A June Father’s Day Playlist

Today is Father’s Day and the first word that comes to my mind is “hero” because ever since I can remember my dad has been that for me. As a child I would marvel at his strength, his dedication to my mother, the unbelievable work-ethic (I do not ever recall him taking a sick day), the display of integrity is apparent the moment you meet him and above all is the way he loves his family, friends and strangers. He literally would give his shirt off his back even if he had nothing else to wear.

Ever since I was young, I wanted to be him- I wanted to run as fast as he did (I did not beat him in a foot race until I was 20 years of age) or play shortstop with the same range as I had never seen anyone vacuum up groundballs the way he perfected this task. Just last week, my uncle and I both agreed that he had the best “exchange” when turning a double play with any second baseman. To this day, one of my fondest memories of playing baseball/softball was winning a championship in 1985 with him as the captain, along with my uncle who was with me in the outfield on that magical run as the competition in Brooklyn is stellar, for those “in the know.”

My Dad has, is and will always be my role model as I strive to be as good a husband and father every single day of my life. If I can achieve half of his success, I will know that I have accomplished the meaning of life.

I believe Fathers are the protectors of the family unit and I always felt safe growing up as he was the guardian wherever our family ventured with a keen eye, along with a firm hand for any potential distractions. The Patriarch’s around this world should be celebrated for unassumingly attending to the family needs in each individual way while never seeking the attention but deep down want to feel appreciated.

As I mentioned on Mother’s Day, there are situations where maybe there is no father figure due to a passing or a disagreement that cannot be resolved and for that my thoughts and prayers are with you all who are experiencing these types of circumstances. For those who have a “Dad” in their life, please take the time today to let that special person know how much they mean to you. For all the grandads and other fathers who have passed on, look up to the skies and thank them for being the person they were while letting them know how much love there is in your heart for them.

One of the biggest connections I have with my dad is music. His attention to detail about the song, artist, bandmates and anything related to that tune or album was passed on down to me as well as the passion as neither of us can live without music. This setlist could have contained every song that Elvis ever recorded; or any “doo-wop” tune ever created. The playlist that I put before you are a combination of tracks that may include the words “Father” or “Dad” in the title; songs written about “Dad” and tunes that immediately remind me of my father. Thank you, Dad, for being the wonderful person you are, and this list is dedicated to you. Happy Father’s Day to each and every “Dad” out there. Each year I know I just want to do nothing but read the Sunday Times and not feel guilty about it.

1— “The Wanderer’”- Dion & The Belmont’s—As a kid growing up in Brooklyn, I felt like we should have personally known Dion despite the fact that he is from The Bronx because this song was played incessantly around our house. From the opening “skip-like” drumbeat, I could spot this tune from 1,000 miles away, even to this day. I can picture my dad turning the volume up and one of the major reasons he loved this track was because Dion exclaims at the 39 second mark the following- “…and Janie is the girl that I’ll be with tonight…” Janie was his love and his unconditional adoration for my mother is legendary. Thanks dad, every time I hear this song, I think of you and your love of mom.

2— “Duke of Earl”—Gene Chandler – As I mentioned earlier, anything from the 1950’s and extremely early 1960’s could be on this list and if my dad reads this, he might say that he would not include this track but for me, again it is an immediate reflection towards him. A few years ago, we were actually able to surprise him with a birthday bash and this is one song I had to include on the setlist. I think he only had one thumbs down on the nearly five-hour setlist that I created for the party- took me a month to craft. I do remember my uncle saying to me that this was a perfect tune for his party. My most favorite part of the track is where Gene recites the following- “… And when I hold you…You’ll be my Duchess, Duchess of Earl… we’ll walk through my dukedom…and a paradise we will share…” Dukedom? C’mon just for that lyric alone, this is a classic!

3— “Lyin’ Eyes”— The Eagles – I know what you are thinking- I informed you that he did not like anything after the early 1960’s but I think sometimes there were songs that he would deny that he liked but I could tell he enjoyed because he never changed the radio station when this tune appeared on WCBS FM, especially being longer than six minutes in length. I would watch from the back seat of the car while he was driving on our long summer trips up to Otisville N.Y. and watch how this tune would take him to another world. Again, he may disagree with the pick, but it is my remembrance of the songs that will always remind me of him.  By the way, this is one of the greatest songs ever recorded.

