"Looks Like We Made It" by Barry Manilow

Here we are, the last day of 2016!  I've had so many words to describe 2016: "intense", "non-stop", "brutal", "a bitch" (see Aug. 20th and Dec. 5th), "relentless" and a few others I can't remember.

But this morning I was thinking that we made it!  We survived!  We are so DONE with 2016! 

Just for good measure I'm going to post the finale of John Oliver's "Last Week Tonight" show again:

YouTube (F*ck 2016): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX0XxxoZIXo

Anyway, thinking about how we made it this morning reminded me of this song.    The theme of the song is wrong, in the intro to the song in the live TV video, Barry talks about how the song is about two people that didn't make it.  But the title works...

The one video shows the label of the 7" single and the copyright is 1976.  So  40 years ago.  So crazy to think what a different world it was then.  I had no idea I was transgender, I just always knew there was something wrong with me.

I never envisioned that almost 40 years later I would be very happily living as a woman.  It still blows my mind just thinking about it.  You truly can't know what will happen in the future.

So this will seem contradictory but even though 2016 has been a bitch, it has still been a wonderful year!  I'm still happier than I've ever been and I love who I am!!  It is so delightful being a woman, I've found so much joy in being my true self!!!  Not even a year as hard as 2016 could take that away.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C47GV5xFkTg
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UzkOrdKUII
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_T6W_G2j6qU
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRY3aKx8bKg
YouTube (live TV): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjXSspYYhC4

"What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" by Kacey Musgraves

I just love this Kacey Musgraves Christmas record!  So one more song from it...  :)

YouTube (Vevo): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvXpkH-gl3Q
YouTube (Live TV): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TI_ncxH2ta0

Here's a short video of Kacey talking about this song:

YouTube (studio): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzyI3QwKjHY

"Die Young Stay Pretty" by Blondie

I love Blondie...

Interesting, the live audio was recorded on 31-Dec-1979, just shy of 37 years ago.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jO5VV5PISHU
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9Q87ATAQ3o
YouTube (lyrics): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kO5zo8ZdO4
YouTube (live audio): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPG7B44ES3Y

"Mary Jane's Last Dance" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

I started reading the book "Raising Ryland" last night and continued reading Chapter 3 - "The Gift of Sound" this morning.  In it, when Hillary (Ryland's Mother) is getting Ryland ready to go to the audiologist and have Ryland's cochlear implants activated.  She mentions Mary Janes with a pink bow on the sides and it reminded me of this song.

After I came out, Wendy sent me a link to a YouTube video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAHCqnux2fk) about a transgender boy named Ryland.  I posted it back on 15-Apr-2015.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aowSGxim_O8
YouTube (album): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5pHM-o2_Dk
YouTube (lyric): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMSZALOGF_M

It turn out there is all sorts of stuff about Ryland:

Website for the documentary film: http://www.raisingryland.com/#about

"Straighten Up and Fly Right" by Nat King Cole

Rachel, we need to straighten up and fly right!!  Admittedly 2016 has been a challenge for us and so many of our friends, but we have to get back on track!  We have to get back to eating right and exercising regularly.  Kapish!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fVaP6dM1fs
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCpmFUm8pIw
YouTube (King Trio): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yY4jbYNTmKs

These videos are fun too!

YouTube (Andrews Sisters): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmjNIq49398
YouTube (Diana Krall): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvq7dQlBj6g

"Funeral for a Friend / Love Lies Bleeding" by Elton John

I have no idea why our funeral has been on our mind so much lately.  Last night I was thinking about how much stress 2016 has been.  It has just been non-stop shit going on.  Some of it was really great stuff, but never having a moments rest feels like it's killing us.  I'm worried I'm killing Miss Divine because I can't keep up with everything.  I can't take care of us.

The "lyrics" video has some good information in the description.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3p_xAToFzck
YouTube (live): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z314pQhLb2Q
YouTube (lyrics): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqNkMnLD_uE

This interesting video by Goldman-Sacs about the Music Industry and streaming popped up on YouTube today:

YouTube (Streaming): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lIGGNzWoIc

"Careless Whisper" by Wham! feat. George Michael

The 2 sides of the "Careless Whisper" 45

I know it's weird not to have some sort of Christmas or holiday song today, but everyone is mourning the death of George Michael.

