GMVW # 85: "Music and Memory"

Gem Music Video of the Week # 85:  Music and Memory

Song:  Love Reign O’er Me by The Who

Covered Here By: Bettye LaVette

(Songwriter: Pete Townshend)

August 19, 2009

Songs are often linked with memories, but occasionally a song is so inextricably linked to a memory, there is no separating the two:  The memory defines the song, and visa versa.  This week’s entry is about a powerful moment/memory in my life and the Gem of a song that accompanies it. 

Twenty one years ago today, Cousin Rebecca and great friend, Dave were married (both are on the receiving end of these weekly postings). I was there when they met, and several years later, was honored when they asked me to be their best man.  It was a picture perfect wedding on a picture perfect day, and other than my own wedding, I’ve never before or since had more friends and family gathered together at one event. 

At the rehearsal dinner, Becca introduced me to her nephew, Danny, saying to him: “This is the best man”.  He was young and innocent enough to believe this was my real name.  When he started calling me ‘Best Man’, I neglected to correct him, despite the half a dozen or so opportunities I had when he posed a question my way.  How could you correct a name like that?  Besides, he had it right….at least for the weekend.

The best man speech for the reception was pretty easy to come up with:  When you are there to see the relationship of a cousin and close friend unfold, there is no shortage of material to compile a 2 hour toast, never mind 2 minutes.  I don’t actually have the speech memorized, but will do my best to resurrect/paraphrase/embellish/idealize it here for posterity’s sake (leaving out the murmurs, throat clearings, stutters, ahems, and grunts):

 ___________________________________________

“It’s remarkable to be here today to be a witness to the marriage between a great friend and an equally great cousin.  I figured the best way to toast them, would be to revisit how they met over three years ago. 

It started with an extended family gathering at my parents home, when Becca mentioned to my Mom that she was looking at options for Graduate School, including visiting universities in Canada.  Mom told Becca that I would soon be heading up to Ottawa to visit school friends, and that she should talk to me about coordinating our travel plans.  It was not long before Becca and I were ironing out the details.

Although excited about the prospect of having my cousin join me on a trek north of the border, I was a bit concerned:  This was another side of me, the bachelor side.  Not so much a problem on its own.  However, my bachelor side included many fellow bachelors, particularly two who would be joining us on the road trip: Dave and Mac.  I would be able to tone things down a bit on my end, but I had no control over these guys…. none whatsoever. 

As we began our trip, Becca and Dave in the back, Mac in the passenger seat, me driving, things got off on the wrong foot. Mac and Dave had spent a large chunk of the night before awake and partying.  The conversations were over-spiced with harsh adjectives and interjections.  And one word came to mind in regards to their appearance: Disheveled.  Normally I could care less (I can be as shabby as the best of them).  This time it was different.

But Becca seemed to be enjoying herself.  And when a misplaced donut was sat upon, there were no moments of tenseness to work through.  On the contrary, abuse was slung in several directions, with accompanying laughter, and no one was offended.  All seemed rather normal in terms of a road trip with Mac and Dave (of which I had much to compare to).  As the trip entered Vermont things got quiet in the back seat.  Crossword puzzles were being solved at record pace.  This was teamwork.  Something was up.

When we got to Ottawa, Becca and Dave were already very much enjoying each others company.  This was great, because I had a lot of catching up to do with my Canadian friends and, in all honesty, plum forgot about my cousin at times.  It did not matter.  Becca was in good hands. Everyone had a blast. The weekend went without a hitch.  It was a top-drawer road trip.  And most important, a romance began to take root.

Since then we four have been quite inseparable in regards to good times.  Over the last few years, I’ve looked at Becca more as a friend than a cousin.  And her relationship with Dave has become long-lasting. Now they are appropriately getting married.  I wish them the best of times in their future together.”

___________________________________________

These are the memories of a priceless day, but in terms of introducing this week’s Gem, Becca and Dave’s union is but half the story.  Unfortunately, the other half was tragic, because there was one person who did not make it to the wedding, Aunt Ginger, who died in a car crash the day before.  Ginger, a Dominican Nun and a beautiful person, was related to half the crowd in attendance, including the bride.  Many heavy hearts were valiantly put on the shelf that day, to celebrate a blessed event.  Looking back, it was quite amazing that the celebration truly overcame our common loss.

