The Only Thing Missing Is You....

There are really no words to accompany this video. My childhood friend Blaire and her band, the Blaire Reinhard Band (who I have talked about before on this blog) have made just a beautiful song for our friend Lauren. They played it this past weekend at her tribute concert, which you can read about HERE.

I could not have said it better than this: "When we dance as freely as a child, when we gather here in our joy and our tears, we'll always be thinking of you."

The Blaire Reinhard Band was Lauren's favorite band in the world. She would talk about them all the time... I know that she would have loved this.

Thank you the BRB for a song that will stay with me forever.

Emily and Lauren Failla

"I've heard it said...that people come into our lives, for a reason, bringing something we must learn, and we are lead to those who help us most to grow if we let them and we help them in return. Well I don't know if I believe thats true, but I know I'm who I am today because I knew you....."

This song is my favorite song from my favorite musical. It had held a different meaning for my friend Emily that passed a few years ago. Now it rings even more true after the tragedy of her sister Lauren this week. This is the song that I go to when I feel sad. This is the song that reminds me that its the experiences in life that help you to grow. Its your decision what you do with these experiences, this will dictate your happiness.

There will be people you meet that will change your life. They may be in your life for 10 minutes, they may be there for 50 years. The length of time does not matter. Its the impact and impression that they leave with you, that you take from them that matters. That is what this song reminds me of. It plays and the picture in my head is of peace. Its of understanding. Its of moving forward with memories rather than physical embraces. Its to remember that:

"It may well be, that we will never meet again, in this lifetime. So let me say before we part. So much of me, is made from what I've learned from you. You'll be with me, like a hand print on my heart. And now whatever way our stories end, I know you have re-written mine by being my friend."

So Emily and Lauren Failla I say this to you. While I will miss both of your fantastic spirits, beauty, wisdom, compassion and love for all things. I am happy that you two are together again, dancing in heaven. Lauren trying to get Emily to try on those fantastic red pumps that I will always remember her rocking, and Emily jumping on Lauren's back giving her a bear hug so big that she can barely stand. Both very very happy and cared for. And to your wonderful parents Kay and Frank, thank you so much for bringing these two angels to this world. Know that we will always carry love for them in our hearts and souls and "because we knew them, we have been changed for good".

Below is a clip of the rehearsals of "For Good", I think that it shows the exact emotions and explains the song perfectly. RIP my friends.

Freak Owl - Little Things

I just came across this adorable video for a cute little song by a band called Freak Owl.

Enjoy!

on Vimeo.

I Feel Home

There has never been a song better lyrically written for my life than O.A.R.'s song "I Feel Home". Somehow these guys crawled up into my brain and took all of my experiences from high school up to now and put them in a nice little package. I listen to this song every time I take that drive up I-95. There is just something about it. It makes me feel home...

There are few things pure in this world anymore,

and home is one of the few.

We'd have a drink outside,

maybe run and hide if we saw a couple men in blue.

To me it's so damn easy to see

that true people are the people at home.

Well, I've been away but now I'm back today,

and there ain't a place I'd rather go.

I feel home,

when I see the faces that remember my own.

I feel home,

when I'm chilling outside with the people I know.

I feel home,

and that's just what I feel.

Home to me is reality,

and all I need is something real.

Feeling alright, heading out tonight,

maybe out to a dark driveway.

I say now some feel bored,

and some are looking for more.

Well, we all just decide to stay.

We got nothing to do,

and I look at you

I see something that I know and love.

and with the crack of a smile we all stay a while

we know from home there ain't nothing above.

Well in the end we can all call a friend

well that's something I know as true.

And then a thousand years and a thousand tears

I'll come finding my original crew

cause to me throughout eternity

there's somewhere where you're welcome to go

I said it's something free that means a lot to me

when I'm with my friends I feel home.

I feel home,

when I see the faces that remember my own

I feel home,

when I'm chilling outside with the people I know.

I feel home,

and that's just what I feel.

Home to me is reality,

and all I need something real

Home to me is reality,

and all I need something real

I feel home.

Into the Mystic

Today I woke up with a smile. I'm not really sure why. But then I looked outside. I saw the sun. I saw people in Richmond starting their days. I heard my neighbors dog barking through the fence and realized that its true what they say. Life has a way of reminding you what is important, and what is important is that this world keeps on spinning no matter how much you wished it just stops for a week or two. The sun will rise and it will fall. Everyday. There is no stopping that.

Travel schedule for the next week or two is pretty hectic between Richmond and Morristown.

While I put these 350 miles per trip on my car I'm sure that music will be the thing that will carry me though. Songs like this one. Songs that remind me that "Let your soul and spirit fly into the mystic".

Charlie Parker

Now this is the reason exactly I have this blog. To share with you clips like the following.

Here is one of the greatest Jazz musicians of all time, playing with his saxophone. So amazing!!

Boy do I wish I lived in a time with more jazz music....