4— “Dance with My Father”- Luther Vandross– Thanks to my bride who introduced me to this track, and it struck a chord because of the lyrics. This is a song for all those folks who lost their dad as the lyrics will tug at the heart as Luther laments the chance to dance with his father again. Is there anyone who can sing like Luther? The tears are flowing as I can feel the pain in his voice. This is a tough one folks, but it has to be included on a Father’s Day playlist.    

5—” Nothing But a Name”-Myles Kennedy – Any chance I can write about Myles, I will. His entire first solo album is about losing his father as a young child and how it impacted his life. Talk about passion? If you do not like this song, please do not tell me because the passion of the entire production brings me to tears. “…I still miss you now… Goddamn, I miss you now…” Folks, this is pure perfection!

6— “Fathers Be Kind”— Ivan & Aloysha– Back in 2013, I stumbled across these two gentlemen with their first full length album and fell in love with the entire production, especially with this track as they made me feel as if I had known them for decades. “Fathers be kind to your children… you know it matters what you tell them…”  As a father, these simple lyrics are modest but so true. The production of this track is jaw dropping. Simply put, this is beautiful.

7— “The Punk and the Godfather”—The Who– Obviously, this is one of my most favorite songs by The Who and had to be included on this list because it contains “father” in the title. Entwistle’s pulsating bass lines, along with Moon’s drumming makes this track so delicious for any father to enjoy this dessert of a song. Crank it up!!

8— “Our Father”— Extreme– As I mentioned in one of my recent posts, I should have included “III Sides to Every Story” by Extreme as one of the albums that forever changed my life. Keeping with the heavier side of things, Nuno’s guitar excels while Gary’s vocals are stupendous. Any child would say the following- “…Oh Daddy please… don’t leave, there’s so much that we want to know… before you go…” We all know that a mothers’ connection with their children that is unmatched but a fathers’ relationship with their offspring can be just as intimate.    

9— “Papa Don’t Preach”— Madonna– I know I am all over the place but as I have repeatedly mentioned on this page is I am a fan of Madonna and have a material amount of her catalog on my I-pod, with this being in my top 10 songs by this Icon. It is a loving request from a daughter who wants to be seen as a woman instead of the little girl which every father always views their offspring, especially girls. You can feel the plea from her to convince her role model that the man whose baby she will be having is a good one because of the example her papa set her whole life and she knows that it is right. Even though Madonna is standing up for herself, one can feel the love for her father and that is what it is all about in life.  

10— “Father Figure”—George Michael-This has always been one of my favorite tunes as the chorus is so addictive to the point where once you listen to it, one cannot help but sing- “…I will be your father figure…put your tiny hand in mine…I will be your preacher teacher…” Mr. Michael had a tremendous career and from what I can tell, his fame was so immense that it seemed to alter his being, which is amazing because I think most would love a taste of fame but in his case, the level was so astronomical and we should not make assumptions unless one walks in his shoes. The final lyrics to the track are epic and apply to every father because I believe each dad would agree that “I will be the one who loves you…till the end of time.” Miss you, George!

11— “Great Pretender’”—The Platters– I believe The Platters were one of my dad’s most beloved doo-wop group as there was always a special spot for them on Sunday mornings as we were treated to many of their hits, with this one being the most played and remembered. I can recall watching my dad being transformed into one of those guys standing under a lamppost in the Bronx and singing with his buddies when the vocal was the most prominent instrument in his day. He would be lost in the moment as I watched in amazement on how he was adrift in his world of his own. His passion engulfed my world; and I cannot thank him enough!  

