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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.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
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_________________________________________________
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““Snowin’ On Raton” by Gretchen Peters and Tom Russell
click here to download mp3 from Amazon music
Songwriter: Townes Van Zandt Singers: Gretchen Peters, Tom Russell Result: heartbreakingly beautiful
This, to me, is Soul Music. Here is Gretchen Peters with Tom Russell, singing Townes’s song “Snowin’ On Raton.” HL
“OUT OF AFRICA
starring 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
“The Old Lamplighter” by The Kay Kyser Orchestra, with Mike Douglas
Click here to download the mp3 from Amazon music.
First off, the vocalist is none other than Mike Douglas, later to star in his own, long running, daytime TV show. In his younger days, Mike was one of the vocalists for the Kay Kyser Orchestra, Kay being an older gentleman. Got all that?
Growing up, one of my favorite Tuscaloosa restaurants, no longer open, was called The Lamplighter. It was at Mo0n Winx Court motel, another Tuscaloosa landmark, that is still standing. They had a famous neon sign out of the fifties era of
highway signage. Big and Bold.
I have a fairly small collection of favorites from the 1940s and “The Old Lamplighter” resides in that playlist. I love the song, it’s an oldie but a goodie and it’s the Song of the Day. HL
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In Memoriam: Earl Scruggs 1924-2012
click to download this fabulous instrumental at Amazon music
One of my musical heroes passed over tonight. My heart aches for Earl Scruggs. He does leave us with a wealth of records, three generations of banjo pickers, and legions of fans the world over.
Soft spoken, so far as I know. Shy as a goldfinch, Earl had a big ol’ case of stagefright for a long, long time. But he was Mr. Banjo. Earl invented the Scruggs style of fingerpicking and his genius brought bluegrass, the banjo, and good music to millions throughout the world. What a mighty oak of a musician. Earl is a founding father of Bluegrass, with no apology to Bill Monroe, himself a founder and the Father of Bluegrass, for whom Earl worked, beginning in the mid 1940s.
Lester Flatt was never my taste, apparently not Earl’s either. They split up their Flatt and Scruggs duo after something like 20 years together, as something less than bosom buds. I know that 
John Hartford, John McEwen, Tony Trishka, Bela Fleck, Bill Keith, Alison Brown, Steve Martin, Herb Pederson, and Emily Robison thought of Earl in reverential tones.
We lost a living legend but we still have all the music that the legend created. There are fewer and fewer of the great pioneers left. We still have Doc Watson, Ralph Stanley, and a handful of others, but we lost one of the very best today.
In tribute, here is Earl with John McEuen and Roy Husky, Jr. in one of my favorite instrumentals “Carolina Traveler.” HL
““Gettin’ By” by Jerry Jeff Walker
Click here to download the mp3 from Amazon.com
My old friend Jerry Jeff. Part musician, part businessman, all Texan. Except that he was born in Oneonta, New York. Ride’ em cowboy. I kid Mr. Walker. Someday there will be statues in his honor. Maybe a junior high. If it happens it happens in Texas. Not Oneonta, don’t you know.
Jerry Jeff. No last name needed. Just like Emmylou. We know them by their first names. Jerry Jeff has recorded over 30 albums to date.
Jerry Jeff Walker is the stuff of legends. Part Woody Guthrie, part P.T. Barnum. One hundred per cent pure Americana. I liked his stuff starting way back in the late 60s. Remembered best I suppose as the writer of “Mr. Bojangles.” I produced a concert starring Jerry Jeff and we had Willis Alan Ramsay on the bill. The show was at Sanders Theatre at Harvard and you never saw a man more comfortable in his own skin than JJW. I was not surprised. Over time I think I did three shows with Jerry, including a great night at Symphony Hall back in 1995.
I love the guy’s writing, I love his songs, his attitude, his strut. Jerry Jeff has the HarryShots Song of the Day with “Gettin By.” He does a hell of a lot better than that. HL
“Rose of Cimarron” by Del Castillo with John Bohlinger and Megan Mullins
as of this date, neither Amazon nor ITunes offer Del Castillo’s Outlaw Trail version of “Rose of Cimarron” in mp3 format.
