Category: Music

Dye Me A River

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

My favorite version of Arthur Hamilton’s song, Cry Me A River, was covered by Joe Cocker. I especially like the live version. While others pump up the bagpipes or crank out The Pogues to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, I cue up Cocker’s version today.  

A photograph captures a festive scene in downtown Chicago during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, where the Chicago River is dyed a vibrant green. Boats cruise along the river, carrying passengers enjoying the event. A crowd gathers along the riverwalk, many dressed in warm clothing, watching and taking photos. The city’s skyline, featuring modern skyscrapers and iconic architecture, rises in the background under a clear blue sky. Leafless trees in the foreground frame the lively scene.

One of the things you can still count on in Chicago beyond crazy politics and potholes is that every St. Patrick’s Day they still dye the river green. For some reason the first time I heard about that tradition Hamilton’s song title morphed in my brain to Dye Me A River. 

Well, it’s St. Patrick’s Day again, and yes both traditions will continue. They’ll dye the river green and I’ll play the song. I’ll also down a pint and have some corned beef and cabbage, a family tradition, though none of us are Irish.

But I’ll be staying away from any of the large number of parades honoring the day. It’s one thing when the river runs green, but I prefer my beer downed once, and not tossed back up into the streets. 

 You can find more of my writings on a variety of topics on Medium at this link, including in the publications Ellemeno and Rome. I can also be found on social media under my name as above. 

 

This Is A Must See: QuestLove’s Video Tease of 50 Years of SNL Music

One helluva a teaser for the retrospective of 50 years of SNL music.

Hands down. Stand up. Let your head spin. This Questlove video mix of 50 Years of SNL Music is a must watch for fans, non-fans, or anyone who has a heartbeat. 

 The clip above teases the upcoming Ladies & Gentlemen…50 Years of S.N.L Music airing on January 27th. If you’re not teased I don’t know what else could do that for you. As if the memories of the performances in this tease aren’t enough, the editing is something to be in awe of.

Just sit back. Watch it. I’ve archived it everywhere I could. You should too. I’m looking forward to the full show. How could you not be?

Then New York Times has a write up on the piece and interview with Ahmir Light (Questlove) by Alan Light you might also want to check out. 

FYI: You may have to find the video on YouTube. The Watch on YouTube link above appears to work sometimes and others note.

You can find more of my writings on a variety of topics on Medium at this link, including in the publications Ellemeno and Rome. I can also be found on social media under my name as above.