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Nostalgicmusicmonth

Running on American Pie

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Nostalgic Music Month Day 25

Jackson Browne by Jon Hilton

Jackson Browne has been an icon for several generations of people. In my life, he has provided comfort in times when things didn’t go so well. But also his songs remind me of the way we live life in the United States. Much of what we have is unprecedented in the history of mankind. We are tremendously fortunate to live the way we do, but we seem unaware of our good luck.  People spend time separating themselves from others, rather than enjoying all we have together.  Jackson Browne reminds me of times in my life where I have had experiences with people who were caring, real and helped me out for no reason other than their own innate goodness.  All people are capable of great goodness and also great evil. We choose where we fall, and the music of Jackson Browne will make sure you fall on the side of goodness.

  1. The Pretender–  There is a dream that we were all taught from a young age. Go to school, get an education, get a good job, be a responsible consumer, retire and wait to die. This is the life of a pretender I think. In my life, I didn’t fit into that plan too well.  Although I tried, it still didn’t fit. Like I was playing a part. Just pretending. There is a calling in all of us to do something bigger than ourselves. I envy all people who understand immediately what that calling is for them. I am still trying to figure this all out for myself.  We are all pretenders to some degree, playing roles throughout life. If we try hard enough we might not even see that they are not who we are.   I want to know what became of the changes, We waited for love to bring. Were they only the fitful dreams. Of some greater awakening? I’ve been aware of the time going by They say in the end it’s the wink of an eye. When the morning light comes streaming in, You’ll get up and do it again Amen.
  2. Running on Empty– Who hasn’t felt like this. Life can take a lot out of you. There are times when you have all you can do to put your feet on the floor every morning. The tank is low and you are just hoping that you can make it to the next chance to get filled up. We are filled up with the love and kindness of other people. Then things change, a new job, a new relationship, or some other circumstance comes to you and life moves easier.  But you should never forget the times you were running on empty and the lessons born from those moments. Hopefully, one time is enough to learn all you need to know.  For anyone who is running on empty today, it will get better. Looking out at the road rushing under my wheels. I don’t know how to tell you all just how crazy this life feels
    Look around for the friends that I used to turn to to pull me through
    Looking into their eyes I see them running too.
  3. Doctor My Eyes– Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose. This simple phrase from Friday Night Lights says all you need to know about life. This song seems to express the desire I have had about looking at life. We all choose to see the world in a certain way. Some choose to see it as a world full of danger and fear. This leads to a heart that is not so full, because you are always trying to protect what you have, rather than share it with others.  I see the world as an opportunity to find happiness and to become a better version of myself. The good news is that you don’t need a doctor to clear up your vision of the world, just the ability to make different choices. How you look at things determines much of what you see.  Doctor, my eyes have seen the years, And the slow parade of fears without crying, Now I want to understand. I have done all that I could. To see the evil and the good without hiding. You must help me if you can.
  4. These Days– All that we have is the time that we are given. It could all be over in a second. As a young person, I never thought about how soon it could be over. You just take this life for granted and assume that it will get better on its own. It won’t. If you don’t take responsibility for your part and take action toward what you desire, nothing will happen. These days we all are living the life our choices has created over the years. The circumstances may be out of our control, but our reactions and actions are all ours. We are 100% in control of the choices we make in every moment. If we are of sound mind, then there is no reason to blame anything or anyone from our past. You are responsible for you! Today is up to you. That is what Jackson Browne taught me in this song. Things are bound to be improving these days. One of these days. These days I sit on cornerstones. And count the time in quarter tones to ten, my friend. Don’t confront me with my failures. I have not forgotten them.
  5. Your Bright Baby Blues– There have been people I have known who have helped me in my journey. Some do not know how much they have assisted me. They may have only been in my life for a short time, but it was a vital short time. It is amazing that people don’t know the positive effect they can have on another in their journey. My path has taken me on many roads, and on each, I have learned something of value, even though the experience hasn’t always been pleasant. There have always been pleasant things and people sent my way to assist me along the way. This song reminds me of all of those who have helped me survive the difficult times of change and loss. Hopefully, I have been there for those who need me in their times of challenge and change.  I am grateful to the bright baby blues that pulled me through.  ‘Cause I’ve been up and down this highway
    Far as my eyes can see. No matter how fast I run. I can never seem to get away from me. No matter where I am. I can’t help thinkin’ I’m just a day away From where I want to be. Now I’m running home baby. Like a river to the sea. 

