With the Misnagdim

Foreign Window

2010-06-30T19:55:00.005-04:00

This one is a deep piece without a doubt, and I have long been intrigued by its power. I later identified certain lyrics with my own experience in a foreign land, "bearing down the suffering road" while climbing the hill from Efrat up to the Yeshivah, in the afternoon sun of the Middle East, laden with items acquired in Jerusalem for the Holy Shabbos, all the while suffering the I-ain't-got-me-no-woman blues; "sleeping on a pallet on the floor" not a bad thing in my perspective; "they were giving you religion, breaking bread and drinking wine" sounds like the rhythm of life, especially with regard to the week, during which Torah was studied for long parts of the day, and Shabbos, when breaking bread and drinking wine are powerful accomplishments worthy of adequate expenditure.

Dig these two classic renditions of this deep song. Both videos are live. In One, George Ivan and Robert Z appear as they looked in 1989 in a land foreign to them both. The video also features an important introduction. The Second is the Man himself in hat and jacket in Amsterdam in 2007. "To the Palace of the Lord"

One: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMJABF060h8

Second:

Happy Purim 5770!

2010-02-28T04:53:00.003-05:00

Indeed, ya'll better be prepared to get down. Dig these two diverse videos on the Topic.

The Rolling Stones - "Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo (Heartbreaker)"

2009-12-23T15:49:00.004-05:00

This is a cool song by a well known pop group and I've been intrigued by it for a while. Released in (December) 1973, it invokes the gritty street tragedies of the New York of the early 1970's. Here are two live versions of the song, the first from 1973 (Hamburg) and the second from 1975 (Los Angeles).

Save the Children

2009-11-11T10:25:00.004-05:00

Gil Scott Heron (b. 1949) struck a chord with this powerful and always relevant song. The album (1971) upon which it appears is extremely high level. It was recognized almost immediately as a profound and urgent call for action.

The Intruders offer their worthy cover (1972):

Now dig Gil and his band as they open it up in a live performance:

David Ruffin - "Common Man" (1973)

2009-10-21T18:16:00.002-04:00

Here is a compelling song from the legendary vocalist, David Ruffin (1941-1991) who sang the lead on a few well-known songs for Motown. The song is found on his fourth recorded album.

Be Thankful For What You've Got

2009-09-23T11:58:00.005-04:00

The song is Epic and profoundly meaningful. The song was written by William DeVaughn (b. 1948) and recorded in 1972 and released in 1974, and was a solid hit.

Now dig the great Curtis Mayfield (1942-1999) and his version.

Now dig the mighty Intruders and their take on the classic.

Now the worthy attempt of Winston Curtis (who doesn't have a wiki biography).

"Still Water" - The Four Tops (1970)

2009-08-24T21:09:00.003-04:00

This is a sweet song from long ago. It features one of the greatest vocalists of the twentieth century, Levi Stubbs (1936-2008), a man whose powerful voice lives on in many immortal songs. Just ask the lonely.

Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson - "Cane" (1978)

2009-07-22T18:35:00.003-04:00

Another deep masterpiece from the great master, Gil Scott Heron (b. 1949). I can't put it down and just keep playing it.

Rick James - "Teardrops" (1982)

2009-07-05T01:44:00.002-04:00

Dig this classic one. Lets call it the softer side of the great Mr. Rick James (1948-2004) (see also here).

Eddie Holman - "It's All In The Game" (1969)

2009-05-15T13:19:00.004-04:00

This is a classic cover of a great tune. See Here. Dig and see the background here [http://withthemisnagdim.blogspot.com/2008/04/its-all-in-game.html].

Bad Like Jesse James - 4 Oakland Cops Killed and Others Wounded - 3/21/09

2009-03-22T13:16:00.007-04:00

On Shabbos Afternoon (Parshas HaChodesh) in East Oakland, a "routine" traffic stop ended with two Oakland cops shot - one dead, the other wounded - and the fleeing shooter taking up a position in a nearby apartment. The SWAT team gained control of the area and went in. The ensuing gun battle left two more cops dead and others wounded, and the shooter was also killed. See here for news coverage.

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Several issues are raised by these event. Apparently the shooter (26-year-old Lovelle Mixon of Oakland) was on parole for assault with a deadly weapon and there was a warrant out for his arrest. John Lee Hooker (1917-2001) once wrote a song about this guy, even though he wasn't born yet. But don't think I'm honoring this wicked man (the late Mr. Mixon), because if it was up to me he might have gotten misa for stealing a prutah. (See the Rambam, Hilchos Melachim). Dig that.

Happy Purim 5769!

2009-03-10T02:30:00.005-04:00

To the Jews, I say: get down like you mean it! To the confused Non-Jews, I say: don't fuck with the Jews because we might be celebrating a holiday a thousand (or two & a half thousand) years later that commemorates the time you fucked with us and we won by taking the fight to you. Now learn some Torah from the holy Rabbi Brovender.

Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson - "Willing" (1980)

2009-03-10T01:42:00.005-04:00

Here is an upbeat, serious song that I've been groovin' to over the last few weeks. It comes from the great Gil Scott-Heron (b. 1949) and Brian Jackson (b. ?, though he's still around B"H) I hope you can dig it so that we can still be friends...