Del Castillo is one fine ass group. I saw the PBS music DVD of the Outlaw Trail Concert which featured a whole bunch of great artists, in a two hour public broadcasting fundraiser. About half the songs are great, the other half, well not so much. Del Castillo, a self billed “Latin rock band from Austin, Texas” is fronted by Alex Ruiz handling vocals very ably. Rick and Mark Del Castillo founded the band over ten years ago and they are absolutely in sync.
On the live concert track, the group adds fiddler supreme, Megan Mullins and crackerjack lead guitarist, John Bohlinger. Here is the U-Tube concert video link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSLJp6Z2uMA&feature=player_detailpage
“Rose of Cimarron” was written by Rusty Young, an original member of Poco, the group that first made the song a hit. Check out Del Castillo and friends with the HarryShots Song of the Day. HL
“
“I have always noticed that in portraits of really great writers the mouth is always firmly closed.” - Gertrude Stein
“Burn Down the Trailer Park” by Paul Thorn
Click to download this mp3 at Amazon music
This is a HarryShots Hall of Fame Song. It used to be on my short list of songs to sing in the shower or driving around. Paul Thorn has had an interesting life. He grew up the son of an itinerant tent show “Holy Ghost” pentecostal preacher in rural Mississippi. In his twenties, he was a pro boxer who was good enough to fight Roberto Duran (Paul lasted six rounds). When Paul moves to Alabama, he puts together a stellar band with a killer lead guitarist, Bill Hinds. If that don’t beat all, Paul Thorn is a primitive American artist of some note. You can check out his artwork at paulthorn.com/gallery and choose artwork gallery.
The conflicts in his life, most especially the idea of financial gain vs doing what Jesus would do, causes him to question his motives, his actions, and his scruples. A saint he ain’t. But an artist he most decidedly is. Check out the Paul Thorn Band with “Burn Down the Trailer Park,” which is the HarryShots Song of the Day. HL
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““Big Green Car” by Jimmy Carroll
Click here to download this hot track at Amazon
Back in the early days of rock and roll, there were single records called 45s. I had a pretty good collection and the first 45 record I ever bought was Jimmy Carroll and “Big Green Car.” I got my Dad to take me to a record shop in Birmingham to make the purchase. It holds a special place in my heart just for that one reason. It’s a rockabilly record and was a brief hit way back when. So take yourself back to Kookie Burns and 77 Sunset Strip…strap yourself in the Way-Back Machine and buckle down for the HarryShots Song of the Day. HL
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
““Wild Mountain Thyme” by Greg Joy
Click to download this lovely instrumental song at Amazon
This beautiful melody Celtic melody with only guitar and flute is about as relaxing as music comes these days. “Wild Mountain Thyme” aka “The Purple Heather” aka “Will Ye Go, Lassie” has been around for hundreds of years. Origin is up for debate. The family of one possible songwriter sued Rod Stewart for the royalties for his version of the song. They lost. It is folk music, public domain at this point.
Among the versions I have are variations by such disparate artists as Kate Rusby, Long John Baldry (nearly acapella), The Byrds, and Mark Knopfler. Settle back, crank up the volume and unwind to the HarryShots.com Song of the Day. HL
““Return of The Grievous Angel” by Laughing Gravy
Click to get this song at Amazon downloads
I like pretty much anything by and about Gram Parsons. There are tens of thousands of us, maybe more. Further, I think the world of Emmylou and her connection with Gram further seals the deal for me. Of all of Gram’s great songs, I am especially partial to “Return of the Grievous Angel” and I think I own about ten versions by various artists, all crackerjack great.
So I thought I’d promote a band that isn’t as well known as most, but the spirit is in them on this track. Check out Gram Parson’s great “Grievous Angel” sung by Laughing Gravy, with the HS song of the day. HL
“Stand By Me” by Ben E. King
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On October 27, 1960, Ben E. King was in a recording session with the Drifters. Present were the famed songwriting duo of Stoller and Lieber. The three ended up with co-writing credits on this song. But the song was written by Ben E. himself according to sources. In Rolling Stone Magazine’s Top 500 Songs in Rock and Roll History, “Stand By Me” is ranked at #121.
It has been recorded by over 400 different artists; among them: John Lennon, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, U2, Otis Redding, Elton John, The Searchers, Billy Joe Royal, Earth Wind and Fire, Ry Cooder, Julian Lennon, Spyder Turner, Mickey Gilley, and many, many more.