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Michael

Such a sexy man, I remember Nanell and Cuzzin Brad saying they thought he was the one man they both thought was sexy.  SueZQ and I both agreed.  So HOT!!!  I would've had sex with him in a heartbeat ;)

YouTube (Official): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izGwDsrQ1eQ

"Ribbons and Bows" by Kacey Musgraves

My Christmas Nails

How about another new, upbeat Christmas song from Kacey:


YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnpDdIOTDhE
YouTube (live): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMb9Eqm4h5o
YouTube (live): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZDs6__en_Y

"It's the Most Wonderful Time" by Pete Jolly

A&M Records "Something Festive" sampler album

Another fun song from the "Something Festive" Christmas album.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTjrplq0-8s

"Band of Gold" by Mel Carter

Inside of the "The Big 13 KCPX" album cover

Sides 2 and 4 of the records

To clarify: this song is not on the KCPX album shown above.  This album just reminded me that Mel Carter sang this song.  See my post for yesterday.

Anyway, I loved this 45 RPM single and played it over and over when I was a kid.


Note: the 45 RPM single is the Old Gold label reissue.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pB7h_nyEQSE
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYLFnLG_P2o
YouTube (45 RPM): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fz_10gWpFKA
YouTube (Topic): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CX4BFKPXrtQ

"Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me" by Mel Carter

Compilation album that "The Big 13 - KCPX" (1320 AM) released

Side 1 and 2 of the records

My brain works (or doesn't as the case may be) in strange ways.  Some time ago I made a sticky note to remind myself to post the song "Dark Eyed Cajun Woman" to my blog.  It was stuck to my turntable for who knows how long.  I finally posted it to my blog on 19-Sep-2016.

But the stick note also has "Band of Gold" written on it, I was think of an old 45 RPM single, I really liked from the 60's.  But I couldn't remember the artist.  I did a search on you tube, but aside from a single by Ernest Tubb most of the results were for a song by Frieda Payne with the same title.  I tried adding extra details to the search, like "60's", to no avail.

I kept trying to think of the artists name, but I just couldn't remember.  Suddenly it hit me that maybe the song was on this "The Big 13 KCPX" compilation that 1320 AM KCPX released in the 60's or maybe the early 70's.

I was disappointed when I found the song was not on that record.  But the name Mel Carter kind of rang a bell.  Sure enough, another YouTube search brought it up.

I decided to post this song, the one on the KCPX album first.


YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0Qhb6JPIrk
YouTube (live TV): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwGZHfMMXSQ
YouTube (live 2000): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mXXerMY8d4YouTube (rerecord?): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKturN4Beyg

"Synchronicity II" by The Police

My friends Rachel and Michelle's beautiful back yard

Their pets taking a rest.  Front to rear: Cherry, Milo and Treat

I happened across this video "11 Ways Highly Intuitive People Live Differently" and I love it!  One of the ways is "Sychronicities" and it reminded me of this song.

YouTube (11 Ways): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoDfeGnuA0c

I remember seeing this video on MTV...

YouTube (Vevo): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5FPPoLqkCk
YouTube (lyrics): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buadfz2qcbY

"When Morning Comes" by Swing Out Sister

The "rehersal" video I posted a year ago reminded me of this song, also from the "Filth and Dreams" album.

I walk these city streets all paved with dirt and dreams
Wishing the rain would come and wash my sadness clean
I work these city nights all bound in love and lies
And when the lights go out the darkness lets me cry

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJoG4yNB_s8
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1QjGpk4iw4
YouTube (live): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uz7-nvAB3wI

"Bebop Rockin'" by Louie James

This popped up on YouTube this morning and I love it!!  The video is awesome too!  The video clips and photos of cars, records, record players, DJ's, dancers, it's just cool man!!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZC93Y0d3W0

"Rebirth of the Cool" by Afghan Whigs

I went to see the new "Rogue One" movie, this afternoon in Layton, with Genevra and her family.  Such a wonderful and loving family!  I had a great time!

Afterwards Cuzzin Brad texted me, while I was on my way to Wendy Jean's house, that he was listening to some the "Void Where Prohibited" CD-Rs I made about 20 years ago.  He specifically mentioned this song and I thought yeah this is a great song.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g98y2AzBJnk
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZ6_4tGuqfc
YouTube (EP cover): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Y5c5N3Pifg

"Twilight Zone" by Manhattan Transfer

This morning I saw a Rachel Maddow video about Trump voters that is crazy!  It included a video clip of Donald Trump and family(?) and I had this surreal feeling I was in The Twilight Zone.  This whole thing is just so WEIRD!!!

YouTube (Rachel Maddow): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgZnrPG37gM

It reminded me of this wonderful Twilight Zone song from the 70's!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVm6ZEQt71c
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3eN0e60Zco
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTyhycwZMa4

"Detour" by Patti Page

I just noticed this album consists of rerecordings

When I posted "Cross Over the Bridge" a couple of weeks ago (see my post for 3-Dec-2016) I hadn't noticed that "Greatest Hits" album was rerecordings.  I generally have disliked rerecorded versions, they rarely live up to the original recording.

Usually, I pickup that a recording is not the original right off the bat, but I listened to this album and didn't realize any track was not the original.  And after listening to the original 1951 version of this song, I like the rerecorded version better.

