A Blast from the Past-Alabama

 

     Many, many years ago...a much younger "Mom" was strictly interested in Rock and Roll music. Country music, at the time meant Johnny Cash, George Jones and Loretta Lynn...all of which were way too country for "Mom's" 20-something ears to stand.

 

     Along came Randy Owen (above), Teddy Gentry, Mark Herndon and Jeff Cook with the band Alabama to change my mind. Songs Tennessee River, Feels So Right, Mountain Music, The Closer You Get and so many more country pop songs, made me for the first time take notice of the genre. I bought all of their albums, saw their concerts and even had a kiss on the cheek from Randy right before the picture above was taken (yes, that is a leather headband around my forehead, it was the 80's!). I was a fan...not of all country music, but certainly of Alabama. I wasn't the only one. Their list of awards is long and varied. For several years, they were the face of country music.

 

     In 2003-2004, the group went on their Farewell Tour and while they have reunited for special events since, the band that was a part of my music life for many years, had pretty much disappeared off of the radar.

 

     I was excited to see the release of their new album, Alabama & Friends, in August. It includes some of their old songs, sung by their friends as well as two new songs by the group themselves. As I played the music, I remembered why it was that they were my first, favorite country group. The new Alabama songs are fresh and timely, the older songs are wonderfully sung by current artists. I couldn't help but sing and smile my way through the entire thing. I am still a rock and roll girl, but Alabama opened my eyes to contemporary country music back in the 80's and I am still a fan today.  

 

     I wasn't given this album to review,

      nor was I compensated in any way.

 

      

 

This and That...

 

     I hadn't shown you Zoe in a while...she is now officially the most spoiled dog ever. She is 20 months old. She can tell time (snack time 10:00 a.m. and dinner at 5:00 p.m.) and will certainly let you know if you are 10 minutes late. She is very good getting her weekly bath, but still tries to escape when she sees me bring in the towels. She talks...a little whimper cry and she is trying to tell you she wants out, needs water or has a biscuit stuck in her mouth! She also chews every shoe she can get near, gets in my purse and takes things out and will grab a towel off the kitchen counter and run with it. Nothing is really safe...I hope she eventually tires of that "game".

 

     We had two nests this year and this little one eventually ended up in the back yard for a few days. At first we thought she was injured, but she was just trying her wings. I love watching them go from egg to baby to out on their own.

 

     I hope that some of you had a nice holiday weekend. Illinois has turned into a rain forest this year. It rained every day of the weekend and is still rainy today. We had no time outdoors at all, no patio, no sitting near the fire pit...it didn't feel like a holiday weekend at all. We are having a garage sale next Saturday, so we did get things ready for that. Of course, it is supposed to rain all week and most of next weekend too, so that may be a really fun garage sale.

 

    For those of you of my generation that were fans of Creedence Clearwater Revival, John Fogerty has a new album out today that I bought immediately. He has taken many familiar songs and redone them as duets with friends and artists he admires. I already love it. Wrote a Song for Everyone, has Proud Mary with Jennifer Hudson, Fortunate Son with the Foo Fighters, Bad Moon Rising with the Zac Brown Band and so many more great pairings. This wasn't a requested review, just an album I knew I'd like and I do. I bought this one myself.

     A few weeks ago I won a prize from Jacqueline @ Purple Chocolate Home for my cheesecake recipe using Sara Lee Pound Cake. Jacqueline (who is a fabulous cook) honored me by making my recipe and putting it on her blog today. She changed it up by topping it with chocolate instead my usual fruit topping...either way, it is a killer cheesecake if I do say so myself. Stop by Purple Chocolate Home for the recipe.

 

     So, what is happening in your part of the world this week? I hope you have sunshine and are enjoying being outside!

    

 

It Is About "Time"

 

It is a musical week on I Need Mom!

I wanted to post this today as the album was released.

My suggestion...buy it!

 

     I grew up listening to Rod Stewart. I was in high school when the album Every Picture Tells A Story came out. When I hear that raspy voice, I am right back there with Maggie May and Reason to Believe.  Over the years there were albums I liked and some I didn't, songs that stuck in my head (remember Hot Legs) and others that were forgotten, but I always was a fan.

