We listen to music for a variety of reasons -- to relax, to distract, to celebrate, to evoke a memory, to capture a moment, to alter our mood, to reflect our emotions, to enhance our brain functions... But, have you ever wondered what musicians imagine when they listen to music? Or what story they are trying to tell when they play a particular … [Read more...]
Music: FURTHER by Black Lab
The only thing better than finding a song that speaks to a pivotal moment in our lives, is finding a band that continues to reconnect as we journey through life. I didn't know it at the time, but I first became a fan of the alternative pop rock band Black Lab back in 2011 through their brilliantly dark and compelling song - "THIS NIGHT." For … [Read more...]
Martin Molin and the Musical Marble Machine
There is something so utterly fascinating about mechanical music machines. I don't know what captivates me the most -- whether it is the complex timing involved, the thousands of little intricacies and artistries, or the idea that so much thought, imagination and effort went into planning and creating what many times were personal entertainment … [Read more...]
Music: LAY DOWN by Melanie Safka
If we learn nothing else from history it should be: -- Nothing is more valuable than love, more courageous than peace, or more precious than life. Hate, fear and greed hold us hostage to forces that drain our spirit, steal our creativity, limit our opportunities, and rob us of our future. -- The world is so much smaller than we think. We depend … [Read more...]
Music: JUST LIKE YOU WERE by Emma Worthington
I came across the song JUST LIKE YOU WERE by Emma Worthington on my twitter feed a few months back and was immediately captivated. The melody is lovely. Emma's voice is sweet and clear. Her words, ones she wrote, quickly became etched in my mind. Is there such a thing as a lullaby for adults? If so, this song would be one. "that day was quiet … [Read more...]
Cave Woman’s Musician of the Day: Cereus Bright
I'm stepping out of my comfort zone here. I write book reviews often enough. Those require some thought, but usually they aren't terribly difficult. I have an easy time with those mostly because I write books myself. I can verbalize where a writer succeeded or fell short because I can often see my own mistakes or strengths reflected in the work of … [Read more...]
Music: FLY by Maddie and Tae
Teen sensations Maddie and Tae scored a #1 single last year with their brilliant, funny and feminist GIRL IN A COUNTRY SONG. Their new single, FLY is so lovely, the tears were rolling before I heard half the lyrics. FLY is a sweet anthem of encouragement in challenging times. Keep on climbing, though the ground might shake Just keep on reaching … [Read more...]
Music: ENOUGH by The Mrs
It's well proven that if you repeat something often enough people will accept that "something" as a truth, even if it is actually a complete lie. Every day, all day, and from every corner imaginable, we are bombarded by media and a society that not only questions our worthiness, but demands that we constantly take measure of ourselves and our … [Read more...]
Happy, With A Side of Happy
Nothing changes the mood of a moment like receiving an unexpected smile. Nothing changes the mood of an hour like listening to your favorite songs. Nothing changes the mood of the day like -- a mega dose of HAPPY? And not that I believe in the unfettered distribution of earworms and eye candy, But I double dare you not to at least crack a … [Read more...]
The Power In ONE VOICE Against Bullying
There is amazing power in the song "One Voice" and it's message against bullying. You hear it in the words written by 15 year-old New Zealand singer/song writer Nakita Turner as she tells the story of those who have been bullied. Real stories of her own experiences and those she learned from interviewing 180 other students. You feel it in her … [Read more...]
Merry Merry Up-Side-Down Christmas
I clearly remember going into gales of laughter as a child when seeing anyone talk while up-side-down. Chin talking is what they call it now. I don't think we had a name for it then. And I don't remember anyone dressing their chins with hats. Or adding jiggly eyes. We weren't much on embellishments. We would just hang from the monkey bars or … [Read more...]
Susan Boyle and Adapting to Change
All of nature and humanity is an evolutionary history of creating and adapting to change. Adapting is how we not only survive, but thrive. The American people, in particular, have always excelled at adapting and thriving. At our core, we are practical innovators wrapped in a fearless bravado and big picture dreamers with one foot grounded in … [Read more...]