Note: the "1951 45 RPM" video shows the 45 RPM single label, however the audio source was a CD.

YouTube (1951 45 RPM): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GURA7a7g_tU
YouTube (1995 CD): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgvIL5FyFso
YouTube (1966 rerecording): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-YMTFRLbCk

Another note: in the comments for the "1966 rerecording" somebody mentioned it was made in the 1980's, however on Wikipedia it is listed as 1966:

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patti_Page_discography#Compilation_albums

I tend to believe the 1966 date because records made after 1971 had to have a year printed with the copyright for it to be valid.

"Cristmas Makes Me Cry" by Kacey Musgraves

I love this album and the green and red record

This is such a great album and this song really touches me.  A lot of things make me cry now.   I'm sure taking Estridiol (Estrogen) helps ;)   I like to cry, I think it's cathartic!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_FMP5f5e0o
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MI9FaXr3fw
YouTube (live): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exP3wNGlo_s
YouTube (lyrics): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cXjbs0-YbQ
YouTube (discussion): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCOXA59BUSQ

"Dazz" by Brick

I was digging around on my hard drive this morning and I happened across a wave file I made from the 45 of this song.  Another song I can't believe I have never posted!  ...makes your body move, well all right!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpr9qvuodVA
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbfL4Q9bP7g
YouTube (12" version): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIUvR5JTB3c
YouTube (live TV): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ry01TzpEitQYouTube (live TV): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MK1jt7ooMvo

"Original Sin" by INXS

Another song I heard the other night on 103.1 The Wave that I distinctly remember from KCGL.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYRTd3NVshc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2c7fElWw2oA
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XHU6Zk240c

Saw another awesome Saturday Night Live Cold Open video.  Walter White as Trump's nominee for the DEA.  Just AWESOME!

YouTube (SNL): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_X0rNLyGJ4

"Turbulent Indigo" by Joni Mitchell

I found this fascinating interview with Joni Mitchel this morning.  Such an amazing woman!

YouTube (interview): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUu1MvnAecc

This is a very cool title track from her 1994 "Turbulent Indigo" album.  I love the verse:

Madman hangs in fancy homes
They wouldn't let him near
He'd piss in their fireplace
He'd drag 'em through turbulent indigo

Other Joni Mitchel songs I have posted:

2016-02-03: Free Man in Paris
2015-12-02: Help Me
2016-08-09: How Do You Stop
2011-11-11: Sex Kills
2011-07-24: Sunny Sunday

"Blasphemous Rumours" by Depeche Mode

I was on the way to Saver's tonight, to find some slacks for the DJ gig next week and this song came on 103.1 The Wave.  One of my 80's DM favorites.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jus3BE9mdfI
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDlQKhdo2eQ
YouTube (remastered): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFD8AkiQhvg
YouTube (lyrics): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWA6QPXI6AI
YouTube (rare-long): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT4Kw3A0pHI

"I Drive Alone" by Esthero

I've been a big fan of Esthero for years! I just happened across this song and I love it.  Funny it's another another "alone" song to follow yesterday's post.

YouTube (Topic): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rG-ZF4BmII8
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVIHZLB5haM
YouTube (lyrics): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bT2NImkhN4Y

"Alone" by Swing Out Sister

I could definitely relate to this song when I was presenting male, I always felt alone.  Listening to it again now, it still touches some part of me...

You hide behind a smile
So no one sees the tears you cry
Just stop and think a while
Are you just living out a lie?

The smile upon your face
A smile that only lasts until you turn around
And when you fall from grace
Suddenly you'll find you lost the friend you found

Keep your emotions in captivity
Hide in the shadows, but long to be free
Wishing and hoping the sooner you see
You'll never be happy until you can be

Alone again
Alone again
Alone again...

If I remember correctly the version of this song on the CD is 11:55,  I think they shortened the other ones by fading them out early.

YouTube (8:46): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=763TKvNhjbM
YouTube (11:55): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00IlyA6eJdE
YouTube (10:00 + lyrics): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoYce7Lscjo

"It's Been A Long, Long Time" by Les Paul & Mary Ford

It's was funny, I was thinking earlier this morning about how long it had been since I've kissed someone.  Then I flipped over the Les Paul and Mary Ford album I was listening to last night and this song came on.  It has been a long, long time...