Last week I talked about appreciation, and among many other superlatives, appreciation is something Ginger had an abundance of.  Ginger appreciated everything, particularly people, and however much you appreciated her it was hard to top her appreciation for you.  This, I am sure, she garnered from her strong faith in God.  And when you have that much appreciation for those around you, you’re well loved and admired.  Her death was a very difficult blow because through her faith, she was a source of strength for everyone who knew her.

For me, I can never forget the moment of that sunny morning when I realized I could focus on the wedding while still keeping Ginger close to heart.  I had already headed back home that morning to visit with Mom, take a shower, and dress up in my tuxedo.  I then picked Dave up and we connected with the old gang for breakfast.  I recall Mac stepping to the plate and keeping the atmosphere upbeat, as the spirit of the moment was still escaping me.

Dave and I then took the drive up Rte 495 to the Martha Mary Chapel at the Wayside Inn.  We had the radio on, and as we drove along the rolling valley of that long stretch of highway just north of the Rte 9 exit, The Who’s ‘Love Reign O’er Me’ came on the radio:  Not an all that common song to hear on the radio compared to other Who songs. The song, sun, valley, and cruising that stretch of road dressed to the hilt in tuxedos as groom and best man was surreal.  We turned the dial way up.  I listened intently to the lyrics and music, and I was immediately locked in, suddenly ready and excited for the day ahead. 

Dad was locked in too, giving the blessing (which Ginger had written) at the reception, with Mom standing by his side.  It was an unforgettable moment as I recall reflecting on how close Dad was to Mom’s sister.  Ginger’s brothers and sisters were also locked in, as were Becca’s entire family, particularly the bride and groom.  With all that locking in, I have no doubt, Ginger was there with us.

The Who have performed ‘Love Reign O’er Me’ frequently in concert over the years.  I believe it to be one of Roger Daltrey’s favorites. The songs bridge, the weaving of the words reign vs rain, and the over-the-top vocals all contribute to the intensity of this song.  Last year, when the Who were recognized at the annual Kennedy Center Honors, Bettye LaVette covered ‘Love Reign O’er Me’ and did an exceptional job.  It’s her version that is captured for this week’s Gem.  Below it is a still shot video with the original studio recording that gave a well needed dose of healing all those years ago.  Below that is a live 1996 Who performance of the song (the first Quadrophenia show in Hyde Park, London).

Happy Anniversary, Becca and Dave!  Has it really been 21 years since I was thrown into a lake wearing a tuxedo?  21 years since watching a DJ get coerced into playing Little Feat songs and little else?  21 years since the first guy in the old gang made the Big Leap?  …..Yow!

-              Pete

Gem Music Video

Bettye LaVette performing Love Reign O’er Me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJi6maTueSc

Love Reign O’er Me, The Who’s Studio Version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cA8rZEJqhE

Love Reign O’er Me, The Who Live, 1996

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeLEo318Yec

Love Reign O’er Me lyrics

Only love

Can make it rain

The way the beach is kissed by the sea

Only love

Can make it rain

Like the sweat of lovers

Laying in the fields.

Love, Reign o'er me

Love, Reign o'er me, rain on me

Only love

Can bring the rain

That makes you yearn to the sky

Only love

Can bring the rain

That falls like tears from on high

Love Reign O'er me

On the dry and dusty road

The nights we spend apart alone

I need to get back home to cool cool rain

I can't sleep and I lay and I think

The night is hot and black as ink

Oh God, I need a drink of cool cool rain

-------------------

About the Video: 2008 Kennedy Center Honors performance 

Video Rating: 1

____________________________________________

Best Feedback: Bec & Dave

Best Man, thanks for the never ending friendship and support you have offered all on this list. We were thinking that you may have included Lou Reed's "I Love You" here, but this is an excellent choice as well.

