It makes perfect sense to me that on the fourth anniversary of the unfortunate passing of Mr. Chris Cornell that I would be fulfilling a review for Mr. Myles Kennedy and his sophomoric solo effort- “The Ides of March.” The reasoning is based on my personal preference for their individual contributions to the music universe. I would not want to put any undue pressure on Myles but in my eyes (and ears) he is the heir apparent to Chris, based on my opinion, that he is creating an unassuming aura of musical and lyrical superlatives along with an instantaneous vocal recognition that will ultimately place him on another level that Cornell achieved extremely early on in his illustrious career. If you are a fan of Myles, you are already eagerly awaiting his next body of work as there is no sophomoric slump here after his stellar solo release. (“Year of the Tiger’). If you are unfamiliar with his work, there is something here for everyone as there are moments of beauty, blues, sing-along choruses as well as some solid guitar work which I for one was somewhat unaware of but this effort will open many eyes, as well as ears.
The album opens with the head snapping “Get Along” which will permeate into your bloodstream after a few listens as you will be passionately singing along with Myles as he exclaims- “Why can’t we all just get along?” The flow and groove of this album is evident right off the bat as it is my prediction that this will be one of the highlights of his future live shows. Then at the 2:41 mark there is the first flash of some nice guitar work which will raise an eyebrow. Please keep in mind that this album was crafted by just three musicians and it sounds as full as an orchestra. The lyrics hit right between the eyes as the divide is seemingly widening with no compromise in sight, hopefully this will change without devastating suffering. “A Thousand Words” is a composition that will elicit various images in so many of us as we have witnessed photos that change our life forever without even knowing the person or the situation. Myles has this way of reaching down deep into your soul with his words and to have that backed up by his massive musical talent with his hands and vocals are something that not many can achieve the way this man has done to date.
“In Stride” is a funky blues strut that will have you dancing around the room like there is no one else there. One can feel the “Zeppelin” influence that seeps into a bounce step as one will prance along with that slide air-guitar as the smile will be apparent from ear-to-ear as this style fits Mr. Kennedy like a glove. This is one of the highlights of the album and just like that extra scoop of ice cream for dessert you will find yourself hitting the rewind button more than a few times. The title track is an exquisite arrangement that deserves your attention as the flow is majestic as you will find yourself drifting off into another world as his melodic vocals adds that perfect spice that will leave your taste buds salivating for more. “…In the streets of fire, you hear the screaming… for what some think is left to lose… life is precious it’s worth keeping… too many’s end may come too soon…” – The guitar solo at the 3:50 mark is righteous as you will feel like you are all alone in a cathedral listening to this man providing everything he has to give as you kneel with your arms raised to the sky with the hope that the song never comes to an end. This track is worth the price of admission.
“Wake Me When It’s Over” has this danceability factor which is so infectious as the acoustic flair makes it easy to move the feet as you cannot wait to sing along to the following lines – “…You can wake me when it’s over… when the nightmare finally ends… you can wake me when it’s over… so that I can dream again…” Again, after a few listens, I can easily see this being one of your favorites. “Love Rain Down” is a magnificent tune which harkens back to his debut album as his voice will again take you to another world as his consistent message of love shines through despite the storm of the heart. I am not sure how or where the music inside of Myles comes from, but I am forever grateful as I believe his genius is evident with tunes like this. Folks, it does not get much better than this.
“Tell it Like it Is” is another bluesy blast that will generate that excitement like an outdoor festival show where you are seeing your favorite artist. I can picture Myles on a stage with a mountainous background during the summer where everyone will be dancing along with such joy as hopefully, we are past this terrible pandemic. Grab your partner and dance around while doing the slide “air-guitaring” like I am doing- this is the perfect party song so crank it up. “Moonshot” slows it down a bit, but the superb musicianship will have you in a trance as you will sway back and forth with also being determined to know every word in this track as his passionate singing bleeds through the speakers… like Mr. Cornell. “If it’s the last chance…then take my hand…if there is a miracle left to be found…it’s a matter of time… just a matter of time.” When the song ends you will be shaking your head in awe, like myself.
