.
If The Milk Carton Kids (a poor choice of name) haven’t showed up on your Ipod, your Spotify, or your Pandora playlist, you should play the HarryShots.com Song of the Week, for March 1, 2013. - Harry Lipson 3
“Feelin’ Alright” by Joe Cocker
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If you haven’t seen the Denzel Washington (he’s up for Best Actor at the Academy Awards for this role) movie, FLIGHT, 
I thought it was the best film of the past year. The soundtrack includes movie’s “theme song” – Joe Cocker’s Feelin’ Alright.
John Goodman has a crackerjack role in FLIGHT that is reminiscent of his “Donny” in The Big Lebowski. I love John Goodman. If you never saw Goodman in O Brother Where Art Thou, you should treat yourself to another amazing film with another amazing Goodman character.
Here is Joe Cocker with the HarryShots.com Song of the Week, “Feelin’ Alright.” – Harry Lipson III
“Carolina Traveler” by John McEuen and Earl Scruggs
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My favorite instrumental piece. World class masters Earl Scruggs and John McEuen lay down a driving, rollicking tune, with back up help by acoustic bass great, the late Roy Husky, Jr. The word is that Roy arrived very late to the session and there was some concern on the part of Earl and John that he didn’t know the song and what was going to happen. They played it though once for Roy and then they recorded it. Roy came through with flying colors.
It is a treat for me to recognize Earl Scruggs, who was such a musical influence; Earl being the pioneering banjo player that he was. John has his own amazing discography, solo, in collaborations like this, and with his group, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. So here’s “Carolina Traveler”. I recommend that you play it over and over about six times in a row. Fire it up gentlemen. - Harry Lipson
“Tumblin” by Arlen Roth with Sonny Landreth
Tumblin – (Featuring Sonny Landreth with Arlen Roth)
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Good Lord, The “Blues is a lowdown godddam shame.” So said Robert Johnson, the King of the Delta Blues, which is debatable, given the prior existences and careers of Son House and Charley Patton. The modern day king is also debatable but I know that Sonny Landreth is in that discussion.
Here is an exquisite instrumental with guitar kings Arlen Roth and Sonny Landreth. I hope that you enjoy HarryShots’ music, commentary, photography, quotations, and general mischief making. HL
“The Tracks of My Tears” by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles
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I will take you back to 1966-67 and the Motown Sound that was a rival alternative to the British Invasion (Beatles, Rolling Stones, etc). Smokey Robinson and the Miracles were regularly at the top of the charts, and “Tracks of My Tears” was one of their big hits. Enjoy today’s HarryShots Song of the Day, and by the way, check out the rest of Motown’s hit making factory. HL
“Far From Me” by Justin Townes Earle
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Justin Townes Earle has got the dna of an Americana Man. This kid is, for sure, a chip off the old block (Dad being Steve) but he is legacy by blood and by middle name. It is a lot to live up to, and JTE handles it smoothly and sees a gift where others might see burden.
He is the next generation and it is nice that he plants rows of seeds that connect him to the prior generation. Today’s HarryShots.com Song of the Day is but one example. “Far From Me” is a John Prine song which I know and love. So, here’s to you Justin Townes Earle. Big Fish- Big Pond. HL
“Lost John Dean” by Kane, Welch, and Kaplan
Kieran Kane, Kevin Welch, and Fats Kaplan are more than the sum of their parts. This stuff is righteously great. “Lost John Dean” has been sung by seminal bluesmen and recorded over and over, with variations in lyrics, and tune. Each artist’s version of “Lost John” has similarities, but this is the definitive track by which all post-war versions ought to be judged by, going forward.
The singing, the harmonies, the crispness, the syncopation are fun and enjoyable. Keiran Kane, Kevin Welch, and Fats Kaplan get a running head start and never slow down. I almost overdid this song by overplaying it. I stopped just short of that point, so with a little time off, I can now listen to this baby again, and I always sing along. KW&K flat out blow me away. Each of them has a successful music career going, and I hope they keep getting together every once in a while and record more fine stuff. I love the downplayed banjo that runs through the whole song. “Lost John Dean, he’s long gone from Bowling Green.” Harry L
“Ripple” (live) by Jimmy Ibbotson
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One of the alltime great songs, “Ripple” is, of course, always associated with Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead. But “Ripple” is an oft covered song by many a group. One of my son’s best friends once had a golden retriever that was named for this song.
Jimmy Ibbotson is a founding members of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, so his credentials are finestkind. Of all of the covers of this wonderful song, this version of “Ripple,” sung live on stage, is my own favorite and, as such, is today’s HarryShots Song of the Day. Check out Jimmy Ibbotson’s live version of “Ripple.” HL
“Daniel and The Sacred Harp” (alternate take) by The Band
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If The Band is not one of the alltime great groups in American rock music, then, well, somebody voted at the wrong caucus. These folks, crackerjack musicians all, were pretty much hell on wheels. Serious players. I once saw Garth Hudson, solo, in a relaxed atmosphere playing a pipe organ that, of course, took up a wall of a concert hall, as pipe organs do. Still makes me smile when I think of that well spent hour in Worcester, MA.
