Monthly Archives: August 2017

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Song of the Day #3,335: ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ – Bonnie Tyler

I know all the Montauk Madness fans are crying out in pain as they realize they’ll have to wait a little longer to learn which artist won the championship matchup. I apologize.

But I couldn’t let today pass without acknowledging two cosmically important, once in a lifetime events: the Total Solar Eclipse and my sister Amy’s 50th birthday.

So let us pause to watch the world fall into an overwhelming darkness. And let’s check out the eclipse, too.

Just kidding, Amy! 50 is the new 30, and you wear it more like 25. I’ve been around for nearly 45 of those 50 years and you’ve inspired, amused and enriched me through every one of them.

With all my love, Happy Birthday!

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Song of the Day #3,334: ‘For You’ – Tracy Chapman

I don’t think I’ve ever done a list of my favorite debut albums. I’m surprised, because that would be a fun list to compile given the many directions it could go.

I’m writing that down as an idea for a blog theme to come. Stay tuned.

One thing I know is Tracy Chapman’s self-titled 1988 release would be on that list. I never followed Chapman’s career after this record, but it remains a stunner. Its songs are eye-opening and tear-jerking, often at the same time.

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Song of the Day #3,333: ‘Wonder’ – Natalie Merchant

Today marks a numerical milestone for the blog: my 3,333rd post. The occasion prompted me to go back and look at the 1,111th and 2,222nd posts.

Song of the Day #1,111 was Christina Aguilera’s ‘Hurt’ and came during a week in which I wrote about each of The Voice‘s judges during its inaugural season (way back in 2011). Too bad that post didn’t fall on November 11, or it could have been Song #1,111 on 11/11/11.

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Song of the Day #3,332: ‘Elvis Presley Blvd.’ – Billy Joel vs. Elvis Costello

And now, four months of Montauk Madness voting comes down to one last decision as we crown a grand champion. Our contestants face off across the pond, with Billy Joel repping New York and Elvis Costello hailing from merry England.

Two singer-songwriters in their 60s, each with a healthy catalog of original material. Joel has enjoyed far more commercial success, while Costello is the critics’ darling.

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Song of the Day #3,331: ‘Seven Wonders’ – Fleetwood Mac

Another act I regret excluding from the Montauk Madness competition is Fleetwood Mac. I own four of their albums (Fleetwood Mac, Rumours, Tusk and Tango in the Night) and I freaking love pretty much everything they do.

This was another unintentional oversight, like the exclusion of Ron Sexsmith. I have to be more careful about this stuff!

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