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnxpMr0n2AY
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E20_WZctux8
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj1R5N6_jrU
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnD2Ig8pdEo
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjkflJQTZyQ

Take 1 (1-Feb-2017)

"Theme from The Apartment" by Ferrante and Teicher

Another song from the "Great Motion Picture Themes"album I was listening to yesterday.  This always reminds me of my step-dad, Ray.  I remember he made a reel-to-reel tape practicing being a disc jockey.  He had taken a class at Roy High School if I remember correctly.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxF69wON2oc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRvvzm-HYKw
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVvw2ewFHrc
YouTube (45 RPM): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FMgj_DfHB4

"Theme from Exodus" by Ferrante and Teicher

I was listening to this "Great Motion Picture Themes" album this morning and thinking what powerful music this is.  2016 has been a bitch, but I'm so much stronger and more powerful than ever before.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi8WgNE86gAYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8-mJ4cVz2E
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qM6wKMH-JRM
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihD5K3Zfkag

Speaking of 2016 here is just the finale of the John Oliver final show for 2016.  It's comforting to know that so many other people feel the same about 2016.

YouTube (F*ck 2016): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX0XxxoZIXo

"Moonglow" by The Norman Luboff Choir

My friend Desiree texted me earlier tonight to ask how much longer I was house sitting. I texted back "3 days... that reminds me I should go check on the critters".  A few minutes later she says "Don't let the critters get out! Lol", to which I replied "I'm just happy they haven't eaten the couch or something LOL".  So then she sends me this meme and I laughed so hard I almost fell off the bed:

Anyway, I was listening to The Norman Luboff Choir "But Beautiful" album tonight, which I really enjoy.  I wanted to post the title track but I can't find it on YouTube.  But this version of "Moonglow" is very nice.  I really  like the saxophone in it.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqDEZO7GCPg

"Cross Over the Bridge" by Patti Page

I was digging through a stack of albums and looked at the track list for this album.  This song jumped out at me and I just had to hear it.

Trippy to think this song came out in 1954, the year before I was born...

Oooh and I'll bet the "Rules of Love" book, shown in the one video (at time 0:15), written by a man was chuck full of the woman needing to satisfy the man...

Okay, maybe I jumped to a conclusion thinking it was written in the 50's and misjudged the book.  It looks like it was published in 2008, so maybe it's cool.

Good Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5574716-the-rules-of-love

Anyway, I think the lyrics to this song are witty and fun:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBRTIvLGoq8
YouTube (Original 45 RPM): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOuegJ4YH_o
YouTube (Original 78 RPM): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsQgdVJFPbc
YouTube (rerecording): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnT88Qz3Syo

"Your Woman" by White Town

Me at the Women's March in Las Vegas 21-Jan-2018

Update 20-Apr-2018: added photo above.

It is so weird that it never occurred to me that I was really a woman.  Many of my trans* friends say they knew when they were 3 years old.  I just *ALWAYS* knew there was something wrong with me.

It is so weird that other children recognized it all the way from Kindergarten to 12th Grade, I was bullied for being girly.

Anyway, unlike the lyrics of this song, I can and AM a WOMAN!!

This is another album that Chet Tapp and I shared a love of.  Just a great album.  As you probably know Chet and I, with the help of several others started KCQN which has now turned into 103.1 The Wave!

This is a great song, great album and great video! 

This album was famous at the time for being recorded on an old Tascam recorder and an Atari.  See my post on 30-Mar-2015 for more about that.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVL-zZnD3VU
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIX2RAHPTsI
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OMEWH8vilU
YouTube (lyrics): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rGs4ysA2_M

"Butterfly" by Andy Williams

I met the former mayor of Salt Lake City, Rocky Anderson, at the Best of Utah party tonight

I went to the City Weekly Best of Utah party this evening with the rest of Misty K. Snow's committee.  It was so FUN!!

Definitely a song from my childhood...

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mzNVotewfI
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cq0vx6_Ytq4
YouTube (lyrics): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkXtgrF2FD4

"11:59" by Blondie

The record store I bought the Parallel Lines album at was here almost 40 years ago

I still remember buying the "Parallel Lines" album at a new record store on 27th and Washinton Blvd. in Ogden.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GL0hnnkOn4A
YouTube (live TV): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=209TOGj6aQM
YouTube (Topic): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijzXhgi-0ck

"Walkin' After Midnight" by Patsy Cline

I love all the magnets they have in Cahoots

Once again so weird I've never posted this song before.  This is my favorite Patsy Cline song.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsRNCvHXHHU
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWeCdxZlU5E
YouTube (lyrics): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owpdDjsErA4
YouTube (live TV): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgGI-HOQZBk

"Never Tear Us Apart" by INXS

SueZQ, Amy, Julia and I went to see "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" last night. It was awesome!  I *LOVED* IT!!!  I had to hold back my tears (of happiness) at the end.  I'm so happy I can cry again!  There were so many months this year that I couldn't cry, no matter how much I wanted to.  It was so weird!  I'm so happy that I don't have to worry about Testosterone anymore!

I have found so much joy in life!  I've had several good cries lately thinking how wonderful my life is now.  It is like I'm living in a fairy tale!  I wish I could somehow share my joy with other transgender people who are struggling.  I'm living proof that you can be transgender AND have a wonderful life!!

