Addiction, Obsession: It Ain't Healthy But It Sounds So Good

Oh sweet addiction. There are all kinds, I myself have a fierce one for chocolate, but this week we are talking about Love baby. As in addicted to your love. That is the theme for this week's Twisted MixTape from my pal Jen over at MySkewedView.

So many to chose from, virtually every genre has a ton of them. So I'll just pull one from here and there and back again. So here we go, a little addiction, a little obsession, and everyone goes home happy.

Starting out with a song which is really not in my regular go-to zone, but there's something about the desperation in it, well, that I like. Toni Braxton's hit.

"Unbreak My Heart"

One of Jersey's best, and one great showman. Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes are as tight a band as you can find, and so much fun live.

"I Played The Fool"

It seems Melissa Etheridge shows up often in my mixtapes, but really, how can you complain when she can write a song like this. Live, unplugged and intense.

"Like The Way I Do"

Oh yes, I'm going back to the 80s for a video that I must say I enjoy watching from time to time, and not only for the music. It's a song that fits the theme perfectly, and really if you have the chance how can you not showcase a song that has the line "and now the skyline wears a shroud, I hear your voice in every crowd." Survivor.

"I See You In Everyone"

Let's finish it up with the man. Smokey, with a little help from Sheryl Crow. It there anyone smoother than Smokey?

"You've Really Got A Hold On Me"

Done for another week. Fun party as always.

Talkin' EPIC Twisted MixTape

Well this was a most interesting day. I was privileged to interview one of Rolling Stone's 100 Top Guitarists, and Jen gave a yell for us to join in tonight's Tuesday Twisted MixTape Party. This week's theme is interesting: Epic Songs.

Songs that tell a story, have a beginning middle and end, are epic tales.

Now the first one that comes to mind, will probably come to a lot of people's mind: "The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald." Next one that comes to mind is Billy Joel's story of Brenda and Eddie, "Scenes From An Italian Restaurant." Did I ever tell you when that song came out I knew a couple named Brenda and Eddie? Yeah, story for another day.

Another song that pops into my head is one that is truly a great one, so I'll start out with it. For lyrics, it doesn't get much more visual, and great melody and sing-along chorus. Just good songwriting. And, it tells the story of...

"The Boxer"

This is a wonderful live clip, though it ends a little short. But a great vocal and some real pretty guitar work. AND, it has a story... sad though it is. Mr. Robert Cray.

"Right Next Door"

One of Eric Burdon's musical influences was Bo Diddley. They never did meet face to face while Bo was alive, but Burdon attended his funeral. This is that story.

"Bo DiddleySpecial"

Bruce Springsteen has told many stories. One of his best needs no introduction, The title song from his fifth studio album, a song of the promise of a future and the loss of a dream.

"The River"

Final Selection for this week is another song loaded with imagery. And a great vocal. Melissa Etheridge.

"You Used To Love To Dance"

Go figure. The happiest song of the bunch is the one about a funeral. Welcome to my world.

Who Am I? Do You Really Want To Know...

I'm the type of girl who

...at least once a week gets in the car and thinks of just driving away. not as much to leave things behind, but more to see what new things I can find.

...believes that chocolate is God's most perfect food.

...believes that dogs are the best people. this is not up for discussion.

...can read the most horrifying news of the day without batting an eyelash, but will sob at a song lyric. and don't ever show me an animal being hurt.

...feels more at home in an old blues bar than at a family dinner.

...stopped suffering fools a while back and consequently, I suffer less.

...decided I was way old enough to decide what makes me happy, and do it.

...still wants to be Grace Slick when I grow up,

...hopes in my next life I will be able to play a guitar.

...will look back on her life and be happy knowing I loved and was loved. 

Thanks to Lance for the idea for this post, who got it from Dawn. To try and pick one song that defines you is next to impossible, especially if you don't want to spend the next 34 1/2 hours doing it. So I picked one that kind of suits me fairly well.

Those of you who know me will probably agree with the second half of the title.

A little something by Melissa Etheridge

Don't Snow: Let It Rain

So okay, I admit it. I'm a sucker for a female singer with a raspy voice. Janis, Melissa Etheridge, even going back to Bonnie Tyler...those raw vocals where it seems their souls are being ripped out. Served up today, Canadian singer-songwriter Amanda Marshall.

The first time I became aware of Amanda Marshall was October 1999 when she opened for John Mellencamp at Madison Square Garden.  She started out with an a cappella verse of "I Can't Stand The Rain," then moved into today's taste "Let It Rain.". This video has just a touch of the a cappella lick.

Huge voice backed with a lot of soul. So tasty, I'm adding a couple more links of great live performances.
"Last Exit To Eden," emotionally scarring.
"Dark Horse," love...just go for it.

Crazy weekend ahead, no guarantees for any snacks til Monday...but then again...

Letting It Loose: Melissa Etheridge

"Go on and close your eyes, go on imagine me there
She's got similar features with longer hair
And if that's what it takes to get you through
Go on and close your eyes, it shouldn't bother you."

Ouch.

That is the first thing I ever heard Melissa Etheridge sing.  I don't know if I was more excited by the lyrics or that voice.  The power and the pure rawness of the vocal absolutely knocked me out.


"Now you keep running down the road in your midnight state of mind,
Curiosity kills if you can't read the signs."


Seeing her live is seeing energy unleashed.  Today's taste is "Similar Features" from 1988 CD Melissa Etheridge.

Somebody bring me some water.