RIP

Folk icon Richie Havens is remembered not only for his long career in folk music and particularly his break out performance at Woodstock but for being a genuinely kindhearted man. He devoted his time to educating children about the environment and never let fame get in the way of his life and his music.

It’s difficult to choose a favorite song from such an impressive list but I’d recommend a listen to his fantastic version of Here Comes the Sun, one of his biggest hits, and his touching cover of Wonder Child, a lesser known song originally performed by Helen Reddy on Sesame Street (it might bring you close to tears if you have little kids though!)

See more: Songs,Style Icons: Male 1970s Folk Musicians

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Posted on April 30, 2013

by Barbara Lynn (1962)

Barbara Lynn played guitar like a boss, wrote her own songs, and gave us the wonderful You’ll Lose a Good Thing. She’s like a hero I never knew before and her hit song is the kind that makes the world stop for a few minutes then seem like a better place when it ends.

See more: Songs 1960s R&B Rock Soul

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Posted on March 25, 2013

Computer Animations

Van found these videos by Cyriak on YouTube, starting with Kitty City. He continues to be mesmerized by them, and who can blame him with the clever animation and catchy songs?

A boy could do worse for a creative inspiration than Cyriak, who seems genuinely interesting and has been picked up by rock and rollers to make awesome videos.

See more: Songs,Spend a Couple Minutes Animated Electronic Viral Videos

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Posted on March 7, 2013

by PSY (2012)

Ok, some of you are going to find this Korean club hit annoying. I’m not even sure why I’m liking it so much. It’s undeniably catchy (just try walking away from it with Heeey sexy lady not playing in your head). Plus the over the top video, complete with awesome silly dance is quite compelling.

It’s apparently becoming a viral sensation (so, you’ve likely already heard about it from your mom or co-worker) and artist PSY says he’d love to take his horse dance to the states. We should be so lucky!

Refinery 29 is to thank/blame for introducing me. Oh, And Van loves it. Like really really loves it.

See more: Laughs,Songs 2010s Pop Viral Videos

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Posted on August 9, 2012

by Shel Silverstein

While a song like “Daddy, What If”, about the love between a father and son can easily bring me to tears in this heightened emotional (pregnant) state, a song with a squeaky “child” voice is unlikely to make any sort of favorable impression on me.

But such is the magic of Shel Silverstein. Tears were falling before I knew it.

Enjoy this clip from the Johnny Cash show.

See more: Songs Children’s Folk

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Posted on July 8, 2012

by Peter and Gordon (1965)

There’s something so day dreamy about sad British invasion ballads. In some way, they meld together in a golden oldie station haze but when you stop to listen to one, like the Peter and Gordon hit I Go To Pieces, it’s easy to feel like teen nursing a broken heart (in a good way).

See more: Songs 1960s Love Songs Pop

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Posted on June 5, 2012

RIP

Disco is really taking a hit. Robin Gibb of the awesomely smooth Bee Gees recently passed away on the heels of disco great Donna Summer.

In tribute I suggest listening to Jive Talkin‘ at least several times. You’ll feel good and feeling good is what The Bee Gees were all about. A pretty great legacy to leave behind: smiling, dancing fans.

See more: Songs,Style Icons: Male 1970s Disco musi

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Posted on May 24, 2012

by George Harrison (1982)

Grey windy Sundays are no good for fun family outings but they definitely work for making home made soup and playing classic favorites like Time Bandits in the background.

Almost as shocking as the film’s ending is the rock song that plays over the ending credits.

After sticking in my head for days I decided to find out what it was. Seems Dream Away was written specifically for the movie by George Harrison and is considered one of his best solo works.

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Posted on March 27, 2012

by Léo Delibes (1883)

It would be difficult, I imagine, to explain to Léo Delibes what’s become of his Flower Duet, possibly the most beautiful piece of music ever written.

I would explain that it was just far too beautiful for the modern world to handle without being tempered by violence.

Honestly, can anyone listen to this and not envision some violent scene? Whether it’s Walken and Hopper in True Romance (which makes me wonder – is it as awesome as the teenage me thought? I’m remembering Gary Oldman as a rastafarian drug dealer and thinking, yes) or the latest shoot em up video game trailer, or it’s surely memorable inclusion in Garfield: Tale of Two Kitties?

Joking aside, this is the kind of music that makes your heart and soul soar.

See more: Songs 1880's Classical Opera/Dance

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Posted on March 10, 2012