Don McLean by Mike Martin

#OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth is going splendidly. I must admit that it is incredibly challenging to produce some kind of nostalgic music feeling and put it to words daily during the month of October.

I’ve had some successful productions, some so-so productions, and one complete failure when I failed to save my Day 22 submission (a big thank you to U2 for saving my bloody Sunday.)

Today, thanks to my old pal and shipmate, Roger Alston. I am celebrating the West Pac of 86-87 and the “day the music died”

American Pie is a song by American folk-rock singer and songwriter Don McLean. Recorded and released on the American Pie album in 1971, the single was a number-one hit for four weeks in 1972 and refers to the 1959 plane crash which killed three young rock and roll stars Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens.

Roger remained me yesterday that we listened to American Pie often on

American Pie

the USS Jouett CG-29. During my first West Pac, Roger along with our fellow shipmate Audraft Alfonso Young were my tour guides. Roger and Audraft had complete a cruise before I arrived on the Jolly J and each was full of knowledge about how to get the most from visiting the countries of the Pacific.

We had much much fun while on the cruise of 86-87, and I am very thankful for the wisdom shared from my fellow shipmates. But, the most memorable parts (outside of the fortunate car wreck that brought Bill Spillman and I a little extra time on the beach in Australia) are from the

Polly wog to Shellback

time that we spent “Haze Grey and Underway.”

Without going into great detail, we spent our time painting just about everything we could get our hands on, laughing incessantly at a slew of practical jokes that we played on anyone and everyone, while I grew from a mere “Polly Wog” to a seasoned “Shellback”.

Crossing the equator on naval vessels is a religious experience. For Shellbacks like Rog and Draft, you get to beat your fellow shipmates with a firehose as you direct “Polly Wogs” such as myself through garbage pits and other disgusting and painful exercises.

The highlight of the ceremony is a beauty contest and getting your face shoved into a fat man’s belly. I survived and lived to share the experience with others, but I swear that the 12 hours that we, the Ploy Wogs of the Jolly J during the cruise of 86-87, endured more than I was ever allowed

A different American Pie

to inflict on any Polly Wog that I helped initiate.

Don McLean now lives in Rockland, Maine, the town that host the World famous Maine Lobster Festival, which is about an hour from my house. There is controversy around where American Pie was written and what the lyrics represent.

When asked what American Pie meant, McLean jokingly replied, “It means I don’t ever have to work again if I don’t want to.”

Later, Mclean stated, “You will find many interpretations of my lyrics but none of them by me … Sorry to leave you all on your own like this but long ago I realized that songwriters should make their statements and move on, maintaining a dignified silence

I am not sure if I really care what kind of statement Maclean was trying to make through the lyrics of America Pie. What I do know is that this song will forever remind me of three people: Roger Alston, my longtime friend and shipmate 2. Adam Peterson, my longtime friend, a bar patron, former roommate, and candlepin bowling teammate. 3. Danny Daigle, my lifelong friend, a childhood neighbor, and former paperboy.

Don McLean- American Pie (with Lyrics)

But February made me shiver
With every paper, I’d deliver
Bad news on the doorstep
I couldn’t take one more step

Please, have a great day, and if you have any questions, drop us a line and please partake in #OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth and while you are at it take a trip to Greenville, Maine-I understand the foliage is majestic this time of year! #visitGreenville

#OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth #visitGreenville

Nostalgicmusicmonth

Gimme Shelter from Bruno Mars

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Nostalgic Music Month Day 23

Rolling Stones by Jon Hilton

The Rolling Stones have been rocking for decades and the fact that they are older than my parents and still doing it is a credit to them, their music and the effect it has on millions of people. I am one of those millions of people because at certain times of my life the soundtrack was punctuated by the music of The Stones.  The catalog of music is so large that there is something for everyone. Choosing the specific songs was a difficult task but I managed to break the list out to correspond with my life. The Rolling Stones have done alright. I mean, they’re no Bruno Mars but they have done alright.

