APRIL 18, 2013

Song of the Day: Sweet Caroline, words and music by Neil Diamond, was a huge hit for the singer. Today, a few days after the horrific massacre at the Boston Marathon, the song takes on an even more poignant tone than its original intent as a paean to the young Caroline Kennedy. A perennial at Fenway Park, it was played after the 3rd inning on April 16, 2013 in Yankee Stadium, as the New York Yankees faithful sang along in solidarity [YouTube link] with those whose lives have been forever altered by the events in Boston. On a day when Yankees and Diamondback players all wore #42 in tribute to a famed Brooklyn Dodger, this was as sweet a gesture as one could find among great sports rivals, who put aside competition for a day, in remembrance. The Fenway Faithful did the same in the days after 9/11, when they sang along to "New York, New York." I watched the Stadium crowd rise to the occasion, and I now can't listen to the song with dry eyes. Stand tall. Check out the full Neil Diamond recording.

APRIL 04, 2013

Song of the Day: Return of the Jedi ("Return of the Jedi") [YouTube link], composed by John Williams, is from the third entry in the "Star Wars" film franchise (officially "Episode VI" of the series). Roger Ebert, who passed away today, famously defended the series on "Nightline" (clip at that link) back in 1983; he and the late Gene Siskel brought us years of entertaining film critique in their "At the Movies."

APRIL 01, 2013

Song of the Day: Drive By, words and music by Patrick Monahan, Espen Lind, and Amund Bjorklund, was recorded by the band Train. The full song can be heard on YouTube, but I must admit that I have a sentimental attachment to it because it was featured in a Tri-State New York-area Ford car commercial starring Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter. Jeter misses Opening Day 2013, despite having started for 16 of the last 17 years. He's still on the mend from last year's devastating post-season ankle break. I wish it were all an April Fools' Day joke, but it isn't.  Still, baseball is back in New York today, Big Time! For the first time since 1956, when the New York Giants and the Brooklyn Dodgers each held Opening Day festivities, two New York teams are opening at home today: the New York Mets host the San Diego Padres and the New York Yankees host the Boston Red Sox (and they are dedicating their games to those who lost their lives in the Newtown tragedy). Here's hoping that The Captain joins the party before too long. But for now: Play Ball!