If you listened to country music in the '90s, you probably heard Sammy Kershaw's hilarious and memorable hit, "Third Rate Romance." The song, paired with its equally entertaining music video, delivers a perfect mix of humor and storytelling. Upon looking it up on YouTube, I noticed a Canadian band had also recorded it, along with a Louisiana native named Jesse Winchester.
The song was written by Russell Smith, and first recorded by Jesse Winchester and the Rhythm Aces in Montreal in 1974. It became a hit for the newly reformed Amazing Rhythm Aces with Russell Smith on vocals the following year. It appeared on the 1975 album Stacked Deck. The band's debut single reached No.11 on the U.S. country singles chart, No.14 on the Billboard Hot 100, and No.1 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks and Top Singles charts.
Sammy Kershaw covered the song on his 1994 album Feelin' Good Train, from which it was released as a single in 1994. It peaked at No.2 in the United States country charts, and at No.10 in Canada. Russell Smith provided backing vocals on Kershaw's version.
Original version by Jesse Winchester:
Amazing Rhythm Aces version:
Amazing Rhythm Aces' debut album, Stacked Deck, was released in 1975. The album reached #11 on the US country chart and #120 on the Billboard albums chart. In Canada, it topped both the country and pop charts with "Third Rate Romance", the group's biggest hit single. The Amazing Rhythm Aces released six studio albums. The band released How the Hell Do You Spell Rythum? in 1980 before they disbanded.
In 1976, "The End Is Not in Sight (The Cowboy Tune)", from the album Too Stuffed to Jump, won a Grammy for Country Vocal Performance by a Group. In 2013, Dave Dimartino, of Rolling Stone, called the album "near classic" and said that it sounded "more contemporary than anyone might expect."
Songs I really like: "Third Rate Romance," Life's Railway to Heaven," Anything You Want," "Hit the Nail on the Head," "Who Will the Next Fool Be?" "Emma-Jean," "Mystery Train," "Typical American Boy," "The End Is Not in Sight (The Cowboy Tune)," "Out of the Snow," "Fool for the Woman." ♪♫
What I really appreciate about this group is how their music blends a bluesy, soulful vibe with a touch of country flair. Check out this live footage from Austin City Limits; they truly shine in a live setting. Austin City Limits is also a great place to see a live show!
You can make the videos larger, or click them to go directly to their YouTube videos.
Austin City Limits urls: https://austincitylimits.com/ -- https://www.aclfestival.com/
Monday, January 27, 2025
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Sometimes I feel like pourin' it all out ♪♫
I can’t help but feel sentimental this time of year as I think back to happier days. Years ago, I hadn’t lost touch with anyone, and some people I cared about were still here. Just before Thanksgiving, I learned that a very dear friend of mine had passed away in the spring of 2022. How could I not have known? Life's busy stages must have caught up with me, and as time slipped away, we stopped communicating. Several other friends have passed in the last four years, adding to the heartache of losing my grandmother in May of 2023.
I also think about all my accomplishments and how much more I still want to achieve. Will I get there? I ask myself. New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are not just times for reflection, but also opportunities to move forward, striving toward my current goals. I’m not big on New Year’s resolutions—I find them hard to stick to—but I do focus on the future and how to navigate the path ahead.
New Year’s Eve and Day may not feel the same as they once did, but they remain meaningful. You cope as you go along, creating new memories while holding onto the lessons of the past. It’s essential to live in the moment and appreciate what you have now because it may not always be there.
Sometimes I feel like "Pourin' It All Out," and I did with this post! I thought Graham Parker's "Pourin' It All Out" was appropriate here.
"Then I found myself in a new year celebration, crying alone in a crowd,
Yeah, that really was some new year celebration, all bravado was strong and loud,
I don't mind telling you what I'm going through,
I don't mind telling you baby cause every word it true,
Sometimes I feel like pourin' it all out,
Sometimes I feel like pourin' it all out,
Sometimes I feel like pourin' it all out,
Tonight, all night, all right..." ♪♫
What great lyrics! I kicked off my New Year’s Eve with “Pourin’ It All Out,” and the night only got better from there. I ended up listening to Graham Parker’s Best Of... album, soaking in the music and having the best time. To top it all off, bursts of red, green, and gold fireworks lit up the night sky, making the evening truly unforgettable.
