For Father’s Day, I received this container of Reese’s Pieces . . . because I’m a fan.
However, I looked at it as if it’s a job. Must – finish – container.
(“Finish What Ya Started” Van Halen)
You know, it’s kind of like my daily 5K. Some days it feels like a job, but it’s one I’ve got to finish!
(Day #189)
Alright, I admit (shakes the container) this is probably the easier job to do than my 5K.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” – by Vincent Van Gogh
This quote mirrors the idea of many small, colorful pieces coming together to create a delightful whole, much like a container of Reese’s Pieces – that will be gone in the coming days. Which is sad – send more, please (joking)
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On this date back in 1987, the benchmark album of the golden age of hip-hop was released
(More “I Know You Got Soul”)
With the groundbreaking album – Paid in Full – you have Eric B.’s innovative production, in particular the use of James Brown samples, paired up with the complex rhymes and relaxed flow from Rakim.
(“I Ain’t No Joke”)
(Day #188)
I was going to be corny and say something like – You know what’s no joke – Run #188.
I guess I am still saying it, but I just wanted to be respectful of the album – Paid in Full – which again was released on this date back in 1987
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “People think the older you get, the wacker you get. I think the older I get, the better I get.“ – by Rakim
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Five years ago to coincide with his 85th birthday, the Dalai Lama released an album called Inner World, which was a collection of Buddhist mantras and prayers set to music.
(“Courage” clip from Dalai Lama)
“That’s ‘Courage’ – a rather strong, but incredibly calming piece from the album. I’m not sure that I could really run to it, but I could definitely ease back in my house library chair for the evening and just chill.”
And speaking of running… I did get my run in this morning! BUT – I listened to something a little different though.
(“Lovesick Lullaby” Yungblud)
(Day #187)
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Choose to be optimistic, it feels better.” – from the 14th Dalai Lama and birthday boy. Happy 90th!
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Happy 4th of July Weekend – non-stop fireworks. Pyros are happy all across the land.
(“Pets” clip from Porno for Pyros)
That’s the only Pyros out of me – Porno for Pyros. Let’s get to New Music Weekend
Who’s coming up: Kesha, Pig Pen, G. Love & Special Sauce, Nilüfer Yanya, Dexter and The Moonrocks
(Countdown Video)
New Music Weekend:
The new album release from Kesha is perfectly timed for Independence Day Weekend, as it truly feels like her declaration of artistic and personal freedom. (“Freedom” clip) That’s the album’s opening track – “Freedom”. However, there’s a journey felt as it takes about two and a half minutes for the song to really pick up and finally get to the naughty fun (another “Freedom” clip). .Period (show blue card of a period) is Kesha’s sixth studio album and her first release on her own independent label, Kesha Records. There are 11 Songs in all. (“Boy Crazy” clip) That song “Boy Crazy” jumped out to me – basically, a straightforward celebration of being attracted to boys, without any apology or overthinking. One side of the coin with Kesha having a good time. But if “Boy Crazy” is pure giddy infatuation, then the other side of that coin is “Red Flag” which embraces chaos and toxic attraction. (clip)
One of my most favorite songs to run to is from the Dropkick Murphys (“The Boys are Back”) I actually play that song back-to-back within several of my running playlists, but that’s a song from 2013. I call this thing “New Music Weekend” for a reason. Their new album, For The People, is their 13th studio album, and it’s out now. The very first single they dropped from this album was “Who’ll Stand With Us?”, and it’s a powerful mission statement for the entire record. (“Who’ll Stand with Us” clip) Despite the song’s anger, the underlying message is one of unity, hope, and a “return to sanity.” For The People aligns perfectly with their themes of fighting for the common person from a working-class perspective. But there are some playful songs on the album too, like this revved-up ode to Pennywise guitarist Fletcher: this is the Dropkick Murphys singing about “The Big Man.”
