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Back in my school days I sometimes wondered what my teachers did during their vacations.  Be it the Christmas, Spring or Summer breaks.  Sometimes a teacher might’ve shared about a warm weather trip a ball game or home project that they worked on but that was rare.  So, here’s a rundown of what I was up to for my break from 3pm on 3/25 thru 4/3.

*I re-upped my swim Elmhurst Park District pool pass for this summer.  We’re less than two months away from East End Pool opening and I can’t wait to see my ‘Summer Family’ again.

*I went to the huge and fun packed wedding reception of my pal Phil’s daughter Amanda.  Lots of laughs, fantastic eats, drinks and love was in the air!

*I finally saw “The Batman” which I liked.  Much darker than any other Batman film and as quick as the almost 3 hours went by, the producers could’ve easily knocked half an hour off this one.

*The NCAA Men’s basketball tournament was a great watch and I caught plenty of games and excitement.

*For the first time in decades, I skipped watching the Oscars live but yes, like everyone else in the world, I got caught up in the Will Smith/Chris Rock mess.  Will, you screwed up big time and good luck getting your career back on track!

*On HBO I watched both episodes of the documentary “Phoenix Rising” which covers the story of actress Evan Rachel Wood and her complicated and dangerous relationship with shock rocker Marilyn Manson.  I believe Ms. Wood and her claims 100%.  Even if just half of what she presented were true, Marilyn Manson is a sick and twisted freak.

*Also on HBO, the latest edition of “On the Record with Bob Costas” brought out an in-depth interview with pitching ace Max Scherzer along with a funny and poignant visit with Bill Crystal.  All this plus a good round table discussion on race in collegiate basketball and other current events issues in sports.  Bob Costas remains a smart. insightful and on target interviewer.

*Netflix presented a good drama movie titled “Windfall.”  Jason Segal plays a calm yet scary hostage taker.  What takes place in the film was hard to predict and fun to see.

*Thanks to its Best Picture win at the Oscars, “CODA” finally made it to the local theaters (I don’t have Apple TV) and I loved this film.  A touching and often times funny look at a young girl who is the only non-deaf person in her family.  When I used to substitute teach, I did a few turns in hearing loss classes and this movie brought back fond memories of those days with some fine young students.

* I didn’t just watch TV all day. I saw a feature on and quickly ordered and read the new book “Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli” written by Mark Seal.  This four hundred plus page book chronicles all the stories and details behind the writing and making of “The Godfather.”  Real detailed stuff in this tome.

*Around the house I took care of some various chores.  I switched out my glass front porch door window for the screen window.  I also hit the hardware store to stock up on furnace filters and light bulbs along with household cleaning products.

*Two of my closets got purged of old ratty clothes and I straightened out my dresser drawers while dumping out more unworn junk.

*I also got in some spring cleaning of my house. Two months of neglect added up so I dusted, scrubbed, vacuumed and cleaned everything from top to bottom.  Later this spring I’ll hire a maid service to give the house one of those semi-annual run throughs that make everything sparkle like my place was brand new.

*Finally, I met with a concrete contractor about some work that needs to be done on my front walk and stoop.  His official estimate is fair and doable.

*Other than all this, I relaxed.  It was a relief that for 10 days I was not on a specific clock to do things.  I did stuff when I was ready to do them. (Save for the wedding reception, which was a blast)

Returning to school, we have just over 7 weeks left in the 4^th grading period and then 20 days of summer school.  Then it’s Summer Break time and there’s plenty to look forward to when that happens.

NEXT BLOG- Memories of the song “Chevy Van.”

For this installment of great cover songs, I’m all over the road, so hold on.

MILEY CYRUS- “Wish You Were Here.”  Yes, this is the third time overall I’ve offered praise to Miley Cyrus for her singing but she performs other artists’ songs so well and deserves the accolades.  This time Miley sings up the Pink Floyd classic in a stripped down acoustic manner and she did it in the spring of 2020 as the musical guest of Saturday Night Live while we were in the midst of the COVID Pandemic.  The choice of song was great and so was Miss Cyrus’ version of it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9TrCN9S9zE

THE MAVERICKS- “Here Comes My Baby”- The Mavericks are one of those bands that can approach any style of music and do it up right.  Rock, country, pop, swing, mariachi, you name it they can handle it.  Much of that has to do with the range and interpretive skills of lead singer Raul Malo but the rest of the group pulls their weight as well.  The hopping horns infused version of “Here Comes My Baby” is livelier than Cat Stevens’ original take, ditto for the Tremeloes 60’s style singalong rendition of it.