I also learned that in Hershey, Pennsylvania, the town raises a giant Hershey Kiss at the stroke of midnight! I already knew about the history of Hershey Park, that it was founded in 1906 by Milton S. Hershey of the Hershey Chocolate Company. But, I had no idea the town did something so special for New Year’s. I’d love to see that in person; it’s just too cool! 🎆
Happy New Year! Wishing everyone good health, prosperity, and luck in the new year. Let's make this a good one. #2025 🎉 🎊 🥂 🍾
I also think about all my accomplishments and how much more I still want to achieve. Will I get there? I ask myself. New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are not just times for reflection, but also opportunities to move forward, striving toward my current goals. I’m not big on New Year’s resolutions—I find them hard to stick to—but I do focus on the future and how to navigate the path ahead.
New Year’s Eve and Day may not feel the same as they once did, but they remain meaningful. You cope as you go along, creating new memories while holding onto the lessons of the past. It’s essential to live in the moment and appreciate what you have now because it may not always be there.
Sometimes I feel like "Pourin' It All Out," and I did with this post! I thought Graham Parker's "Pourin' It All Out" was appropriate here.
"Then I found myself in a new year celebration, crying alone in a crowd,
Yeah, that really was some new year celebration, all bravado was strong and loud,
I don't mind telling you what I'm going through,
I don't mind telling you baby cause every word it true,
Sometimes I feel like pourin' it all out,
Sometimes I feel like pourin' it all out,
Sometimes I feel like pourin' it all out,
Tonight, all night, all right..." ♪♫
What great lyrics! I kicked off my New Year’s Eve with “Pourin’ It All Out,” and the night only got better from there. I ended up listening to Graham Parker’s Best Of... album, soaking in the music and having the best time. To top it all off, bursts of red, green, and gold fireworks lit up the night sky, making the evening truly unforgettable.
I also learned that in Hershey, Pennsylvania, the town raises a giant Hershey Kiss at the stroke of midnight! I already knew about the history of Hershey Park, that it was founded in 1906 by Milton S. Hershey of the Hershey Chocolate Company. But, I had no idea the town did something so special for New Year’s. I’d love to see that in person; it’s just too cool! 🎆
Happy New Year! Wishing everyone good health, prosperity, and luck in the new year. Let's make this a good one. #2025 🎉 🎊 🥂 🍾
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Rewinding the Tape: Sam Goody Bids Its Last Good-bye
Sam Goody, one of the record store giants from the golden age of physical media, is set to finally shutter its last remaining brick-and-mortar stores.
In malls and shopping centers across North America, the chain became a staple of music, video, and entertainment retailers for much of the 20th century. As with many large physical media companies, its fortunes changed with the rise of the internet, digital downloads, and online shopping.
Located in St. Clairsville, Ohio, and Medford, Oregon, respectively, the chain's last two stores opened in 2022. Both are now expected to close early next year, according to reports.
Despite thinking there were no more Sam Goody's, this saddens me! My Sam Goody stores disappeared a lonnnnnng time ago. Sam Goody was one of my favorite stores in the mall. One of my lasting memories from the nineties is overhearing two workers, perfectly dressed in flannel shirts with band tees underneath, say, "R.E.M. is one of those bands everybody likes," and the other replying, "Yeah, I don't know anyone who doesn't like R.E.M." I tend to agree with them. I wonder where they are now?
Gadzooks and Coach House Gifts were also favorites. Additionally, bookstores like Waldenbooks were nice. I would definitely visit that store again if I were in Ohio or Oregon right now. Another store I liked was Hastings. My parents would always say, "Well, kiddos, we're going to Hastings!" or "We're going to the mall!" and we'd all hop in the van excitedly. My final stop was almost always Hastings if I ventured out to any other store. The candy shop was a must-visit for me, and I always tried to make time for Sam Goody.
I haven't been to the mall since before Covid. So much changed after that with social distancing, but I do go out more now. The truth is I haven't needed anything from the mall. Since the pandemic, I've been doing most of my shopping online, and go out for everything else, such as dining, entertainment, errands, and work-related tasks.
While I appreciate the convenience of online shopping, there are times when I prefer to physically visit a store and engage with products before purchasing. A click of a button simply cannot replicate the experience of touching, smelling, or trying on items. In an effort to bridge the gap between in-store and online shopping, some stores have implemented a "virtual shopping experience" where customers can connect their webcam to see how certain products would look on them, such as a new shade of lipstick or a pair of jeans. Others have taken it a step further with virtual shopping carts that allow you to navigate through virtual aisles and browse products. I even came across one with Christmas music playing in the background, adding a touch of holiday spirit to the digital world of shopping.
