Music & More
I break my silence on contemporary pro sports for this interesting item. Headline from nypost.com: “WNBA will lose $40 million this season and its NBA investors are growing impatient.” I’d thought Caitlin Clarke’s presence had finally put them in the black. I’d always believed the league was financed in large part to keep women from suing to get into the NBA.
From NYP: “5 siblings — all older than 90 — gather to celebrate eldest brother’s 98th birthday.” Meet the Hoyle’s of Iowa. Photo from NYP:
Will this ever effect the economy, as insane as it seems? From newsmax.com: “Biden’s $1.8T Budget Deficit Sets Non-COVID Year Record.” Yes, it’s caused inflation but not an overall collapse. Congratulations Joe, Kamala, Nancy and Chucky… And: “Gold Tops Unprecedented $2,700/oz Milestone.” Currently fueled by the conflict in the Middle East.
Among today’s many celebrations, it’s Evaluate Your Life Day, often a scary prospect but worthwhile.
Is it me or have recent web photographs of DT been more positive?
Here are cover songs that sound very different than the original, culled from an article by Don Ekama & George Pachecoat at watchmojo.com:
Blinded by the Light (1976), Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, originally by Bruce Springsteen (1973). I like MM’s better. Maybe it’s a case of having heard it many times before I knew the original existed.
Hurt (2003), Johnny Cash, originally by Nine Inch Nails (1995). The Man in Black’s rendition is chilling, fitting for someone facing the end.
Woodstock (1970), Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, originally by Joni Mitchell (1970). I hate myself for saying this, but I like the CSNY version better. I consider Mitchell a music goddess.
All Along the Watchtower (1968), Jimi Hendrix Experience, originally by Bob Dylan (1968). Even though at one point he flubs the lyrics, the Hendrix version is vastly superior, one of the greatest rock tracks ever. Dave Mason’s version is also better. I’m not putting the “original vagabond” down. He is arguably the greatest songwriter of the rock era, even though many of his tracks are not rock but pop/folk or ballads.
(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction (1977) Devo, originally by The Rolling Stones (1965). The Jagger/Richards version still sounds great decades later. I like many Devo tracks, but not this one.
With a Little Help from My Friends (1968), Joe Cocker, originally by the Beatles (1967). Not crazy about either but prefer Cocker’s.
I Will Always Love You (1992), Whitney Houston, originally by Dolly Parton (1974). Not my type of song, but can’t deny Houston’s excellence.
I was not familiar with the cover of the rest of the 20 songs listed. The list should have included Joan Baez’s Diamonds and Rust (1975), covered remarkably well by Judas Priest, although the heavy metal gods leave out the incredible chorus, which gives me chills whenever I hear it.
“…Now I see you standing
With brown leaves falling around
An’ snow in your hair
Now you’re smiling out the window
Of that crummy hotel over Washington Square
Our breath comes out white clouds
Mingles and hangs in the air
Speaking strictly for me
We both could have died then and there…”
Photo from Google Images:
Not much action at the Anti-Inflation Book Shop on this Indian summer day. My thanks to the woman who bought two Russian translations of Danielle Steel, and to the Latinas who each purchased an imitation pearl costume jewelry necklace. At least there was no incoming. Still, I left a bunch of stuff in the garden because it was too much to haul home.
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