Anyway, it was snowing when we got out of the theater, so we drove home on Redwood Road.  I saw a billboard for Salt Lake Community College (I think) and it said something about having wings.  It reminded me of a line from this song:  "'cause we all have wings, but some of us don't know why".  Neither of us could remember what song it was from.

It came to me, in the middle of the night, that it was INXS, but I thought the title was "Two Worlds Collided".  I had to get out of bed and look it up on YouTube.  It was of course this song.

In the morning I discovered a note on the bathroom mirror from SueZQ, saying it was "Never Tear Us Apart".  She told me later that it had come to her in the middle of the night too and she also thought the title was "Two Worlds Collide".  So she got up in the middle of the night to look it up on the Internet too.  Too funny!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyZU4iNRdsM

"Blowin' Smoke" by Kacey Musgraves

Happened across another Kacey Musgraves song tonight.  I love her songs and her videos are always fun!  I ordered the vinyl of her "Same Trailer Different Park" album on Amazon for $7.99.  That seems like such a bargain compared to the usual price of new vinyl records for $25.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEsEUpk5rU8

"Baby Did a Bad, Bad Thing" by Chris Isaak

We got carried away today at a couple of the Shop Small events. Of course one of them was Retro Betty one of my favorite shops in the world, how could we resist?  Anyway, we got a little carried away, so I was thinking tonight Baby did a bad, bad thing!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPZQ7ZLy3MI
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfqZabPvqxc

"My Happiness" by Johnny Francis

Liner Notes quote on "The Very Best of Connie Francis" album

I love reading the liner notes on these old albums.  Of course they are trying to sell the albums.  The "She is, without doubt, the most popular girl singer in just about any country you can name." quote was pretty surprising as I only remember a few of the songs on the album.  That must have been a short lived moment in time.

I was also bothered by the "girl singer", while that is true it sounds funny.  I would have considered her a "woman singer"...  but that sounds funny too.  I think "female singer" would have been better.  The record industry was very male oriented in those days.

So when I typed the title for this blog post I typed her name but looked at the record to make sure I typed her last name right.  But later when I looked at the blog title I had typed '"My Happiness" by Johnny Francis', WEIRD!

Looking at her in the Live TV/Dick Clark video I would definitely not call her a girl!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNqhAI-3XPs
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGGQPr9Fij4
YouTube (Live TV): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWyV2f2N1lo

"Goodnight Saigon" by Billy Joel

I had a revelation this morning somewhere around 4:30 A.M. (insomnia... sigh!).  Anyway, I have more to be thankful for than ever before!  Because I have more wonderful, loving people in my life than ever before!

Just the other night at the TDOR I felt all the love in the LGBTQ community.  But I also feel love from many, many straight cis-gender people.  Love is the key!  Love is beautiful!  Love is light!  Love is joy!

I actually feel bad for those people who hate!  All that darkness...

SueZQ says now the we have orange Hitler and his racist friends we are headed for a civil war or even World War III.  I hope not, but the line "we'll all go down together" popped into my head.  Another awesome song by Billy Joel...

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qjzjhl-QztE

"Good Time Charlie" by Rita Wilson

I found this while looking at yesterday's song and I love this version.  I think I might like it better than the original.  You know I'm a sucker for a beautiful female voice!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNAmZXaTUjI

"Good Time Charlie's Got The Blues" by Danny O'keefe

Another 45 I found in the stack.  I've always loved this song, I guess I'm not alone.  I was surprised by how many cover versions of this song there were.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YP3pIPp8P8
YouTube (live): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FALsYK6ONTs

Cover versions:

YouTube (Elvis Presley): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zk4eQTVNTaw
YouTube (Willie Nelson): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utYypn7ueAA
YouTube (Waylon Jennings): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dse6a-wFXDs
YouTube (Dwight Yoakam): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZNmFR19m_I
YouTube (Alison Krauss): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9k_yW8PFiw
YouTube (Leon Russell): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apal3VnZpPo
YouTube (B.J. Thomas): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2j-fat9CvA
YouTube (Charlie Rich): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DT_y-gzRu4c

There is one more that I'm going to save for tomorrow...

"Right Here, Right Now" by Jesus Jones

I was thinking this morning that this moment, "right here, right now" is the best, happiest I've ever been in my entire life.  Even with the Trumpnado disaster looming... I don't know... I like to believe some good can come out of all this.

The other day SueZQ suggested we make T-shirts that say Trump's real slogan is "Make America great again for straight white male Christians".  I would add to that "Fuck everybody else!".