Bootsy Collins - "I'd Rather be with You" (live 1976)

2009-02-24T00:53:00.007-05:00

This is a hip song from a man (b. 1951) that spanned (almost) everything (from James Brown to P-Funk). I have long been a fan of this song but only knew it under another, less loving, identity. It was on a cassette tape that I got from a friend when I was an adolescent.

Note. It is my opinion that this song, produced by Dr. Dre (b. 1965), begins the G-Funk era. The song also illustrates the distinctiveness of west coast rap, especially under the G-Funk influence, it is as if the music of their parents was being re-enacted with an updated attitude.

Bob Marley Acoustic 1976

2009-02-16T15:38:00.009-05:00

Here is a remarkable master (1945-1981) albeit with some strange ideas about religion, but very influential. These are songs that were never released, but that I got hooked up with while in Yeshivah. We had a community of ipod/itunes users and we all got cool stuff from each other. These songs are deep, and for lack of a better term, special. Dig one and all, but first get mellow. The first song is called "Rumors" and the second is called "They set you up my son". [See also this one & here for background.]

Howlin' Wolf - "Killing Floor" (1964)

2009-01-27T21:05:00.003-05:00

This is a serious song from a true master of previous generations, the great Howlin' Wolf (1910-1976). Here it is played the way Mr. Burnett would have known his recorded music in his own lifetime. Included is the B side to complete the experience. guaranteed to make you dig. peace.

Little Walter - "My Babe" (1955)

2009-01-22T14:35:00.004-05:00

This one was in my mouth all last Shabbos and then some. It is a hip song with a built-in free-style foundation. The man who created it was the great Willie Dixon (1915-1992) and the man who performed it was Little Walter (1930-1968). The label they did it for was called Chess. Dig.

Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson - "17th Street" (1976)

2009-01-16T13:13:00.002-05:00

Here is a happy one from the master (and his long-time collaborator Brian Jackson) for the weekend. We should merit to get down.

Smokey Robinson and the Miracles - "Here I Go Again" (live)

2009-01-16T12:56:00.003-05:00

Here is a sweet song from the previous generation. Smokey (b. 1940) is the man! The Miracles did rock with him, after Smoke left they kinda feel off. I ain't upset though.

The Cop was Arrested and it was for Murder!

2009-01-14T18:22:00.005-05:00

I'm still a little stunned. I just didn't expect this to happen. I figured that he'd (Johannes Mehserle) be charged and then immediately let out on bail (if the authorities ever got around to dealing with the issue). No handcuffs, no prison clothes, etc. But alas, our thoughts are not His thoughts, and our ways are not His ways.

Here is the media side.

BART Cop Kills Oscar Grant 1/1/09

2009-01-08T18:19:00.009-05:00

Well, the name of the BART cop is Johannes Mehserle. Here is the News side of the matter. Watch the video, hold the authorities accountable, but increase the peace. All must ask with complete seriousness where is the outrage when other citizens like Mr. Grant are savagely murdered by other citizens in the streets of Oakland, which happens with much greater frequency and much less scandal.

Gil Scott-Heron - "Gun" (1981)

2008-12-30T11:29:00.005-05:00

This one is hip and helpful. It comes from the frequently played great Gil Scott Heron (b. 1949). The song tells the blues of the society, a violent society, in which we (in the United States) live. Although the song dates from early in the Reagan presidency, it remains relevant today, perhaps even more than it was in 1981. Since that year, which saw the destruction of Saddam Hussein's nuclear capacity (note: on this date 2 years ago this particular tyrant (al-Tikriti) was executed), we have observed lots of decline in American culture, like the emergence of gangsta rap, to cite a particularly pernicious example.

Peter Tosh - "Burial" (1976)

2008-12-14T00:57:00.005-05:00

This is a classic song from the notorious master Peter Tosh (1944-1987). He started out with the Wailers, but went solo (this song appeared on his debut album, Legalize It (1976)) early and remained hip. Dig!

Dr. Dan Kliman (1970-2008)

2008-12-09T23:47:00.008-05:00

Well, we're past the initial shock and have moved into the long period of remembrance. Our remembrances are mixed with contemplation on the mystery of Dan's death. There is an investigation, as opposed to only a hasty conclusion. If you're reading this then you're already familiar with the basic reported "facts". The establishment source is the San Francisco Chronicle (There is this from the Examiner). There are other local news sources that have joined the historical record. Then there is the international coverage. Behind all this is the growing body of blogs that have taken it upon themselves to remember Dan and his work and influence. Special props to Zomblog.

I have just found this blog (Life in the Dan Lane), which appears to be from Dan himself!

Gil Heron (1922-2008)

2008-12-09T23:18:00.006-05:00

Mr. Heron was a famous footballer from Jamaica who played the sport in the United Kingdom. He is relevant to me because his son is the well-known master of American music, Gil Scott-Heron (b. 1949). I quote from an article by someone who knows more...