12— “In the Still of the Night”— The Five Satins– As I have previously mentioned this tune would always be the number one song on the WCBS FM “oldies” countdown (just like “Stairway” for classic rock) and whenever I hear this song, the first person that pops into my head is my father. This track ranks up there in the top five of how many times I have heard it in my lifetime. I can recall being at weddings with my bride and songs like these would come on and just like my dad I would sing word for word. As we would come off the dance floor, people of my generation would ask- “how do you know these songs?” My response- “I would like to introduce you to my dad.”

13— “16 Candles”—Johnny Maestro & The Crests—You know how I have been petitioning for Thin Lizzy, Kansas, Iron Maiden, Foreigner and so many others to be included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Well, my dad has his list of artists that he feels have been overlooked with Mr. Maestro being at the very top of the directory and I would agree with him while using this tune as Exhibit A. I can picture my dad, mom and aunt sitting around the kitchen table all serenading anyone who wanted to listen. The enthusiasm along with the perfected harmonies are forever etched in my memory.

14—”Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)”—Billy Joel– “…Good night my angel, time to close your eyes…and save these questions for another day…I think I know what you’ve been asking me…I think you know what I’ve been trying to say…I promised I would never leave you…and you should always know…wherever you may go, no matter where you are I never will be far away…” Poignant words from a father to his little girl, this is one of my favorite all-time Billy Joel songs, not much else to say except listen and soak in the beauty.

15— “Too Much”—Elvis Presley—As I stated already, I could put down every song that Elvis ever recorded on this playlist so I tried to narrow it down to the tracks where I can picture my dad just being lifted off the ground and right from the funky opening, my mind brings me back to 46^th street in the Sunset Park section of Brooklyn as the walls would shake as he would mimic Elvis with all the gyrations along with hitting every note, grunt, and huh? It was and is a sight to behold, it was like Elvis seeped into his body and took over.

16— “Don’t Cry Daddy”—Elvis Presley-Even prior to my mothers’ passing whenever I heard this tune the tears would flow and after she passed away in 2004, the water would flow out of my face like a hydrant that had no sprinkler cap (for those who live in NYC you know what I am talking about) as I wish my daddy would not cry as I knew he lost the love of his life. I apologize for putting this song on the list because of the sadness but I had to include it to recognize the love that my parents held for each other. Dad, please don’t cry… Mom says it is alright.

17— “Daddy Doesn’t Pray Anymore”—Chris Stapleton– Once I turn on the water works, I usually keep it going and thanks to my oldest son for introducing me to Mr. Stapleton. The first time I ever heard this tune, I could not move as I was awestruck with the beauty of the entire production. The lyrics that I believe is most relatable for any father-son relationship is when Chris laments- “…there was a time when we didn’t get along… ‘Cause I thought I was right, and he was wrong…”- I think we all have those moments during our lifetime, but I also trust that disagreements build a stronger relationship. Mr. Stapleton’s bride provided the sweet background vocals on this astounding heart-breaking song but the love for his father shines brightly. Thank you, Chris.

18— “The Greatest Man I Never Knew”—Reba McEntire– Sorry folks, the rest of these songs tug at the heart strings and the exquisiteness of this tune is unbelievable. I think there are many dads in this world that do whatever it takes to raise, provide and care for his family that he unknowingly was absent at the same time which can impact those who love them. Most children believe their father is a superman who probably does not talk too much because he had too much on his mind and will live on forever. But then the day happens and the man you thought could never die is gone, so before that occurs, let him know how much he is loved. Reba, I do not know how you can sing this song live?  

19— “Cat’s in the Cradle”—Harry Chapin– This arguably is the ultimate song about a father/son relationship ever written. As I sit here typing the tears are falling on the laptop because this tune gets me every time and, in my opinion, no one but Harry should have been allowed to sing this track. My assumption is that someone has covered it but please do not tell me because this is the only version in my world. “…And as I hung up the phone, it occurred to me… he’d grown up just like me…my boy, was just like me…” Life comes full circle as you grow older because as I mentioned earlier when I was a kid, all I ever wanted to be was my Dad and now that I am on “the back nine” there are so many attributes of him that I proudly carry; hopefully I will pass that down to my boys.