Matty Matheson portrays the handyman in the FX show – The Bear, while also being the show’s producer and culinary consultant. But – did you know that he’s also the lead singer of a band called Pig Pen? – a hardcore punk band – sometimes known as “really loud.” (“Mental Mentality” clip) The band, Pig Pen, reportedly wrote all ten songs in one day and then recorded them the very next day, which absolutely bleeds into the album’s raw, unpolished, and immediate feel (“Rabid Beach”). Their album – Mental Madness – actually dropped last week, but so did 10 episodes of The Bear. FYI – The Bear has been renewed for Season 5.//
Several quick hits of new music: Back in 1998, the original Has Gone Country album was released by G. Love. While we often associate him with that gritty, hip-hop blues sound with Special Sauce, this album re-release gives a us a very different side of him – Country // I’ve talked about this artist before and how much I enjoy her fresh indie sound. Nilüfer Yanya just released this past week a new EP titled: Dancing Shoes. Now, it might only be a 4 track collection of songs, but it’s still a very captivating listen for the weekend. // Dexter and The Moonrocks originally recorded a cover of a song for a major motion picture. Unfortunately, the movie ended up NOT using it. But fortunately for us – Dexter and The Moonrocks did release the song – here’s a sample of their cover of Black Sabbath’s classic “Paranoid” (clip)
Thank you to Spotify, Rolling Stone, Apple Music, uDiscoverMusic, Pigeons & Planes, Pitchfork, Louder, Spill Magazine, Dan Deluca of the Philly Inquirer & I know there’s more.
I put together a Spotify playlist of the songs that I talked about and thought about today for New Music Friday. Click here for that! Anything that I really messed up and missed – well, that’s why I’ll be doing Missed Music Monday on Monday.
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FYI – Happy National Bikini Day. I won’t be partaking but I will be encouraging.
(“I Kissed a Girl” clip from Katy Perry)
That’s Katy Perry – she’s a bikini wearer. On this date back in 2008, her song “I Kissed a Girl” hits #1 in the US. This was her first chart-topper. And to think just seven years earlier, she was a gospel singer recording under her real name: Katy Hudson. And – I ran.
(Day #186)
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “You don’t have to be perfect to achieve your dreams. Because nobody relates to being perfect.” – by Katy Perry
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Happy 4th of July? On this date, back in 1992, the king of all booty songs – Sir Mix-A-Lot’s “Baby Got Back” hits #1 in America.
(more fun clips of “Baby Got Back” song)
Also on this date – it’s Post Malone’s 30th Birthday
(“Sunflower” clip)
Happy Big 3-0, Post! Still need to get my hands on that vinyl of his ‘Tribute to Nirvana.’ That was SOLD OUT on Record Store Day for me. Discogs… I’m coming for you!”
“And, of course, on this very special date, amidst all the celebrations and musical memories… I ran!”
(Day #185)
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Success isn’t just about making it, it’s about enjoying the ride” – by Post Malone
Happy 4th! Happy Birthday, America! Enjoy the now!
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That’s “July, July!” from the Decemberists. Sort of sums up my week.
What day is it?
(“Theme from Happy Days” Thursday is said)
It’s Thursday. Feels like it’s been Thursday since Monday.
People have been saying have a great weekend since Tuesday.
This is what happens when the 4th of July falls on a Friday.
Happy Friday Eve AND I ran!
(Day #184)
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “If you’re not out there taking some risks, if you’re just coasting along with your wins, then you’re not really trying.” – by Ron Howard
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According to a social media post of theirs, the Soup Dragons released “I’m Free” on this date back in 1990.
(more of “I’m Free” – Soup Dragons)
That’s the song that actually introduced me to The Soup Dragons and they did a wonderful job of rearranging it from its original version
(“I’m Free” – The Rolling Stones)
That’s right – “I’m Free” is a song by the Rolling Stones written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.
(“Let Me Walk before they make me run” drop from “Before They Make Me Run” song)
And that’s how I transition to saying that I ran today.
(Day #183)
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “The past is a great place and I don’t want to erase it or to regret it, but I don’t want to be its prisoner either.” – by Mick Jagger
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With the beginning of July, I’m able to start my new journal that will actually last me until the end of the year.
(“Best Day of My Life” American Authors)
Not only was “The Five Minute Journal” my first journal ever back in 2017. This is my 6th time using one.
(“Obsession” clip from Animotion)
Trying NOT to sound like a commercial here – but if you want to try journaling, I think you know my suggestion. And – if you want to try running as well, let me know. We can chat.
(Day #182)
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” – by Will Durant
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