NOTABLOG MONTHLY ARCHIVES: 2002 - 2020

SEPTEMBER 30, 2006

Song of the Day: (The World of) Confirmation, music by Charlie Parker, lyrics by Eddie Jefferson, has been recorded by many instrumentalists and vocalists. Listen to a sampling of audio clips from Charlie Parker, Gene Ammons, Manhattan Transfer, and Sheila Jordan.

SEPTEMBER 29, 2006

Song of the Day: Sexyback, words and music by Timothy "Timbaland" Mosley, Nate Hills, and Justin Timberlake, who, with Timbaland, took this song to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. From the album "Futuresex/Love Sounds," the hot track merges elements of electronica, dance, R&B, and hip hop. Listen to an audio clip here. Take 'em to the bridge! Take 'em to the chorus!

SEPTEMBER 28, 2006

Song of the Day: Raindrops, written and produced by Dave Valler, Molly Smithen-Downes, Ralf Kappmeier, Sascha Lappessen, and Thomas Alisson, is a hot dance track recorded by Stunt. Listen here to a full-length audio clip.

SEPTEMBER 27, 2006

Song of the Day: Easy Living, words and music by Leo Robin and Ralph Rainger, has been recorded by countless artists. Especially memorable, for me, are versions by Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald and Joe Pass, and Carmen McRae, with Joe Pass on guitar in a medley (audio clips at links).

SEPTEMBER 26, 2006

Song of the Day: The Moment of Truth, words and music by Collen G. "Tex" Satterwhite and Frank Scott, was recorded in a hot, swinging arrangement by the great Tony Bennett (audio clip at that link). Today marks the release of Bennett's new album, in tribute to his 80th birthday: "Duets: An American Classic."

SEPTEMBER 25, 2006

Song of the Day: Gente, music and lyrics by R. Gilbert, M. Valle, P. Valle, is another memorable track from the Brasil 66 album "Equinox" (audio clip at that link).

SEPTEMBER 24, 2006

Song of the Day: C'mon Marianne, words and music by L. Russell Brown and Raymond Bloodworth, is my all-time favorite Four Seasons hit. It's got a rock and roll pulse, which exhibits the group's integrated R&B and doo-wop influences. As our Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons tribute concludes, listen to an audio clip of this pop smash here.

Posted by chris at 12:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | Posted to Music

Comments

Hey,

This is not on topic but I just wanted to say how great it is, Chris, that you keep up this site. You really deserve a lot of support and praise for the work you have done and the passion which you bring to it. You are always an inspiration to me! I know others will agree with me on that.

Best wishes
Cameron

Posted by: Cameron | September 25, 2006 04:23 AM

Cam! Thanks so much for the kind words. I wish I could do more blogging; given the workload, however, it's impossible. But posting here and encouraging responses, especially those with regard to one of my greatest passions---music---has been a lot of fun.

Posted by: Chris Matthew Sciabarra | September 26, 2006 09:41 AM

SEPTEMBER 23, 2006

Song of the Day: Beggin' features the words and music of Bob Gaudio and Peggy Farina. Listen here to an audio clip of the original and also to a "Jersey Boys" soundtrack rendition. And as the summer season melts into fall, a Happy Autumnal Equinox to one and all (the season officially arrived a little after midnight EDT).

SEPTEMBER 22, 2006

Song of the Day: Can't Take My Eyes Off You, words and music by Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio, was a huge Frankie Valli hit. The song has shown up in many films as well, including "The Deer Hunter" (1978). Listen to an audio clip here, and also to alternative versions by Gloria Gaynor and Lauryn Hill.

SEPTEMBER 21, 2006

The Mets have won the National League East for the first time in 18 years. And the Yanks have taken the American League East for the ninth straight year. (And after a 25-game hitting streak, Captain Clutch is an MVP candidate as well!) There is melodrama, for sure, but one thing is clear: New York, New York is a baseball town, heading for what many of us hope will be a memorable October.