"He was known as The Black Arrow for his style and speed, and cut a handsome figure in the drab industrial landscape of 1950s Glasgow. As a black man, he attracted attention. So did his clothes — zoot suits, trilby hats and yellow shoes. Gil Heron, Celtic’s first black player and one of the first in British football, revelled in his role as a dandy. "
Condolences to Gil Scott.

Dr. Dan Kliman (1970-2008)

2008-12-03T15:59:00.013-05:00

Dan was an interesting person. He was a militant bicyclist, vegetarian, and Israel advocate. He was also a (medical) doctor down with the herb. I used to mess with him about his left-wing politics, back when I was more open to what could be termed right-wing influences. He had a good sense of humor, but took what he believed very seriously, so I never went too far. The two of us were regular makers of Havdalah for the community at Beth Jacob in Oakland, California. Later we were part of a holy Motzoei Shabbos collective that chilled on Park Blvd. His death is the first among my friends on facebook, and his page is still there, now filled with comments from his friends. His death is mysterious. I do not have a generous amount of confidence in the San Francisco authorities, but they're all we've got right now. The media coverage of his death has been a trip unto itself. It started with a very brief and distorted article. Then Dr. Dan emerged as a local celebrity with a front page article in the San Francisco Chronicle. The mystery of his death was noted by many. He apparently had enemies among the Islamic expansionists and the fools who think they're cool and/or just. He was known to them and had been researched.

Jackie Wilson "Reet Petite" (1957)

2008-11-19T15:52:00.003-05:00

Here is a great song from a great master. Jackie Wilson (1934-1984) was very influential, but met with a tragic fate probably unparalleled in the history of modern American music.

Freddie Scott - "You Got What I Need" (1968)

2008-11-12T11:13:00.005-05:00

This is a classic tune. The artist (1933-2007) is influential. The song is familiar to people that have never heard it because of the worthy effort (1989) of a man named Marcel Hall (b. 1964) Dig it.

The Great Sam Cooke (1931-1964)

2008-10-03T10:08:00.003-04:00

Dig these selections from one of the great masters who did not survive what English speakers call 'the sixties'. First a live television performance with an introduction from Jerry Lewis (b. 1926) for some reason, and the first song ("Twistin' the Night Away") is a real hip. Then he sets things right with "That's Where It's At".

Wu-Tang Clan "America" (1996)

2008-09-16T15:08:00.004-04:00

Here's a serious song (from an album with a message. The title implies a chilling acronym). The Wu-Tang Clan used to be high-level when I was in high school.

Quicksilver Messenger Service - "Fresh Air" (live 1971)

2008-09-10T10:45:00.004-04:00

Here is a serious rock n' roll classic born in those heavy days in San Francisco, when America endured its cultural revolution and one can almost smell the marijuana smoke drifting over the fiercely dancing hipsters that presumably constituted the assembled audience. Quicksilver Messenger Service is a mostly overlooked, though fundamental, band that contributed much to the scene that was called psychedelic. I dig them more than their overplayed and less talented contemporaries, the Grateful Dead.

If you prefer the album version, then get down on it.

John Lee Hooker & Van Morrison - "Don't Look Back" (1997)

2008-08-25T12:15:00.012-04:00

Dig this slow one that soars the heights and the depths. Respect the great John Lee Hooker (1917-2001). The song was written and released by John Lee Hooker in 1964 as a B-side on a single, and later appeared on a recording (The Angry Young Them) by the Irish (Belfast) group Them that was released in the summer of 1965, which featured a capable lead singer by the name of George Ivan Morrison (b. 1945)

"In The Afternoon" Van Morrison (live '08)

2008-08-25T12:09:00.002-04:00

Live in London (August 16, 2008)

Make it real one more time again!

"Going In Circles" - Friends Of Distinction (1969)

2008-08-19T13:17:00.003-04:00

Dig this classic of powerful music and emotion - "I'm strung out over you (I need you baby)!".

And dig the cover by the late Isaac Hayes.

Isaac Hayes has gone to the Next World

2008-08-11T13:00:00.004-04:00

Dig this classic from the master (1942-2008) who did not emerge alive from the weekend. He will be remembered as the great presence in American music that he was. [The movie to watch is called Wattstax, help yourself out, look for it and watch it in 14 parts on youtube.] Rock on...

Van Morrison Returns to Youtube

2008-07-28T16:39:00.005-04:00

Here is Van Morrison (b. 1945) performing "In the Afternoon" (from the 1995 album "Days Like This") with his band in Detroit, 2008. Apparently, the Van videos have been allowed to come back but only under the name of Official Exile Films and with a large VM placed over the screen.

”The Love We Had (Stays On My Mind)” - The Dells (1971)

2008-07-24T12:53:00.002-04:00

Dig this powerful song by the great Dells.

"Fire And Desire" Rick James & Teena Marie (1981)

2008-07-15T17:56:00.004-04:00

This is for sure one of the great classics. Enter the infamous Rick James (1948-2004) and his female protege Teena Marie (b. 1956) and their electric conjuring that we are all privileged to experience. Dig.

"Sadie" (1975) by the Spinners

2008-07-02T14:08:00.002-04:00

Dig this beautiful classic and now you'll recognize the song I've been singing.