 

     Then, in 2002, Rod began a decade of doing The Great American Songbook series. He started by singing songs from the 30's and 40's and gradually moved on to old standards and old rock covers. He lost me. Those album were very successful, but I missed the Rod Stewart that was creative and a little crazy with his music. I found a quote where he said that Time, is a rock album of his own original material. It marks a return to songwriting after what Stewart termed "a dark period for twenty years"; he said that writing his autobiography gave him the impetus to write music again. As a fan, I couldn't be happier.

 

     Time, released today, May 7th, 2013, marks Stewart's long-awaited return to his songwriting roots and features 12 tracks, 11 of which he wrote and produced. Rod rediscovered his voice as a songwriter and rekindled his gift for writing the honest, nerve-touching narratives that have been the cornerstone to the first three decades of his career. "Suddenly ideas for lyrics were piling up in my head," he says. "Next thing I knew, I had a song called 'It's Over' about divorce and separation. And now I was getting up in the middle of the night and scrambling for a pen to write things down, which has never happened to me. I finished seven or eight songs very quickly and I still wasn't done, and it became apparent that I would eventually have a whole album of material to record."

     It took about 2 seconds to realize that this album was while new and creative, flavored with the happy, feel good songs of the Rod Stewart I always enjoyed. Opening with She Makes Me Happy (watch the video here), one would never know that Mr. Stewart is 68-years-old. You can't tell by his hairstyle either as somehow, it remains the same over all these years. It's Over is a beautiful ballad that will touch so many hearts as it speaks of the end of a marriage. Beautiful Morning is a feel good song that will have you singing along and Finest Woman sounds very much like an old Rod Stewart rock song.

      What I love most is that this is rock album for my generation. Every song "tells a story" that I can relate to as a grown-up. I can only say that this record was a very pleasant surprise that I will be listening to often. Time is available on iTunes and Amazon. Along with the release of Time, Stewart is set to embark on the European leg of his Live the Life tour on June 1st, while American dates with Steve Winwood will kick off October 17th.


Time-Track Listing:
 1. She Makes Me Happy
2. Can’t Stop Me Now
3. It’s Over4. Brighton Beach
5. Beautiful Morning
6. Live The Life
7. Finest Woman
8. Time
9. Picture In A Frame
10. Sexual Religion
11. Make Love To Me Tonight
12. Pure Love

I participated in this campaign for One2One Network. I received a free copy of the CD to facilitate my review. By posting, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions stated are my own.

Michael Bublé "To Be Loved"

 

     Michael Bublé is one of those artists that I really like as a person. I think he would be fun to have over for dinner, he seems to have a great sense of humor and to be an all around great guy. I truly respect his talent and I think that he is one of those rare artists that sings the classics beautifully, but also transitions into today's pop music when the occasion arises.

 

     With all of that said, I personally don't listen to the old standards. I think they remind me too much of my "parent's music" and the days of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. When I was asked to listen and review Michael's new album, "To Be Loved", I accepted the offer because I was curious.

 

     Known as a Canadian Crooner, Bublé wants to "take you on a wonderful journey about love—all different kinds of love," with this album. He says it  "rocks, it’s soulful, it’s happy, sometimes a little sad. It’s romantic, it’s yummy, and it’s heartfelt."  The album covers songs by Frank Sinatra, the Bee Gees, Jackson 5, Elvis Presley, Van Morrison, and more. In the mix of golden standards are four original songs co-written by Bublé, dipping into his personal life for inspiration.

 

 

     As I listened to the album, I found an interesting pattern in my response to the music. The standards are done beautifully, it goes without saying that Michael's voice is as smooth as silk. So, if you are a fan of the older songs...you will love this album. The surprise for me was that the songs that made me stop and listen that I really enjoyed the most, were each one co-written by Bublé and each was beautiful. My favorite song on the album is "Close Your Eyes" which was written for his wife and the other women in his life. It is beautiful and so obviously sung from his heart. "After All" is sung with Bryan Adams and is another of my favorites. There is no doubt this man has a long career in his future as both a performer and I hope as a song writer...he excels at both!

