Sheer Sparkling Beauty

The Three Degrees - When Will I See You Again, released 1974.

Also, an orchestral version (Caravelli Rockin' Strings, 1976).
I love the awesome album cover! It reminds me of Blade Runner.

Rick Wakeman

Three of my favorite songs of all time are "Morning Has Broken" by Cat Stevens and "Life on Mars?" and "Changes" by David Bowie. I always particularly loved the piano playing on those songs. It came as no surprise when I finally learned that the same person was responsible for the piano on all three. Rick Wakeman. His playing is just so pretty.

Lazy Thursday

Spent today all alone watching music documentaries about a few of my favorite albums. They're all available on Netflix and are part of the "Classic Albums" series from VH1.

Fleetwood Mac - Rumours, 1977.
Elton John - Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, 1973.
Steely Dan - Aja, 1977.
Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon, 1973.

Sincerely, L. Cohen

I saw Leonard Cohen on November 1, 2012, at Bass Concert Hall in Austin, Texas. This was by far the best concert I have ever been to. No artifice or posturing whatsoever. Just LC's amazing songs sung with complete sincerity. He was so genuine and truly happy to be there. He showed such appreciation for all of his musicians and back-up singers, too, and he sang for nearly four hours. RESPECT. The only blemish on the whole night were the clods behind me who were chomping on ice cubes, talking and kicking my seat. Unbelievable! Luckily their antics weren't constant, so I managed to forget that they existed for most of the show. They were an annoyance, but really, nothing could detract from Leonard's performance. I've seen a lot of great shows in my life, and this surpassed them all. I'm not sure what it was... probably his honesty. It was pretty much a perfect evening.

I did not take this video footage, and of course it can't do the show justice, but at least it's something.

Some Songs I Love

All of them have those delicious, aching chords and chord changes that make me feel all woozy and glittery inside, and they all have sweetly sad, wistful lyrics. What could be better?

Long, Long Time - Linda Ronstadt (Silk Purse, 1970)
Les Fleurs - Minnie Riperton (Come To My Garden, 1970)
Have You Never Been Mellow - Olivia Newton John (Have You Never Been Mellow, 1975)
If You Could Read My Mind - Gordon Lightfoot (Sit Down Young Stranger, 1970)
Morning Has Broken - Cat Stevens (Teaser and the Firecat, 1971)
Summer Breeze - Seals and Crofts (Summer Breeze, 1972)

Happiness Is a String of Pompoms!

I bought some of these pompoms for someone very special who was turning four. I am not four, but I got pretty jealous and had to get some for myself.

I love the colors so much!

Here's what they would look like to a spider.

And here's what they look like from the other side, through the glass.

Whether you're four or not four, if you want some for yourself, you can get them here.

Elephants Breaking My Heart

I saw this documentary (The Urban Elephant) for the first time many years ago, and have watched it many times since. Shirley. Solomon. Jenny. So sad and so sweet. If you haven't seen this, please watch it. You will not be the same.