And the fans agree: The Yanks and Mets will both set attendance records this year.

Pass the Cracker Jacks.

Comments welcome.

Comments

Chris, I was just wondering; are you a right-wing Yankee fan, or a left-wing one?

It works like this: If you claim to love the Yanks, but are willing to say something like, "well, although my Yanks didn't win the World Series, at least the Mets did" - then you're a left-wing Yank fan.

A right-wing Yanks fan is someone that would rather see the Red Sox as Champions, than the Mets. This type of fan considers the letters 'N.Y.' as solely synonymous with the Yankees, Further, he considers it a personal slap in the face that some pretentious half-assed "other" team has the unmitigated effrontery to wear those sacred letters on their caps!

Then again, I suppose there is a third alternative, the �libertarian� Yanks fan. This is the kind of Yanks fan that when watching a game in Yankee Stadium and a foul ball is hit in his direction, instead of jumping out of seat and tussling with other fans to get the ball � he closes both his eyes, shields his face with his right hand, and reaches out with his left hand � hoping the ball will miraculously land softly in his palm!

George

Posted by: George Cordero | September 21, 2006 07:38 AM

George, I see where you're going with this, but there's something wrong with your taxonomy, or at least your examples: I don't see how a Yankee fan could _prefer_ a Red Sox championship. Despite the newfangled (and malign) interleague play, there's really no reason to regard the Mets as "rivals" in anything like the sense that the Sox are.

Posted by: Aeon J. Skoble | September 21, 2006 10:57 AM

Chris, my post was meant to be entirely humorous; just a poke in the ribs of sorts. The whole first part was just a set-up so I could take a jab at libertarians. In reality, I could care less about the Mets, and properly, despise the Red Sox.

It appears that I have no future in comedy, so I've decided not to quit my day job.

George

Posted by: George Cordero | September 22, 2006 03:36 AM

George, good idea to not quit your day job, but I thought that your post was funny enough. I'll be thinking about all you East Coast baseball snobs when I watch the Padres beat the A's in this years Fall Classic.

Posted by: Mick Russell | September 22, 2006 11:43 PM

Two words about baseball today from a San Diegan: Trevor Hoffman. Way to go, bay-bee!

Hell's Bells!!!! :-)

Posted by: Peri | September 25, 2006 10:30 AM

George, you haven't lost your touch! You got a smile out of me. I figured you were setting me up so that I could say that the "right-wing" and "left-wing" Yankee dichotomy is false, and that there is a way to, uh, dialectically transcend it. :)

In all seriousness, however, I probably do fall somewhere in-between. I don't have the "arrogance" of those Yankee fans from the 30s, 40s, 50s, or even early 60s... or the "arrogance" of the young fans who have known nothing but postseason play since 1995.

The bulk of my life was spent rooting for a team that was out of the postseason from 1979 through 1994 (with 1981's World Series loss to the Dodgers the one exception). In other words, I've known far more loss as a Yankee fan than I have victory... so I am less likely to throw around Yankee conceit.

I'm also a New Yorker, however, and given that my brother and sister-in-law love the Mets... I do tend to feel good about them winning in the NL (especially with ex-Yankee Willie Randolph at the helm, and young stars like David Wright and Jose Reyes having fine years).

But let's not get too carried away with this. I would never want to see the Red Sox as Champions over any New York team. Bill Buckner and 1986 was pretty crazy for Yankee fans to watch. It made that little "curse" seem like it would go on forever. And, in truth, I do occasionally wear a T-shirt that says on the front:

"Do the Math"

... and on the back, it shows all the World Series trophies owned by the Yankees... and those owned by the Sox, and states:

"At this rate it will take Boston three centuries to catch up."

:)

I am, in case you were wondering, a Yankee FANATIC.

Now, as for you, Mick: Well... I can't be too angry. I actually liked Mike Piazza (paisan that he is)... and was sorry to see him go. Having him go into the postseason, maybe even against the Mets, would carry with it a little poetic irony. So we'll see.