 

     "To Be Loved" is available now on iTunes and Amazon. You can watch Michael sing "To Love Somebody" by clicking here.

 

To Be Loved Track Listing:

 

1. "You Make Me Feel So Young"

2. "It's a Beautiful Day"

3. "To Love Somebody"

4. "Who's Lovin You"

5. "Something Stupid" (featuring Reese Witherspoon)

6. "Come Dance with Me"

7. "Close Your Eyes"

8. "After All" (featuring Bryan Adams)

9. "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" (with Naturally 7)

10. "To Be Loved"

11. "You've Got a Friend in Me"  

12. "Nevertheless (I'm in Love with You)" (featuring The Puppini Sisters)

13. "I Got It Easy"    

14. "Young at Heart"

 

I participated in this campaign for One2One Network. I received a free copy of the album to facilitate my review. By posting, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions stated are my own.

Old black water, keep on rollin', Mississippi moon, won't you keep on shinin' on me

 

     Last week was a busy week for us. In the midst of the busy, on Wednesday night I got to do something that was on my "bucket list"! I finally, after decades, got to see the Doobie Brothers right here in my own town. To make it even better, two good friends made the drive from our old hometown to go to the concert and then we had a sleepover at my house. My husband grew up with Doobies music too, so he went to the concert but he went to bed long before we did. We were up until almost 3:00 a.m. catching up on our kids, friends and life in general. Between the concert and the girls...I felt 17 again...until later the next day when I ended up going to bed at 9:00 p.m. If only our bodies could stay as young as our heads and hearts!

 

 

     Many of you that read my blog are about my age, so I know you are very familiar with the Doobie hits. The Doobies formed in 1970, so for me...all of my high school and college memories are set to the backdrop of their hit songs. Listen to the Music, Jesus is Just Alright, China Grove, Long Train Runnin', Black Water, Take Me In Your Arms and Takin' It To the Streets all bring back memories of high school dances and smoky college bars with small dance floors. When they struck the first chord of the first song, I was smiling from ear to ear and it didn't stop for the entire night.

 

     Original members Patrick Simmons and Tom Johnston (the voices of the Doobies) are still with the group, along with John McFee who has also been with the group since the 70's. It is so refreshing to see a group that can play their instruments, can truly sing and were literally "jamming" on stage. Keyboard, sax, violin...they do it all and every song was amazing. This was a rock concert at its best...they played their old hits and a few new songs from their last album. The crowd was on their feet and a good time was had by all. If you ever get the chance to see them...take it!

 

     For you "young ones" that read my blog and want to know more about this band, click the song links above or visit their website. We baby boomers really do know how to rock and roll!

 

Hopefully, this week I will have a

bit more time to visit your blogs!

 

 

Safe Haven-CD Review

     I don't know about the rest of you, but I've been seeing the commercials for the new film, Safe Haven and I can't wait. In theatres Valentine's Day February 14^th, 2013, Safe Haven is directed by Oscar®-nominee Lasse Hallström and based on the best-selling novel by Nicholas Sparks. The film stars Josh Duhamel (love him), Julianne Hough (love her too). It is an affirming and suspenseful story about a young woman who struggles to find love again after she arrives in a small North Carolina town. 

     I was contacted recently by Big Picture Media to see if I would be interested in listening to and reviewing the soundtrack for the film. 

     I had already purchased the song,  "We Both Know" by Colbie Caillat and Gavin DeGraw and I have been playing it constantly. It is one of those beautiful ballads that you just can't hear too many times. You can watch the video here. So, I jumped at the chance to hear the rest of the soundtrack.  Produced by Relativity Music Group and Republic Records, it features artists that were new to me as well as Caillat and DeGraw. 

     I got the tracks today and the music doesn't disappoint. Tristan Prettyman's, Say Anything, is one of my favorite tunes.