Seeing Jeff D this weekend has brought back great memories, our wedding one of the best.

Wow, 21 years and counting.

Thanks, Bec and Dave

And: Mom

You never cease to amaze me Pete...great gem as I sit here down the Cape on a beautiful morning you once again touched my heart...XO

And: Tina
hi pete,
reading your music gems are like reading a really good book. your love of family and friends, music and mayhem always leave me wanting more. after reading this one, i felt like i was at on that pre-wedding drive with you. what a lovely anniversary tribute to becca and dave.
 are you saving these? they would make a terrific book.
keep writing.
x0x0x
tina

Becca: Hi Tina....he really was an excellent best man! Becca

Dale: I second that!!!

GMVW # 84: "A Fresh Perspective"

Gem Music Video of the Week # 84:  A Fresh Perspective

Song:  Love Train by the O’Jays

(Songwriters: Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff)

August 13, 2009

On our long journey West this past month one feature we never came close to seeing was the ocean.  In fact, the nearest we came to the ocean was at the very beginning of the trip when we reached our 100-foot distance milestone at the bottom of the driveway, a good 50 miles from Hampton Beach.  When we took a left out of the driveway instead of a right, the Atlantic Ocean was already beyond the range of our rear view mirror and the distance only grew with every mile logged.  A U-turn in U-tah guaranteed the Pacific Ocean would remain beyond the horizon as well.

While in the heart of the country, I brought up to Charlotte the very real possibility that there were older folks in the small towns we were traveling through whom had never seen the ocean.  This was hard for her to fathom (no pun intended).  After all, here in New England, the ocean is somewhat of a given.  We all connect with it, at least on occasion, but more likely often, be it in Rockport, Old Lyme, Acadia, Newport, Mystic, Edgartown, Scituate, Boston, Portsmouth, Camden, Fairfield, Portland, Fall River, Salem, Block Island, or the heart of our region’s coastal zone, Cape Cod.

As far back as I can remember Cape Cod was a routine destination for Mom and Dad, with Falmouth as the focal point. One big reason for our numerous crossings over the Bourne Bridge was that Dad’s parents and three of his four sisters lived in Falmouth (two of my Aunts and many cousins still live there):  Our many visits to their homes, neighborhoods and beaches are etched in my memory.  However, family ties were not the only reason for our frequent visitation.  The other reason was that Dad loved the ocean.  He was drawn to it (still is), and every visit to Falmouth included side treks along the coast, including Old Silver Beach, the Inner Harbor, the Heights, and the large salt ponds that break up East Falmouth into a series of peninsulas.

Most consistent of these side treks were the evening drives along the coastal route that meanders past Nobska Point Lighthouse, connecting Falmouth Town Beach to Woods Hole. Dad could not get enough of this drive and I believe the vistas, which allowed insight into the sheer vastness of the ocean, were the primary reason.  For the past 35 years this route has been the scene of the Falmouth Road Race, which has had Steeves family entries every year since its inception (this year the representatives consisted of Brother Pat, Sister-in-law Ruth, Brother-in-law Paul, Niece/Goddaughter Kelley and Cousin Andrea).  Yet, before the Road Race this stretch of coastline appeared to us to be Dad’s secret, as often it seemed we were the only car on the road those carefree summer evenings.

Me?  I was occasionally captivated but more often indifferent to those aspects of the deep blue sea that seemed to fascinate Dad the most.  I loved looking for creatures in the tide pools, but the immensity of the ocean was beyond my comprehension.  And so during those car rides around Falmouth my focus could easily veer in other directions, like my baseball card collection, a good comic book, or how to give Joe a noogie without Mom noticing.

That was then, this is now.  My appreciation for Cape Cod and the ocean has grown over the years. And when I have the opportunity to enjoy a visit to Mac’s place in Humarock and sit out on the deck with the ocean on one side and the South River Harbor on the other, I do my best to appreciate what’s around me. It’s much easier now than it was as a kid. No longer is a view of the high seas taken for granted.  In fact, now it’s me trying to get Charlotte and Peter’s attention to point out some half-crazed, ocean-inspired insight of mine.  What goes around comes around.