Of course if they meet up with the Yankees, Hell's Bells or not (as Peri reminds us)... I do hope you guys can go more than 4 games against the Yanks this time around. Remember 1998? ;)

DEREK JETER, MVP!!!

Posted by: Chris Matthew Sciabarra | September 26, 2006 09:56 AM

All I can say this morning is "Whew." I can't believe that Trevor and the boys almost let the division title almost slip away.

Actually, I can. San Diego teams are notorious for choking when it counts.

You East Coast and Chicago guys don't understand that we loyal West Coast fans have sports heartbreaks, too. Maybe we get no sympathy or mythological status because our weather is so much better; I don't know.

Posted by: Peri | October 2, 2006 09:39 AM

Sorry it didn't work out, Peri! Looks like we're both watching this play out on TV... and neither of our teams has advanced. :(

Posted by: Chris Matthew Sciabarra | October 12, 2006 09:22 AM

Song of the Day: My Eyes Adored You, words and music by Bob Crewe and Kenny Nolan, was a #1 hit for Frankie Valli. Listen to an audio clip here, and a happy anniversary to my brother Carl and sister-in-law Joanne.

Posted by chris at 06:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | Posted to Music
Comments

Thanks for the 70s flashbacks inspired by these Frankie Valli features! I liked several of his songs from back then ... dare I reveal in large part because I was able to torment my older sister with them? (I guess I do dare.)

Posted by: Sunni | September 21, 2006 12:15 PM

Sunni, that's divine! LOL This was a fun tribute!

Posted by: Chris Matthew Sciabarra | September 26, 2006 09:38 AM

SEPTEMBER 20, 2006

Song of the Day: Swearin' to God, words and music by Bob Crewe and Denny Randell, was a Top Ten hit for Frankie Valli; when it was released, I especially enjoyed the extended remix. Listen to an audio clip here.

SEPTEMBER 19, 2006

Song of the Day: Who Loves You, words and music by Bob Gaudio and Judy Parker, gave the Four Seasons a dash of disco. I love the musical break-down heard at the mid-point. Listen to an audio clip here.

SEPTEMBER 18, 2006

Song of the Day: Let's Hang On (To What We've Got), words and music by Bob Crewe, Sandy Linzer and Denny Randell, is another fine Four Seasons hit (audio clip at that link).

SEPTEMBER 17, 2006

Song of the Day: Opus 17 (Don't You Worry 'Bout Me), words and music by Sandy Linzer and Denny Randell, was a pop and R&B smash for the Four Seasons. Listen here to an audio clip of 17 on the 17th!

SEPTEMBER 16, 2006

Song of the Day: Working My Way Back to You, words and music by Sandy Linzer and Denny Randell, was another big Four Seasons hit. Listen to audio clips of The Four Seasons rendition, and another one by The Spinners.

Posted by chris at 08:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | Posted to Music

Comments

I prefer the Spinners version *ducks and runs out of the room*

Posted by: Peri | September 16, 2006 05:36 PM

Hey Peri, you're talking to one who boogied his butt off to the Spinners version at one time. :)

Posted by: Chris Matthew Sciabarra | September 26, 2006 09:37 AM

SEPTEMBER 15, 2006

Song of the Day: Sherry, words and music by Bob Gaudio, was recorded by The Four Seasons and became a #1 Hit on this date in 1962 (it was a #1 R&B hit too). And so begins our 10-day tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, which, of course, will also coincide with a change from one season to another. Listen here to an audio clip of this nostalgic hit. Having seen the Tony-winning Best Musical of 2006, "Jersey Boys," I can say that the moments leading up to the performance of this song in that production, and the performance itself, moved me to tears. It's a wonderful pop song in a wonderfully entertaining and poignant musical.

Posted by chris at 07:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | Posted to Film / TV / Theater Review | Music

Comments

"Jersey Boys"--yet ANOTHER Broadway show that got its start right here in San Diego.
:-)

Posted by: Peri | September 15, 2006 06:14 PM

Hey, Peri, that's great to know! When are the San Diego "Tony's" on... and do they actually call them that? Is it a branch of the American Theatre Wing?