"That's The Way I Feel About Cha"

2008-06-27T11:59:00.002-04:00

Dig these two versions, the first is the one I grew up familiar with, that of the great Bobby Womack (b. 1944); and the second is from O. V. Wright (1939-1980).

The Great Bo Diddley (1928-2008)

2008-06-03T23:30:00.002-04:00

Here he is as a revolutionary.

Here he is introduced by the younger James Brown (1933-2006).

The Persuasions

2008-05-27T01:31:00.003-04:00

These guys are cool. and the song ("The Meek Shall Inherit Nothing") is great. The second song, apparently from the same concert, is "Anyway the Wind Blows".

Oldies

2008-05-26T19:39:00.002-04:00

If you thought I was going soft after the last post, don't trip. Dig these hip oldies.

Some Guys Have All The Luck

2008-05-26T18:48:00.007-04:00

Well its probably true. Look at your own life. The Persuaders are hip (1973) and American. and then comes Rod Stewart (b. 1945) with what he thought could be done (1984). Then there's this. Wow, someone should say something.

The Brothers of Soul - "I Guess That Dont Make Me A Loser"

2008-05-25T14:01:00.007-04:00

This is a hip song. I found it randomly on youtube. Finding songs on the Internet is cool. (By the way, the spellcheck on blogger claims that internet is written with a capital I. See this background.)

Good Shabbos Parshas Bechukosai 5768

2008-05-23T19:27:00.005-04:00

Times
for Washington Heights, New York City
The United States of America

Plag HaMincha 6:42pm
Shkias Hachamah 8:14pm
Teis Hachochavim 9:02pm
Sof Zman Krias Shema (GRA) 9:12am
Sof Zman Tefilah (GRA) 10:25am
Chatzos Hayom 12:52pm

"Thin Line Between Love and Hate"

2008-05-22T01:15:00.006-04:00

Here's a song to note. "You didn't think the girl had the nerve". Hear the old school (1971) record by the Persuaders (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Persuaders_%28band%29) here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pdov7l1V8xk). Then see it live. Then some white folks get a turn with a female lead singer, Chrissy Hynde (b. 1951) and the Pretenders (also live c. 1984).

In Memory of Two Jakes (1991-2008)

2008-05-16T15:04:00.011-04:00

He was a good cat. We came up together, and enjoyed each others' company. He was a cool cat, always came around when it was getting burned. He didn't like water in containers, but only drank from the running faucet, we would have to turn it on for him, but he never turned it off. He was a chilled cat, he liked going outside and he would explore the perimeter, he would go down the street to Bob & Peggy's back door to get a little more food or treats. He liked to chase rocks under the deck and in Terry's backyard, he knew they were rocks but he still gave them good chase. He was a proficient hunter. He attempt to bring the caught and usually dead mice into the house. One time, on a weekend, he stumbled upon a group of mice, and ate them all after catching each one. He liked to play with strings, he loved to hide and ambush the string, but if there were too many people around he would be self-conscious, and not want to play with the string. He loved boxes and paper bags, he would get in them and become very fierce, entertaining himself with his play. He didn't like cars, when he was young he would run inside when a car drove by, and he did not like entering them, probably thinking he was headed to the vet. He would look in the window when he wanted to be let in downstairs after the new deck (c. 1999) was built. He did not like his hind paws touched, though he wasn't so bothered if his fore paws were touched. He lived his whole life on self-served dry food and would freak-out when it ran low. He didn't like cooked human food, but loved licking the inside of tuna fish cans, and I would put them out on the deck so he could lick them. One time on Pesach, he ran out of food and i gave him some cooked beef but he just licked it a little and didn't eat it, later I gave him some raw beef and he ate it.

See the Chayei Adam, Laws of the Meal (45:1)

It is forbidden for a person to eat anything until he has [first] given food to his animal and fowl that he is responsible to feed, as it is written (Deuteronomy 11, 15) “I shall provide grass in your field for your cattle”, and later “and you will eat and you will be satisfied”. See above in [the Chayei Adam, Laws of Blessings] 5:11, as to whether [feeding one’s animals] is an interruption between the blessing of “HaMotzi” and eating. If one needs to drink, then the person is given precedence, as it is written (Numbers 20, 8) “[you shall bring forth water from the rock] and give drink to the assembly and to their animals” (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim §167). It is a pious custom to give food to eat to his chickens [1] and not rely on what they will find in the garbage. And similarly a cat [2] that grew up in his house. It is forbidden to cause pain to living creatures, as it is written (Deuteronomy 22, 4) “you shall not see the donkey of your brother or his ox falling on the road and hide yourself from them; you shall surely stand them up, with him”, which is because of causing pain to living creatures. [3] Nevertheless, everything that is necessary for the needs of Mankind is permitted. Therefore, it is permitted to remove feathers from living geese, [4] however the [Jewish] world still refrains from doing this, as it is cruelty (Shulchan Aruch Even HaEzer §5).