Appreciation works in mysterious ways.  Sometimes a good thing can be staring you right in the face, and you don’t notice. This goes for music as much as anything. How is it that a song can mean little or nothing at one time, but later finds its way into you’re sub consciousness (or, to use the right terminology for this forum, you’re ‘Gem Space’)?  I’ve sometimes wondered: Do someone’s ears, like their taste buds, evolve over time, or is it just life experiences and the right moment that open new opportunities for previously discarded songs?

Gem Video of the Week, ‘Love Train’, by the O’Jays, turned the corner for me in the most unlikely of ways:  A Super Bowl Coors Light commercial.  The version here was performed on the David Letterman show.  Something about it finally gave me a sense of appreciation….. much like a recent viewing of the ocean at the Nobska Lighthouse.  I get it, Dad.  I get it.

- Pete

Love Train by The O’Jays

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1cTun4foMM

-------------------

About the Video: Performed on the David Letterman Show (not sure of the date). 

Video Ranking: 1

GMVW # 83: "Night School"

Gem Music Video of the Week # 83:  Night School

Song:  Memory Motel by The Rolling Stones

(Songwriters: Mick Jagger and Keith Richards)

August 6, 2009

It was a picture-perfect summer afternoon on a middle-of-the-work-week day in 1989.  This I am sure of.  Dad walked into Jen and Dale’s home and appeared to be somewhat perplexed.  He may have even rubbed his eyes while doing a double take at the clock and calendar.  Was the scene that unfolded in front of him an aberration? 

The house had been overtaken by revelers.  Rock music was blaring on the stereo.  Wasn’t everyone supposed to be working?  After all, many at the party were several years out of college.  The economy wasn’t that bad, was it?  Out on the deck a line of people: Was this a modern day version of the depression era soup kitchens?  I guess that would depend on ones perspective, because this was a beer line.  What was going on? There was only one answer:  We were all a bunch of flunkies! All that college tuition down the tubes!

I filled Dad in: Serious Rock and Roll was to be played that evening at Foxboro Stadium in the form of The Who. This was a certified big event, and everyone had taken the afternoon off from their respective jobs.  Now I’m just guessing, but Dad may have right then and there absorbed just how powerful of a hold Rock music had on our generation at that time.  It was a unifying moment.  Who knew it was fleeting (I guess in some ways we all did).

Many of my fondest memories are of going to concerts with friends and family.  Often, it’s not just the concert, but also the pre-show build-up that comes to mind.  Concert events have always been a great opportunity to reconnect and celebrate with like music minds.  Concert attendance started for me with a Rush show at the Providence Civic Center in 1978.  I believe Pete, Mac, Jeff and Dave were all there for that one.  Next up was Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at a small Worcester theater with Matt Garrity the same year. 

The flood gates opened up after that, and so did the memories.  Several shows have already been discussed: the Foxboro trifecta in 1983 (Gem # 36-38); Ray Davies at the Westbeth Theater in New York City with Mac in 1997 (Gem # 17); The Band with Nancy on New Years Eve in 1994 (Gem # 19), The Who performing Quadrophenia at Madison Square Garden with Nancy, Kurt, Becca, Dave and Mac in 1996 (Gem # 22); Lou Reed at the Orpheum with Mac, Dave, Becca (Gem # 54). 

But there was so much more, including (off the top of my head) REM with Pat at Great Woods; Jonathan Richman in Montreal with Fred and Mac; Arlo Guthrie at the Old Vienna with Nancy and Jeff; 10,000 Maniacs at Great Woods with Mac; Joe Jackson on the Boston Common with Joe; Elvis Costello at the Cape Cod Coliseum with Mac; The Who in Buffalo with many rowdy Canadians; Ronnie Wood in Kenmore Square with Nancy and Mac; Eric Clapton in Providence with Nancy and Dave; Richard Thompson at the Somerville Theater with Fred;  Richie Havens in Lowell with Nancy; The Pogues at the Orpheum with Phil and Mac; Pete Townshend at Harbor Lights with Dave, Becca, and Mac; Van Morrison at the Orpheum with Nancy, Kip, and Fred; Roger Daltrey at the Orpheum with Mac and Bouv; Neil Young and Crazy Horse at Great Woods with Bouv; John Entwistle at Mama Kins with Mac; and the recent Leonard Cohen show at the Shubert Theatre with Nancy.  There were also several fantastic Grateful Dead concerts and numerous other Who, Jonathan Richman, and Neil Young events.  Many other shows come to mind.