20— “Don’t”—Elvis Presley– I believe this is my dad’s most favorite song by Elvis and if you listen to it, you will know why- just an absolute masterpiece. Watching someone drift off into another world is one of my beloved things to do and it all started with my parents as I would silently observe with amazement at how Elvis took my dad to his “happy zone.” From that moment onwards, as I attend many live shows, I seek out that person or persons who become possessed with their most special artist and try to match the passion. I know I do not even come close to my dads’ emotion, especially when he hears this song.

21— “Hymn for My Father”—Collective Soul– As many of you know I am a man of my word (where do you think I learned that from?) and on Rocktober 1, 2019 I met the members of Collective Soul at the Ridgefield Playhouse. I memorized the things that I had to say to them and one of the things I informed Mr. Ed Roland- knowing that this is morbid-was that in my will, this song will be played at my funeral because the words are what I would want my father to know but acknowledging that he in no way, shape or form knows who Collective Soul are, I would impose this on my boys. I apologize to them in advance. Mr. Roland, as the tears flow from my eyes, I do not even know what to say except to whisper my eternal gratitude for crafting a song that captures the unconditional love for a father.

22— “Everything I Own”—Bread– Thanks to Mr. David Gates, this is my ultimate song for my father except for the fact that I still have him here with me whereas David wrote this for the man who left him. I believe this is the most beautiful song ever written and as I read the stunning words while shaking my head, wishing that I could have penned this classic. “…You taught me how to love…what it’s of, what it’s of… you never said too much…but still you showed the way… and I knew from watching you…nobody else could ever know… the part of me that can’t let go…” Thank you, dad, for giving me life, loving me the way you do and I am so proud to say that I am your son. Happy Father’s Day!!

Top 10 Songs list for Black Sabbath: The Ozzy Years for the Decade of the 1970’s

Black Sabbath. Two words that basically changed the world of music while their influence and aura still surround this universe even after 50 years since the release of their self-titled debut epic masterpiece, which many consider the cornerstone of the “metal” genre or the beginning of a world where guitar riffs, pulsating bass lines, crunching drums and an easily identifiable idol whose vocal prowess were created for each new generation to worship. Black Sabbath espouses such deep love and emotion within its brethren so much so that even the slightest mention of another possible reunion sets off this euphoria of happiness, even to those who thought they were attending their final tour. I would welcome them back with open arms to again experience a life-altering event where the masses are soaking in the moment in their own individual way as evidenced by the adoration in the eyes and smiles of the entire congregation.

Ozzy, Tony, Geezer and Bill are living treasures which have graced this world with their spectacular talent with so many identifiable songs, albums and moments of grandeur that setting out to attempt to isolate just ten songs is a staggering task for anyone, let alone myself, who admittedly boarded this train at a much later stop in my life. (With many thanks to my friend Jon, for opening my ears). And just like when I attempted to produce my favorite ten songs from the Mighty Led Zeppelin, I just wanted to throw in the towel and let you know that I can listen with adoration for every Sabbath album created from 1970 through 1980. However, this can also be fun because it creates conversation as with certainty there will be instant backlash on why I left that song off the list or why did I not include this masterful track.  I have spent the last few weeks of May and the first week or so in June to whittle down the sequestered tracks by way of having a “March Madness” type of bracket where I have a battle of the tunes. Then, imagine trying to countdown backwards from ten to your ultimate treasured song in the number one slot? This has been an extremely difficult, as well as a time consuming project whereby I know I will disappoint some (or many) of you out there by not having the “obvious” tunes that the “general public” will want to see but if you have been following this page for many years now, you also know that I travel down the “off-roads” to arrive at my destination and this should not be a surprise.

I will let the early brethren know that one of my favorite albums by the Ozzy-led version of Sabbath is “Technical Ecstasy,” so scoff if you will but it is in the ear of the beholder. I bring this up because I will let you all know that there are no songs from their last album with Ozzy- “Never Say Die” (prior to “13” which I did not include all together because the focus is the decade of the 1970’s) despite the fact that the album title is also one of my favorites but did not crack the top ten. So, without further ado, here are my ultimate ten songs from the legendary band known as Black Sabbath. 