Notes
[1] Domestic birds (over 100 varieties) raised by humans since ancient times for their eggs and meat.
[2] Small carnivorous quadruped mammal of the genus Felis (Felis domesticus), which has been raised by humans since ancient times, (and Felis sylvestris, which is wild and native to Great Britain) related to the lion, tiger, leopard, puma, and jaguar.
[3] See the Chayei Adam, Laws of Shabbos (14:8) and (59:11) regarding milking cows on Shabbos. See also the Chayei Adam, Laws of Tishah b’Av (135:15).
[4] Birds of the sub–family Anserinæ including the common domesticated goose (Anser domesticus).

You're probably wondering why his name was Two Jakes, good question. He was adopted to replace the previous cat whose name was Chinatown (197?-1991) and as we all know the sequel to the movie "Chinatown" (1974) was "The Two Jakes" (1990) [both starred Jack Nicholson (b. 1937)] so therefore his name was Two Jakes, though he might have answered to many formulations of that.

Here's the O'Jays trying to explain...

"A Song For Donny" - The Whispers

2008-05-13T12:31:00.006-04:00

Here is the tribute of the Whispers to the great Donny Hathaway (1945-1979).

The Intruders "I'll Always Love my Mama" (1973)

2008-05-11T17:20:00.006-04:00

Well people, its the Day of the Mother. Everyone should be nice to their mothers. I am looking forward to the time when I'll be real nice to my mother. Love you Mom!

This is the monumental song by the legendary Intruders of Philadelphia. It appeared on earth in 1973. Its really a hip song. and the early 1970's interlude with conversation is classic. and the characterization of papa...wow.

People Get Ready

2008-05-06T17:12:00.011-04:00

It was the legendary masters of gospel and soul music - the Impressions - that taught this classic to the world in 1964. To those not privy, the Impressions was the group that the great Curtis Mayfield (1942-1999) left (c. 1970) to pursue the solo career that we all know and love. I have rounded up a few covers to illustrate the weight that this song carried in the wake of its revelation. Dig the great Chambers Brothers (which already made it to this website http://withthemisnagdim.blogspot.com/2008/03/this-is-serious-classic.html) and the great Al Green (b. 1946) and his singers & players (date unclear). Then enter the white boys: Jeff Beck (b. 1944) and Rod Stewart (b. 1945) [I apologize for the silly video, its not mine], and an Irish band called U2 (1987) with a guy called Bono (b. 1960) singing and playing guitar (note his identification of Curtis Mayfield at the beginning). Then a son of Bob Marley (1945-1981), Ziggy (b. 1968) performs (1997) the classic on a trite American TV show.

Then I added this from the Master.

Positive Thinking 1973-74

2008-05-05T03:23:00.003-04:00

These classics echo into our time and can teach us so much, so dig this music with a message. The first song, "Peace Go With You,..Brother" is from 1974 and the artist is the great Gil Scott-Heron (b. 1949). The second song, "Brother's Gonna Work It Out" by the capable Willie Hutch (1944-2005) is from the soundtrack of the movie "The Mack" (1973). It is dialogue from the movie that can be heard at the beginning of the song.

Donny Hathaway - "Little Ghetto Boy " (1972)

2008-05-02T17:27:00.007-04:00

The legendary Donny Hathaway (1945-1979) created a masterpiece here. Note the pleading towards the end of the song. The well-known sample (on Dr. Dre's 1992 "The Chronic" album) is a pernicious usurpation, but alas His ways are not our ways, and its existence has kept the sounds of hope in Donny's voice alive to new generations.

Pesach 5768 in Puerto Rico

2008-05-01T16:17:00.002-04:00

This is where I worked in Puerto Rico 5768

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"White Ones, Baby!" Final Scene from "Super Fly" (1972)

2008-04-30T22:58:00.005-04:00

This is a great scene from a worthy movie. This is the final scene and it is powerful. Note the defining of 'cool' by Priest (played by Ron O'Neal (b.1937)); his attitude, and the victory over the un-cool. But dig the script, the power in the poetry: "you, your wife, that big-legged daughter and even that faggot son", "White Ones, baby!", "Nothing..." Everyone must find their own piece that they must repeat. Me and my Brother dug this whole scene and would recite it back and forth to each other. The movie (you're not privy to the new shit, man) is "Super Fly" (1972) and it is a classic. The soundtrack is also among the most worthiest in the history of cinema. The legendary Curtis Mayfield (1942-1999) was in a zone of epic proportions when he shared these songs with the world. If you are not familiar with them, then you must make a strong seder in them now. Dig this scene and see the whole movie and listen to the soundtrack. Peace.

It's All in the Game

2008-04-30T01:28:00.006-04:00

Well this is a song with a history. I first heard it from Van Morrison from his 1979 album "Into the Music", but it goes way back. "It's All in the Game" is a song that was a 1958 hit for Tommy Edwards (1922-1969) and it was performed by him on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1958. The lyrics were composed by Carl Sigman (1909-2000) in 1951 to fit a wordless 1911 composition entitled "Melody in A Major," written by Charles Dawes (1865-1951), who would later become the 30th Vice President of the United States under Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933). It is the only #1 pop single in history to have been co-written by a U.S. Vice President. Here I have provided the Tommy Edwards version, then Ricky Nelson (1940-1945) of Teaneck, New Jersey puts it out in 1963, and then the cover by the legendary Four Tops (1970).

