"Clapton is God." That is what my brother used to tell me and anyone who would listen many years ago. I paid him no mind back then but finally grew to appreciate Eric Clapton years later, once I got into classic rock.
Eric Clapton has been around for what seems like forever. From The Yard Birds to Cream to his solo work, Clapton has somehow managed to keep his music soulful and relevant. I mean, the man has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame three times. He's the only individual to achieve this.
The man is a musical genius. Thanks, bro, for the inspiration...
I love Fleetwood Mac, mostly because I'm female, and the story behind this band is like a freakin' soap opera. I don't have the time nor the energy to get into detail about that drama; it would probably take up multiple pages. But if you care to find out for yourself, click here.
Let's get back to their music. The songs here all have special meaning to me, and they're all so different — part of the reason why I love Fleetwood Mac so much. They're songs can appeal to almost anyone. They cover so many emotions and situations through their music. And their impact is made apparent by the many covers other bands have produced. Even clubheads are jamming to Fleetwood Mac, without even knowing it. I've heard dance remakes of "You Make Lovin' Fun," "Everywhere," and "Stand Back" (which is actually a Stevie Nicks solo, but you get the point). And I'm sure there are many more that I haven't even heard yet.
So on to my playlist...I was never a big fan of "Dreams" until I was riding on the subway one evening about five years ago. A homeless man was blissfully strumming on his guitar and singing the lyrics, and I couldn't take my eyes off him. He played this song so beautifully, I missed my train because I didn't want to stop listening. It was the perfect song to illustrate the way I was feeling at that moment in time. I immediately went home and downloaded Fleetwood's version of the song, and ever since "Dreams" possesses a whole new meaning for me.
This is the live version of "Big Love." It sounds much different than the studio version, which I don't care for much. But I wanted to post this because Fleetwood Mac is one of those bands that can put on the kind of show that you'll never forget. Their performance can change the way you listen to their music. I also wanted to use a song that showcased Lindsey Buckingham's vocals. Most people think of Stevie Nicks when they think of Fleetwood Mac. But Buckingham, as well as Christine McVie, added something different when they contributed to vocals, something special.
I also wanted to include "Gold Dust Woman" for you. My cousin, Mimi, introduced me to this song back in our grammar school days. Her father had an old jukebox in their garage, and we would repeat this track over and over again. Unfortunately, I do not have a downloadable version. But the video I dug up for you is an even better treat. So enjoy! And let me know your thoughts.
There's more to me than meets the eye. I'm not all house and electro. So get that thought out of your head.
I'm feeling pretty inspired lately. This has a lot to do with the positive influences I've been keeping around me. Having already given credit to my cousins for my house addiction, I got to thinking about where my passion for music in general stems from. And I owe it all to my parents and brother. Thanks guys! You had me grooving to Stevie Wonder and Led Zeppelin when the rest of my classmates and buddies were listening to Debbie Gibson and New Kids On The Block.
This week, I'm going to steer away from the typical jams I've posted on this blog, and I'm going to focus on the artists and songs that I grew up listening to, before I even know house music existed. Without artists like The Supremes, Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Smokey Robinson, Bob Marley, etc., today's artists wouldn't have a place in this world. Just because they're not typical dance tracks, they still make me bob my head and tap my feet.
Today, I'd like to focus on music's most dynamic, most influential group of all time: The Beatles. Yes, that's a bold statement, but I'm going to stand behind it. To be honest with you, the first time I listened to their music, I was not impressed...but keep in mind, I was about five years old. Their earlier stuff did nothing for me. Songs like "I Want To Hold Your Hand" and "Love Me Do" were too corny for my taste. The novelty of that cheesy oldies era wears off QUICK.
But then I started listening to The Beatles later work, thanks to my hippy parents, and I realized these guys were way ahead of their time. I mean, these songs are incredible...especially those on Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. If you don't already own this album, it's a wise investment. I can't think of one bad song on it. And if you really think about it, these jams would be great covers or even samples for today's musicians to use. Listen very closely. The lyrics are deep, the music is robust.
Anyhow, if it wasn't for the songs below, I may never have gotten into music the way I am today. Thank you Paul, John, George and Ringo. And thank you, mom and dad, for forcing me to listen to good music when I was still in diapers.
Quick thoughts on these tracks: "I Am The Walrus" is super trippy, and nonsensical...outrageous! "Good Morning Good Morning" is positive and uplifting...sure to get you up in the AM! "I Want You" is sexy sexy sexy sexy!
Stay tuned tomorrow...more oldies but goodies!
P.S. I have a favor to ask of you, pals. I know 99.9% of you listen to The Beatles. Now that you know MY favorite Beatles tracks, I'd like to hear yours. Please leave me a comment, letting me know which Beatles song is YOUR favorite.
