Tag Archives: music

Goodbye, November

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Where did November go?  Seriously?  It seems as though we just went back to school, and now, we are well past the halfway mark for first semester.  I have to say, my November was packed with lots of fun.  So many new memories made!

At the beginning of the month, I attended a Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) game with my siblings and their families.  Go Cards!  After the game, we all spent time hanging out at my parents’ house watching even more football and eating pizza.  I think it has to become a new tradition.  Even though I don’t hunt, I enjoyed everyone else discussing and making plans for opening day (November 15th for firearm deer season here in Michigan).  I love that the tradition continues, even if Camp Russell is long gone.

The following Friday night, John and I attended the Barenaked Ladies (BNL) concert at Soaring Eagle Casino in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.  It did not go as planned, to say the least.  Somehow, we did not have the seats we thought we had.  I still have no idea how, why, where, or when the mixup happened, but it did.  First, let me start with the opening band, Toad the Wet Sprocket.  While not quite a one-hit wonder, Toad the Wet Sprocket had a couple of hits with “All I Want” and “Walk on the Ocean” in the 90s.  Honestly, pretty forgettable and comparable to dad yacht rock of the late 70s and early 80s.  Way, way too mellow, even for me.  The aesthetic of the set worked well, but if things were going to start off this slow, we were in for a long night.

Now before I discuss BNL, you have to understand that I waited 20 years to see them in concert.  BNL is a huge part of the soundtrack of both my high school and college years.  In 2004, during my senior year at Michigan State, I had the opportunity to see them at the Breslin Center.  Unfortunately, my firstborn intuitive sense of responsibility kicked in.  I had too much to do.  I shouldn’t spend the money.  It goes on and on.  As I have proven time and time again, I am my own worst enemy.  Buy the damn concert tickets!  Just go!

As much as I tried to lower my expectations for the BNL concert, it didn’t work.  Instead, I left disappointed.  In fact, we left after the first song.  It just wasn’t what we were expecting at all.  We’d looked up set lists from earlier concerts on the tour, and it looked great.  As one would expect, they opened with one of their monster hits and continued to mix their hits with their new, super mellow album “In Flight.”  I’d listened to the new album before the concert and enjoyed it for what it was.  Looking at the supposed setlist, I thought it would work well.  Wrong!

Mt. Pleasant happened to be the last concert on their tour, and for whatever reason, they completely changed up the set list.  They started with the new songs and continued the dad yacht rock vibe with a vengeance.  No telling when they would get to their back catalog.  Also, what really worried me is the fact that their hits could have been played in a more mellow, stripped down, acoustic version a la MTV Unplugged.  I enjoy that type of music at times, but that is the exact opposite reason why I wanted to see BNL.  I wanted the crazy energy of “One Week,” “The Old Apartment,” and the “Big Bang Theory Theme.”  Add in a BNL superfan who insisted on talking to me throughout the entire break between acts, in addition to continually bumping her purse in John’s side, we were over it.  We left.  Again, lesson learned.

Fortunately, the weekend wasn’t ruined.  We spent time at Michigan State on Saturday.  I showed John all my old favorite haunts.  It is surreal though.  In East Lansing, I constantly felt simultaneously back at home and flabbergasted on how much had changed.  I’m just glad that Crunchies, the Peanut Barrel, and the Pita Pit are still there.  Fun note:  Barstool Sports sponsored a pub crawl throughout East Lansing that Saturday.  We were trying to figure out why we were seeing groups of students dressed up as bananas all over campus and East Lansing.  At first, we thought it might be some crazy type of protest.

Now that Thanksgiving and deer season are behind us, bring on Christmas!  December, of course, never disappoints.  Advent starts tomorrow.  I hope to slow down and enjoy it!

The Power of Pop Culture

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Over the last few weeks, I’ve watched as my students in my creative writing club have bonded over pop culture – every form of storytelling one can imagine.  They bonded over books, movies, video games, and above all, music.  Several left ecstatic having met other students who share similar tastes in TV, movies, music, and more.  What is it about pop culture that binds us together?

I just finished The Women by Kristin Hannah, which dives deep into the experiences of field nurses in Vietnam.  Throughout the book, particularly in chapters set in Vietnam, certain songs by a myriad of artists set the scenes without mentioning one lyric.  The names of the songs and artists was enough.  Then there were the clothes.  Set roughly from 1967 to 1982, author Kristin Hannah used descriptions of hair and clothing to add realism and depth to her setting and characters.  As one of the finest pieces of historical fiction I’ve ever read, I will be reviewing the book at a later date.  It is that good.