I have always loved The Band’s music and this is probably my favorite song they do. Full of religious overtones and allegory plus historical possibilities. This particular track is the “alternative cut” or outtake, if you will. The song starts, stops, and restarts and is totally organic and full of power and energy. So here is Rick Danko, Richard Manuel, Robbie Robertson, and Garth Hudson, and Levon Helm, on lead vocals and thin skins. Check it out, “Daniel and the Sacred Harp, alternative take” from the album Stage Fright, is the HarryShots.com Song of the Day. HL
“Texas Style Zydeco” by Shelley King
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I first listened to this song on the late, lamented Cross Country channel 12 on XM Radio with Jessie Scott. Some music hater decided to use the channel for other purposes and the only Americana channel that XM, Sirius, or SiriusXM ever had is no more. It is a loss still felt in the Americana music community, my house included.
My own definition of Americana music is: the fertile land where rock, roots, bluegrass, country, celtic, Southern rock, Appalachian, alternative country, folk, and the delta blues collide. It is what I listen to more than anything else. Much of it is singer-songwriter based, where lyrics are as important as tune. That’s Americana music as defined by yours truly. All that being said, Shelley King‘s personal screed to the Americana artform is a kickass cajun flavored number she calls “Texas Style Zydeco” and it is today’s HarryShots.com Song of the Day. Ahyee! HL
“Detroit Steel” by Otis Gibbs
It’s Car Week at HarryShots in tribute to The Detroit Auto Show 2013
I like any musician named Otis. Your name is Otis. You got a record. I’m gonna like it. Easy for me to say when the artist is Otis Gibbs and the song is “Detroit Steel.” Not sure about the 1000 pounds of steel, I thought there would be more, but I assume Otis has done his homework. Maybe the rest of the car’s weight is plastic, glass, and rubber. Just seems light to me. Anyhow, the song is strong, like Detroit… HL
“Glory, Hallelujah” by The Deep Dark Woods
A great band and a fine example of Americana music. These guys sound different and well, they are aptly named. I love these guys. Today’s HarryShots.com Song of the Day is “Glory, Hallelujah” by The Deep Dark Woods. HL
“City of Immigrants” by Steve Earle
Probably my favorite artist, Steve Earle, is both a songwriter’s songwriter and a musician’s musician. Hard driving, brain in gear, heart on sleeve, justice for all- that is a thumbnail sketch of Steve Earle.
I/ FolkTree produced Steve Earle’s first Boston concert, at the late, great, NightStage in Cambridge. His music was good then and has never been less than stellar through the years. Check out “City of Immigrants” which is the HarryShots Song of the Day. Hit it. HL
“Yea Alabama” by The Alabama Million Dollar Band
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Alabama Rolls 42-14 over Notre Dame
Rammer Jammer! Roll Tide Roll
National Champions, Again! (for the 15th time)
The University of Alabama. Where collegiate football history lives.
“Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
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The anthem of Alabama.
Roll Tide.
The Alabama Crimson Tide
Make some history.
Win it boys!
“Mama’s Little Baby” by Delbert McClinton
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Gotta love Delbert. The man can flat damn do it all. In keeping with his legendary status, how about an “updated” version of the childhood folksong, “Mama’s Little Baby.” It is today’s HarryShots.com Song of the Day. A toe tapper - check out the cymbal work on the drumkit and the fine guitar work, plus the hamony vocals. Enjoy. HL
“Auld Lang Syne” by Dougie Maclean
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A great Scottish song and a great Scottish singer; plus the finest of songs, thank you Bobby Burns. Add it up and you have “Auld Lang Syne,” my all time favorite song, bar none.
With the year drawing to a close, “Auld Lang Syne” is today’s HarryShots Song of the Day. May 2013 bring good health and happiness to my own family and friends, and good health and happiness to you and yours. May 2013 bring peace and comfort for everyone everywhere. HL
R.I.P. Mike Auldridge
Mike Auldridge, who was 74, passed away December 29th. He was a world class resophonic guitar player, a founding member of The Seldom Scene and Chesapeake. Bluegrass music will miss the man, but his influence and music will remain for generations to come. HL
“Nothing But The Wheel” by Peter Wolf
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The first Peter Wolf song that I really listened to, closely. I appreciate the body of work of a fellow Bostonian, from this J. Geils frontman. You oughta listen to this song. Check out Peter Wolf, as a solo artist, doing “Nothing But The Wheel” from his album, Sleepless; today’s HarryShots.com Song of the Day. Enjoy. HL
“The Happy Organ” by Dave “Baby” Cortez
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If ever a song was going to be representative of a time or an era, this puppy is it. “The Happy Organ” by Dave Baby Cortez, is pure 1950s and early 1960 rock and roll.
I roller skated to this song many a time at an old indoor wooden Roller Rink in Tuscaloosa. It was a hot place for birthday parties. We would pour M&M peanuts into our bottles of Dr. Pepper, wearing wooden shoe skates we rented. We acted pretty cool and skated into memory lane.
