50th Anniversary of Bob Dylan's Blonde on Blonde Album This May

Although it was released in May 1966 I had to wait until July since I had to scrape up enough money from my allowance to buy a double album.  I'd like to recommend my readers listen to this podcast where Tennessean music reporter Juli Thanki discusses the album and its impact.

Me and Mrs Jones by Billy Paul - Lyrics Taken Out of Context

This week we heard of the passing of soul singer Billy Paul who can be considered a one hit wonder with Me & Mrs, Jones. It charted in late 1972 and early 1973 when I was a graduate student at the University of Rhode Island. The song described the singer’s frustration about being in an extramarital affair which would inevitably come to an end. A line in that song that I am taking completely out of context is “We gotta be extra careful that we don't build our hopes up too high.”

Let’s turn the clock ahead a few years after I completed studies and was looking for my first professional position. A job search is likely one of life’s must frustrating experiences. After I left an interview Billy’s singing of “We must be extra careful that we don't build our hopes up too high” always went through my mind.

Very often lines in songs, books, and movies can be taken out of context.

I found this Youtube video of Billy's performing this in front of an audience in France in 2014

Denver Vacation This July For Stadium #25

The family will be going on vacation to Denver this year as we have to check out another baseball stadium.  The Colorado Rockies will be at home at Coors Field when we are there against the Tampa Bay Rays.  Of course, we will check out museums and other attractions while we are in town.  Let me take this opportunity to count the baseball stadiums past and present that I have seen in my life.

1. Fenway Park
2. Yankee Stadium (original)
3. Yankee Stadium (new)
4. Ebbets Field
5. Polo Grounds
6. Shea Stadium
7. Citifield
8. Citizen's Bank Park
9. Orioles Park at Camden Yards
10. RFK Stadium
11. Turner Field
12. Marlins Park
13. PNC Park
14. Progressive Field
15. Great American Ball Park
16. Wrigley Field
17. U.S. Cellular Field
18. Busch Stadium (newest)
19. Miller Park
20. Target Field
21. Royals Stadium
22. Comerica Park (we were in the stadium waiting for the game to start, but it was rained out)
23. AT & T Park
24. Oakland Stadium (It has been under several names)
25. Coors Field will be #25

Just Like A Woman - Bob Dylan Song of the Day

I just heard Jim Ladd play this on the Deep Tracks Channel on SiriusXM.  I was released as a single in September 1966, but only peaked at #33 in Billboard.  Every year I vote for it on Rich Appel's It Should Have Been a Bigger Hit.

The Prince Bob Dylan Connection

Both Prince and Bob Dylan were born in Minnesota, but Prince stayed while Dylan moved on.  Like millions of others I am sorry to hear of Prince's untimely passing.  I found out that Prince covered All Along the Watchtower at the 2007 Superbowl.  I just found it on Youtube.

Elvis & Nixon

On December 21, 1970 the King met Tricky Dick at the Whitehouse.  I guess if they can make a movie about this they can make a movie about just about anything.  I enjoyed the film but wonder if  events described in the movie actually happened.  Did Elvis present Nixon a handgun as a gift?  Did he sign an autograph for Julie Nixon?  Was Nixon thrilled to meet Elvis or did he go through this reluctantly?

I certainly would recommend this movie to those who grew up during the 60s and 70s who were living when Nixon was president and Elvis, the King.  Actors portrayed some of the future Watergate figures including H.R, Haldeman, Egil Krogh, and Dwight Chapin.

One of the best things for me was a chance to visit the Kew Gardens Cinema.  That is a movie theater they way they used to be in neighborhoods and not shopping malls.  I did miss the stadium seating of the College Point Multiplex.

Description in the Internet Movie Database

April 22 is Karen's Birthday

The Mets are on of the things that have

kept us together for 32+ years

Karen was born 6 years and one day after me.  She gets another Bob Dylan song for her birthday.  It is If Not for You which Bob originally recorded on the New Morning album in 1970.  Below is a video of George Harrison rehearsing it with Bob before the Concert for Bangla Desh.  Under that is a version by Olivia Newton-John