Up until fairly recently, I would have told you that we used to bond more closely over pop culture in the past.  Growing up in the 80s and 90s, we only had three TV channels for a large chunk of my childhood.  Most hit TV shows were shown on either NBC, ABC, or CBS.  That’s only changed over the past two or three decades.  Shows such as M*A*S*H set ratings records that will probably stand the test of time.  Today, with dozens of streaming services and an endless variety of cable channels, TV viewers have more choices than ever.

Music changed, too.  As a child, I watched MTV and VH1 come into their own.  With shows like Unplugged, Behind the Music, and Pop Up Video shown among a solid stream of increasingly intricate music videos, they were all about the music.  In fact, I recently came across a conversation in which my contemporaries argued that it can be difficult for people of our generation to separate certain songs from their music videos. 

Indeed.  I have a difficult time imagining TLC’s Waterfalls, Michael Jackson’s Thriller, or Jamiroquai’s Virtual Insanity without their iconic videos.  I could name a dozen others.  Today, we have it all at our fingertips.  We can pre-order albums in our medium of choice or subscribe to an all-inclusive music service for a fraction of the price of one traditional CD.  That simple fact made my Xennial heart incredibly happy and angry at the same time.

Personally, when it comes to music, I am glad that I had the opportunity to experience the transition from vinyl to tapes to CDs to MP3s to streaming services … and all the way back to vinyl for collectors.  I watched as a wide-eyed little girl as Madonna and Michael Jackson exploded onto the scene, respectively becoming the Queen and King of Pop, ushering in a new era of great music.  Thanks to my Gen X elders, I developed a deeper appreciation for 80s music, expanding beyond pop rock.

Today, there are infinitely more choices out there.  Yet, it is easier than ever to connect to other fans of your favorite TV shows, movies, music, books, and so much more.  No more annoying dial up, parents or siblings waiting not so patiently to use the phone.  Things might be a bit fragmented, but when you find your tribe, there is no doubt.

Book Review:  The Lyrics:  1956 to Present by Paul McCartney – The Beginning

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First, fair warning:  this is going to be a series of posts.  There is simply too much material, and the entire premise of the project means too much to me.  Before I get into the meat of the book, it is better if readers understand the background.  While John gave me a beautiful hardcover version for Christmas 2021, I am just now reading it.  I knew that I will get sucked in, and I wanted to give it the time and attention it deserves.  The entire idea of this massive memoir grabbed my imagination as soon as it was announced.

In his introduction, Paul McCartney discusses how he has been approached several times to write a memoir or autobiography.  With this idea rolling around for years, his former brother-in-law, Lee Eastman (the late Linda McCartney’s brother), gave him the idea to write a memoir using his song lyrics, explaining their backgrounds and inspirations.  Frankly, it is a brilliant idea.  In creating The Lyrics, Paul McCartney sat down with renowned poet Paul Muldoon to discuss the poetry behind the lyrics.  Paul Muldoon also served as editor.

I may be only through songs starting with C, but I am thoroughly enjoying the book.  The entire organization of the book is unique.  The Lyrics, of course, covers some of the earliest Beatles songs (back to the Quarrymen, actually) to Paul’s latest solo efforts, with Wings in between.  It truly covers 65 years of some of the best pop music ever written.  Some songs written were given to other bands or acts, such as Peter and Gordon and Badfinger.  The book is not in chronological order, but it is instead arranged by song title.  Throughout the book are dozens of historic photographs from McCartney’s personal archives.  Throughout, he explains his song writing process and inspirations.  Another cool feature of the book is that someone took the time to create a Spotify playlist that includes all of the songs in The Lyrics in order that they appear in the book.  You can listen along as you read.  In my opinion, it doesn’t get much better than that.

I look forwarding to sharing more about The Lyrics once I finish the book.  It may a bit, but it will be well worth it in the end.  As a writer, music lover, and avid Beatles’ fan, especially Paul McCartney, I’m obviously the target audience.  Yet, I feel as though there is something for everyone in the book.  Now in his 80s, Paul McCartney is still touring, still writing music, and still out there.  Supposedly, his shows are right around three hours long, without a break.  His work ethic, his passion for performing and songwriting, and deep appreciation for his fans is the only explanation.