10— “Killing Yourself to Live”- —Every time I tried to say to myself how can I leave off “that” song, I kept putting it up against this often over-looked classic, in my opinion, from their fifth studio album- “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” and it was able to wrestle its way into number 10. The groove is infectious, not super heavy but consistent with the classic Sabbath sound as Ozzy completely nails it with his solid vocal prowess. Tony’s solos are “off the hook,” and they sort of do the “Plant-Page” thing at the 3:16 mark when Ozzy’s vocals sing along to Mr. Iommi’s guitar licks so smoothly it just adds that spice and when the pace picks up again at the 4:06 moment, it is like a roller coaster ride where you do not want the ride to end. It is so hard not to air-guitar while shaking your head north and south to the frenetic pace of the tune. The solo at the 5:00 mark is the icing on the cake as the jamming is at an all-time high and Bill’s double bass drum ending puts the exclamation point on this unheralded tune.

9— “She’s Gone”— Go ahead, shake your head and roll your eyes while screaming at your phone or laptop- “Are You Kidding Me??!” I cannot help it; I am a sap and love the “candy-coated” tunes and Ozzy’s vocals literally brings a tear to my eye as he sings about the despair of a relationship that has seemingly tore him apart. The tone of this track is so sullen but beautiful at the same time and I cannot stop thinking of a dear friend who lost her husband to a shattering killing right in the prime of their married life. Anna, my heart bleeds for you and I pray for you and your son as you try to navigate through this exceptionally difficult time. Please know that your friends and family are here for you. I know there are some of you out there that will look for “Changes” (and my oldest son assumed both of these ballad-type songs would appear on the list) on the countdown, but this tune affects me like few others. This could be the sole reason on why I love “Technical Ecstasy” so much.

8— “Snowblind”— After conversing with my boys and was letting them know the list, my youngest had this look on his face like how you can leave off one of their greatest hits off of what many consider to be the best Ozzy album made- “Volume 4.” After performing another battle, the part of the song that took it up another notch for me is at the 3:28 mark when the tempo picks up and there is a change in the direction of the tune as Ozzy drives the bus despite the craziness of the blinding snow hitting each of their windshields. I believe writing about personal experiences heightens its stature and this deservingly belongs in my top ten list. Thank you to my youngest son.

7— “Sabbra Cadabra”- Oh my, whenever I hear this track, I have to crank up the volume to the highest level and squeeze my headphones until my ears bleed. I absolutely love this tune and you all know that I love Metallica, and with no offense I know they honored their heroes by covering this classic, but the original version is the only version I listen to. There is something about the “stop and go” motion that pulls me in as Mr. Ward’s drumming keeps the train moving in such a fun way. I hope and pray that they can play a tour, even if limited, with Bill back behind the skins as I know I would do the “Wayne’s World- We Are Not Worthy” bow if I saw them perform this live with him crushing the snare and bass drums with his usual fervor. He has to be considered one of the greatest rock drummers of all-time.

6—” Into the Void”- This song is so contagious that it sneaks up on you like those “living vines” that wrap its way around the trees in your backyard that you wonder why it looks so “crowded” from a distance and as you approach you realize the vine is choking the tree. Now I am not insinuating that the song suffocates you, just that it continues to grow in stature the more you ingest it. Tony’s irresistible guitar riff is followed by Geezer bass lines like when you used to click the latch to your locker in high school, so extremely tight.  Mr. Butler’s pulsating bass lines at the 3:11 mark is simply out of this world. Ozzy and Bill do their thing to perfection as Ozzy is always seemingly on a higher level. I bow to all of these gentlemen, simply amazing. I can listen to this track 24 hours a day.

5— “Hole in The Sky”— I can remember the first time I heard this song I knew instantaneously that this would be in my top 10 Black Sabbath songs of all-time. Folks, this track was created 50 years ago, and it still has to be considered one of the greatest metals/hard rock songs in the history of the universe. When Bill starts the drum roll at the 2:37 mark as he lets Tony in on the fun as his guitar solo actually makes one feel that they are falling through a hole in the sky. Ozzy is simply stupendous. As you have been aware, I have been on a “Pantera” kick; and they covered this tune, so you know this is held in high regard by the metal community if they covered it. ‘Nuff said!