GIL SCOTT HERON "When You Are Who You Are" (1971)

2008-04-23T01:43:00.002-04:00

Now that we're free, let us follow this message.

Time of Liberation 5768

2008-04-18T04:01:00.004-04:00

Well peoples of the world, the Time of Liberation is at hand. To get us in the mood dig some live Peter Tosh (1944-1987) at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland in 1979 (the song is called "400 Years" [from the birth of Isaac?]) with spliff in hand! Then the Ohio Players give us a refrain we can use ("I Want to be Free"). Finally Richie Havens (b. 1941) brings us "Freedom" from Woodstock (1969).

Captain Blood (1935)

2008-04-16T13:18:00.002-04:00

This is another great picture from before WW2. It is an entertaining story of civil war, slavery, piracy, and patriotism that stars Errol Flynn (1909-1959) as Captain Peter Blood, Olivia de Havilland (b. 1916) as the girl (she was 19 at the time), and Basil Rathbone (1892-1967) as an incidental badguy (I've provided their swordfight). Apparently this was a sea-faring rival to "Mutiny on the Bounty" (1935) as they were in theaters at the same time.

Big Joe Turner - Low Down Dog (live 1965)

2008-04-15T13:29:00.003-04:00

Big Joe Turner (1911-1985) started as a singing bartender in Kansas City in the old days of formative Rhythm and Blues. He pioneered his own hip style and could be compelled by a paternity test to provide for his love-child that used to go by the name of 'Rock & Roll', a term that has vulgar origins among the so-called jive-talk of the 1940's as in the phase: "lets rock & roll all night long". Anyway, Big Joe is the man, and is not to be taken lightly. Please get down with this selection from long after he had made his name and made history.

Home Is Where the Hatred Is

2008-04-14T23:37:00.003-04:00

This song is real cool, dig. "A junkie walking through the twilight, I'm on my way home." The artist is the great Gil Scott-Heron (b. 1949) and the song dates from 1971. The cover is worthy. The lady that sang it was Esther Phillips (1935-1984).

Van Morrison & The Band "Caravan" live

2008-04-13T22:58:00.004-04:00

Well here it is, a hip hip song and a fundamental performance. I hope you can identify the key players. If thats a problem for you, then seeking help is the first step. The movie is "The Last Waltz" (1978) and it was directed by Martin Scorsese (b. 1942) and is the last concert The Band gave. It took place on Thanksgiving Day 1976 in San Francisco and this is the best of many performances given by many professionals. Van's outfit is well, hideous, but it was 30 years ago and he was young. The kicking at the end of the song is to be noted.

Two Great Swordfights with Basil Rathbone!

2008-04-11T14:18:00.003-04:00

One of the great actors of the early period of cinema. He (1892-1967) was born in South Africa and died in New York City. Here he plays two villains and goes up against some serious heroes, Robin Hood (played by Errol Flynn) and Zorro (played by Tyrone Power). Too bad for him. I first saw these classic 'pictures'* ["The Adventures of Robin Hood" (1938) and "The Mark of Zorro" (1940)] when I was real young and have loved them ever since.
* That's what my grandmother (b. 1918) calls movies.

Deborah T. with David Keesey (live in NYC)

2008-04-11T14:07:00.005-04:00

This is in honor of the Birthday Party I attended last night for the man, David Keesey.
Get down one & all.

Since we're dealing with Corny Matters (1985)

2008-04-09T16:43:00.007-04:00

This is probably the most famous corny song in the history of recorded music. To induce sarcastic sentiment and laughter, one need only dramatically sing "we are the world". The video is corny, as if it could help it given the song. The facial expressions are notorious solicitors of condescension and mocking impressions. I remember this song from my youth, I was 5 or 6 and it was a sizable hit. Its supreme corn and cheese was not as glaringly apparent then as it is now, but I was young and unsettled in my misnagdish ways. The video is a charming test of one's knowledge of early 1980's pop stars and I freely admit some characters are beyond my powers of identification. I've come to believe that left-wing American identification with the third world is ultimately paternalistic and not to be trusted, as it will never go anywhere, and inevitably leads to a strange worldview that promotes self-hatred and praises ignorance and corruption, and compels college-educated people to embrace conspiracy theories that usually feature evil Zionists. I firmly advocate leaving the resolution of great historical problems to Heaven, while urging all people to treat all people with respect and compassion. Having said that, I will also say that I wholeheartedly believe bad guys who cannot be re-educated should be killed and I wanted to applaud in the theater when the first Soviet helicopter was shot down in the movie "Charlie Wilson's War" (2007).

Sam Cooke "Blowin' In The Wind" (1964) on TV

2008-04-09T16:23:00.003-04:00

Well, Sam Cooke is essentially without equal according to my impoverished intellect. He had a savvy courage in performing this [I've always thought of as corny] song by a well-known and respected Jewish entertainer (Robert Zimmerman), but the background dancing is hopelessly banal and out of place, but some (the Chasidim) hold its better than crying. In 1964, this song had real and timely context, and the Black-Jewish united front that it flowed from must have made the hater-types very unhappy and prompted them to complain about radical content on television.