Top 10 90s Albums

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Album covers are becoming a lost art.  Here is what I considered ten of the most influential albums of the 90s as represented by the their album covers.  WIth the exceptions of the top two and the honorable mention, they are in no particular order.  All songs are linked to their music videos.

  1.  No Doubt – Tragic Kingdom (1995)

Notable songs:  “Don’t Speak,” “Spiderwebs,” “I’m Just a Girl”

It’s neo-retro vibes, particularly of lead singer Gwen Stefani, ushered in a new era.  We were hooked.

  1. Alanis Morissette – Jagged Little Pill (1995)

Notable songs: The entire album on repeat, but “Ironic” and “You Oughta Know” in particular.

No one looked at Joey (Dave Coulier) the same way again.  “Ironic” remains on of my all-time favorite music videos.

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TLC – CrazySexyCool (1994)

Notable songs: “Creep,” “Waterfalls”

The video for “Waterfalls.”  Enough said.

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – Greatest Hits (1993)

Notable songs:  “American Girl,” “Free Fallin’,” ”I Won’t Back Down,” “Last Dance with Mary Jane”

Almost every song on this album is a gem.  “Last Dance with Mary Jane” is still one of my favorite music videos.  The Gen Xers I grew up with who introduced me to Tom Petty idolized him.  I get it.  Oh, and Ringo Starr plays drums on “I Won’t Back Down.”

The Spin Doctors – Pockets Full of Kryptonite (1991)

Notable songs:  “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong,” “Two Princes”

This album will always remind me of middle school.  It belongs here for that reason alone.

Sublime (1996)

Notable songs:  “Santeria,” “What I Got”

“Santeria” remains one of my favorite songs.  Both songs were everywhere.

Nirvana – Nevermind (1991)

Notable songs: “Come as You Are,” “Smells Like Teen Spirit”

While I was never a huge grunge fan, I could not compile a list of 90s albums without Nevermind.  It is quite possibly the most iconic album and album cover of the decade.

Red Hot Chili Peppers – Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991)

Notable songs:  “Under the Bridge,” “Give It Away”

Is any 90s collection complete without Blood Sugar Sex Magik?  I don’t think so.  “Under the Bridge” happened to be our class song.  It is one thing we got right.  It still holds up.

GIn Blossoms – New Miserable Experience (1992)

Notable songs: “Hey Jealousy,” “Found Out About You,” “Allison Road”

The Gin Blossoms were one of my absolute favorite bands freshman and sophomore years of high school.  I do not understand why they seem to be lost in the current 90s nostalgia.

Christina Aguilera (1999)

Notable songs:  “Genie in a Bottle,” “What a Girl Wants”

Debuting a few months before our 19th birthday, both “Genie in a Bottle” and “What a GIrl Wants” were everywhere.  Yes, indeed.  Christina Aguilera and I not only share a birthday (December 18th), we were born on the exact same day in 1980.  While I’m not a huge fan, it was either her or Britney Spears – and we all know how that ended.

Fun fact: A friend and I “saw” Christina Aguilera perform at the Midland County Fair during the summer of 1999.  She had just hit stardom, and we decided to check it out, not even bothering to buy tickets.  We were able to hear her perform just outside the venue.  Not impressed doesn’t even begin to cut it.

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Honorable Mention

Ricky Martin – Livin’ La Vida Loca (1999)

Notable songs:  “Livin’ La Vida Loca,” “Shake Your Bon-Bon”

It is almost impossible to believe today, but Ricky Martin was quite simply one of the hottest acts of 1999, along with Enrique Inglesis.  It became impossible to turn on the radio without hearing and singing “Livin’ La Vida Loca.”  His concert happened to be one of my first.  Slightly embarrassing, I know.

NOTES:  I wanted to include a SKA album from the late 90s, but they all seemed to be one and done.

John Burke

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John and I at my sister Erica’s wedding to Fred @ Crystal Creek Campground – June 8th, 2024

I don’t often get too personal here, unless it involves the past, so here it goes.  I’ve been dating John Burke for nearly four years now.  We’ve had so many wonderful times together so far, and I just want him to publicly know how much he means to me!  Here’s to many more years of concerts and other plans!

Love you,

Lindsey

PS – Who knew that online dating during a worldwide pandemic over 40 could work?