“Wanderlust Begins” is another defining moment in the career of this brilliant man as the uplifting spirit is like when you are sitting in the last row of a movie theater and you see the rays of light shining in the darkness (again, Chris Cornell, no?) while your attention is so focused on the “particles” floating around in the dark air as you realize you are missing the movie. This is what Myles’ music will do, it takes me to a land of hope and beauty as his perfect vocal prowess is stunning. “Sifting Through the Fire” is an upbeat tune that repeats the scent of summer as I can picture family and friends sitting around a camp while Myles serenades everyone, as I know there will folks that will want to get up and dance with anyone else who is willing. There is another nice guitar solo at the 2:20 mark which is evident throughout as it will definitely make one stand up and notice the stellar skills.
“Worried Mind” could be the best track that ends this solid second solo album with a noticeable flare for the dramatic as the “simple-ness” of the song will grab you by the heart as you listen intently to the flow which builds throughout and as his octave kicks into gear, as well as the squinting eye guitar solo which breathes so much life into this unbelievable tune. The bluesy feel will wear you out as the sweat will pour from your glands as you look for the towel to wipe your brow but then realize the need to hit the rewind button, so the sweat will have to wait. Tears may also flow, so beware.
“The Ides of March” is awaiting your affection as Myles has put forth a worldly effort that deserves your attention. I believe that Myles is a gift to us like Mr. Cornell as he puts his entire being into his craft and I can tell that music is his lifeline. I cannot survive without music and thanks to Mr. Kennedy who has continually enriched my life like few others (again, Cornell). Myles, I cannot thank you enough, and while I recognize while also loving your collaborations with Alter Bridge and Slash & The Conspirators, my preference, like Mr. Cornell, is your wonderful solo material. I know there was a long wait to release your first solo album, but my hope is that there are many more like this sophomoric effort to come. This album helps with the loss of Chris as well as Jimmy Webb and Edward Van Halen, whom you have dedicated this great body of work to their memory.
Today is Mother’s Day which I believe is the most important day of the year because despite being a Father, I acknowledge that the Mother should be revered as the foundation, while also being the crown that protects the family unit. The Matriarch’s around this entire world should be celebrated for what they provide and for who they all are, which I will say that the word “beautiful” is the perfect adjective to be applied. Now I know there are situations where compromise cannot be achieved regardless of the unbelievable effort put forth by either party to resolve a discord that ultimately leads to separation, but at the end of the day, the love for a Mother will always be there.
I can recall the first Mother’s Day after my mom passed on where I felt so out of place, sort of like when I was jobless for a nearly two-year period where one watches everyone get on the bus to commute to their jobs while you are left behind while wondering if the bus will eventually come back to your station. It was hard for me to walk by the Hallmark store and see so many joyful faces searching for that perfect card, gift or flowers for their special loved one. I felt lost and knew my favorite holiday would never be the same, but after some time, I can now reflect on the numerous wonderful moments she left behind while also savoring the elation of others celebrating this most wonderful day. In addition, I have my lovely bride to ease the pain as she is the perfect mother to our boys.
As one grows older you realize the herculean effort it takes to be a Mother and hopefully you are/were able to vocalize the appreciation to the Mom in your life. Of course, you all know by now that music is essential in my life, just like a Mother, and there are so many wonderful memories of my mom which are energized into my being through song. If you have been following the recent themes, I was thinking of creating a setlist of songs that contain the word “Mother” in the title but then it just clicked- I decided the create a list of tracks that injects more love into my heart because these tunes always take me to a place where it is just Mom and myself.
I say “Thank you” to all the Mother’s out there for all that you do. For those who are in a good place with your Mom, please express the appreciation, respect and love to that special person. If you are in a position like me, or any other situation, close your eyes and thank them for everything good that they put into your heart & soul. Mom, I miss you everyday and I thank you because much, if not all of the good that is inside of me came from you. Happy Mother’s Day! Enjoy.
1— “These Boots Were Made for Walkin’”- Nancy Sinatra—Growing up in Brooklyn N.Y. as well as being of Scandinavian descent, there were certain ways or traditions that were apparent, especially during the 1970’s. My parents had a wonderful relationship based on unconditional love with a friendship that was inspirational as my bride and I still try to emulate. My dad was (is) extremely competitive and although it may not be “politically correct” in these times, there was always this “boy versus girl” thing that resonated throughout our lives as my Dad was not shy about burying you, along with a gloat for closing measure. Whenever my Mom, exceled at something and ended up beating him at his own game, boy did she let him know. This song was perfect because she would stare at his eyes and laughingly sing along with Nancy letting him know that “these boots are gonna walk all over you.” The line in the song where Ms. Sinatra exclaims- “…and you keep thinkin’ that you’ll never get burnt…” and then adds the poignant “Ha!” at the 1:51 mark, will always remind me of my mother as the image of her the joy in her face is priceless.