We won't break if we let go

You and I already know

We were bound to be set free

Even surely, here we are now

You can say anything

     Canoeing (Katie and Alex's Theme) by Deborah Lurie almost made me cry and I haven't even seen the film yet! The soundtrack ends with Go Your Own Way, which will make most of us think of Fleetwood Mac, but which is done beautifully by Lissie for the film. I would say the music tends to be what I would consider a cross between folk and pop. The artists have that song-writer vibe that is so interesting and popular right now. A film that I already wanted to see is only going to be enhanced by this excellent soundtrack. 

Tracks:

Colbie Caillat featuring Gavin DeGraw- "We Both Know"

Tristan Prettyman- "Say Anything"

Ben Howard- "Keep Your Head Up"

Dar Williams- "Summer Child"

The White Buffalo- "Sleepy Little Town"

Gareth Dunlop- "Wrap Your Arms Around Me"

Sara Haze- "Moonshine"

FM Radio- "The Journey"

Brandi Carlile- "Heart's Content" (Strings Mix)

Amos Lee- "Violin"

The Deep Dark Woods- "My Baby's Got To Pay The Rent"

Deborah Lurie- "Canoeing" (Katie and Alex's Theme)

Lissie-"Go Your Own Way"

     The Safe Haven soundtrack is available to pre-order on iTunes. For more information on Safe Haven visit www.safehavenfilm.com. 

     My only compensation for this review was to be able to listen to the soundtrack (4 time only) in order to write the review. 

Don't forget my GIVEAWAY

Click Here

The Abbey Road Sessions

     It had been quite a while since I was asked to listen and review new music and then I was sent two at the same time. So today, I will tell you about the CD I received just a few days ago, The Abbey Road Sessions by Kylie Minogue.

     I had heard of Kylie Minogue, but I really wasn't familiar at all with her music or her voice. When One2One Network asked if I would like to listen to it and write about it, I was more than happy to see what she was all about.

     Kylie has been singing for 25 years and for The Abbey Road Sessions album, she reworked the songs of her past and recorded in London's legendary Abbey Road Studios with her band and a full orchestra. Minogue is mostly known for her "pop" style and the songs on this album have been re-imagined and re-arranged to create an emotional album with clear, heartfelt vocals. After selling 60 million albums, acting roles and appearances...her voice is still youthful and unique.

     As for my personal review of the album, it is a difficult review for me. I love it when I get a new CD that is just my style of music and I love it. As for this one, I have nothing to compare it to since I had never listened to Kylie on any other album. I think if you are a fan of Kylie, you will enjoy listening to all of her hits with a new "twist" to them. I found her voice and style on this album not to be my personal taste, but it would be unfair to say it isn't a good album just because I didn't this style of music. I do appreciate the amount of work that must have gone into changing all of the songs, adding the orchestra and there is no doubt her voice sounds very youthful after 25 years! I think her fan base will be thrilled with this new project.

     I suggest that you listen to samples of the CD here. You can decided for yourself if this is the CD for you! The CD is available now and you can read more about Kylie at www.kylie.com.

     I will happily send my copy of her CD to the first person who asks for it and sends me their mailing address. I know that some of you are Kylie fans!

     I participated in this campaign for One2One Network. I received a free copy of the CD to facilitate my review. By posting, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions stated are my own.

    

Christmas Theme Preview and a Chris Mann "Roads" Review

    I was recently contacted by One2One Network to do a review on Chris Mann's new album, Roads. My answer was an easy YES! You see I had been following Chris Mann since watching him on The Voice last season. He came in 4th place, but he could have easily been the winner.

    What I loved about Chris is that while he is trained in opera, graduating from Vanderbilt's Blair School of Music in 2004, with a degree in vocal performance, he has the ability to also look and sound like a pop star. The only person that I can think of that has that same ability is Josh Groban, they both are what I guess I would call "cool opera" and are able to blend the two genres into something amazing.

     Roads is an eclectic mix of songs, ranging from Willie Nelson's Always on My Mind and Lady Antebellum's Need You Now to Ava Maria. Chris also co-wrote two of the songs on the album.

