MixTape Tuesday: Just Chillin'

Chill music, slow jams.. why not? That's the theme of Jen's MixTape Tuesday playalong.  I missed the free-for-all last week, combination of no time and too many possibilities. My mind was spinning just thinking about it. So when she slowed it down for this week, I figured I could jump back in.

Back in the day, yes way back in the day, whether you needed some good road trip music or just wanted to chill out, the band of choice was The Allman Brothers. Many years have come and gone, but that hasn't changed. So let's start this party with what I see as I look outside this morning.

"Blue Sky"

Jackson Browne is chill. Always love his imagery, and this song is no different.

"You Love The Thunder"

Going back to the day. So many evenings were spent at my friend MJ's place. Her and her sister occupied the three room attic of her parent's house, and her parent's never came upstairs. Can you say party time? There was lots of chillin' and lots of party favors of all sorts. This was one frequent tune on the turntable, yes turntable. Santana, from the Abraxas album.

Singing Winds, Crying Beasts"

While it might not be a slow jam, it is chill. Simon & Garfunkel, from the Bridge Over Troubled Water album, it's a song that always puts me in a better state of mind.

"Only Living Boy In New York"

Bringing it home for the last song. Definition of chill: Sam Cooke.

"Bring It On Home To Me"

As usual, a hell of a party Jen. The music can't be beat.

Road Trip: Let's Ride

Road Trip.

Two words, eight letters that get my blood pumping every time. This afternoon, we take off for an evening out, in a venue about 70 miles away.

Returning tonight, it's gonna be a lot of driving, on a lot of back country roads.

Time for a little traveling music.

Now there are different types of traveling music. Some bands themselves, just have a sound that works when the sun is shining and you are rolling down the highway. The Allman Brothers are a great example of this. Put on Eat a Peach or Live at the Fillmore, and you are always good to go.

Then there are specific songs that just put you in the mood for an adventure. Let's taste a few of those today.


Lynryd Skynyrd "The Breeze"
Doobie Brothers "Rocking Down the Highway"
Tom Cochrane " Life is a Highway"

and for a destination mood setter...
Survivor "Caught in the Game"

Turn up the volume, pedal to the metal and drive...
oh yeah baby...that's what I'm talking about.

.

When Your World Seems Cold, Gotta Let Your Spirit Take Control

Sometimes a lunch is just a lunch.  Sometimes it's a chance to reconnect to times long ago.  If you've had a lunch filled with bittersweet memories, time to let your soul shine.

"It's better than sunshine,
Better than moonshine,
Damn sure better than rain."

A good thought or happy memory can push out the sad ones. Music goes one step farther.  Settle into "Soulshine" by the Allman Brothers, recorded live at the Beacon Theatre NYC in 2003.

Souls fly away, memories live on.