"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