Posted by: Chris Matthew Sciabarra | September 26, 2006 09:36 AM

SEPTEMBER 14, 2006

Song of the Day: Back Together Again, words and music by James Mtume and Reggie Lucas, is a classic soulful duet of Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway (audio clip at that link). I also adore a "sentimental reunion" remix by Steve Anderson, produced for the June 1990 Disco Mix Club. Check it out here.

SEPTEMBER 13, 2006

Song of the Day: Bitches Crystal, words and music by Keith Emerson and Greg Lake, is another classic high energy prog rock track from the Emerson, Lake and Palmer album, "Tarkus." Listen to an audio clip of the original cut here, and also, from an ELP tribute album here.

SEPTEMBER 12, 2006

Song of the Day: Tarkus is a classic progressive rock composition by Keith Emerson and Greg Lake, featuring several movements ("Eruption," "Stones of Years," "Iconoclast," "Mass," "Manticore," "Battlefield," and "Aquatarkus"). Listen to an audio clip from this energetic, jazz-inflected opus by Emerson, Lake and Palmer.

SEPTEMBER 11, 2006

Posted by chris at 08:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | Posted to Remembrance

Comments

About a year ago I had a tiny chat with Elie Wiesel. I told him I thought his philosophy could be summed up in just one word: "Remember."

But despite the depth of his wisdom and the undeniable beauty of his soul, I also told him I thought he was wrong. The most important word and philosophy, I said, is "Understand."

He was taken aback by my comment. Perhaps appropriately, he didn't seem to understand. But after a long and rather painful pause, he said with quiet dignity that altho' understanding is important, you first have to ~remember~, and understanding is only possible and can only follow after this.

But I would still respectfully submit that the term "remember" is weak philosophically. It reminds me of the Buddhist term and ideal "compassion." Both are rather limited.

And what we all surely need to ~understand~ -- today on 9/11 -- is that Islam is evil, religion is evil, and all of illiberalism is evil.

Posted by: Andre Zantonavitch | September 11, 2006 10:23 AM

Chris,

Your cousin's story is deeply moving, as are so many other tales of the true heroism shown by New York's residents that day. I'm fortunate never to have been involved in such a crisis, but if I ever am I can only hope that I cope with the situation as well as your cousin did that day.

For those who may be interested, I posted my own thoughts on this anniversary on my own blog:

http://mhumph.blogspot.com/2006/09/five-years-on.html

MH

Posted by: Matthew Humphreys | September 11, 2006 04:45 PM

Matthew, thank you for sharing your thoughts as well.

I set foot in the WTC as a first-time visitor to NYC in 1986, and the whole week I spent in Manhattan that year I always got a thrill gazing downtown to see them, noble and serene, keeping watch over the island.

5 years ago, I was doing much what I'm doing right now--surfing on the 'net trying to work up the energy to get ready for work--when a friend IM'd me about the news. By the time we heard about it in SoCA, I think both towers had been attacked and the Pentagon as well. I fliped on the television. Just couldn't believe it. It all seemed so surreal.

I did get to work that day, but I don't remember a whole lot of work getting done. One of my office mates had a radio and we listened to the news all day. Our offices are less than a mile from a Naval Air Station, so I was uneasy that someone might go after military bases, as well.

A friend of my significant other's mom was in NYC that day, having a meeting very near the WTC. She barely made it out alive--saved by a New Jersey woman who saw her wandering dazed through the streets--a stranger up until that moment--who let her stay in her home until the flight moratorium was over.

I will never forget that day.

Posted by: Peri | September 13, 2006 09:58 AM

Andre, thanks for relating the story of your encounter with Elie Weasel, whose books I've read with great interest through the years.