SMITHEREENS – “It Don’t Come Easy.”Besides being a great band with fine original songs like “Blood & Roses”, “Only A Memory”, “Behind the Wall of Sleep” and loads of others, this was a group that did justice to many cover songs.  Everyone from the Beatles and Who to Springsteen, The Clash & more were well done by these guys.  Here’s one of my favorites by late lead singer Pat Dinizio and his band of rockers

NAILPIN  “They Don’t Know.”I came across this cover of a cover.  Originally written and done by the late Kirsty MacColl; then in the early 80’s Tracy Ullman did it up right with a video that included a guest shot by Paul McCartney.  I have no idea where Nailpin came from but this rocking version is a fun twist on the tune.

NEXT BLOG- How I Spent My Spring Break.

It’s time for another take of some of my favorite scenes from past movies. 

“THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING MISSOURI” (2017) There were so many great scenes in this movie about a small town and an unsolved murder.  Chief Willoughby’s farewell letter to his wife is heartbreaking but I also like when after the Chief’s death a new boss arrives to the Ebbing Police Department.  He’s just witnessed Officer Dixon throw an innocent man out a window and is about to make his presence known.

“CHOCOLAT” (2000) While I am not Catholic, the Easter Sunday homily said by the young student priest is one that really resonated with me. Contrary to the narrator’s words, I found this message to be more than eloquent. Every Easter I re-watch this clip to remind myself of some wise and hopeful ideas. 

“CITIZEN KANE” (1941) Considered by many to be the greatest film of the 20^th century (I can’t disagree with that), this scene where Charles Foster Kane gets berated for how he runs his newspaper is a classic.  I’ve always been a big fan of characters who are getting scolded about their actions and they’re able to turn the tables on their antagonists.  This is one such scene.

“THE GODFATHER” (1972) I cheat a little on this scene.  It’s not in the original version of “The Godfather” but has been included in other editions and releases of the film.  This clip takes place AFTER Tom Hagen unsuccessfully tries to do Don Corleone’s bidding and get Johnny Fontaine the star making part in Jack Woltz’s new war movie; but BEFORE the infamous horse’s head in the bed scene.  I really like how the Don and Hagen determine just how “tough” Woltz is.  You even hear the earliest “fuhgettaboutit” I can recall in a movie. 

In the usual showings of “Godfather” this scene was dropped.  Once Hagen leaves Woltz’s home, that horse’s head makes its appearance.  This deleted clip implies the horse killer was Corleone strongman Luca Brasi.  And the Don appears to be more noble after finding out Woltz was sleeping with an underage teen actress.

NEXT BLOG- One more round of great covers of hit songs.

This round of tributes to good cover songs is a fun one with some offbeat observations of some past songs.

SUZY BOGGUSS- “Drive South”- As a forever admirer of John Hiatt’s songwriting and recordings, I examine covers of his music with a critically careful ear.  His 1988 “Slow Turning” record brought us the original version of this song and two years later the Forrester Sisters country group covered it.  Not long after, Aledo Illinois native Suzy Bogguss tracked the cut for her ‘Voices in the Wind” album.  Bogguss had earlier top 10 country hits like “Aces.” “Someday Soon” and “Letting Go.”  Her version of the Hiatt travel tune landed at number 2 on the Country charts and it’s damn good.  John’s recording features his growling voice but Suzy’s cover has a breezy tone to it.  It’s always interesting to compare a male and female version of the same song.

BONNIE RAITT- “Thing Called Love”- This is another great John Hiatt song, this one from the 1987 album “Bring the Family.”  His track has a funky hop to it, while Bonnie’s version is more bluesy, with a touch of twang.  Both styles do the song up right but Hiatt had to be out of his mind thrilled that Bonnie covered “Thing Called Love.”  It was the lead single and video for her “Nick of Time” album which sold loads of copies and put some serious dollars into John Hiatt’s pocket.  Bonnie would go on to cover another Hiatt track, “No Business” but “Thing Called Love” was the better of the two.

THE WHO- “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting”- Here’s a fun one to compare.  I grew up being dedicated to the music of Elton John and The Who.  So back in 1991 there was a multi artist album “Two Rooms”done to honor the music of Elton and his lyricist Bernie Taupin.  Sixteen Elton/Bernie songs were covered and The Who took on this great rocker.  It starts out with a gradual slow flurry of guitar and keyboard before Pete Townsend clocked in his Fender Telecaster guitar licks.  Roger Daltrey’s vocals are singed with the proper street fighting attitude.  Then in the last 90 seconds of the track Townsend throws in the chorus from another Elton oldie, “Take Me to The Pilot.”  Just a cool surprise before getting back to the “Saturday, Saturday” chorus.  I’ll always prefer the Elton version and put it at #1 but The Who’s novel approach to it earns a spot at 1A.

