As you read this, my family is embarking on a two-week trip to Italy and the Greek Isles. In my customary fashion, I will slip the blog into vacation mode during the week, while Random Weekends will proceed unchanged.
Song of the Day #4,006: ‘The Big Light’ – Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello’s 1986 album King of America blended Country and Americana flavors with his brand of brainy singer-songwriter rock, resulting in one of his greatest achievements.
Among confessional ballads and geo-political explorations, Costello dropped in a few fun rave-ups, including today’s SOTD, ‘The Big Light.’
Song of the Day #4,005: ‘Walking the Dog’ – Fun
Technically, the band Fun is not broken up. The three members — Nate Ruess, Andrew Dost, and Jack Antonoff — say that they will be happy to record as a trio again when inspiration strikes, but in the meantime they are all pursuing other projects.
Ruess released a solo album in 2015 while Antonoff has become one of the most sought-after producers and songwriting collaborators in the industry. Dost is probably dying for the band to get back together.
Song of the Day #4,004: ‘Medellin’ – Madonna feat. Maluma
You have to hand it to Madonna. She just released her 14th studio album in her 36th year of recording and every one of those records has sold at least a million copies worldwide. All but the last couple have sold more than five million. And all but her debut have been in the top three spots on Billboard’s albums chart (eight of them at #1).
It seems like we don’t hear from her much anymore, but her most dedicated fanbase has followed her religiously for nearly four decades. I know, because the guy who cuts my hair went on at great length about her new release the last time he had me in his chair.
Song of the Day #4,003: ‘Dancing Queen’ – ABBA
My daughter Sophia turns 17 today, an age that doesn’t have the meaning of 16 or 18 but feels relatively momentous in its own right.
In fact, when I searched for songs about (or at least mentioning) being 17, I found a treasure trove. Something about the age appeals to songwriters… probably the idea of being fully immersed in teenagerdom but just on the brink of adulthood.
Meet Me In Montauk 