Hanging out @
Michigan State
Fall 2021
Waiting for the Blue October/Goo Goo Dolls concert to start!
August 2022
June 2023 Tubing Trip!
State Rd.

Hello August!

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How is it August already?  I will soon start gearing up for the upcoming school year, and the canoe livery will be winding down for another year.  By the time the school year is finished, I am eager for all of the craziness that is the canoe livery.  By Labor Day, I am more than ready for the next school year.  Right now, I am excited for the new school year to begin. The planning has indeed already begun!

On a historical note, MTV debuted with “Video Killed the Radio Star” by the Buggles on this date 43 years ago.  I can’t imagine a more perfect first video, especially considering that the year was 1981.  Campy and self-aware, it set the stage for a solid 15 year run of great music videos.  That may be a joke, and even a meme, but it isn’t far from the truth.  By 2000, the MTV we grew up with and loved – the MTV that took Madonna and Michael Jackson to new levels of stardom – turned primarily to reality TV never to return to its roots.  Gen X and Xenniels remember …

The first music video aired on MTV when it first aired on August 1st, 1981 –
“Video Killed the Radio Star” by the Buggles

Vitamin C – Graduation (Friends Forever) (1999)

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Vitamin C – Graduation (Friends Forever) (1999) (Video) (Lyrics)

(Written February 12, 2024)

I came across the video for “Graduation (Friends Forever)” by accident this past weekend.  Sometimes nostalgia slaps you so hard in the face that it cannot be ignored.  While I can’t say that “Graduation (Friends Forever)” was ever a favorite, it did leave an impression when it first came out during the spring of 1999.  How could it not?  I graduated from high school in 1999, and quite frankly, the target audience.

In the midst of watching classic videos from the 80s and 90s, YouTube saw fit to suggest “Graduation.”  Thinking “why not?,” I found myself transported back 25 years.  What struck me most about the video wasn’t the song at all.  Frankly, I still find it way too saccharine.  Instead, I thought about how I could have guessed the year from any still photo from the video. Not a cell phone in sight.

It cracked me up.  The video definitely fit the late 90s aesthetic that we all thought so bleeding edge at the time.  In fact, the girl’s outfit in the video, the layered yellow tank top with the orange/yellow slip skirt, reminded me of one of my go-to outfits in 2001.  The only difference?  I didn’t layer tank tops.  Instead, I wore a jean jacket over a yellow tank top.  I remember it vividly because I loved that outfit and that look so much at the time.  Maybe it is time to bring it back.

While I can’t say that I loved or even liked high school (I couldn’t wait to graduate and move on), it is fun to look back from time to time.  After watching the video, it hit me that this June will mark 25 years since I graduated from high school.  How?  Just how? Interestingly, “Wear Sunscreen,” a spoken-word release based upon an essay, became popular during the spring of 1999 as well, even though it dates to 1997.  See below.

The advice still holds.

“Ladies and Gentlemen … to the Class of 1999 … “

Toby Keith – Beer for My Horses (Featuring Willie Nelson) (2003)

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Toby Keith – Beer for My Horses (Featuring Willie Nelson) (2003) (Video) (Lyrics)

Written February 10, 2024

Toby Keith.  I can’t help but feel that his death is the end of an era. The lyrics to “Beer for My Horses” have been running through my head ever since I learned of his untimely death early Monday morning.  Even though I’ve never truly been a full-fledged country music fan, I loved most of his music.  What I don’t love, I simply haven’t discovered yet.  While my heart will always belong to pop/rock, alternative, classic rock, etc., Toby Keith will always remain one of my favorite country artists.  Songs such as “I Love This Bar,” “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue,” “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” “Whiskey Girl,” “American Soldier,” and so, so much more were always a part of the soundtrack to my college years and early 20s.  I don’t think it is possible to even discuss popular music in the early 2000s without mentioning Toby Keith in some form, and that isn’t even considering his lasting impact on country music.

So, what is it that made him so popular and memorable?  Personally, he always reminded me of the older brothers of classmates.  The ones that were either too cool or cautionary tales, depending on your perspective.  Those with just a hint enough of danger to make them attractive.  He never cared what others thought, and he never shied away from his rural upbringing.  In fact, he celebrated it, and we loved him for it.  In spite of everything, he remained true to himself and wasn’t afraid to celebrate his love for his country.  All of that resonated with me and so many others.

By the way, if you haven’t watched the video to “Beer for My Horses,” check it out.  It is even better than I remember.