Music Festivals have been huge as well.  There was the overnighter at Buck Steep Manor and other big events in Burlington VT, North Adams MA, Amherst MA, Wachusett Mountain Resort, Ottawa, Tanglewood, Southern Rhode Island, UMass Boston, Lowell, Newport RI, and Craftsbury VT.  All are reflected on fondly.

And then there are the Rolling Stones shows.  There’s something about Stones concerts that makes the actual event much larger than the band itself.  There’s so much history there, and the music spans many generations. The crowd is always very diverse, and most know their stuff. They are true fans, which contributes to the charged atmosphere. The band has so many solid songs in their catalog, that they can do no wrong when putting together a set list.  I’ve seen them 4 times, and it’s always a momentous occasion.

As mentioned for Gem # 41, the Rolling Stones are the only band I’ve seen that has truly mastered the large outdoor football stadiums (I hear U2 are pretty good on the big stage as well).  Other bands are at their best at places that range in size from a small night club to an indoor arena.  The Stones can be at their best at any location, and this includes the largest of venues.  They’ve figured out how to connect with the crowd, and have done so in a number of creative ways, including: Using a walking bridge to a smaller stage in the middle of the field, where they perform 3-4 songs; designing stage wings that extend far to the left and right of the stage for Jagger and Co. to strut out on; touring with top-of-the-line audio and video equipment and maximizing on it’s use; using multi-level platforms; unveiling outrageous stage props half way through a show; and launching fire works to wrap things up.  Mostly though, they are true professionals who give you a great show despite their well-acted devil-may-care reputation.

Attending most of these shows with me over the years have been fellow Stones enthusiasts, Amy and Paul.  Nothing is better than going to a show with someone who is in the moment, and both Amy and Paul have fulfilled this role each and every time.  There’s no discussion of work or other mundane topics.  It’s all Stones most all the time (there has to be some room for small talk).  So, by the time the band takes the stage, I’m primed.

One great thing about Stones shows is that the band has always recognized their influences.  Their shows have included guest appearances by the likes of Muddy Waters, BB King, and John Lee Hooker, and they often cover old blues songs such as ‘Little Red Rooster’ and ‘I’m a Man’.

Gem Music Video of the Week is a Citarell favorite (and mine): ‘Memory Motel’.  This live version includes a guest appearance by Dave Mathews.  Keith Richards adds his part to the lead vocals (“She’s got a mind of her own, and she uses it well, yeahhh”).  The next link after the Gem video is a live version of ‘Monkey Man’, another favorite.  It was during the performance of this song in Foxboro, that the band seemed to pull off a magic trick, sucking the air out of the stadium through the speakers as the mid-song guitar playing of Ronnie Wood transitioned to that great roller-coaster-like sound you hear from that point on.  At least it seemed like a magic trick. Maybe it was the Rumple Minze. Below Monkey Man is a made-for-MTV-type video of ‘Worried About You’ from the ‘TattooYou’ album.

Thanks to all who have enjoyed live music with me over the years.  It’s been a “Gas, gas, gas!”  Hopefully there are plenty of more opportunities on the horizon.

- Pete

Gem Music Video: Memory Motel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cowl02DXx3A

Monkey Man

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxZMFSNOMwI

Worried About You

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rA0IpWMjYJk&feature=related

About the Video: Live with Dave Mathews (2003?)