2— “You Don’t Own Me”—Lesley Gore – Sticking with the theme of standing up for oneself- I have to quickly say again that my parents’ marriage was a thing of beauty and I know from experience (as does my bride) that there are times in a marriage when there are “rough waters” but constant communication along with compromise makes any relationship stronger (in my opinion). Whenever I hear Lesley’s voice on this tune, I can see my Mom singing with such passion, it struck a chord within me as I needed to change my ways because many times jealousy would rear its ugly head while creating unneeded havoc on a situation where I should have controlled by just letting the person who loved me unconditionally, be themselves. Thank you, Mom.
3— “Rose Garden”— Lynn Anderson – I know this track is already on another list that I previously created but it has to be here because during the 1970’s this was arguably one of the monster hits for that decade. I believe my passion for music also comes from my Mom because she would sit at the table with her coffee and sing along to her favorite songs like there was no one else in the room. One of the greatest joys in my life is watching people enjoy music and there is no one else that I loved watching more than my mom as she was always totally engulfed, it was a sight to behold.
4— “The Show Must Go On”- Three Dog Night– Talk about passion, I wish the entire world could see my Mom whenever this song would come on the radio- she would squint her eyes and sing with such fervor, especially the opening word- “Baby!!” This was one of her most favorite tunes of all-time and I can recall one of our annual summer drives up to Otisville N.Y. from Brooklyn in my Dad’s green “Vega” when CBS-FM played this track. My mother cranked up the volume as we all knew we were in for a show for the next 3:25 minutes, I believe her most favorite part of the song occurs at the 2:27 mark when Mr. Negron exclaims the following- “…Baby!… I wish you’d help me escape… help me get away… leave me outside my address… far away from this masquerade…” Memories like this are priceless.
5—” Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da”-The Beatles – My mom was not a huge fan of The Beatles, but she absolutely loved this song and I for one cannot see (or hear) how anyone could not like it? It is pure fun and if there was anything that was apparent about my mother it was that she loved to have fun. From the opening piano lines, she would bounce in her seat and sing out loud- “Ob-la-di, ob-la-da” and again I believe her favorite part occurs at the 1:33 mark where one hears the “Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha” right before the line- “Happy ever after in the marketplace.” The smile on her face resonates forever.
6— “Going to the Chapel”— The Dixie Cups– Again this probably has appeared before on this blog, but it has to be on this list. My mom and her sister would sing in unison with such perfection as well as joy as they hit every “nook and cranny” on that English muffin. I recently “re-discovered” this track a few years ago and had forgotten that this was one of her most favorite tracks of all-time.
7— “Here You Come Again”—Dolly Parton– In 1977, I was a paperboy, at the ripe age of 12 and when my mother’s birthday came around on August 2nd of that year for the first time in my life, I purchased a gift for her with my own money. I remember taking the 8th avenue bus to 86th street and getting off at “Nathans” and then walking three avenues to The Record Factory to purchase an album for my mom. Dolly was one of her many favorites. I can recall her taking off the wrapping paper and seeing her eyes well up… I am sorry the tears are flowing right now.
8— “Back in Baby’s Arms”— Patsy Cline– The tears continue to flow as Patsy’s vocals always bring the waterworks on as she had this way of polarizing me like no other. Every other Sunday I would watch in amazement at the way my mother would be enchanted with Patsy and I wondered if I would ever feel the same way about an artist like she did. How ironic at the age of 56 it would be Patsy for me as it was for my mother? Mom, thank you, for introducing Patsy into my world and just like you, my life would be empty without either one.
9— “Are You Lonesome”— Elvis Presley– The tears continue to flow as no one was allowed to utter a word or sound as both my parents would gaze into each other’s eyes and sing every word to this song and that was the very first instance in my life where I was lifted off the ground like an “outta of body” experience. There are no other words, just tears of joy and pain.