4— “Supernaut”—The beginning of this song is so phenomenal it just makes me jump out of my seat towards the ceiling as I cannot wait for Ozzy to start singing-“…I want to reach out and touch the sky…I want to touch the sun, but I don’t need to fly…I’m gonna climb up every mountain of the moon… and find the dish that ran away from the spoon…” Talk about a head-banging tune? Bill, Tony and Geezer are a well-oiled machine by this time that their playing is absolute flawless and when the track goes down another street at the 2:37 mark where the “latin” flavor kicks in as Bill masterfully takes the track to its ultimate level and then the rocking comes back at 3:17. How great is this song? Crank it Up!

3— “Wasp/Behind the Wall of Sleep/Bassically/N.I.B.”— As I mentioned at the beginning of this piece, this top ten could include their debut album as every single song is a masterpiece, with this one being no exception. One can feel the hunger pouring through the speakers from every member of this special unit. At the 3:20 mark where it is just Bill and Geezer with this cool slick head rocking back and forth notion before Geezer takes things into his own hands with this flabbergasting solo that leads into the infamous N.I.B riff by Tony, is pure genius. Folks, it really does not get any better than this and remember this was created 51 years ago. It is literally impossible to not sing along with Ozzy as he laments the following lines- “…your love for me has just got to be real… before you know the way I’m going to feel… I’m going to feel…I’m going to feel…” And what about Tony’s playing? I am actually speechless as I am in complete awe of the musicianship which is working on all cylinders. I am on my knees bowing to your excellence.

2— “War Pigs/Lukes Wall”— Monday night March 31, 2014, I was back in my hometown of Brooklyn N.Y. inside the Barclay’s Arena, and I had to keep pinching myself as I could not believe I was back home seeing arguably the greatest band this universe has ever seen or heard. As I anxiously awaited their arrival, I was filled with so much adulation that I could not control my excitement and then a few minutes either before or after 9:00 p.m. that evening, the band walks on to the stage. The roar that ensued still makes the hair on my arms stand straight up in the air as Tony’s riffs to this legendary song begins and you could feel the excitement in the air. Then it happens as Ozzy sings the opening line- “…generals gathered in their masses… just like witches at black masses…”- at that moment I literally felt like I was lifted off the ground high above the crowd with tears of joy as the entire audience was entranced by this unbelievable song. I had to control myself as I literally wanted to cry like a baby, although with joy because it literally was a dream coming to life. If they did not play another song after opening with this classic, my dream was complete; and I would have left the arena with the same smile that I have now writing about that magical moment. Folks, it really does not get any better than: Brooklyn, Black Sabbath and War Pigs as the first song. I will never forget this moment and it lands in the top 10 moments of my entire life. I am not kidding.

1— “Jack the Stripper/Fairies Wear Boots”— This song absolutely lands in my top ten songs of all-time as I cannot even begin to explain what impact this track has made on my life. My oldest son said immediately- “Fairies Wear Boots”- is your favorite song by Sabbath. There is something about this tune that takes me to another world, and I know my kids have witnessed me with my head trying to seep its way into the right speaker as I would play this song at the highest level that my stereo would play. My family knew just to stand back and not say anything because they knew I was possessed. If I had to pick the most astounding metal/hard rock song in the history of music, this song would be it. As I mentioned above, they played “War Pigs” as their first song at the Barclay’s Center and I thought I was in heaven. So, you can imagine my reaction when they played this song later on in the show? I kid you not, there were tears of joy streaming down my face as I could not believe that I was in the presence of such greatness. I felt like I was not worthy of being there, that I needed to do something to prove my love and respect for this band. Thank you, Ozzy, Tony, Geezer and Bill- even though I have never met you or know you, I love you with all my heart and feel like you are a family member. You have changed my life for the better and I bow to you in absolute adoration.