     My feelings about the album are a bit mixed, but it certainly has nothing to do with the amazing voice of Chris Mann. Every song he sings is perfection. I personally am not crazy about a couple of the cover songs (My Way, Always on My Mind) so as I listened to the CD, I found myself thinking, "I love this" and then, "oh, I never liked that song". My favorites are The Blower's Daughter which he sings with Christina Aguilera and Falling (which he co-wrote). It is truly a beautiful album by a man with a beautiful voice. You can listen to The Blower's Daughter by clicking here.

Playlist

Roads
Need You Now
Cuore
The Blower's Daughter Feat. Christina Aguilera
My Way
Unless You Mean It
Always On My Mind
On A Night Like This
Ave Maria
Falling
Viva La Vida 

Now, for a little bit of Christmas is Coming!

 

     I think most of you know by now that I like to "theme" my decorations each year. Yes, I was a good mother and always had a tree with the kid's handmade ornaments and their favorites, but now that they aren't here for Christmas (and neither are we) I go with whatever strikes me that year. Believe me, I don't have to add much to what I already have to change themes. I thought I'd share the trees from the years I've been blogging. My tutorial on making a tree topper is on my sidebar and it has the most views of all of my posts.

 

 

 

     Last year, the vintage tinsel tree with blues, turquoises, hot pink and peacocks! It was a fun one to play with and required almost no lights on the tree.

 

 

 

     2010, the tree and the house were done in silvers and golds...I always think this is the most elegant combination and the easiest to do.

 

  

 

     In 2009, I went with bronze, chocolate brown and hints of turquoise. It was really different, but I loved the look.

 

 

     So, just a sneak peek at what is happening around here this year. I'm not feeling all glitzy and glamerous...I'm feeling a bit nostalgic and wintery. I also have decided to make it easy on myself this year so that I have time to roast a few chestnuts and have a cup of cocoa in front of the fireplace. More to come, after Thanksgiving.

 

Sometimes You Just Need A Little Home

     Just this morning I saw Rascal Flatts on a television show and they were asked why they had named their new album Changed. Gary LeVox, lead singer of Rascal Flatts, said that it described the past decade perfectly for them. He said that they had changed record companies, management and their personal lives had changed as well. He felt as if that single word fit very well for what had been happening in their lives. I think that may be the reason that so many people are going to relate to the songs on this album.

     Those of you who follow my blog know that music is a huge part of my life. I am certainly a rock and roll girl with a lot of teenager still in this middle-aged body. I am equally familiar with current pop music and classic rock from the 70's. I rarely call myself a country music fan and yet, as country music has gradually taken on more of a country pop/rock sound, I have a few favorite artists that I listen to often. Rascal Flatts is at the top of that list. I have many of their albums and I am a huge fan of their beautiful ballads and harmonies. So, when I was asked if I would be interested in reviewing their new album, I jumped at the chance. I knew I would be buying it anyway.

     When asked to review a cd, I have a way I like to listen to it. The first time I play it, I put it in the stereo and go about my business with it blasting in the background. If I catch myself stopping to listen to a song, I know it is a good one. In the case of Changed, I simply stopped what I was doing and started listening to the words. I think this is one of Rascal Flatt's best. It has beautiful ballads and up tempo country rock  all done with the beautiful harmonies that have made them famous. One minute I was in tears, the next I was bouncing around the living room!

    

     The trio, comprised of singer Gary LeVox, bassist Jay DeMarcus and guitarist Joe Don Rooney, have evolved after being in the spotlight as some of country music's biggest superstars. Changed is their eighth studio album and their first with brand new material in two years. Since their musical debut in 2000, the band has sold over 21 million albums, 25 million digital downloads and delivered 13 #1 singles to the top of the charts. I have no doubt that with this album those numbers are all going to go up!

     My favorite song on the CD is A Little Home.

It may not be the hit from the album,

 but it certainly touched something in me.

Fifth floor. She’s up in her dorm. Studyin’ for her midterms.

She’s had one of those weeks,

where the world it seems is against her.

Right on cue a picture pops up on her laptop.

She can’t pick her cell phone up fast enough.

Sometimes you just need a little home.

Some “hey mom and dad what’s goin’ on?

I’m just checkin’ in. No there ain’t nothing wrong”

Sometimes you just need a little home.

Well he’s tired, sits down in the sand.