Prince of Foxes (1949)

2008-04-09T05:12:00.004-04:00

Enter Orson Welles (1915-1985) as Cesare Borgia and Tyrone Power (1914-1958) as his agent. These are two legendary figures in the American movie tradition and this movie is a worthy piece of art on many levels (for example it was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Cinematography and Best Costume Design). The movie deals with the political-military life of pre-modern Italy and the designs and covert operations of a playful and deadly notorious warlord (Borgia). Tyrone Power plays a capable and ambitious covert operator [the mob called them button men, because they press your buttons], who is dispatched on a mission that tests the content of his character and eventually sends him on the path of the ba'al teshuvah. This scene comes early on in the movie and sets the stage for the story.

John Lee Hooker - Boom Boom (live)

2008-04-09T02:17:00.004-04:00

This is the late great John Lee Hooker (1917-2001) at his coolest. The song is called "Boom Boom" and it is performed live...sometime in the 1970's.

"Santa Fe Trail" (1940)

2008-04-09T01:02:00.006-04:00

I went to California in January and bought two DVDs for little money at Moe's Books in Berkeley. Both titles are worthy classics, in chronological order: "Santa Fe Trail" (1940) and "The Longest Day" (1962). I forgot these movies in California and happily they were mailed to me here in New York, and they arrived today. I am featuring 4 scenes (4-7) from "Santa Fe Trail" (1940) here for general purposes. It is a good movie with an impressive cast: Errol Flynn (1909-1959), Raymond Massey (1896-1983) [I strongly advise all to watch his performance as Abraham Farlan in the surreal "A Matter of Life and Death" (1946)] as the abolitionist John Brown, Olivia de Havilland (b. 1916) [the only surviving star from "Gone With The Wind" (1939)], and yes, the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan (1911-2004) [who plays the young George Armstrong Custer (1839-1876) of Little Big Horn (1876) fame], and Alan Hale (1892-1950). The movie tells the story (albeit with many factual problems) of cavalry soldiers fighting John Brown's anti-slavery insurgency in the Kansas territory in the period before the American Civil War.

And then for impact, a song. "John Brown's Body"

Knocking on Heaven's Door in Context

2008-04-07T01:49:00.005-04:00

The song by Bob Dylan is well-known. The fact that it (and its author) appear in the 1973 movie "Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid" [which was directed by Sam Peckinpah (1925-1984) and starred James Coburn (1928-2002) and Slim Pickens (1919-1983)] is less well-known. The scene is a contender. The action and dialogue are noteworthy on their own merits, but joined with the powerful song, the scene reaches a sublime height. It offers us a profound dramatization of a myth that Americans used to live intimately with.

Santana "I'll be waiting" live in Australia (1977)

2008-04-06T05:04:00.002-04:00

For my special lady-friend, man.

Shabbos Parshas Tazria 5768

2008-04-03T21:50:00.007-04:00

29 Adar 2 5768

Washington Heights - New York City

Erev Shabbos
Sunset 7:24 pm
Nightfall 8:06

Shabbos Day
SUNRISE 6:32 am
Sof Zman Krias Shema (GRA) 9:45
Sof Zman Tefilah (GRA) 10:49
MIDDAY 12:58 pm
Plag HaMinchah 6:04
SUNSET 7:25
Nightfall 8:07 (8:50 Rabbeinu Tam)

Shlomo Katz plays the relevant song
(props to the percussion man here as well).
Today I found the holy videos of Rabbi Katz on youtube.

I Want You

2008-04-03T21:38:00.009-04:00

Sweet song. Even the covers are respectable (see below).
First Marvin Gaye & Band get into "I want you".
Then a strange looking dude gets my respect with his cover.
After that, a white girl lets it be known that see does in fact want you
(note the chashuv guitar intro).

Saudi Author Zaynab Hifni appears on TV and wow!

2008-04-02T20:41:00.003-04:00

This lady can hold her own.

Dramatics - What You See Is What You Get (Watts, L.A. 1972)

2008-04-02T04:58:00.003-04:00

Tonight I made onions and meatballs in olive oil and red wine, and it was served over potato kigel, very tasty.
Real as real can get. The song and the opening sequence of the movie together are suberb, and well, dramatic. All good though. The movie is definately something to experience. I used to have a copy on VHS but a friend borrowed it and never gave it back or some stupid shit like that. and all that went down in high school which concluded 10 years before.

Rabbi Brovender learns the Mishnah Berurah on the Internet!

2008-04-01T21:43:00.004-04:00

He mentions the Chayei Adam (50:15) and the Mishnah Berurah (210 note 1) cites the Chayei Adam as being in accord with the custom of the people (not to say the blessing afterwards).

How to rob a bank Woody Allen Style

2008-04-01T20:59:00.002-04:00

Funny scene from 1969's Take the Money and Run.