I just watched the Saturday Night Live "Donald Trump Prepares Cold Open and it is so hilarious I almost fell out of my chair several times because I was laughing so hard:

YouTube (SNL): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUWSLlz0Fdo

So, despite all of this, I still see the beauty and love in the world (like last night at the TDOR)!  We all just have to stick together, love each other and make sure we have each other's backs!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TN42nLpQvM8
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rlQqWbp7rY

"The Power Of Love" by Frankie Goes To Hollywood

I went to the TDOR  (Transgender Day of Remembrance) ceremony at the Utah Pride Center this evening.  It was a very nice ceremony but always very sad.  We had over 200 names of transgender people killed this year.  And, as someone pointed out, that doesn't even include murders that weren't reported, weren't identified as transgender.  Such a tragic loss of life!!  Just because they wanted to live an authentic life, their life was taken from them. And, as was also pointed out, very often those lives are taken in most horrific ways!  I don't even want to repeat some of the brutal ways many transgender lives have been taken.

Anyway, on the way home I was listening to 103.1 The Wave and this song came on.  It felt perfect to hear that song tonight, it started me thinking about the power of love.

First I want to say thank you to all of the wonderful transgender community here in Utah and our allies.  You are all amazing and wonderful!  You have shown me the power of love!  It is so awesome having such a loving and supportive community here in Utah!  I never expected to find so many loving people here in Utah and I am so thankful you are here.  I love you all!!

And also I hope the power of love also eventually overcomes the hate directed at our community by the religious right.  I'll say it again: is that what Jesus would do?

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyoTvgPn0rU
YouTube (extended): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLw_K-W3GNE

"Forget Me Nots" by Patrice Rushen

Another fun 45 RPM single I found in the stack of 45's.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2XhhuM9GZo
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Amzp7W0RkPA
YouTube (live TV): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWFrpUm3tTk

"Somewhere In America There's a Street Named After My Dad" by Was (Not Was)

This is such a great song.  The music is so emotive and I love the lyrics.  This song makes me feel so emotional.

At night only crickets
No prowlers, no sirens
No pinky ring hustlers
No angel dust Byrons

No bars on the windows
No saber toothed neighbors
Just good simple folks
In a rainbow of flavors

I love the part about "good simple folks in a rainbow of flavors", that would be so nice if we could all live together!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PGV1Xofhcg
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CN9THg89Eas
YouTube (live): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaTmNICB4BI

Here's a cover that talks a little about the song:

YouTube (cover): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dflswqPcYCE

"Erotica" by Madonna

I could've sworn we already posted this song.  We love this song!  The CD single of this song was fun because there were several different versions of the song and they had some different lyrics.

Anyway we found this 45 in the pile of 45s we were going through yesterday.  It's fun to have 45's that were released in the CD era.  Funny to see Bar Codes on the label.

YouTube (official): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyhdvRWEWRw

"Heartbreak Ahead" by The Murmaids

Two Murmaids 45's I have

I was digging through a pile of 45's and listening to some of them this morning and found these two 45's by The Murmaids.  The "Popsicles and Icicles" song is fun but feels slightly boy oriented.  Like it's all about what "He" likes.  So I decided to post the "Heartbreak Ahead" song that I really like too.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZBWutra9mc

Here's a link to the other song, there are some very fun shots of cars and places from that era.

YouTube (Popsicles and Icicles): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbkAH71XnGs

"Orange Blossom Special" by Johnny Cash

Cartoon in my acupuncturists office

This cartoon is hanging in my acupuncturists office, it makes me laugh.  Brighton has helped me a lot, I'm certain that it helps my MS a lot.  I highly recommend her.

Brighton's website: http://utahfamilyacupuncture.com

It is so weird that I haven't posted more Johnny Cash songs.  This one popped up as suggested on YouTube while I was viewing yesterdays song.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4-uoUpN1c4
YouTube (lyrics): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Xyp63MaSBs
YouTUbe (live): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xd14cBeAfU4

"Iron Horse" by Mean Mary

Native Women at Utah State Capital on International Women's Day 2018

Update 2-Apr-2018: added photo above and a link to Mean Mary's website:

Official Website: https://www.meanmary.com/

Original post:

This popped up while I was searching for the Wasatch Cannonball song for yesterday's post.  I had listened to it before but must have forgotten to post it.  I the banjo and her voice.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CNB5OLUPM0

"Wabash Cannonball" by Boxcar Willie

It's crazy how curly my hair is

I thought this was the "Wasatch Cannonball", oh well...  Still a fun song!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSrEcPdA0hE
YouTube (live TV): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2V2P4iGVNyU

"Melange Electrique" by Jens Buchert

I Shazamed this song back on October 26th.  Now I can't remember where I was but this song is so CHILL, I love it!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nn7xdL3kuxA
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVOM9xA8lTU
YouTube (Deep Water Mix): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1K_NvcEcdVQ

Note: I made a draft post for 10-Nov-2016 and then forgot and posted this song.  I feel that "The End of the World as We Know It" was definitely the song for the 10th, so I moved this post to November 12th.