Shoe box in his hand, half a world away.

And he smiles when he sees who it’s from.

He lays down his gun, no he can’t wait.

Cards and letters and something sweet.

He takes a bite and reads.

How everybody sends their love, he tears up.

Sometimes you just need a little home.

A little let you know you’re not alone.

 To carry in your heart. And keep your spirit strong.

Sometimes you just need a little home.

 Sometimes I’d like to drive back through that little town.

 And get my feet back on the ground.

Sometimes you just need a little home.

A little hey you’ve been gone way too long.

Yeah way too long.

No matter how grown up you get.

 No matter how far you roam.

Sometimes you just need a little home.

Home sweet home.

Sometimes you just need a little home.

Hey “mom and dad, what’s goin’ on?”

To read more about Rascal Flatts, check out their website.

To see the video of Banjo

Click here!

I did get my copy of Changed for free
from One2One Network,  

but I would gladly reimburse them for it.

I highly recommend it!

Crafting and Concerting!

     I think that most of you that read my blog on a regular basis know that I don't "craft". I work with florals, I cook and on rare occasions I attempt a bit more...but, I'm not very good at it. So, for me to actually make something is a big deal! When we were in St. Charles, MO I saw something in a shop that I liked. I just wasn't willing to pay the price that was being asked, so I decided to attempt to make something similar. I didn't take any pictures of their version, but I'm happy with mine. It is probably better that I can't see what the original looked like!

     It starts with an old book. I bought mine at Goodwill and I looked for one with rough edges on the pages. I brushed a little tea along the pages to darken them and make them look more worn.

The little mouse I bought for $6.99. I loved it that he was

reading The Night Before Christmas!

     I couldn't find any wrapping paper that looked like old Christmas paper, so I bought a large gift bag and cut it to make a book cover. I left the long edge exposed, and folded the paper at the top and bottom edges of the book as if I were wrapping a gift. A touch of the glue gun held the paper in place. Brown kraft paper was burned around the edges (do this over the sink, I had to turn on the water to put out a couple of fires) and the beginning  words of The Night Before Christmas were printed on it before attaching it to the covered book with Mod Podge. After attaching the wording, go over the entire front of the book with Mod Podge and add a hint of glitter if you want to.

I tied a bit of twine around the book and added the mouse

to the top with a drop of hot glue. Easy!

     Saturday night we went to see Lee Greenwood's Christmas Concert at our local theater. Over the years I've enjoyed a few Lee Greenwood songs, but I think in recent years he has mostly been known for singing God Bless the USA at various important events. Knowing that he sang it right after 9/11 for the firefighters and police made it even more of an honor to be in the same room with him when he sang it. The entire audience (sold out theater) stood during the song. It is certainly no wonder that Lee has won many awards, his voice is like velvet.

     He has a new Christmas album and one of my favorite songs was Til The Season Comes Around Again. Click here if you'd like to hear it. If you get a chance to see him in concert, I highly recommend it.

Taking Care of Business! A Winner and a New Giveaway!

   I have lots of posts coming up about places and things we saw on our recent trip, but first I need to take care of a little business! A Winner and Another Giveaway!

contest has ended

     Before I left town, I was asked by Sneak Attack Media if I would review legendary singer-songwriter Daryl Hall's new CD. Laughing Down Crying is his fifth solo studio album. I jumped at the chance because I always loved Hall's soulful vocals when he sang with John Oates. However, the CD arrived while I was gone, so I'm just now having the chance to hear it. I've played it through 3 times now and I am really enjoying it. Hall’s newest collection feels fresh and current while still maintaining his signature style and songwriting skills. He was joined in the studio by co-producers Greg Bieck (Jennifer Lopez, Destiny’s Child, Ricky Martin) and Paul Pesco for the making of this album. Powerhouse producer, the late T-Bone Wolk (Billy Joel, Carly Simon, Elvis Costello) lent his expertise on stand-out tracks “Lifetime of Love,” “Wrong Side of History” and “Problem With You.” This album serves as the last project they worked on together after a prolific 30-year relationship.
  