10— “Summer Nights”—John Travolta and Olivia Newton John– Okay back to the fun, as I mentioned my mom loved to have fun and when this movie was released, I believe the whole world was stunned at the success of this unbelievable movie as well as the soundtrack which created some of the most beloved tunes in the history of the world, including this one. Who would have thought that two actors would craft one of the most popular songs ever? My mother loved the “back and forth” between John and Olivia as well as the spectacular backing vocals, this is one of the greatest tunes ever. My mother knew greatness.
11— “When We Get Married’”—The Dreamlovers– This was my parent’s wedding song, and I am always intrigued by each couple’s pick for their first dance. Obviously, this is way before my time but as you all know I heard this song throughout my childhood and enjoy it as much as my mom & dad. Each couple has their own story, but my parent’s narrative is unlike any that you may have heard, and I can picture them dancing to this tune at the wedding, it touches my heart like nothing else.
12— “That’s All Right”— Elvis Presley– I have always maintained that my Dad is the biggest Elvis fan there ever was, but my mother was right behind him, especially with a song like this one. She would drift away to another world as his vocals would seep into her bloodstream and of course just like anyone else, including my bride, his “eye-candy” appearance probably added to the experience.
13— “Thank God I’m a Country Boy”—John Denver—Talk about a song that puts a smile on your face? Whenever this tune came on the radio my mother’s hand would hit her knee throughout the entire track and the joy that covered her was so infectious as I often wondered if a song (or music) would transform me into another stratosphere. The answer to that question is an obvious- “Yes!” Thank you again Mom for bringing such joy into my life.
14—”Boogie with Stu”—The Mighty Led Zeppelin– I know what you all are thinking- this is one of your favorites! Yes, but believe me when I tell you, my Mom absolutely loved this song. Did she know who Zeppelin was? Of course not, but unlike my Dad, she was open to “the music of the day” and when she heard this album first from my uncle in Otisville, she was hooked. I bought “Physical Graffiti” (which is their best album by the way) and whenever I put on side three, my mom would tell me to open the door so she could also ingest some of the greatest music this world has ever heard. I could not believe that she actually loved this track as I assumed she would be like my Dad and not want any part of it, but she actually opened up my mind as I will listen to anything with an open mind and heart. If something catches my ear, it does not matter what genre or time period it was created, I will listen. I have my mother to thank. Have you thanked your mother lately?
15— “Black Country Woman”—The Mighty Led Zeppelin—There is no way to separate these consecutive songs on side three and I believe she liked this song more than the previous. Her face would squint up as she tried to sing it with the same fervor as Mr. Plant. She did not know who Bonzo was, but she would crash the drums just like me as I would emerge from my bedroom to sit next to her and sing along to this absolute masterpiece. The music was within her. On a side note, I took my bride to see him when he toured with Alison Krauss and he actually played this song with the band, I thought I had died and gone to heaven. I looked to the skies to my mother who had passed on to the other side and it is one of the top five moments in my concert life experience. Who would have ever thought that I would hear this song performed live? I believe it was because of my mother!
16— “Hot Legs”—Rod Stewart-The year is 1977 and at the age of 12 years old, I put on side one of “Foot Loose and Fancy Free” by Rod Stewart and the very first song could very well be in the top ten songs of my mother’s life. I believe she was more transformed than I was. I know that I have written so many times on this blog, but I have to say it again- when the DJ played this song at my wedding, my mother, despite being in so much pain caused by Lupus, stood straight up from her seat and danced to this track like no one else. My friend, Richie, captured the essence of my mother on video tape as she “schooled” everyone at the GJOA club because the tune went into her bloodstream and caused her to forget about all the pain while putting a smile on everyone’s face. Thank you, Rod, for creating one of the best moments in my lifetime, hands down. The tears are still flowing but this time it is because of the joy- what a moment!
17— “Brand New Key”—Melanie– If someone were to ask me- “what is the first song that comes to mind when you think of your mother?” – I would have to say this is it. As I started out in the beginning of this set list, my mother always had this pride of being a girl and I cannot think of a better song that describes the beauty of being a girl or woman. “I ride my bike, roller skate… don’t drive no car…. don’t go too fast but I go pretty far… ah somebody who don’t drive, I’ve been all around the world… some people say I’ve done all-right for a girl”- the last phrase is what I would say that describes my mother- her strength, her tenacity, her fight is something I will never again witness in my lifetime. She was, without a doubt, the strongest person I have ever witnessed on this earth. Thank you, Melanie, for making this statement that brought such joy to my mother.