Of course, I agree with you completely that the key is "understanding," not simply remembering. But I do think that there is something to be said for the act of remembering; in the context of this thread and its related threads, it is an act of memorial to those who lost their lives.

But it is also an essential ingredient in the process of understanding. It is a cliche, for sure, but those who suffer from historical amnesia---the inability or unwillingness to remember the events of the past---are doomed to repeat them (and I'm tempted to add as Marx once did, echoing Hegel, first as tragedy, then as farce).

Peri, Matthew, thanks so much for relating your stories and thoughts.

Posted by: Chris Matthew Sciabarra | September 26, 2006 09:35 AM

Song of the Day: Triste, words and music by Antonio Carlos Jobim, is translated as "Sad" (one of my emotions on this day), but there is nothing sad about these lovely, lively audio clips featuring Jobim, Sinatra & Jobim and Brasil 66.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2006

Song of the Day: I Didn't Know What Time it Was, music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Lorenz Hart, was heard in the 1957 film, "Pal Joey" (yes, another one from that production). The song was actually not heard in the original 1940 Broadway production of "Pal Joey"; it debuted in the 1939 Broadway show, "Too Many Girls." Among the many versions recorded, listen to audio clips of renditions by Tony Bennett, Peggy Lee, Anita O'Day, Gogi Grant, Betty Carter, and Bobby Darin.

SEPTEMBER 09, 2006

Song of the Day: I Could Write a Book is a Rodgers and Hart gem from "Pal Joey." Check out audio clips of versions by Tony Bennett with Count Basie, Dinah Washington, and Ella Fitzgerald.

SEPTEMBER 08, 2006

Song of the Day: Smooth Criminal, words and music by Michael Jackson, was a featured selection on his album, "Bad." The video was cool too. As a DJ back in the '80s, I used to create my own dance-floor packin' house remix of this song by interlacing the "a capella mix" with the Inner City hit, "Big Fun." Listen to an audio clip of the original recording here.

Posted by chris at 07:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | Posted to Music

Comments

Chris, do you choose the song of the day or does it choose you?

Posted by: Austen | September 8, 2006 08:23 PM

Well, Austen, sometimes I choose a song; sometimes it chooses me. And you must know that sometimes, I transcend the dualism, and a dialectical give-and-take ensues. :)

Posted by: Chris Matthew Sciabarra | September 9, 2006 12:37 PM

SEPTEMBER 07, 2006

Song of the Day: Big Fun, words and music by Kevin Saunderson, Paris Gray, Arthur Forest and James Pennington, was recorded by the group Inner City. Listen to an audio clip of this classic house track here.

SEPTEMBER 06, 2006

Song of the Day: Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye), words and music by Jim Weatherly, won a 1974 Grammy Award for Gladys Knight and the Pips for "Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus." Listen to an audio clip of this wonderful pop hit here.

SEPTEMBER 05, 2006

Back on September 12, 2001, in the hours after the greatest tragedy to ever befall my hometown, I wrote:

The only near-fatality of an extended family member of which I am aware is my sister-in-law's cousin. He was on the 89th floor of the first tower that was struck; that strike apparently occurred on the 96th floor, but the devastation quickly spread to the floors above and below. He was able to get all of his workers to safety, except for two who were killed. He is now in [the] hospital, recovering from smoke and ash inhalation, but we expect a full recovery.

In the confusion that marked those hours, not all the facts that I reported were completely accurate. And that brief paragraph most certainly did not tell the whole story.

It has been five years since I wrote those words. Today, I am honored to add the testimony of my sister-in-law's cousin to my annual tribute page, "Remembering the World Trade Center":

"Cousin Scott"

As I mentioned here

This year's installment is particularly important; it comes on the fifth anniversary of that awful tragedy and it marks the first time that I will take readers inside the WTC. My interview subject was on the 89th floor of the North Tower when the first plane struck. That he survived to tell this harrowing story is a blessing to those of us who will never forget September 11, 2001. This was the most difficult interview I have ever conducted, but I trust that readers will agree with me that it is among the most important contributions to my annual series.