Zappa - Montana (Sweden 1973)

2008-04-01T20:32:00.002-04:00

Clash of Civilizations

2008-04-01T18:18:00.003-04:00

This is interesting. Two approaches to an interesting topic.

Howlin' Wolf - How Many More Years (1966)

2008-04-01T05:04:00.003-04:00

Well I tried to make an important call to a foreign country and it didn't work. so now everyone has to listen to this. Dig the intro. I once played Howlin' Wolf for my humanities class at state and it was cool, but I didn't feel like my comrades were hip...like they weren't really alive or something.

NYC (Don't Know Why I Love You) by Gil Scott Heron

2008-03-31T01:05:00.004-04:00

This is a hip song and it fits perfectly on the matter. Listen carefully and dig.

HEATWAVE - ALWAYS AND FOREVER (live)

2008-03-31T00:32:00.005-04:00

This song comes from the late night radio program. Teenage tears in your pillow and the girl you
never talked to, but loved desperately. And then there were the times this song was played at junior and senior high school dances...'slow jams' they called them in my time, but earlier it appears they were known as 'slow drags'. So always and forever.

Marvin Gaye - Come Get To This (Live In Oakland)

2008-03-31T00:25:00.001-04:00

And its supposedly in Oakland! Dig it on the general principle though.

CHAMBERS BROTHERS - PEOPLE GET READY

2008-03-30T21:24:00.004-04:00

This is a serious classic. It is a cover of a song by the Impressions. These guys were hip and the song is well known. My parents have this record as well, and for a few years I had a cassette of that record, and it skipped some in the beginning on the song.

GIL SCOTT HERON - "IS THAT JAZZ" live (1-20-08)

2008-03-30T20:40:00.005-04:00

I was at this show (1-20-08 in NYC) and it was classic. I randomly heard on WNYC that he was performing for MLK Jr. Day and I bought the ticket. He is a living legend and a big influence on my life. I first heard his Winter in America (1974) album that my parents had, and in the 9th grade the family went to see him live in a club that no longer exists in Emeryville, California. I bought his 1994 album Spirits and the rest is history. I encourage everybody to investigate the matter further and dig it in your own time. After all you don't really have a choice, his music is fundamental to the story of music in America in the last generation. All who can afford it must purchase the album Winter in America (1974) and put it on their ipods and take it in.

Otis Redding - Shake (live at Monterey 1967)

2008-03-27T23:56:00.002-04:00

Elvis - Little Darling (live '76)

2008-03-27T23:53:00.002-04:00

Sweet Song.

Peter Tosh - Legalize It (live)

2008-03-27T23:16:00.002-04:00

What an Anthem. Everyone should be familiar with it.

Too Short - The Ghetto (1990)

2008-03-27T23:12:00.004-04:00

This is also from my youth, 5-6 grade, and it has a respectable sample from the great Donny Hathaway. And he's from Oakland.

Amy winehouse - F*ck me pumps

2008-03-27T23:01:00.003-04:00

This is a message song, and its hard to argue with her message. She looks healthy in the video as well. By way of full disclosure, this is one from my dear mother's favorite artist.

Zacarias Ferreira - Es Tan Dificil

2008-03-27T22:51:00.007-04:00

This was the summer hit in Washington Heights last year.

I would hear it at night, especially late at night, along Audoban ave, and it would be repeated and repeated. Well I came to enjoy the classic sound and tried to seek out its name, and it was at a wedding in the village that I was working that I was given the name of the artist by a Puerto-Rican young lady that was working as a waitress at the wedding. I was drinking the host's scotch that night and I happily accepted her handwriting on the cocktail napkin that indicated the name of the singer.

We Didn't Start the Fire - Billy Joel

2008-03-27T22:47:00.003-04:00

I remember this song from my youth. Good slideshow, but I'm not with the comments...its a bit much.

Barry McGuire: Eve of Destruction (1965)

2008-03-27T22:42:00.001-04:00

The Dells - The Love We Had Stays On My Mind

2008-03-27T22:38:00.002-04:00

Looking forward to Shabbos

2008-03-27T22:28:00.007-04:00

Shabbos
Parshas Shmini
22 Adar 2 5768

Washington Heights, New York City

SUNRISE 6:46 AM
Sof Zman Krias Shema (GRA) 9:54
Sof Zman Tefilah (GRA) 10:56
MIDDAY 1:01 PM
Plag HaMinchah 5:57
SUNSET 7:17
Tzeis HaKochavim 7:59 (8:40 Rabeinu Tam)

It is also Parshas Parah.
The Lu'ach of the Ezras Torah Fund states that "Av HaRachamim" is not said, but "Tzidkascha" is said at Minchah.

Actor Richard Widmark dies at 93

2008-03-26T16:23:00.002-04:00

IDF M151

2008-03-24T21:29:00.001-04:00

Elvis Presley - In The Ghetto (1970)

2008-03-24T16:58:00.001-04:00

Serious Song from Elvis

The Delfonics - Didn't I Blow Your Mind This Time 1973 Live

2008-03-24T16:45:00.001-04:00

Tower Of Power - Your Still A Young Man 1977 Live

2008-03-24T16:41:00.001-04:00