Instead of Sam Goody and Hastings, we now have stores like EntertainMART and the Movie Trading Company. I've visited the latter, and it reminds me a lot of Hastings in its offerings. Inside, there's a wide selection of DVDs, video games, music, and merchandise to browse through. But as they say, all good things must come to an end. Fortunately, we still have something to anticipate. :)
More on the closure of these Sam Goody stores, please see below.
Source: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sam-goody-stores-close-1235210208/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0zqfhR3j4TIvWpSaZIIM-Co7NjbcnwoplJCi5x9PTSZyst9p6KfdF7HW8_aem_83DVsqJtnNxhXNY-RV5VIg
In malls and shopping centers across North America, the chain became a staple of music, video, and entertainment retailers for much of the 20th century. As with many large physical media companies, its fortunes changed with the rise of the internet, digital downloads, and online shopping.
Located in St. Clairsville, Ohio, and Medford, Oregon, respectively, the chain's last two stores opened in 2022. Both are now expected to close early next year, according to reports.
Despite thinking there were no more Sam Goody's, this saddens me! My Sam Goody stores disappeared a lonnnnnng time ago. Sam Goody was one of my favorite stores in the mall. One of my lasting memories from the nineties is overhearing two workers, perfectly dressed in flannel shirts with band tees underneath, say, "R.E.M. is one of those bands everybody likes," and the other replying, "Yeah, I don't know anyone who doesn't like R.E.M." I tend to agree with them. I wonder where they are now?
Gadzooks and Coach House Gifts were also favorites. Additionally, bookstores like Waldenbooks were nice. I would definitely visit that store again if I were in Ohio or Oregon right now. Another store I liked was Hastings. My parents would always say, "Well, kiddos, we're going to Hastings!" or "We're going to the mall!" and we'd all hop in the van excitedly. My final stop was almost always Hastings if I ventured out to any other store. The candy shop was a must-visit for me, and I always tried to make time for Sam Goody.
I haven't been to the mall since before Covid. So much changed after that with social distancing, but I do go out more now. The truth is I haven't needed anything from the mall. Since the pandemic, I've been doing most of my shopping online, and go out for everything else, such as dining, entertainment, errands, and work-related tasks.
While I appreciate the convenience of online shopping, there are times when I prefer to physically visit a store and engage with products before purchasing. A click of a button simply cannot replicate the experience of touching, smelling, or trying on items. In an effort to bridge the gap between in-store and online shopping, some stores have implemented a "virtual shopping experience" where customers can connect their webcam to see how certain products would look on them, such as a new shade of lipstick or a pair of jeans. Others have taken it a step further with virtual shopping carts that allow you to navigate through virtual aisles and browse products. I even came across one with Christmas music playing in the background, adding a touch of holiday spirit to the digital world of shopping.
Instead of Sam Goody and Hastings, we now have stores like EntertainMART and the Movie Trading Company. I've visited the latter, and it reminds me a lot of Hastings in its offerings. Inside, there's a wide selection of DVDs, video games, music, and merchandise to browse through. But as they say, all good things must come to an end. Fortunately, we still have something to anticipate. :)
More on the closure of these Sam Goody stores, please see below.
Source: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sam-goody-stores-close-1235210208/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0zqfhR3j4TIvWpSaZIIM-Co7NjbcnwoplJCi5x9PTSZyst9p6KfdF7HW8_aem_83DVsqJtnNxhXNY-RV5VIg
Sunday, December 8, 2024
Dick Van Dyke stars alongside Chris Martin in new Coldplay video ahead of his 99th birthday
Dick Van Dyke, 98, stars in Coldplay's video for "All My Love." This extended Director's Cut comes ahead of Van Dyke's 99th birthday, when Coldplay's video for "All My Love" will debut.
In the video, Van Dyke, best known for his roles in Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, talks about love, family, and age at his Malibu home.
In June, Van Dyke became the oldest Daytime Emmy winner ever when he was awarded for his guest role on the soap opera Days of Our Lives. “I feel like a spy from nighttime television,” the actor said in his acceptance speech. “I’m the oldest nominee in history. I can’t believe it. I was playing old men all my life. If I had known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself!”
The band is set to perform at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards, which will air live Thursday, December 12th, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Fox. Coldplay is up for two awards: Top Duo/Group and Top Rock Touring Artist.
Source: https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/coldplay-dick-van-dyke-all-my-love-music-video-69692/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0EV0lWbZniJCixdOe3AayjjqLInqJRvY2wQxtx7lVTUcepGPHHh_fKNyw_aem_ARgwWUap7Pff9xt2f1ejQw
I just love Dick Van Dyke's zest for life and how he refuses to let age hold him back. At nearly 100-years-old, he keeps moving forward, always giving his best. It's incredibly inspiring to see him continually creating, staying active, and embracing each day with enthusiasm. Whether he's dancing, singing, or spreading positivity, he shows us that joy and creativity are timeless.