Video Rating: 1.5 (There may not be a better version, however)

Best Feedback: Paul

Nice pickens Pete!  Yes - that show at Foxboro was "memorable" - we even named our dog Hanna after that song and of course Amy and I visited the Memory motel out in Montauk  a few years ago -- We have to go to another show soon!  You have now made up for the Bill Clinton post card that I received in my mail box last week.  To think that there would be a day that I would actually say "I would rather have Bill (or Hillary!) Clinton in the White House" is mind boggling but true!  (lets not go down that path right now)  BTW - the post card did make it on to the dart board - I have never had so many bulls eyes! 

My Reply:

Postcard?  What postcard?

I'm not sure if this is related, but when I was in Little Rock, we swung by the Clinton Presidential Library and saw that they were adding a "Citarell Wing".  Someone mentioned the amazing generosity of donations for the library from the Northeast.

- Pete

And: Jeff

Thanks, Pete.  The Mose Allison show has go me all in a kink, but I am not gong to miss it being so close to home and all.  I had hoped to ride bike up there for the weekend, but now will, at best, have to drive quickly Sunday mornin to get up there in time and then just head back home that night.  not even sure if I will make it, but the confluence of the Kennedys and Gandalf together at a show is always a hoot, not to mention Gorka.  Tell Gardner, Leslie or anyone else who is still interested in going out and hearing some excellent music.

My first shows in high school had little to do with what I really ended up liking over time.  But they were some of what I was into at the time, and being out in boonies, didn't get to see some of the much more intense stuff only 80 to 200 mi away.  Nevertheless, I saw a killer James Gang show in a little auditorium around 71, and prior to that, Sly & the Family Stone, Steppenwolf, Zappa, and I think Emerson, Lake and Palmer. although the latter may have been later along, but back in Harrisburg where I saw some of the others.

The big deal was a local band playing every Sunday night in a little field house in Hamburg (PA not GE!).  They did a little bit of their own stuff but mostly great authentic covers of Hendrix, Ten Years After, Spooky Tooth, CTA era Chicago, and the best version of Just Like a Woman I have ever heard, to this day.  The scene there was our own little pure hippie culture, with Steam Machine.

GMVW # 82: "Respite from the Merry Go Round"

Gem Music Video of the Week # 82:  Respite from the Merry Go Round

Song:  The Way by Fastball

(Songwriter: Tony Scalzo)

July 30, 2009

For the past 3 weeks, the family and I have been living the nomadic life style, traveling across and around the USA.  Most of our destinations included one-night stays at campgrounds and the occasional motel. We found our way through 30 States, 10 National Parks, 8 mountain ranges, and 7 capitals.  We’ve stood in 4 States at one time and crossed borders demarcating historic boundaries such as the Louisiana and Oregon Territories. Along the way we’ve seen bison and bears, canyons and mesas, caves and arches, rivers and waterfalls, prairies and mountain peaks, hot and cold springs, sand dunes and bottomless pits, cactus and blue grass, cowboys and Indians, cities and ranches, bridges and tunnels, cattle and corn, elk, antelope, lizards, and dinosaur fossils. 

We’ve driven over the continental divide.  On the Atlantic side of the divide, we crossed the mighty Mississippi River and many of its major tributaries, including the Missouri, Arkansas, and Tennessee.  On the Pacific side of the divide we crossed over the Snake and Colorado Rivers.  We also crossed over the Connecticut, Hudson, Allegheny, Susquehanna, Potomac, White, and Red Rivers and driven along the shores of 3 Great Lakes.

I found myself reflecting often on other cross-country travelers: The Gilligan’s, Smith’s (Jim & Ellen’s family) Johnson’s (Phil), and John Roche (post-college with his friend, Roger).

We’ve eaten at cafes, diners, picnic areas, campgrounds, rest stops, and out of our back packs. We’ve learned more about characters like Buffalo Bill, Lewis and Clark, Elvis Presley, Teddy Roosevelt, Stonewall Jackson, Crazy Horse, Sacagawea, Daniel Boone, Laura Ingles, Geronimo, and Jesse James.  We’ve investigated historic events, including Custer’s Last Stand, Pickett’s Charge, The Chicago Fire, and the War of 1812.  We’ve met Nez Perce, Mormons, Navajos, Bible Belters, latter-day hippies, truckers, bikers, Shoshone, rednecks, rangers, hikers, fishermen, Lakota, dreamers, schemers, and, of course, fellow travelers.  We’ve seen every license plate but Hawaii and Delaware (go figure).  We have heard many an accent; several that would have benefited from an interpreter.

