Two Sleepy People

Art Garfunkel has to possess the most ethereal male voice ever! His rendition of an old movie song - very Broadway, actually- is delicious. It is written by the great Hoagy Carmichael - a very playful composer AND the equally great Frank Loesser the Broadway and pop charts composer ( Guys and Dolls, Most Happy Fella ).This is such a breezy and catchy tune. Artie brings it to life in an intimate and charming manner. Have a listen. You'll be humming it all day.

                          

Alone Again, Naturally

Neil Diamond in his old age is becoming an interesting cover singer. His choice of songs and his no fuss arrangements would not be out of place in a Brechtian cabaret.  With maturity comes understanding. Diamond brings a melancholy delivery edged with smart regret to his newly recorded material. I never took the time to really listen to the words of "Alone Again, Naturally"  Originally performed by Gilbert O'Sullivan, this song sounded pleasant enough but slight and sing songy. I was never compelled to it. Who knew? This ditty is about despair, loss, suicide and depression set to a happy sounding strummed guitar. What Neil does is add the darkness this song begs and with minimalist execution delivers a rather chilling read. I prefer this cover to the original. Neil Diamond elevates "Alone Again, Naturally" to a song of depth.

                                                  

Star Of Wonder - Christmas Song #1

Christmas music is the prettiest - isn't it? Sweet and enchanting, mostly - unless the occasional rock or soul singer decides to unChristmas a song with some wild interpretation that makes it unlistenable. I like experimentation and interpretation - even in classical music BUT cool it, guys, with Christmas songs.....mmmkay?

Anyway, here's an absolutely entrancing accapella rendering that will melt you. Enjoy.

                                       

Grateful - A Thanksgiving Carol

Thanksgiving is really the perfect holiday. It carries little to no baggage - no religious or political issues, no debates over its meaning or strong opinions on how to celebrate or even decorate. It's really about what it says THANKS GIVING. So we celebrate by eating until we burst. Some of us watch football, serial nap or talk a happy blue streak. IT'S ALL GOOD. But, I find as I "age" - I do all the above and end my day with contemplation - just reviewing what gives my life meaning. When I was young, it was things and events and career. But now - now - its people - yes, just people................

                                                 

The Rainbow Connection

I have no idea who is singing this song. During the heady days of LimeWire, I went nuts downloading anything that struck my fancy. Many times I failed to notate the artist. Ah well, this is such a charming recording of a charming song sung charmingly by a charming child. Listen and be charmed.

                            
                   

As Time Goes By

A ditty remembering Ma & Dad on their anniversary.

                                               

Yesterday - Neil Diamond

I never realized that this song should ideally be sung by older men. After hearing this wonderful version by Diamond, I am convinced that the Beatles penned a song way beyond their years. It is a sad song - a song of regret and a song of realization. It took Neil Diamond to make me see this. Not only is yesterday a beautiful song musically - great melody - it is also a profound song

                                            
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