"Man! I Feel Like A Woman" by Shania Twain

As Sue told everyone today "I (Rachel) was successfully neutered".  Had a brief moment while getting prepped broke out in a cold sweat and they gave me something to make it better.

The last thing I remember before the surgery was being wheeled down the hallway.  Sue says that I woke up from the anesthesia several times laughing and asking what happened.  I only remember the last time.

Shania looks so freakin' HOT in this video.  I want one of each of the outfits she has on in this video!!!  ;)

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJL4UGSbeFg

"It's the End of the World" by R.E.M.

Can't help thinking this with that orange person going to...  I still can't wrap my head around the concept that Hillary is not going to be our president.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0GFRcFm-aY

"The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore" by The Walker Brothers

I was at the Democrat Viewing party last night with Misty K. Snow and several others of her team.  It was devastating!!

We had some private rooms and a short time after Misty gave her concession speech, we went up to one of the rooms to watch more of the results.  Several of us cried when it became clear that Hillary had lost.

We broke up around 2 A.M. and SueZQ picked me up and took me home.  As soon as I got home, I realized I could not be alone after a tragedy like this.  I grabbed a couple of things, threw them in a bag and drove back to the Sheraton Hotel and joined the team at the Denny's next door.

I stayed the night in one of the rooms at the Sheraton with Trudy and Charlie.  I was absolutely 100% certain that I was going to wake up this morning to the first woman president.  Instead we have a sexist, racist, bully for the next president.  It is heartbreaking!!!

I'm so glad that I had some wonderful people to wake up and commiserate with this morning.  Genevra came and joined us and we all left together.

This Samantha Bee - "Morning After" video talks about yesterday's disaster.  There are a few bright spots at the very end of the video, but it's hard to not imagine how nasty the next four years are going to be.

YouTube (Full Frontal): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1SaD-gSZO4

As we were breaking up, early this morning, Misty said "The sun is still going to rise this morning!".  Yes it did!  But it shined on a devastating new reality!!  :(

After Misty said that, this song popped into my head.  It feels pretty appropriate to me:

The sun ain't gonna shine anymore
The moon ain't gonna rise in the sky
The tears are always clouding your eyes
When you're without her

And in this context "her" meaning Hillary

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q11ium_-Lv8
YouTube (B&W): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koO-rnus45M
YouTube (slower): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWk87HXPJgQ
YouTube (stereo): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gdc45I9OhO8
YouTube (Topic-mono): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CX2IH1tkL68
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLuEhYElzrs
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0q6YWDm0GSU

I really like the memorabilia in the first video I listed.  This poster was cool to see The Walker Brothers were playing with Jimi Hendrix, Cat Stevens and Engelbert Humperdinck:

Can that possibly be the ticket prices: 6.40 and 8.50?  Holy shit!!  That is CRAZY considering tickets now can be hundreds of dollars.

"This Corrosion" by Sisters of Mercy

Misty K. Snow's team at the Sheraton Hotel viewing party.

Note: I'm actually writing this post in the future...

What a horrific night this turned out to be.  After Misty's concession speech, we went up to a private room and watched the results.  When it was clear that Trump had won, we all held each other and cried.

We watched until around 2 A.M. and then SueZQ came and picked me up and took me home.  I walked into my room and realized I could not be alone that night after such a disaster.  So I hopped into Lili (I have named the Corolla a.k.a. the Trans-mobile lili after The Danish Girl) and went back down to the Sheraton.

Actually the team was at the Denny's next door getting something to eat.  I joined them and had a really good scramble.  We went back to the room at the Sheraton for a while, Trudy drove Misty home and Charlie and I laid down in the king size bed in the loft.  Trudy came back from dropping Misty off and slept on the couch.  I think it was a fold out.

The next morning was frightening!  Unbelievable!  I absolutely expected to wake up on March 9th to the first woman president.  It was heartbreaking!  Charlie and I just laid there trying to wrap our heads around it.  I have to say it was nice to wake up and have someone there to commiserate with.

Anyway I had to play the Sisters of Mercy "Vision Thing" song with "another motherfucker in a motorcade" lyric.  Sigh!!!