For those who would like to read previous installments of my series, I provide this index:

2001: As It Happened

2002: New York, New York

2003: Remembering the World Trade Center: A Tribute

2004: My Friend Ray

2005: Patrick Burke, Educator

Comments welcome. Cross-posted to L&P.

Posted by chris at 06:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | Posted to Remembrance

Comments

Outstanding remembrance and interview, Chris. I hope you send it to the newspapers (not necessarily NYC). As evidenced by your cousin Scott, the human will to live is often strong and quite admirable.

Still, I hope everyone remembers who ~did~ this horror: Muslims. It wasn't "terrorists." The Islamic community merits a great deal of moral revulsion and hatred by anyone who pretends to virtue.

Historically, I think the Jews should be remembered and hated for creating monotheism/religion. They were the original "zealots" who fought the intensely civilized Romans, and eventually begat the Jesus and Mohammed monsters.

I think the Christians should be remembered and hated for largely destroying Hellenistic Rome and creating a thousand years of Darkness.

And on 9/11 let's all bear in mind the Muslims and the unique and stunning evil ~they~ represent and embody.

No more 'Why do they hate us?' nonsense. The correct question is 'Why don't we hate them?' We certainly should. Their belief- system needs to perish just as badly as the three thousand Americans of September 11th.

Posted by: Andre Zantonavitch | September 5, 2006 01:18 PM

Chris, it's almot as painful to read about this as it was to witness it on that terrible day; I wept all through my reading of your article. But I'm glad you wrote it and I'm glad I read it, for the same reason that I read books and see movies about the Holocaust. The only thing worse than such horrors would be to forget them, ever.

Posted by: Barbara Branden | September 6, 2006 02:18 AM

Reading the vivid story of your cousin�s experience turns vague extrapolations of what it was like into concrete reality. I�ve heard from those who survived the attacks but not from someone who was on the edge of the wave of destruction, �running� for their life. Thank him (and you) for sharing that.

I joined a list of bloggers who will write about one individual that died on that day. In reading about the fellow assigned to me, the sadness of his family�s loss (both expressed and reading between the lines) helped to replace one of those numbers with a face � vivid and real � that brings me both sadness and anger. But for the family, I�ll focus on the sadness of that day. September 12th is another matter!

Posted by: Jason Pappas | September 6, 2006 11:42 AM

Chris: Apparantly Mel Gibson is now posting under the name of Andre Zantonavitch!

Good piece!

Posted by: Mark Fulwiler | September 6, 2006 05:07 PM

Mark said: >

Indeed.

And that's all the time I will spend on *that.* :-/

Chris, thank you for ALL of your touching pieces on this tragedy. We must never forget this. It hurts to see it turned into some political ploy for certain politicians and into moneymaking storylines for Hollywood. The wound is too fresh and too deep.

Thank you for posting these pieces to remind us, once again, how this was a very human tragedy that transcended ideology. It was an awful day in the history of this country, and in the history of humanity as a whole.

Posted by: Peri | September 9, 2006 11:30 AM

Thanks to the comments here on this essay, which was an extremely difficult thing to research and write.

And thanks especially to the scores of people who have written to me offlist, offering their private thoughts on the tragedy of that day, and the essays I've written to commemorate that tragedy.

As far as politics goes, of course, readers are very familiar with my views, and I'd prefer to keep this thread free of that discussion. (I still appreciate the fact that this topic necessarily entails historical and political backdrop, and appreciate the passion that posters bring to the subject, even when I disagree with them.)

As I said at Liberty and Power, "Whatever one's views of the historical and political causes and consequences of September 11, 2001, I believe it is important to 'Never Forget.'"

Posted by: Chris Matthew Sciabarra | September 9, 2006 12:42 PM

Song of the Day: The Wings of My Heart (lyrics can be found in the transcript of a linked 2003 episode of "Another World") features the words and music of the late Keith Diamond and James Ingram. Appearing on Ingram's album "Never Felt So Good," it is a passionate, melodic, lush ballad that has also been recorded by my sister-in-law, Joanne Barry (no audio clips online). Happy Birthday, Joanne!