I Get By With a Little Help

This song could not be any more true today.... and this is my favorite cover of this tune.

Thank you to everyone that is helping my family and I during this difficult time.

Up On Cripple Creek....

In my opinion one of the greatest Bands and songs ever created. I should really dedicate a whole entire day to "the Band", but for now I'll leave you with this classic. Such a great recording, great video, great vibe.

Enjoy.

May God Bless and Keep You Always

Here are some of my favorite covers of Bob Dylans - "Forever Young". One of the greatest lyrically written songs ever made. That man has a way with his words.

First is the great Joan Baez who in my opinion can really do no wrong.

The second is one you may not expect. Its from Jay-Z. Yes I know. But he changed the song up just enough to pay it tribute but not to copy it directly. I have to admit that I do enjoy. That and the music video he created is pretty great.

Back to Basics

After what will be described as one of the most emotional weeks I will ever probably go through in my life, things are starting to fall back into place. One day at a time. Its with a heavy heart that I have been walking through these last few days, and well one of the only saviors that I have had is, you guessed it. Music. Its a great feeling to put on a song and go instantly to another world. To forget about everything around you and just feel happy for that moment in time.

I will slowly get back to this blog, bring back the music that is making me happy and keeping me sane. The first is a song that I heard coming out of the back of a guys tent today at "Arts in the Park". I have no idea about the artist, or his music but it was really really good. I stopped and asked and was pleased with what I have found. Enjoy: Mishka "Stars will be shining"

And to anyone out there today who I haven't told that I love them and I appreciate them. I do. Always.

Kurt Schindler

So last week I was on vacation but not just any vacation. It was a wedding extravaganza complete with a one man band. Thats right, only at a Lisa and Neill party would you find the DJ stop playing at midnight and then they roll out this guy named Kurt Schindler. Lisa had talked this guy up as being as good as Keller so many of us were pretty amped to see him play. Well let me tell you... he did not disappoint.

(This is us getting looooow)

About two hours into his set, he had the drunken guests who were left at the party in a frenzy on the dance floor. Singing covers, orignials, I think I even saw him pull out a flute. He was probably one of the best one man bands I have had the pleasure of seeing ever.

I have yet to find a better video then the one below but I'm glad that it does feature one of his originals. Yes the song name is "Mr. Happy". How can you not love that?

I hope to grab a few of Kurt's CD's and spread his music to everyone.

Thanks again to Lisa and Neill and Kurt for giving me one of those nights I will never forget.

I'm Back!!!

Thats right you read it right. I'm back from the island of fun, and probably what was the most incredible vacation ever dreamed up and I have a lot to say.

First off. Note to self. St. Croix is probably one of the most amazing places that I have ever had the pleasure of visiting in my life. The people, the surroundings were just amazing.

While I was there I was introduced to a lot of new music. (yes, a lot of it was some really bad reggae) Yet for the most part, some of the music from people on the island themselves was incredible.

I will be showcasing some of the great acts that I found there, here on this blog. So stay tuned.

For now I would like to welcome my one reader back with a special treat from an old friend. She sent me this link earlier today and shes right...I love it.

Enjoy Scott Dunbar's one man band version of Billie Jean.

Good stuff.

I'm Leaving On A Jet Plane

Dear my one reader. I'm leaving on a Jet Plane very soon with the destination being St. Croix.

I will not be checking mail, facebook, twitter, phone, anything. Thats right. Tech free holiday.

Take care and I'll see you in about two weeks!

Final Bombs of the Day

Well I have to admit, today was really fun and gave me some great breaks at work.

My final photo-bombs of the day...

Wedding Bomb

Water Bomb

Simpsons Bomb

Gender Bomb

Prom Bomb

Dive Bomb

Epic Bombs

I seriously can not get enough of these today....

Dirty Old Man Bomb

The Oh Noes Bomb

The Rock Bomb

The Out of Country Bomb

Celebrity Photobombs

Yes, even celebrities have fun with these too....

here are my favorite "Celebrity-bombs"

BEATLES BOMB

CERA BOMB

IRON MIKE BOMB

MY FAVORITE.... JAKE BOMB

More Bombs

HALLOWEEN BOMB

BACK SEAT BOMB

BABY BOMB

STEVEN HAWKINS BOMB

Photobombs!!!

Well I'm super busy today so I'm picking another fun topic that will not require a ton of work, but will get a ton of laughs. Guaranteed.

I announce today as Photobomb day! If anyone out there does not know what this awesome art form is I will show you today with a collection of my alltime favorite photobombs.

Now I know everyone is familiar with the most famous photobomb....mr. squirrel.

Yet there are many many more out there just begging to be exposed.

Like this one I call...."The Liquor Thief"

He Will Survive

My man made his triumphant return to the stage last night in Eugene, Oregon. Yes thats right, I'm talking about the one, the only, Conan O'Brien!!! I love him so much, I can't even express how. I was so happy that his show moved up an hour so that I didn't have to stay up late to watch it. Then he got the short end of the stick with that bullshit move by the unfunny man they call Leno.