EVERYTHING BUT THE GIRL- “The Only Living Boy in New York.”  I was never familiar with this oldie from Simon and Garfunkel until I saw the 2002 indie movie “Tadpole” which is a film that deserves its own blog from me in the future.  EBTG’s version of this song was featured and it was totally enchanting.  After seeing “Tadpole”, I had to research the history of this track.  Paul Simon wrote it as his partner Art Garfunkel flew to Mexico (as the song says) to act in the movie “Catch 22.” Simon was left alone to work on their next record and he felt alone, like he was the only living boy in New York.  This is one of those songs so well written that it really doesn’t matter who sings it, the tune is soothing and great to hear over and over again.

NEXT BLOG- More Great Movie Scenes Take #2.

Last year I had fun recalling and writing about my favorite opening lines to songs so I delved into my brain pan and pulled out some more starter lyrics that I can’t get enough of.

“I am a lineman for the county, and I drive the main roads, searching in the sun for another overload.” WICHITA LINEMAN- sung by Glen Campbell and written by the great Jimmy Webb A simply well written set of lines that remain iconic to this day.  All you need to hear is “Lineman for the county” and you know where we’re going.

“I want you to know, that I am happy for you.  I wish nothing but the best for you both.  An older version of me, is she perverted like me?”  YOU OUGHTA KNOW- Alanis Morrissette Despite the quivering vocal, this sounds like a tune that’s going somewhere sweet.  But it isn’t.   And only Alanis knows just who she wrote this song about.

“You think you’re gonna take her away with your money and your cocaine, you keep thinking that her mind is gonna change but I know everything is O.K.” “LISTEN TO HER HEART”– TOM PETTY This is hands down, my very favorite Petty song.  Between the church bell like chiming of those Rickenbacker guitars and the great lyrics, how can you can go wrong?  I once read Petty got the idea for those words from his first wife who told a story of being at some wild party thrown by Ike Turner who was on some cocaine infused bender and threatening women who were at his house.  Yikes!

“Tonight I feel so weak, but all in love is fair, I turn the other cheek and I feel the slap and the sting of the foul night air.” “BRING ME SOME WATER”- Melissa Etheridge Someone’s been done wrong in this classic cut and what’s so good is there’s hurt, vulnerability and anger in these words.  Seeing Melissa play this song live several times is one of the great joys I’ve had in going to concerts.

“You were the first thing that I thought of when I thought I drank you off my mind, when I get lost in the liquor you’re the only one I find.” “KILLIN’ TIME”- Clint Black The title track from Black’s 1989 landmark five hit debut album.  What man or woman out there can’t identify with these words?  You drink to forget someone who still can’t or won’t leave your mind.”  Well done Clint!

“No one knows what it’s like to be the bad man, to be the sad man, behind blue eyes.’– “BEHIND BLUE EYES”- The Who Anyone who listens to FM rock radio knows this classic and it remains timeless.  A quiet start to a song about a self-examination of emotions and tendencies.  Pete Townsend was at his best when writing words like this for the “Who’s Next” album. 

“Cold, late night so long ago, when I was not so strong you know. A pretty man came to me I never seen eyes so blue.” “MAGIC MAN”- Heart  While the opening guitar, bass and drums of this 70’s rock classic are hypnotic, the story gets sold by these opening words.  Ann Wilson wrote this from her own experience as she shares some of what happened in her first serious relationship.

NEXT WEEK’S BLOG– Some more of my favorite re-makes. Cover songs if you will.

The pandemic certainly curtailed my frequent movie going to a once in a blue moon experience.  Ugh!  I’ve watched a few new flicks on demand at home but it’s not the same.  Anyway, I thought to offer up some of my very favorite scenes from various movies of the past.  These are the kinds of situations and scenes that in my opinion MAKE a movie special.

Here’s Take 1 of scenes on film that I cannot get enough of.

“THE COLOR OF MONEY” (1986) A decades later sequel to “The Hustler” where Paul Newman’s character “Fast Eddie Felson” is a successful liquor salesman who plays mentor to young pool hotshot ‘Vincent’ played by Tom Cruise.  In this scene Eddie discovers not only how good Vincent is at nine-ball but also how green and unprepared his girlfriend is in the game of hustling strangers.  Newman is too cool for the room in this clip.