SEPTEMBER 04, 2006

Song of the Day: Uptight features the words and music of Sylvia Moy, Henry Cosby, and Stevie Wonder, for whom it was was a big hit. Listen to audio clips of Stevie's version and Nancy Wilson (my favorite version).

SEPTEMBER 03, 2006

Song of the Day: Para Machuchar Meu Coracao (To Hurt My Heart), words and music by Ary Evangelista Barroso, is featured on the fabulous Getz/Gilberto album (audio clip at that link).

SEPTEMBER 02, 2006

Song of the Day: I Heard it Through the Grapevine, words and music by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, was a mega-hit for two different Motown artists: Gladys Knight and the Pips and Marvin Gaye (audio clips at those links). The song was one of my sister's favorites (and one of mine too) back in the 1960s, and it's her birthday today! Happy birthday, sister! Meanwhile, check out alternative versions by Creedance Clearwater Revival, The Temptations, and, of course, The California Raisins.

SEPTEMBER 01, 2006

Today marks the two-year anniversary of the inauguration of my "Song of the Day" feature.

I was reminded of this the other night when I was watching the "58th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards," which, during the broadcast, showed a romantic commercial for "Journey Diamond Jewelry," telling us that "a diamond is forever." The song used for that commercial? "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?," which just so happens to have been my very first "Song of the Day." In truth, I thought it was a lovely commercial; but then again, it is a lovely song. Like the diamond, it will last forever, at least "forever" in my own consciousness. Indeed, though it would be very difficult for me to pick my favorite song of all time, that Legrand-Bergman tune would certainly qualify.

Two years ago today, I wrote:

Today, I thought I'd share with my readers a new feature for "Not a Blog" and a new page on my site. I have been promising readers to inaugurate additional "My Favorite Things" pages, pointing to such things as favorite books, favorite albums, and even favorite songs. Why my personal aesthetic views are so interesting is beyond me... but the Favorite Things page is consistently one of the most popular pages on my "Dialectics and Liberty" website. Perhaps it is due to the fact that I provide lots of entertaining links on such pages for your enjoyment.

So, I'm starting a new page today: My Favorite Songs. Rather than come up with a full list on a single day, I'll make it a regular (daily?) feature here at "Not a Blog." (The songs will also be added to the "Favorite Songs" list, alphabetically, with date of addition in [brackets].)

There isn't a waking hour of any day where I don't have a song on my mind. (I suspect there are quite a few songs playing in my mind during non-waking hours as well!) Music is such an integral part of my life, that I could not for a moment imagine life without it. And the songs I love come from a variety of genres, as readers will soon find out.

I can only echo those observations today. And while the "Song of the Day" hasn't actually been posted daily for two straight years (there have been more than a few interruptions), I'm happy that it remains a popular feature at Notablog. And I'm even happier that it has evolved to include both vocal and instrumental compositions. Obviously, my use of the word "song" is, uh, rather loose. But that's been part of the fun... running the gamut from cartoons to the concert hall.

Thanks again to Notablog readers for all your recent public comments on the songs, and thanks also to the hundreds of people who have emailed me their own private comments over the last two years. I've heard from music fans and even from some of the artists and composers whom I've highlghted. It's been a great run, and I look forward to continuing the feature in the future, though it will become less frequent sometime this fall, as my work schedule intensifies.

Comments welcome.

Posted by chris at 07:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (17) | Posted to Blog / Personal Business | Music | Remembrance

Comments

Chris:
Any idea who sang the version of What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life that Journey Diamond Jewelry used in their ad?! I listened to all of the female versions in iTunes but don't think it's there! I love it!

Posted by: Emma | September 4, 2006 12:09 PM

I've been searching high and low for that same song, can you help us out!? Thanks

Posted by: trisha | September 6, 2006 07:44 PM

Sounds like the Dusty Springfield version to me.