I already posted "Vision Thing" clear back in my post for 28-Apr-2012 so I thought I would post a different Sisters of Mercy song for this day.  And "This Corrosion" feels kind of appropriate.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-RVJyNpfDk
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlIZErrPAl8
YouTube (Topic): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jB73FWsCpUM

"I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face" by Andy Williams

Another delightful song from Andy's "My Fair Lady" album that I had to listen to a couple more times this morning, while working on more computer stuff for Misty K. Snow.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URVVFkXNNTA
YouTube (live TV): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnuEzrUirks

"On The Street Where You Live" by Andy Williams

I listened to the Andy Williams "My Fair Lady" album this morning and was reminded of this delightful song.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_F1p_Hy-WM
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MT4TwyGMdNA
YouTube (lyrics): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PD7sboq8Weo

"Counting Blue Cars" by Dishwalla

I like the way they use female pronouns when referring to "God" in this song.  If I was a believer I would believe god is a woman.  All this patriarchy bullshit is beyond my belief.

Now that I think back I was a member of a church for several years that worshiped Kali.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Clxtg2pFTQM

"Life Beyond L.A." by Ambrosia

I found a history video too:

YouTube (History): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkV5dYhZBLo


So awesome find a live version of this song!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eja55HIKRfk
YouTube(Live TV 1978): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okX0Y021XfM
YouTube (Live 2009): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfGDMQBiR6k

"Hello Like Before" by Bill Withers

#DraftPost

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2o3n34esf0
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FYJxLNWlYE
YouTube (Topic): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uq2rqqbLeCE

"Symphony for Susan" by The Arbors

#DraftPost

Interesting that the original release on Carney records doesn't have the strings that were later added when Date records bought the master.  The sax sounds diffferent too, but maybe with the strings I just never noticed it.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yt66npv9-6o
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7qBCwkfC4o
YouTube (original): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psj7RONTyEc
YouTube (Topic): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7tq2zCyELY

"A Forest" by The Cure

SueZQ's Halloween decorations for Lyft passengers

Notice what station is playing on the stereo: 103.1 The Wave!

Anyway another favorite Cure song.

YouTube (Topic): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouqt7tJiCbc
YouTube (extended): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIMlPygBV2o
YouTube (Topic remastered): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbAxbmAHgx4
YouTube (lyrics): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGT4V6JmINA
YouTube (live TV 1979): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CtgAgTqx0w
YouTube (live 1992): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnVldyHRcjU

"Relax" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood

Heard this on 103.1 The Wave earlier and thought this would be a great song for Halloween.  I love all the videos.  I loved the movie Body Double.

YouTube (movie): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poRM75mb4YQ
YouTube (laser): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCp2h5jslKY
YouTube (uncensored): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtzdP45TG3s

"Something in My House" by Dead Or Alive

This Halloween we are mourning the death of Dead or Alive's Pete Burns.  I think he was Carri's favorite singer.  Last Halloween she even dressed up as him.  (See my post from last Halloween).

Wikipedia (Pete Burns): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pete_Burns
Wikipedia (Dead or Alive): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_or_Alive_(band)

I found this final interview:

YouTube (interview): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SomoJ8R78SM

Anyway, this is one of my favorite Dead or Alive songs and perfect for Halloween:

YouTube (single): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddVKRhoXZ7w
YouTube (12"): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3OlyiKf4xk
YouTube (Original VHS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bNMTgTRfbs
YouTube (live TV): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyReGvrgzBw

"Poker Face" by Lady Gaga

I deejayed the Halloween Dance at the Wasatch Mountain Club with my friend Rob tonight.  We have been doing this for around 25 years.

Tonight was the first time I presented female at the dance.  Although I went "full-time" as a woman at the end of March 2015, I still presented male at last years Halloween dance because I had agreed to do the gig before I had decided to go full time as a woman.  I felt funny about showing up at the gig as a woman, without any advance warning.

It was actually a very weird feeling after having been living as a woman all the time for over 6 months and then suddenly looking like a boy again.  It was EXTREMELY WEIRD using the Men's facilities again!!  I had felt out of place in them for a long time before that, but after living as woman for many months, it was downright CREEPY!

Anyway, we have been playing this song "for the kids" at these dances for several years.  The kids seem to love this song and so do I.

Oh and I finally figured out that part of the chorus isn't "cherry pie" but "can't read my".  DUH!!  As I've mentioned before (5-Aug-2016) it is funny how you can confuse lyrics.

I love the intro in the live video where she talks about the song!  An amazing woman!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bESGLojNYSo
YouTube (lyrics): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCiZ8pMnLV4
YouTube (lyrics): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yODa2bifHs0
YouTube (live acoustic): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-R_OHpMbQVM
YouTube (live): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGbwfvcdvfo

"I Can't Wait" by Nu Shooz

A fun song and the video is fun.  Graphics in the 80's what a trip!

YouTube (official): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJ1tBVtYOBc
YouTube (live TV): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGBvuaPV5g0
YouTube (live 2014): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_dg9kXgSxA
YouTube (live 2017): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIc5oAXYvOc
YouTube (story): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWYcYkoSHOE
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZ5d6EXIOHEYouTube (Topic-extended): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNngC1Ea2rA