“WAKING NED DEVINE” (1998) One of my top ten favorite movies of all time and I knew it would remain that way ever since the first time I saw it.  In this eulogy scene Jackie O’Shea pays sincere tribute to his dear friend Michael O’Sullivan who’s in the audience, despite Ned Devine being the actual dead man in the casket.  This touching scene shares what deep rooted friendship is all about.

“GOOD WILL HUNTING” (1998) The late Robin Williams earned a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Sean, a teacher/counseling therapist assigned to guide ‘Will’ played by Matt Damon through court ordered anger management.  In this scene former college roommates Sean and Will’s math instructor Jerry argue over the kid’s progress and where his life is headed.

“THERE WILL BE BLOOD” (2007) Another Oscar winning performance, this time it’s Daniel Day Lewis as the amoral and money hungry oilman Daniel Plainview.  In this scene Plainview and his brother meet with fellow oil barons who want to buy him out.  This clip takes a dark turn to match Plainview’s persona but what I like is how controlled and calm he is at the start of the negotiations.  It quickly becomes obvious that Daniel Plainview has all the answers before questions and propositions are brought up by the others.  He’s the smartest man in the room and also the most wicked.

BONUS SCENE- Another one from “There Will Be Blood”, from earlier in the film when Plainview shows little tolerance for arguing townspeople.

Next Blog– Some of my favorite opening song lyrics, Pt. 1.

“When I listen to my records, they take me back to certain points in my life.”  (Shrevie from “Diner”)

My radio career afforded me lots of encounters with musicians I admired and plenty of songs that are burned into my memory.   Two such memories involve Bruce Hornsby. 

Memory #1– Poplar Creek Music Theater in Hoffman Estates, the summer of 1988.  Working at WCKG FM there were certain concerts when I hosted contest winners in a luxury box in the Poplar Creek pavilion.  The box had eight comfortable swivel seats in a sectioned off area right next to the house soundboard.  There was a mini-fridge stocked with beer, pop & snacks and when that was emptied, we had a generous bar tab to run up as we entertained a few lucky listeners.   

On this particular night, it was my duty to hang with our contest winners and jam out to Bruce Hornsby and the Range. My guest was my longtime pal Mark Vasko.  Bruce’s second album “Scenes from the Southside” was out with the lead single being “The Valley Road.”  However, the song I was laser focused on was the record’s lead track, “Look Out Any Window.” 

Before the show started, I was telling Mark about this new tune and how it would be such a great song to open a concert.  We knew we’d hear Hornsby hits like “The Way It Is”, “Mandolin Rain” and “Every Little Kiss” but kicking off the show with the slowly built up methodical chords of “Look Out Any Window” would be so cool.

So, the house lights went down, Bruce Hornsby and his band made their way onstage in the dark and then they launched into you guessed it, “Look Out Any Window!”  I went nuts and as fun as the whole show was, kicking it off with the song I would’ve advised Bruce to start with made it extra special.

As the concert wrapped up, Mark and I were approached by Hornsby’s record rep who gave us passes to join the star of the show at an after party in The Club. The Club was a private invitation only lounge perched on the second floor of a building structure a few steps from the pavilion. 

We didn’t have to wait long for Bruce and his band to show up and meet with a few and other lucky folks.  When it was my turn to say hi to the piano playing star, I gushed a full two minutes on how I was hoping he’d open his set with “Look Out Any Window” and what a perfect show starter that was.  Bruce patiently smiled, laughed then asked me, “So what should we open with tomorrow night?”  I told him, “Stick with this one Bruce, it’s a winner!”

A few minutes later I learned from one of his bandmates that they usually open their concerts with “On the Western Skyline.”  Which leads me to Hornsby memory #2.

This was a couple years later. I went to see Bruce Hornsby again at Poplar Creek.  This time, no luxury box but good seats just a few rows from the stage.  The house lights were still on, fans were slowly shuffling to their seats and the soundboard music was playing recent radio hits of other artists. 

All of a sudden amidst all the pre-show casual atmosphere we heard the loud clump of an accordion pop a couple of sounds.  I looked up to see Bruce standing at the edge of the stage with an accordion strapped to his chest as he squeezed out the opening notes to “On the Western Skyline.” 

The rest of his band scrambled to their places and joined in.  Finally, the house lights went down, the stage lights went up and we were treated to a great long jam of “Western Skyline” as Bruce wailed out the opening line “About this time of evening, out by the bay they turn the road lights on the bridge.”   There’s such a cinematic feel to that track and anytime I hear it on the radio, it takes me back to Bruce Hornsby being so eager to get onstage to play for fans that he rushed out without any fanfare or fancy set-up.  I smile big every time I heard or think of that song. 