What makes him even more remarkable is his willingness to share his wisdom and experiences with others. His openness about aging gracefully and staying connected to what brings him happiness serves as a lesson for all of us. Watching him reminds me that passion and purpose have no expiration date, and it’s never too late to keep doing what you love.
In the video, Van Dyke, best known for his roles in Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, talks about love, family, and age at his Malibu home.
In June, Van Dyke became the oldest Daytime Emmy winner ever when he was awarded for his guest role on the soap opera Days of Our Lives. “I feel like a spy from nighttime television,” the actor said in his acceptance speech. “I’m the oldest nominee in history. I can’t believe it. I was playing old men all my life. If I had known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself!”
The band is set to perform at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards, which will air live Thursday, December 12th, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Fox. Coldplay is up for two awards: Top Duo/Group and Top Rock Touring Artist.
Source: https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/coldplay-dick-van-dyke-all-my-love-music-video-69692/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0EV0lWbZniJCixdOe3AayjjqLInqJRvY2wQxtx7lVTUcepGPHHh_fKNyw_aem_ARgwWUap7Pff9xt2f1ejQw
I just love Dick Van Dyke's zest for life and how he refuses to let age hold him back. At nearly 100-years-old, he keeps moving forward, always giving his best. It's incredibly inspiring to see him continually creating, staying active, and embracing each day with enthusiasm. Whether he's dancing, singing, or spreading positivity, he shows us that joy and creativity are timeless.
What makes him even more remarkable is his willingness to share his wisdom and experiences with others. His openness about aging gracefully and staying connected to what brings him happiness serves as a lesson for all of us. Watching him reminds me that passion and purpose have no expiration date, and it’s never too late to keep doing what you love.
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Sports Team: Indie-Alternative Rock’s Chaotic and Charismatic Gems
I recently stumbled upon an incredible band that somehow slipped under my radar until now. How have I missed them all this time? Ironically, I discovered them through some unfortunate news—a robbery in Vallejo, California, on the very first day of their U.S. tour. They lost their passports, stage equipment, and personal belongings—a tough break and an awful way to start a tour!
Their debut album, Deep Down Happy, was released on June 5, 2020. The lead single, "Here's The Thing," came out on February 17, 2020, and quickly became a standout track, full of biting wit and infectious energy. On March 28, 2022, the band announced their second album, Gulp!, alongside the lead single "R Entertainment." Gulp! was released on September 23, 2022. Both Deep Down Happy and Gulp! received glowing four-out-of-five-star reviews from NME.
Most recently, on July 18, 2024, the band announced their third album, Boys These Days, and dropped their first single from it, "I'm in Love (Subaru)." This release marked a triumphant return, as they headlined their first London show in two years at Omeara.
So, what makes up Sports Team? It's like if Inspiral Carpets, Art Brut, and Kaiser Chiefs had a love child-- Sports Team would be the result. Between the vocals, the punchy lyrics, and their sharp, sarcastic commentary on modern life, the band feels like a perfect mix of nostalgia and fresh energy.
Listening to them is like being swept up in a chaotic, joyful whirlwind. Tracks like "Fishing" and "Here's the Thing" capture their knack for creating songs that stick in your head while simultaneously making you laugh or think. It's alternative, indie rock with a punch— loud, unapologetic, and ridiculously fun.
Some of my favorite Sports Team tunes: "Going Soft," "Here's the Thing," "Fishing," "Kutcher," "Stations of the Cross," "I'm in Love (Subaru)," "Dig," "The Drop," "Unstuck," "R Entertainment," "Kool Aid," "Getting Better," "Light Industry," "Condensation." ♪♫
Current tour dates:
07.Dec.2024 The Chapel -- San Francisco, CA
09.Dec.2024 Voodoo Room at the House of Blues -- San Diego, CA
11.Dec.2024 El Cid Los Angeles, CA
13.Dec.2024 Dante's Portland, CA
15.Dec.2024 ALT 101.5 presents “The ALT-imate Acoustic Christmas” -- Palm Springs, CA
11.Mar.2025 The National -- Richmond, VA
05.Jul.2025 Margate Summer Series, UK 2025 -- Margate, United Kingdom
16.Aug.2025 The Piece Hall -- Halifax, UJnited Kingdom
Catch them if you can!