We drove 5103 miles.

We’ve seen the effects of ancient calderas (super volcanoes), ice ages, earthquakes and inland seas, along with more recent natural and unnatural events such as forest fire, invasive infestations, drought, urban sprawl and climate change.  We’ve driven through industrial wastelands founded on fossil fuel extraction from the earth, along with the promise of the future in large expanses of modern wind farms and solar panels.

We followed for stretches along the Mason-Dixon Line, the Oregon Trail, Route 66, the Appalachian Trail, Sleepy Hollow, and the Trail of Tears.  Traveling folk like Jack Kerouac, Woody Guthrie, the Traveling Wilburys and Easy Riders were a source of inspiration at times.  Music was a constant companion in the car.  We lost track of the daily news.

We tried to grasp the meaning of State mottos such as ‘Show Me’, “Hawkeye’, ‘Hoosier’, ‘Lone Star’, ‘Bee Hive’, ‘Volunteer’, ‘Blue Grass’, ‘Equality’, ‘Gem’, ‘Natural’, ‘Badger’, ‘Lincoln’, and ‘The Land of Enchantment’ (actually, that one was easy). 

We visited such diverse and grand places as Cody WY, Durango CO, Luverne MN, Madison WI, Chicago IL, Santa Fe NM, Hill City SD, Thermopolis WY, Moab UT, Lexington KY, and Gettysburg PA.  We also stopped at the well advertised Wall Drug.

With all the setting and breaking down of camp, along with the enhanced fatherly duties that come with a life on the road, it was hard to find solitude and inspirational moments to write the themes to these gem videos over the past 3 weeks.  I probably should have taken a break.  The consolation, however, was seeing and hearing all that Charlotte and Peter were taking in.  Their scrap books are truly amazing to read through.  I will have little to add if I ever get around to documenting the trip myself.

As mentioned at the beginning of this email, Nancy, Charlotte, Peter, and I indeed lived a gypsy-like existence these past 3 weeks.  This brought me back to the state-of-mind I was in for several other ventures over my lifetime: The state-of-mind of leaving it all behind, even if for just a short time. Gem Video of the Week ‘The Way’ by Fastball is a fictional story of a couple that took this abandonment to the extreme. 

Removing oneself from the day-to-day grind can be eye-opening.  I’m not sure it will pan out this time around.  I need some time to rest first. 

It’s still a helluva country out there. In some places, majestic would be the appropriate term (particularly Yellowstone). It's good to be home, though.

- Pete

Gem Video of the Week, ‘The Way’

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0wfu3tOrtQ

About the Video: Made for MTV-type video

Video Rating: 1

Best Feedback: John

Sounds like an AWESOME trip!

When I drove across the USA for 4 weeks, we only had one tape casette, and it was broken, so we could only listen to one song, and we listened to it the whole way.  I can't seem to remember the name of that song.....

And Tom:

Hi Pete

All I can say is Wow - what an awesome, most memorable trip you guys did!  We were down on the Chesapeake this weekend, and wouldn't you know that I brought along the latest National Geographic - about the Yellowstone supervolcano no less ... going back into the fascinating history of its discovery (and really, realization) and of how it's very much still active, with the lakes bed even tilting more and more toward the southwest every year.  There's also a write-up in there about the ever-sinking Venice, due to the rising tides (and coincidentally did the Wash Post have an article showing much of southern Manhattan under water in a hundred years ... leaving me to ask why bother rebuilding ground zero).  So glad you guys came back safely and full of great stories to tell - and those are thrills irreplaceable for Charlotte and Pete, that they'll get to now tell their grandkids about some day too.

