“Both Sides Now”

By Tom Quiner “Both Sides Now” is one of Joni Mitchell’s best-known songs. It appeared on her 1967 album, Clouds. Rolling Stones put together a list of the 500 greatest songs of all time and ranked it #171. Ms. Mitchell’s original version was pretty barebones, dominated by her vocals and acoustic guitar. However, in 2000…

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“If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.”

Psalm 95 is a psalm of praise.

It suggests that, for starters, we need to be attentive, to open our hearts to God and listen for Him, our Father. We live in a noisy world with non-stop distractions.

When we slow down and quiet our soul, He comes to us. And when he whispers His lovely Words to us, be ready.

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Our dumbed down culture

I don’t listen to a whole lot of contemporary music these days.

The songs aren’t well-written. They frequently present values at odds with mine. And they’re over-produced, perhaps to mask the fact that they’re not well-written.

Gordon Goodwin weighed in on the subject on his Facebook page following the recent Grammy Awards. I don’t know much about Mr. Goodwin, other than he is himself an accomplished musician who has won Grammy and Emmy Awards.

Here is his take:

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“If we’re gonna heal, let it be glorious.”

I spent some time on the piano tonight playing Gershwin.

I’m a sucker for George’s irresistible melodies and Ira’s urbane lyrics. By contrast, I am less than enthralled with Beyonce’s lyrics and melodies.

Beyonce Knowles had a highly praised performance at the Grammies last night. Critics drooled over the way she showcased her bare baby bump. I am conflicted…

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Singin’ in Heaven

Only a day after the sudden death of her daughter, Carrie Fisher, the legendary Debbie Reynolds has also died.

The 84 year old actress died of natural causes.

She leaves behind a body of work that this blogger characterizes as simply delightful, none more so than her delightful portrayal as…

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