Their debut album, Deep Down Happy, was released on June 5, 2020. The lead single, "Here's The Thing," came out on February 17, 2020, and quickly became a standout track, full of biting wit and infectious energy. On March 28, 2022, the band announced their second album, Gulp!, alongside the lead single "R Entertainment." Gulp! was released on September 23, 2022. Both Deep Down Happy and Gulp! received glowing four-out-of-five-star reviews from NME.
Most recently, on July 18, 2024, the band announced their third album, Boys These Days, and dropped their first single from it, "I'm in Love (Subaru)." This release marked a triumphant return, as they headlined their first London show in two years at Omeara.
So, what makes up Sports Team? It's like if Inspiral Carpets, Art Brut, and Kaiser Chiefs had a love child-- Sports Team would be the result. Between the vocals, the punchy lyrics, and their sharp, sarcastic commentary on modern life, the band feels like a perfect mix of nostalgia and fresh energy.
Listening to them is like being swept up in a chaotic, joyful whirlwind. Tracks like "Fishing" and "Here's the Thing" capture their knack for creating songs that stick in your head while simultaneously making you laugh or think. It's alternative, indie rock with a punch— loud, unapologetic, and ridiculously fun.
Some of my favorite Sports Team tunes: "Going Soft," "Here's the Thing," "Fishing," "Kutcher," "Stations of the Cross," "I'm in Love (Subaru)," "Dig," "The Drop," "Unstuck," "R Entertainment," "Kool Aid," "Getting Better," "Light Industry," "Condensation." ♪♫
Current tour dates:
07.Dec.2024 The Chapel -- San Francisco, CA
09.Dec.2024 Voodoo Room at the House of Blues -- San Diego, CA
11.Dec.2024 El Cid Los Angeles, CA
13.Dec.2024 Dante's Portland, CA
15.Dec.2024 ALT 101.5 presents “The ALT-imate Acoustic Christmas” -- Palm Springs, CA
11.Mar.2025 The National -- Richmond, VA
05.Jul.2025 Margate Summer Series, UK 2025 -- Margate, United Kingdom
16.Aug.2025 The Piece Hall -- Halifax, UJnited Kingdom
Catch them if you can!
Thursday, November 7, 2024
Monday, November 4, 2024
Quincy Jones, Giant of American Music, Dies at 91
Quincy Jones, the multi-talented music titan who produced Michael Jackson's iconic "Thriller" album, wrote award-winning film and television scores, collaborated with Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and hundreds of other recording artists, has died at 91.
What do you think of someone like this, whose career spanned over 70 years? Quincy Jones was a powerhouse of creativity, whose remarkable talent and relentless pursuit of excellence left an indelible mark on music and culture. His career was a symphony of groundbreaking achievements, blending jazz, soul, pop, and film scores into a tapestry that spoke to audiences around the world. Beyond his unmatched skill, he was a champion for diversity and innovation, bringing people together through music and pushing others to rise to their fullest potential. A true visionary, his influence radiated beyond notes and rhythms, shaping the very soul of modern music for over seven decades.
He is impressively chronicled in all of the articles I've read today; stories about his life and how he met people in the music and film industries are also told. Please check out the links below.
Sources: https://apnews.com/article/quincy-jones-dead-a9e31c7e39c448d8971519f47a22dd21?fbclid=IwY2xjawGWCxtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHVB6OGMoRWMDwQT0t2czkeulEXOnE85NHCGOo2MX6j97ZPtZaKr9cyDb4A_aem_-f_ts_AFfL-mLqcjsfqXwg
https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2024-11-04/quincy-jones-dead
What do you think of someone like this, whose career spanned over 70 years? Quincy Jones was a powerhouse of creativity, whose remarkable talent and relentless pursuit of excellence left an indelible mark on music and culture. His career was a symphony of groundbreaking achievements, blending jazz, soul, pop, and film scores into a tapestry that spoke to audiences around the world. Beyond his unmatched skill, he was a champion for diversity and innovation, bringing people together through music and pushing others to rise to their fullest potential. A true visionary, his influence radiated beyond notes and rhythms, shaping the very soul of modern music for over seven decades.
He is impressively chronicled in all of the articles I've read today; stories about his life and how he met people in the music and film industries are also told. Please check out the links below.
Sources: https://apnews.com/article/quincy-jones-dead-a9e31c7e39c448d8971519f47a22dd21?fbclid=IwY2xjawGWCxtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHVB6OGMoRWMDwQT0t2czkeulEXOnE85NHCGOo2MX6j97ZPtZaKr9cyDb4A_aem_-f_ts_AFfL-mLqcjsfqXwg
https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2024-11-04/quincy-jones-dead
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