Other memories of Bruce Hornsby and the time I was his personal escort to a local radio station show will be shared in my book, “Raised on the Radio.”

NEXT BLOG- Some favorite movie scenes of mine.

It’s all subjective to personal tastes and interpretations but here are some cover versions of songs done by other stars first that I like a lot.

JAKOB DYLAN & JADE CASTRINOS- “Go Where You Wanna Go.” Covering the harmonies of that Mamas and Papas oldie isn’t easily done but Dylan and Castrinos are aces up on their version which is found on the “Echo in the Canyon” soundtrack. Go to You Tube and see them sing in live concert settings as they promoted that music documentary.  I can’t get enough of the joy Jade Castrinos puts into her part.  She brings it to life every time!

PEARL JAM- “Last Kiss.’  This teen tragedy song was made famous in 1962 by rockabilly star Wayne Cochran then became a radio hit again in the 70’s thanks to the one hit wonder group Wednesday.   Then Pearl Jam lead singer Eddie Vedder came across the song in a Seattle record store, listened to it all night and got his band to play it live during their 1998 concert tour.  Finally, in 1999 Pearl Jam’s version of this teen tear jerker was released to radio and as a single.  Plain and simple, I love this version.  It’s sincere and tells a story, and the fact that a hard rocking band covered it makes me like it that much more!

MILEY CYRUS- “Wildflowers”- After the shocking passing of Tom Petty, Miley Cyrus took to performing the title track from Petty’s 1994 album.  Miley sang and nailed it on Howard Stern’s radio show and paired up with her father Billy Ray for another jam of it on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.   As I’ve noted before, despite her personality quirks Miss Cyrus is a damn great singer and she’s at her best when performing songs that have a country or folk style to them.  This cover of Petty’s sweet “Wildflowers” is a prime example.  When she squeals out one last chorus of “You belong somewhere you’ll feel free” it sure is moving.  Well done, Miley!

BO DEANS- “Walking After Midnight”- I’m a lifelong fan of the BoDeans.   At least up to the point when co-founder Sammy Llanas was still in the band.  Sammy’s writing and voice was and always will be the best part of this band from Waukesha, Wisconsin.  Anyway, on their live album “Joe Dirt Car” Sammy and the band strum out the Patsy Cline country classic.  The gentle honky tonk path taken on this track is so damn near perfect and Sammy’s soulful voice sells it.  I also find it fitting to hear a man’s take on Patsy’s song. 

More fun to check out cover songs will be posted in future blogs.

Valentine’s Day is this Monday, so why not listen to a few more few songs about doing the dance with no pants?

WHY DON’T WE GET DRUNK AND SCREW?- Jimmy Buffet  What, did you think a list of sex songs wasn’t going to have this one on it?  Please!

CHEVY VAN- Sammy Johns/Sammy Kershaw Either version is fine by me.  The girl in this ride and romp oldie walks off in bare feet.  So, what happened to her shoes?

TRICK OF THE LIGHT- The Who John Entwistle wrote this rocker about a guy who asks about his sexual prowess with the hooker he just bedded.

THAT’S ALL- Bo Deans One of my favorite tracks written by Sammy Llanas.  This song pretty much captures my own ‘first time.’

POCKET FULL OF GOLD- Vince Gill The cheater in this song stashes his wedding ring and pulls something else out of his pants.

WHITE LIAR- Miranda Lambert So we can’t forget that women sing about cheating too. This track from 2010 well covers BOTH sides of a relationship.

NEXT WEEK– Good re-makes of past hits.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner so why not take a listen to a few songs about dancing the dirty hula?

DIRTY WORK- Steely Dan This 70’s classic isn’t about scrubbing toilets or taking out the garbage.  Love the line, “Light the candle, put the lock upon the door, you have sent the maid home running like a thousand times before.”

LAST CALL- Lee Ann Womack So who hasn’t been on the sending or receiving end of a late at night phone call that leads to a hook-up?

THIRD RATE ROMANCE- Amazing Rhythm Aces or Sammy Kershaw Either version of this “low rent rendezvous” is fine by me.

COME ON OVER- Jessica Simpson Ms. Simpson’s former boyfriend Tony Romo used to say Jessica was ‘sexual napalm” and this tune covers that statement.

ARIEL- Dean Friedman A first date with a dizzy girl and it climaxes with “Bombs bursting in air…”

NEXT WEEK- SONGS ABOUT SEX PT. 2