Most Underated Vocalist Ever

 I have a tendency  to cheer on the underdogs and generally gravitate to movies and music that many tend to ignore. In  Pat Monahan's (Train lead singer) case, I don't think it is that he's being ignored as much as it is he just isn't  getting a true "push" from his record label.  Whatever the reason, I contend that he is one of, if not THE most underrated vocalist of all time.  Here is one of his solo efforts from his "Last of Seven" acoustic album. Always Midnight  is a song that really highlights his skill and range.  Give it a listen and I think you'll agree!

Til next time..............

 

 

 

 

In The Beginning...........

I guess you could call me a music snob.I'm very picky about what I spend my time and money on. In the beginning, I didn't  care much for Lady Gaga....but here last two or three efforts have impressed me I must say. It's amazing how patience and an open mind can bring you around sometimes This one is one of her best yet in my opinion.

Til next time...............

 

What if the Beatles Never Existed?

That's the premise behind a new movie due out June 28th.  "Yesterday" also introduces to big screen newcomer Himesh Patel and co-stars Lily James, Kate McKinnon, Ana de Armas, with special appearances by Ed Sheeran and James Corden.  

A freak accident lands struggling singer songwriter Jack in the hospital and into a world where the Beatles never existed, at least not as we know them today.  Here's a peak for the first trailer for the summer release. 

This one looks like a lot of fun, however I think it's probably a good thing Ed Sheeran didn't write Hey Jude!

Til Next Time...................

Three of My Favorites

One would think after doing a three or four hour radio show, I would be up for some peace and quiet. Naw.....not really. But since I can't get out today because of all the wind and snow, I'll just settle for three of my favorites from years gone by. The year was 1978. The show was the "Midnight Special" with Wolfman Jack and Journey!  Enjoy!  Thanks to #OldSchoolMusic

Til Next Time................

Name That Movie

Hint  #1 Release date was December 2, 1988

Hint  #2 Set in Southern California

Hint  #3 One of the stars was a Disney child actor

Name That Movie!

Til Next Time........

A Forgotten Treasure: The James Last Band

Not exactly something you would expect from a German big band leader, but then James Last was no ordinary musician.  He had a wide ranging repertoire and many hits around the world, but his biggest success in America came in the form of movie soundtrack music collaborations with Giorgio Moroder. One song in particular, The Seduction (Love Theme) was on the soundtrack of both The Seduction and American Gigolo. It was his only true hit in the United States reaching 18 on the adult contemporary charts.  German band leader James Last  with a definite SoCal vibe.....enjoy!

Til next time................

The Ocean Calls My Name

          

Sail On Sailor

                            The Beach Boys                            

                        LP: "Holland" 1973                        

Having spent at least half of my life on or near the ocean, it would be fair to say that this song is right up the on my all time favorites list! Maybe it's on your list too. You know everyone loves a great song especially when it connects you  to something important in your life!  This is one of those song for me. Hope you enjoy it!  Happy Thursday!!!

Til Next Time...............

Fed Up!

 

I haven't been doing much ranting lately and that has caused a couple of occasional followers of the SandBox to ask why?  Quite frankly, I don't have much of an answer other than to say I am just fed up with the whole political situation right now.  Fed up of listening to him bitch about Hillary and her bitch about Trump and vice-versa.  Fed up with all of it! Seriously though......we are into the 21st century. We put a man on the moon. We've cured many horrible diseases, are on the verge of curing others, our tech advancements are rivaled by few, and we're one of the most well educated countries on the planet. But you're gonna sit there and tell me that Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are the best that we, as a nation, can come up with?  I'm calling bullshit on all the Clinton and Trump "homers!"

One is a lying, untrustworthy, manipulative, over bearing, and an over emotional hot mess whose actual physical health is now being called into question and the other is an ego maniac who is a smart man, but thinks the entire planet revolves around him and has no clue how the "real world" works outside of his little sphere of influence. And let's not forget the socialistic babblings of Bernie Sanders. Really people??? This is the best we can do???

Everyone wants to point fingers and blame the other side or political party or political ideology. We'll guess what..........WE ARE ALL RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS MESS. We created these monsters by voting for the same kind of politicians from both parties at every level of government for the last 50 years. The way this country was headed, this was bound to happen sooner or later.  It looks like "sooner" has won that battle. So what do we do now?   Choose the lesser of two evils? (AND YES BOTH MAJOR PARTY CANDIDATES ARE EXTREMELY TOXIC AND ARE OF VARYING DEGREES OF EVIL IN MY OPINION), totally sit out November 2016, or maybe for once take an actual serious look at 3rd and 4th party candidates that most people wrote off a long time ago?

I quite frankly don't know.......and neither, it seems, do some of the smartest people in America. As for me, I think I'll just turn the volume down on all the social media bitchers, whiners, and complainers for a bit, put on my Archie Bunker for Prez t-shirt and give some more thought to this political quandary that has no right answer.......just a lot of bad choices!  I would suggest that before election day sneaks up on us,  you take Archie's advice. "Stifle Yourself" and do the same!

Til Next Time...........

My Little Buddy!

My little buddy going for a car ride!  He loves car rides more than anything in the world, but if we stop anywhere this is what we get. Can I come with you?  Of course you can!!!  I do believe it's time for another adventure!  Maybe a road trip this weekend?  We'll see....


Til Next time..............

Nancy Reagan 1921-2016

Photo Credit: United States Navy

Few will ever forget this 2004 image of former First Lady Nancy Reagan as she said a final, tearful goodbye to her beloved husband, former California Governor, and 40th President of the United States, Ronald Wilson Reagan. 

Today we say goodbye to Nancy as she passes on earlier today from congestive heart failure at the age of 94.  

  

Hollywood Promo shot of Nancy Reagan 1949-1950

Photo Courtesy of Reagan National Library 

Photo Credit:Unknown/Univ of Texas Photo Archives

Courtesy of: Reagan Library and U.S. National Archives

Nancy Reagan led a full life that transcended both entertainment in Hollywood and the Beltway antics of national political life in Washington DC, including an assassination attempt on her husband.   Through it all, two things remained constant: her love for and devotion to "Ronnie," and a  grace, style, and public demeanor that made her one of the most popular First Ladies in the history of the United States. Her devotion to events and causes that benefited American families also endeared her to most Americans regardless of the political leanings.

According to official from the Reagan National Library in Simi Valley, Mrs. Reagan will be buried on the grounds of the library alongside her husband.  Nancy and Ronnie will be together once again.

Rest in Peace Nancy......you will be sorely missed.

Til next time..............