But I'm happy to say that yesterday was a good day for Team Coco. TBS announced the return of his live nightly show, moving to 11:00 to one up the competition. And last night he started off the first leg of his comedy tour in Eugene, Oregon!

One of the many things I love about Conan is his music ability. This guy can actually jam. Hes not super duper great, but he is still impressive. Check out his version of "I Will Survive".

Rocket Man

No explanation needed but Stewie is right...."he knows what it takes to be cool"

Armageddon

Well this is one of my favorite songs ever, and I hate to admit it but I did love this movie this video was made for almost as much. I mean when this came out in high school I just remember crying so hard. I mean who saw Bruce Willis pushing Ben Affleck back into the space shuttle to save his life, in turn ending his. I mean talk about tear jerker.

Anyways this song "Leaving on a Jet Plane" was covered by Chantal Kreviazuk a beautiful singer/song writer with a hauntingly lovely voice. You can't not fall in love with this song....

(And yes I know, Ben Affleck should never quit his day job and become a singer...thats pretty well known)

Leaving

I can not believe the time has come. The countdown is all but over. On Saturday morning I'm boarding a plan just like this one below for what is probably going to be one of the better vacations I ever will take. I'm heading out with some of my best friends from college to our friends wedding in St. Croix. I'm a little nervous that the plane below will be the one taking the last leg of this journey. But hey, its worth the adventure right?

So todays theme is planes and adventures. Since I'm obviously way too excited to even do a stitch of work. I may as well be a little productive.

Here is one of my favorite "plane" songs. Its by one of my favorite Jason Mraz, its called "plane" and its seriously one of my favorite songs, has been for years. Somehow the way the words flow from this boys mouth is unbelievable. love it.

Enjoy

Truth

I promise that with a fractured wrist, and a busy schedule does not mean that I'm not stockpiling music for my triumphant return. Until then hope all is well....

So Much Beauty In The World

The song of the day that has been bouncing around in my head ever since last night. Great song for a beautiful Friday afternoon!

Two Turn Tables and a Camera

All you need to know about concert photography is anything goes. Anything goes in the world of rock and roll, so the same can be said about the artists that photographs these musicians. They are brought into this intimate world, given a glimpse into the soul of the performer, and able to capture them in all their glory in one frame.

These photo are able to stand the length of time. The image of Jimi Hendrix burning his guitar. Iconic. The picture of The Beatles coming out to play Shea Stadium. Iconic. Photos like these live with us for ages after the performer and photographer and long gone. This is what makes them so magical.

And it doesn't have to be just the iconic photos you remember. It could be that one that you took on a disposable camera from the back row of the concert, it could be a old Polaroid you find at the bottom of a shoe box, its those images that capture the moment. They are perfect. Timeless. Epic.

The following are some of my favorite "caught in a moment" shots. You can almost feel the moment that is coming up next. Some are of people you recognize some are unknowns. All are amazing photographs.

Annie Leibovitz

Annies photos don't need a lot of explanation. She has been behind the lens during some of Rock and Rolls most iconic moments. She has captured experiences that stay with people forever. To this day her work with both Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair Magazines have been nothing short of inspiring.

Below is a few of her hundreds of Rolling Stone covers. Especially back when RS meant something to the music world. Enjoy.

Pictures To Replace Posts

Since my injury last week its been very hard for me to post on the blog. Too much typing makes wrist more painful. Trying not to push it so that I can get this cast off before I leave for St. Croix. Fingers crossed. So in light of these recent changes Im making today all about pictures of music I love. I was inspired last week with the passing of Rock photographer Jim Marshall. He was a genius, whos images will live on in our hearts forever.

So today I bring you more awesome rock and roll photography. Because lets face it its much easier to post pictures then to type long stories. Glad you agree. This irst group of photos is from Phish's Halloween Festival 8 out in Indio, CA.

Enjoy.

Susan Boyle-Who?

After this Susan Boyle will certainly be a thing of the past. Check out this kid, knocking out of the park a Whitney Houston classic from one of my favorite movies ever. The Bodyguard.

Soooo awesome!

National Poetry Month

Well I'm going to try and get this done today, fractured wrist and all.

It pains me not to be writing every day, but I figured that I could push through the pain and bring you a small but important post today.

April 1st marked the first day of "national poetry month". yaaay! I know everyone is as excited as I am. I wish I had the energy or the wrist motion to go into why I love poetry so much. But to keep it short its the way these authors play with simple words. They take these simple words and paint such pretty pictures.

I am going to share with you today some poetry from one of my favorites, a man I talked about a few weeks ago. Mr. Shel Silverstein. This mans poetry fueled my creativity as a kid. He was an inspiration to all. His writing transported you into a different world.

Here are a few classics (with illustrations):

Taking a Break (literally)

Due to circumstances beyond my control I am forced to take a mini break from blogging.

Sad Face.

See You All Soon

xoxo