We are a commune of inquiring, skeptical, politically centrist, capitalist, anglophile, traditionalist New England Yankee humans, humanoids, and animals with many interests beyond and above politics. Each of us has had a high-school education (or GED), but all had ADD so didn't pay attention very well, especially the dogs. Each one of us does "try my best to be just like I am," and none of us enjoys working for others, including for Maggie, from whom we receive neither a nickel nor a dime. Freedom from nags, cranks, government, do-gooders, control-freaks and idiots is all that we ask for.
As a kid, I was most definitely not a fan of The Rolling Stones. They were scary hippies making loud music. Eventually, I became a follower of Led Zeppelin, then a punk rock fan by the time I was midway through high school. Devo's version of Satisfactionappealed more to me than Mick's. Sometime around my senior year of high school, I started to gain an appreciation for them, and by beginning of sophomore year of college I attended a concert at Rich Stadium on September 27, 1981. At this point, they were already 19 years into their campaign for great rock and roll. Little did I know at the time I was as old as the band itself. Mick Jagger was 38, which meant he was likely to retire for good within 2 years. After all, he already made it clear he didn't want to be singing Satisfaction when he was 40. I felt lucky to have seen them when I did, on perhaps one of their last tours.
Of course, they played for many years afterward. Bill Wyman retired in 1993. Charlie Watts died in 2021. Brian Jones, the founder, died of a drug overdose shortly after leaving the band in 1969. Despite all this, The Rolling Stones have continued. This was their 60th year, playing concerts delayed by Covid.
Imagine my surprise, as I walked the dog one morning in April, to get a text from Mrs. Bulldog asking "Rolling Stones in Stockholm this summer?" She wanted to see them in Paris, but we didn't have time to do a mid-week trip. Also, Stockholm was supposed to be the last stop on the tour - why not go to possibly their last show ever? How could I say no? Of course you go see The Rolling Stones in Stockholm. Is that even worthy of consideration?
Perhaps it is. Upon hearing our plans, my father said "I'll take a pass." But he'll be 87 soon. My stepmother was impressed, as were most of my friends, that I was willing to travel so far to see a concert. Why not? What's so weird about that? I get to see Stockholm and The Rolling Stones.
Our favorite Cape Cod band. When they are playing, half the place gets up to dance. She and her husband also own that little art gallery next to Pearl in Wellfleet.
I have always felt that the most wonderful people are those who make their own music at home. Voice, piano, violin, guitar - whatever.
When I was a kid my Dad was always working on Mozart on the pianny. It used to be the only time I would hear "Damn, damn, damn" from him. Like him, no talent but much desire.
Music in enchanting for me, but not as background sound. Furthermore, I am slow to get it. I need to listen to a piece many times to learn what it seems to be about. Many decades ago, I felt that weed really helped me get the idea of listening to music and it was a help. Reading about it too.
Anyway, I am long past weed but sometimes like to listen to music at night as a break from reading. However, wifi music is not good enough. I use CDs, a good amp, and fancy speakers. Problem is now that Mrs. BD's decorator friend does not want wires around. Too late to re-wire the house. What to do?
Made it to Swan Lake and other Balanchine things at NYCB yesterday. Mrs. BD was enthralled, so that's good.I love the live music. I told her that I was sorry that I still, after all of these years, could not differentiate NYCB from the San Francisco Ballet. She said "Even you can tell great from just OK."
They were sold out, of course. All ages. Yes, we missed Sara Mearns. That will have to be next time, but all perfect enuf for me. By this time I should understand dance, but it eludes me. It is one of many flaws.
A "classical" composer listens to Pink Floyd. It shows me what informed musicians are able to hear. (h/t American Digest, who has two other performances of Shine On. The song is from 1975.
The Beatles in Hamburg, many years ago. Some guy named Tony Sheridan is the singer. They rock this Scottish tune (which refers to Bonnie Prince Charlie).
Many of our readers are. I am no pirate, but maybe could have been one once upon a time. All kids like pirates, in fantasy.
We're getting down for a week on southern oceans in a while. My soul needs salt water and boats. My nav skills are rusty - not that they were ever good except for coastal.
Lost interest in fishing except as a social thing, but big water and wavy gravy appeals to me. Always has.
I don't have the exact date of this Paris recording of Wanda Landowska with Sonata in D Major. This remastered version actually reduced the French anti-aircraft noise but some can be heard around the 2-minute point.
The Germans were coming, but this famous Jewish, lesbian keyboardist played on.
Almost everybody's favorite opera buffa. Rossini wrote it in three weeks. Over 200 years old, and going strong because it is so much fun and so silly, with irresistable tunes.
Forget politics -this is joyful. Good actors too. Ain't Italian beautful? To me, Sienese Italian is the most musical and expressive tongue in the world.
As a kid, I was most definitely not a fan of The Rolling Stones. They were scary hippies making loud music. Eventually, I became a follower of Led Zeppelin, then a punk rock fan by the time I was midway through high school. 