This is a true classic. You will get a feel for the best of early American pop music at a time of innocence and youthful energy. Before Motown. Before the British invasion of the Beatles, et al. Enjoy, “The Happy Organ” which is your HarryShots.com Song of the Day. HL
“What Are You Doing for the Rest of Your Life” by Maurice Larcange
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Maurice Larcange is among the world’s great accordion players. But if you Google him or go to Wikipedia, there’s not a whole lot there, in terms of his biography. He recorded 13 albums of the finest accordion music aroun; mostly popular tunes of the mid 20th century.
Anyway, this cat, obviously French, knows his away around the accordion. The HarryShots Song of the Day is “What Are You Doing for the Rest of Your Life.“ HL
“Ave Maria” by Josh Groban
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Josh Groban seems to be loved by whoever has the pleasure of hearing him sing.
Enjoy the spirit of the holiday season through wonderful music with “Ave Maria” from the album, Noel, by Josh Groban. HL
“Away In A Manger” by Patty Loveless
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Patty Loveless happens to be my favorite country/bluegrass artist bar none. Her voice is beautiful and honest sounding. She grew up in rural Kentucky, probably to a working family and I get that from her music. Obviously, “Away In A Manger” is a classic Christmas song, but her holiday album, Bluegrass and White Snow from which this cut is taken, has a nice blend including her original Christmas songs, which are great, in and of themselves.
Patty Loveless, singing “Away In A Manger,” has today’s HarryShots Song of the Holiday. Enjoy. HL
“We Three Kings (of Orient Are)” by Jimmy Smith
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Today’s HarryShot Song of the Holidays is the great Jimmy Smith jazz classic of “We Three Kings” from Jimmy’s album “Christmas Cookin’.” This version starts off very unjazzlike, but it kicks into gear after a bit. So here’s a little jazz for the Season, enjoy Jimmy Smith’s version of “We Three Kings.” HL
“Ding! Dong! Merrily On High” by The Kings College Choir
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I have always loved the music of Christmas. Over the years I have graduated from simpler popular carols, which I still like, to a-cappella carols, or those carols featuring the resounding pipe organs of the great cathedrals in Europe. The King’s College Choir is among my favorites and they tackle a popular carol with gusto and grandeur. Also, in my humble but knowledgeable opinion, this recording is 0ne of the top five Christmas albums ever. Perhaps you will enjoy this angelic music that I find is such a treat to listen to.
“Ding! Dong! Merrily On High” is a joyous carol, and it was never performed better than by the incomparable Kings College Choir. Treat yourself. Listen. HL
“For Unto Us A Child Is Born” by The Mormon Tabernacle Choir
The incomparable Mormon Tabernacle Choir lifts us all with their Voice. For decades they have continued to bring forth fantastic holiday music. Of all of the organizations in the world, with the possible exception of the Vienna Boys Choir, the MTC has remained atop the world of holiday music.
From Handel’s Messiah, “For Unto Us A Child Is Born” by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s Silent Night album. Enjoy their goodness. HL
“Veni Emmanuel” by Stile Antico
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Stile Antico is a self directed musical group performing early musical works. Stile Antico literally means “ancient style” and their music is both magnificent and enchanting. Enjoy this musical adaptation of “Veni Emmanuel,” as HarryShots celebrates the music of Christmas. HL
“White Christmas” by Bing Crosby
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My namesake, Harry Crosby sure could sing. He sounded good sixty five years ago and he sounds just as good today. You might know Harry by his nickname, “Bing.” This was his big hit, and he had many. “White Christmas” will always be associated with Bing Crosby and it is today’s HarryShots Song of the HoliDay. Enjoy. “Der Bingel”, you are up. HL
“Midnight Clear” by The Trans Siberian Orchestra
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A Great Christmas song every day in December, HarryShots.com – so visit us daily in December
The Trans Siberian Orchestra is really cool and mighty damn interesting. This cut is from the last of their Christmas Trilogy. From the record, The Lost Christmas Eve – “Midnight Clear“ Enjoy. - HL
“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” by the Ambrosian Singers and Leonard Raver, organist
It’s “Happy Holiday Time” @ HarryShots.com ..From now ’til New Year
This is my all time favorite holiday/Christmas album. It is pipe organ and choir at its most glorious. Every single song on the record is ephenn extraordinary. I truly recommend that you buy yourself an album. If there is one Christmas record to buy, this could be the one. It’s a great find.
“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” by The Ambrosian Singers and Leonard Raver, at the pipe organ, is today’s HarryShots Song of the Day. Extraordinary music, and ever so Englais. - Happy Holidays! Harry Lipson III
“Come On In My Kitchen” by Peter Green and Nigel Watson
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I do love The Blues, being raised, as I was, in Alabama and having been born alongside Highway 61 in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Hot Food Powder by Nigel Watson and Peter Green includes their version of RJ’s “Come On In My Kitchen” and it is worth your time, in my estimation, to have a listen or two. HL
“Do Wah Diddy” by Manfred Mann
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Among the great mood elevating songs of 20th century Rock and Roll, and one of the best songs of the 1960s. Manfred Mann had a handful of big hits, but nothing anywhere near “Do Wah Diddy.” You gotta love this baby. HL