Cuz Tom  

And Jeff:

Hi Pete, thanks for the nice recap of your trip.  Sounds lke the kids heads could be so dilled up they are ready to burst, but I guess kids heads are made to handle that.

And Jen:

Hi Pete,
 
Your nice message gave me yet another reason to write you. Thanks for your sentiments. Phil (Henault) was a great guy, and has a great famiy. He sure will be missed.
 
About your last gems....I really enjoyed them, and how they worked into your trip. The trip sounds fabulous.
 
About Charlotte's notes, postcards....they were excellent. I could read enthusiasm and joy, in them. And I love her goofy comments to Joe and Grace.
 
About your monkey postcard to me - it was fantastic.
 
We're heading to Falmouth tomorrow, to hang with mum and dad for a few days. Looking forward to the break.
 
xo Jen

GMVW # 81: "Stetson Hats and Leather Boots"

Gem Music Video of the Week # 81:  Stetson Hats and Leather Boots

Song:  1,000 Miles by Dwight Yoakam

(Songwriter: Dwight Yoakam)

July 23, 2009

“Go West Young Man”: So declared Horace Greeley in 1865 in reference to taking the wagon trail westward to “grow up with the country”.  With that wagon trail in mind, along with many-a plane, train and automobile since, the family and I scorched our own trail westward along Rte 90 to the heart of Wyoming, cowboy country, and beyond.  While I plan on documenting the entire trip for next week’s Gem, this week focuses primarily on the dominant music of that mid-western region of the USA: Country. 

To include a Country Gem, I needed help, which brings me to another album recommendation in response to my Gem # 58 request to expand my music listening horizons.  Longtime friend, John Roche suggested a country album, “Hillbilly Deluxe” by Dwight Yoakam. I was not all that confident I would find a Gem on it:  Country is something I rarely dip my feet into.  Music that straddles Country and Rock is one thing (see Gem # 66), but full blown country is another (Johnny Cash being a noted exception).  A tough sell indeed, but John was convincing, and I am much more open to good music in other genres than I once was.  I could do no better to make the case than John did in his recommendation email, so hear is his reply to my request:

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“I don't know if you like country music, but I respectfully suggest "Hillbilly Deluxe" by Dwight Yoakam.  It's almost 20 years old by now, but every song on the album is a good one, he is backed by a talented band of guitarists and percussionists, and he sings with a relaxed, even lazy measure, but still very tight and precise, with that distinctive Nashville sound (although the album was recorded in Los Angeles) long after the Nashville sound had been abandoned by most country artists.  Every song is about a part of America that is gone, probably forever, and you'll no doubt wax nostalgic. 

Its good driving music on long rides, and you will find yourself singing along. 

If you have seen the movie "Wedding Crashers", he plays the husband in the hilarious opening scene, where he is trying to mediate a divorce settlement with his wife, played by the looking better than ever Rebecca De Mornay.  In a fit of rage, she calls him a "hillbilly", an irony not lost on this old timer. "

Regards, 

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John was bitten by the “Go West” bug long ago.  He frequently travels this way (Montana, South Dakota, etc.).  Somewhere along the lines it appears he’s gained a keen ear for good Country music:  “Hillbilly Deluxe” is solid through and through, and one particular song on it, “1,000 Miles” was addicting.  One day coming home from work, I played it over and over for my entire 40 minute commute.  This alone qualifies it as a Gem of the Week. 

John and I go way back to the sandbox days (John, when was that, 4, maybe 5 years ago?).  A recommendation from a friend for that time span is a valuable one. Thanks John… much appreciated!

Signing off from Moab, Utah

- Pete

Gem Video: “1,000 Miles”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PI5P5HY2-hc

About the Video: Appears to be Austin City Limits.  Full band.  Yoakam is wearing a Stetson hat and white sequenced outfit.

Video Rating: 1

Best Feedback: John

Wow.  I'm flattered.  After reading your email, I dug out my old Dwight Yoakam cassette and listened to it on my way to Providence.  I had forgot about some of the songs that were on that album, but the lyrics came right back!

Heading to Missoula on Saturday, sounds like you had a kick ass trip!

Regards,