Posted by: Anonymous | September 7, 2006 07:45 PM

I should have a definite answer next week, and will report it in this space.

Stay Tuned. :)

Posted by: Chris Matthew Sciabarra | September 9, 2006 12:35 PM

It is, indeed, the Dusty Springfield version. Beautiful song.

Posted by: Olivia | September 9, 2006 04:45 PM

is the song on one of her albums?

Posted by: Candy | September 11, 2006 10:08 PM

I have no idea who's singing that but wow what a great voice. I'd sure love to buy that cd with her singing it!

Posted by: Jenny | September 11, 2006 10:11 PM

Hey, folks, I finally spoke to somebody at JWT Advertising Agency, which is handling the account, and, as expected, I've confirmed that it is, indeed, Dusty Springfield's version of the song. (The ad has 30-second and 60-second versions; I have seen both, but I most enjoy the latter, broadcast during the Emmy's, because it samples a lot more of the song!)

For those of you who would like to get a copy of Dusty's rendition, it can be found on Disc 2 of Something Special and Disc 1 of The Look of Love (audio clips at those links).

Posted by: Chris Matthew Sciabarra | September 13, 2006 11:08 AM

Hey all - The Dusty Springfield song "What are you doing the rest of your life" is available also on a few of her compilation CD's - I have one called "Dusty Springfield - Classics and Collectibles" which is a 2 CD set and available from Amazon and FYE. It's probably on some other ones too - she has several. Hope this helps - Alan

Posted by: Alan Kendrick | September 19, 2006 07:50 PM

I am getting the song that's sung in the commercial right now; I hope it's the right one. I love that song also and they keep playing it on tv so I decided to find out who sings it.

Posted by: Iva | September 20, 2006 12:58 AM

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I had no idea how to find that song and it was just so beautifully haunting...

Posted by: malik | September 23, 2006 12:40 AM

Thanks so much to the additional commentators here. I've gotten so much offlist correspondence as well; it is certainly a commercial---and a song---that has left an impression.

Posted by: Chris Matthew Sciabarra | September 26, 2006 09:39 AM

Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I love this song! I couldn't find the title anywhere! Thanks again!!!

Posted by: DeShea | October 14, 2006 06:07 PM

Dear Chris: There's a tune I've loved since I first heard it, around 1990-91 (if I remember correctly), but I haven't been able to identify it. It was the background music for the Honda Accord coupe TV commercial, "Music for the Eyes" theme. Can you help me track down this music? Thanks, and best wishes. Mike A.

Posted by: Mike A. | October 15, 2006 05:21 PM

Mike, sorry for the long delay here, but I was on a few tight deadlines.

I need to do a bit more investigating on this. I asked around a bit, but no success yet. Check this space when you can, and if you have any additional leads, or info, let me know...

Best wishes,
Chris

Posted by: Chris Matthew Sciabarra | November 8, 2006 09:44 AM

Dear Chris: With reference to the Honda Accord Coupe TV commercial (from the early-1990s) with the theme "Music for the Eyes", I've always thought that Dave Samuels might have been the musical source (because of the use of jazz-oriented steel drums). In addition, presently, Westin Hotels has some TV commercials with some wonderful "cool" jazz music. I'd like to know where this comes from too. Thanks, and best wishes. Mike

Posted by: Mike | November 9, 2006 10:28 PM

Hey, Mike, thanks for your follow-up post; I was a bit busy with the publication of JARS, which has delayed my own follow-up. What I need to do is to see this commercial on a NY-based channel and find the ad agency responsible for the advertisement. Drop me a note if you see the commercial on any particular national broadcast, and maybe we can do a little detective work!

Posted by: Chris Matthew Sciabarra | November 25, 2006 05:49 AM

Song of the Day: Jonny Quest, composed by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, is another one of those rousing jazzy cartoon themes. Listen here to an audio clip. And so ends the Second Annual TV Theme tribute.