BMI named it the 4th most recorded song of the 20th Century. I sure hope those royalties went to Mr. King, but I ought to know better. Mr. King was born Benjamin Earl Nelson in North Carolina in 1938. He is still living. I saw him in New Orleans at a Tulane fraternity rush party in 1966. The next night the entertainment was Chris Kenner of “I Like It Like That” fame. I didn’t go to Tulane (my Mom and Sister did) but if I had, that fraternity had me when Ben E. King started to sing.
“Stand By Me” was a huge hit in 1961, again in 1986, and was number 1 on the pop charts in the UK in 1987. It’s the HarryShots.com Song of the Day. HL
““Lone Star Blues” by Delbert McClinton
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Songwriters Gary Nicholson and Delbert McClinton have a great one in “Lone Star Blues” which is the Song of the Day.
The chorus goes somethin’ like this:
“An’ I got them North Texas blues, thought I’d paid all my dues.
Then them South Texas blues, Told me son you ain’t through.
Had them East Texas blues, An’ then West Texas too.
I’ve done all I know to do to try to lose these Lone Star Blues.”
Check out old Delbert doin’ the good work on LSB. HL
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
“Iron Mike’s Main Man’s Last Request” by Todd Snider
Click here to download this song at Amazon.com
Funny man. Funny song. “Iron Mike’s Main Man’s Last Request.” Todd Snider writes some of the best songs, some make you wanna cry, but most put a smile on your face. Who writes a song about the guy in Mike Tyson’s entourage who carries the boombox around? Todd Snider does. SNL should have him doing “audio shorts;” that’s just my opinion, I could be wrong. Here is Todd Snider with the Song of the Day. HL
““Roll Um Easy” by J.D. Souther
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J.D. Souther is the Kevin Bacon of music. He is the center of the Six Degrees of Rock and Roll, like Bacon is with moviemaking. J.D.’s collaborations connect with Glenn Frey, Jackson Browne, Ry Cooder, Doug Kershaw, Richie Furay, Chris Hillman, Jimmy Bowen, Joe Osborn, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, Don Henley, The Eagles, Christopher Cross, James Burton, Roy Orbison, George Strait, Brooks & Dunn, Diamond Rio, Warren Zevon, Trisha Yearwood, The Dixie Chicks, Glen Campbell, Crosby, Stills, & Nash, Bernadette Peters, Jimmy Buffett, Brian Wilson, Joe Cocker, Jennifer Warnes, and Hugh Masakela.
You do all that, write great songs, sing amazingly, and have good taste in music and collaborators, well you are at the center of Six Degrees the Music Version.
This song is from a great tribute album to Lowell George, a founder and the leader of Little Feat. The song, “Roll Um Easy” was written by Lowell, who passed away over 30 years ago. “Roll Um Easy” is a personal favorite of mine and I can say as much for the singer, J.D. Souther. HL
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“The Parting Glass” by Cara Dillon
Click here to buy this beautiful song at Amazon
Cara Dillon from Northern Ireland sings the glorious traditional Irish folksong “The Parting Glass” which is today’s HarryShots.com, St. Patty’s Weekend, Song of the Day. The song has been attributed to Bobby Burns, but he did not claim authorship, so we have a mystery that will never be solved. Put it down to Anonymous, and say that it matters not. The sentiment expressed is profound and human, and has been known to toy with your emotions a wee bit. It sounds like Robert Burns to my ear.
So to the wearin’ O the Green. Peace. HL
“How Are Things in Glocca Morra” by Buddy Clark
Click here to download this sweet song at Amazon
Today we are all Irish. Happy St. Patricks Day to one and all. Your Song of the Day comes from the Broadway musical Finian’s Rainbow. The wonderful song is a collaboration from the phenomenal Yip Harburg and Burton Lane.
The comfortable voice singing is that of the great Buddy Clark. This recording is from the 1940s (the song was written in 1946) and Bing Crosby kind of made it his theme song. I love Bing, but this song is best done by Mr. Clark.
Enjoy “How Are Things In Glocca Morra” – the HarryShots.com Song of the Day. Happy St. Patty’s Day. HL
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