     What I like most about this album is the variety. Talking to You sounds a bit like a Hall and Oates song, Save Me makes you want to stand up and yell hallelujah, Crash and Burn tugs at your heart. I didn't find anything about the album that I didn't enjoy. You can check out Daryl's latest news on his Facebook page or follow him on Twitter!

   Sneak Attack Media has generously agreed to send one of my readers a copy of Laughing Down Crying. All you have to do is leave me a comment on this post and I'll draw out a name to win the CD! I'll pick a winner Sunday, October 23rd.

The Winner of my Tate's Cookie and Cookbook Giveaway Is:

Ricki Jill Treleaven from Art @ Home

Congrats!

   

It Was The Summer of '69

     The year was 1969 and I was 14 years old that summer. My small hometown of Mattoon, Illinois was suddenly on the map as it was selected to host the 1969 Babe Ruth World Series for 14-15-year-olds at Grimes Field in Peterson Park. This event was a very big deal for our small town. Teams were coming in from all across the country, parades were held and princesses were selected to “look pretty on the floats”. As a 14-year-old girl, it was heaven. My own subdivision of 50 houses, hosted the team from Indianola, Iowa. As the only teenage girl in the neighborhood, I was asked to gather my girlfriends and throw a few parties to entertain the team.

     For me, it was the summer of my first “boyfriend” as I met and fell for the older brother of one of the team members. It was the summer of my first kiss…the same week, the same boy. It was the summer that I finally figured out that I might actually not always be seen as too tall and gangly or just as the best friend of the cutest girl in my class. It was easily the best summer I ever had as a kid and I still can’t help but smile when I think of the fun we had.

Wonder where they are now?

     The backdrop of that summer of course was music. What comes to mind first when I think of that summer is The Association singing Never My Love and Cherish and The Grass Roots-Midnight Confessions and I‘d Wait A Million Years. It was the days before MTV and video, we played our albums over and over until we wore them out. I still have every one of mine!

     Imagine how exciting it was last night to attend the Happy Together Tour that just happened to make a stop at our local theater. The Association, The Grass Roots, The Buckingham’s, The Turtles and Mark Lindsay of Paul Revere and the Raiders were all on stage singing songs from their combined multitude of hits.

     The Buckingham's founding members Carl Giammarese and Nick Fortuna opened the show. They may be a little older, but their voices are those we remember from Kind of a Drag, Susan, Don't You Care and Hey Baby.  

     Next up, The Grass Roots. Sadly, Rob Grill, the voice we all remember from the hits of The Grass Roots, died in July. He had been billed to be on this tour, but his health prevented him from participating this year. This formation of the band sounded really good and we enjoyed hearing the old songs, but something was missing because we knew there were no members from the original lineup.

     Next, The Association. With three original members performing I had high expectations for the group that I loved so much as a teenager. Opening the set with Windy and finishing with Cherish, the music took me back to my teen years and I couldn't believe I was finally hearing them in person. With that said, they were the one group who have really lost their vocal sound. The tight harmonies that made them famous are simply not there and at times, because I know these songs so well, it was almost painful to listen to.

     Mark Lindsay, the lead singer of Paul Revere and the Raiders (remember the pony tails) back in the day was next on stage. This guy is still very cool. At 69, he has more energy than a 25-year-old and his voice seems to have mellowed over the years. Singing Indian Reservation, Kicks, Hungry and Arizona, it was easy to forget that decades had passed. He could easily do a Vegas show and keep audiences entertained. He was the surprise of the night for me because while as a young teen I thought he was gorgeous, I didn't really think his career would last this long or he would be this good.

     The true stars of the show were The Turtles, Howard Kaylan and Mark Volman (Flo and Eddie). They were the founding fathers of the group and at 64-years-old, they sound great! I would still buy this music. They mix a bit of silly humor in between You Baby, Happy Together and She'd Rather Be With Me. I really loved these guys!

     As the show came to an end (after more than 3 hours) all the performers took to the stage together and looked as if they were having a great time. This concert was well worth the ticket price and was almost a sell out crowd here in our little town. Most of us in the audience have our AARP cards, but for one summer night in August, we all forgot that for a little while!