18— “Sweet Dreams”—Patsy Cline– Okay, I know the next few songs are so sad and sullen but there is no way I can create a list of the songs that reminds me of my mother without mentioning this track by the incomparable Patsy Cline. It was her wish that this be played at her funeral and my Dad made sure that we adhered to it. When I hit the play button at the funeral home during the procession, there was not a dry eye in the room and as mentioned previously, I could not listen to this tune for at least five years after she passed, it was just too painful. Recently, my wife was listening in on this playlist and walked into the room while the tears were flowing and asked why I would put such sad songs on? I responded by stating that there was no way I could leave it off.
19— “I Fall to Pieces”—Patsy Cline– The gut wrenching continues but in a weird way it takes me back to those alternate Sunday mornings where my mother would play her Country songs and Patsy was always on the set list. As a small child growing up, I was absolutely mesmerized by my mother as I was entranced by her transformation into being in one with Patsy, it is something that I will never forget. It was like Patsy seeped into my mother and my mother sung just like Patsy. I love them both!
20— “The Sound of Silence”—Simon and Garfunkel– This was the first song I heard after my mother passed away on May 20, 2004. I pulled the door to my car closed, turned the key and the beginning of this tune came on. I immediately stopped my intention to put the car into drive and sat back in the driver’s seat while the tears flowed like a rainstorm as I could not contain the drops to my cheeks. My mother passed away on a Thursday and on that Saturday morning, I knew I could leave my father’s side for a few moments to run some errands but was stopped in my tracks. It is weird the things that one remembers but this is one song that I will never forget.
21— “White Christmas”—The Drifters– Ask anyone in my family what one of my mother’s favorite songs was and I believe this would be the first that most, if not all, would mention. Every Christmas Eve at my Aunt’s house we would all watch in amazement as this track would take her to another world. My mother did not care how many people were around her. Be embarrassed? Are you kidding me? At least for this track I can say that I had witnesses. Enough said!
22— “Calling All Angels”—Lenny Kravitz– I know I wrote about this track on my dedication to my mother in late 2020 but it has to be mentioned on this list. I will say it again, after the funeral I could not listen to this song for at least five years because the pain was too much. I really do not know how Lenny was able to sing this song while thinking of his mother (Roxie Roker) who had passed on to heaven. The connection of a son and a mother is something that cannot be described but I think Lenny comes as close to depicting that relationship than anyone I know. Thank you, Lenny, from the bottom of my heart, you will never know how much this tune has impacted my life.
23— “Mama Liked the Roses”—Elvis Presley– This is another tough pill to swallow but the beauty of this tune is something that will resonate in my life forever. I would always look over at my mother during our Christmas celebrations (without her noticing) and I could feel the impact on her face and heart. When Elvis speaks during the track, it conjures up the most precious moments of my mother ever. Thank you, Elvis, your impact on my parent’s life is something I will treasure until I see her again on the other side.
24— “Wind of Change”—The Scorpions– Okay so this song is really about my bride but at the same time, it represented a monumental change in my life as I was about to “leave the nest.” Yes, I lived at home until I was 25 because I could not leave my mother in her time of need as Lupus wreaked havoc on her life and there was no way I wanted to leave. But at that time in 1991, my Dad’s work life was in his control and my younger brother was getting to the point where he was going to enter middle school, so despite the gut-wrenching decision to leave, I knew my mother was in good hands (I know I sound like a pompous **s). Our family decided to move to Staten Island, which was unthinkable for a Brooklyn family at the time, and I remember being on the lower level of the Staten Island Ferry in the front where the waves crashed upon the boat while spraying me with water. I did not move as I recall being the only person “outside” while the ferry feverishly ushered its way through the unsettled “wind of change” as I prepared to depart my mother’s wings to spend my life with my bride. I will never forget the water hitting my face as it was a way to disguise the tears that were flowing down as I knew a new journey was beginning. Mom, thank you, for inflicting yourself into my body and soul. You and Dad are the reason of who the person I am today and for that I cannot be more grateful. Happy Mother’s Day!!
Errols Weekly Music Update. 