Dead Boys

Sam Fender’s sound is a mix of Springsteen, Elvis and U2 but his lyrics are not derivative. Suicide is a very real issue.

“We all tussle with the black dog
Some out loud and some in silence
Everybody ’round here just drinks
‘Cause that’s our culture.”

Get on the Boat

Prince channeled James Brown in this number.

“Everything in darkness must come out into the light
When we love each other that’s the only way that’s gonna be right”

Soul!

I also recommend watching a full performance such as this one on YouTube. Prince and company put on a real show.

Let Love Reign

Robertson’s smoky sound morphs towards the positive in this new tune.
Here’s a quote from a Rolling Stone story: “I guess I’m at an age now – a place in my journey – where I don’t care what you think. I’ll tell you anyway!”

Presence of the Lord

Right on the heels of the previous entry and that kind of downer, I stumbled on this gem played at a 2007 festival, Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood segueing into a wonderful rave-up that brightened the day. Sometimes all it takes is the waverings of the Hammond B3.

Everything Is Broken

A favorite blues player, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and his band cover a Bob Dylan tune that encapsulates my state of mind today. I’ve gotta quit listening to the news [not].

Turn Off the News (Build a Garden)

Here’s a heartfelt country number by a Lukas Nelson. (Tell me he has the vocal qualitiies of another, older Nelson.) He certainly brings a country vibe to the problems of today.

Last Night I Had the Strangest Dream

John Denver preceded his performance of a signature song with a recitation of a lovely poem. This clip is from a 1982 concert in London. His golden voice did justice to Ed McCurdy’s tune.

Immigrant Eyes

Guy Clark and Emmylou Harris (I think) sing a melancholy, sincere tribute to those who came before.

The Thailand HRDs

This link taps into a whole playlist of videos of performers playing portions of Frank Horvat’s 35-movement cycle, The Thailand HRDs (Human Rights Defenders).

Poignant pieces created in the hope that a legacy won’t be forgotten.

Momentous

As is usually the case with me, I’m late for this particular party (in this instance, the memorial, the wake, if you please). Stumbled on this powerful story of June 4, 1989 in the country of China.

Interestingly, “something went wrong” when I tried posting it on Facebook. Probably nothing, right (while visions of conspiracy dance through my wee little head)?