  1. Gimme Shelter– There is going to be a time in all lives when they feel under siege. When we are indeed in need of shelter from the storm that is entering our lives. In times of stress, it is natural to pull back into yourself. These are the times that friends and loved ones can pull you through. When you listen to this song you can feel the turmoil of the years that it was written in. War, fire, and flood are all mentioned as threats we face. In the end, the cure is love. That is the real story of this song. When I hear this song, I think of a winter day, the snow is just starting to fall, but the storm is coming.  Oh, a storm is threat’ning, My very life today. If I don’t get some shelter. Oh yeah, I’m gonna fade away.
  2. Sympathy for the Devil– I have always been fascinated with the lies of life that people tell. I was raised as a Christian but was constantly faced with the hypocrisy of the institution.  I learned that God is love as long as you fit into the very strict categories the church approves of. It didn’t take long for me to recognize the evil that exists in separating people into groups. Pleased to meet you, hope you guessed my name.  I have learned that all people without exception are capable of great good and great evil, depending on circumstance and issues of self-preservation.  We can only choose where we fall on that chart through the decisions we make and the actions we take. Just as every cop is a criminal, And all the sinners saints, As heads is tails, Just call me Lucifer. ‘Cause I’m in need of some restraint.
  3. You Can’t Always Get What You Want– Regret is an emotion that we would be better off living without. But it is still going to rise up from time to time. It is only a thought and a fantastical one at that. The love you lost, the job you should have taken, the financial decision you should have made are all just creations of your mind.  Regret is a waste of time because no matter where your life would have been if you did things differently, your life now is all you have. So focus on that and make it the best you can. Feel the regret, acknowledge it, let it go and move on. You never know what is going to be ultimately good for you in the long run. Often times the things we want, are not the best for our long-term health and success.  I saw her today at the reception. In her glass was a bleeding man
    She was practiced at the art of deception. Well, I could tell by her blood-stained hands. You can’t always get what you want. But if you try sometimes you just might find, You just might find, You get what you need.
  4. Paint It Black– Everyone at some point has felt this way because of the loss and suffering in their life. When love or something else is taken from you, your whole world can seem black.  All relationships will cause some degree of suffering, so you need to make sure that you are in a relationship with someone who is worth suffering for.  Until then you can go through life wanting to paint things black, black as night. I see a line of cars and they’re all painted black. With flowers and my love both never to come back. I see people turn their heads and quickly look away. Like a newborn baby, it just happens every day.
  5. Memory Motel– I have spent a lot of time at the Memory Motel in my life. The funny thing about memories is that we can color them any way we want. The value and emotions that we feel about them are supplied by our own thoughts. Two people can look at the same memory and have two distinct reactions to the same thing. Our minds are intricate tools, but they are only tools of thought. Memories are bittersweet. They allow you to visit events that happened long ago and see people that you haven’t seen in years. This song always brings back those memories of loves lost and things I could have done better, but in the end, it probably has worked out for the best. Hannah baby was a honey of a girl, Her eyes were hazel 
    And her teeth were slightly curved, She took my guitar and she began to play, She sang a song to me, Stuck right in my brain, You’re just a memory of a love That used to be. You’re just a memory of a love That used to mean so much to me.

Wild Horses, Angie, Satisfaction, Brown Sugar, Jumpin’ Jack Flash, Beast of Burden, Start Me Up, Tumblin’ Dice, Let’s Spend the Night Together, She’s a Rainbow, Ruby Tuesday, Waiting on a Friend, Under My Thumb, Midnight Rambler, Get Off of My Cloud, Fool to Cry

Bruno Mars by Mike Martin

In 2012, Madelyn was 4 and thought Google was her grandfather.  Today, I am tired because I stayed up late watching the Patriots finally play a little defense. So, today I am going to pretend that I have all the time in the world to be lazy.

Peter Gene Hernandez professionally as Bruno Mars was born October 8, 1985. He is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, and choreographer. Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, by a family of musicians, Mars began making music at a young age and performed in his hometown throughout his childhood.
My favorite Bruno Mars son is The Lazy Song. It spent a total of 27 weeks

Lazy

on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and peaked at number 4. The single sold over 1 million digital copies in the United States and it sold 3,262,000 digital copies in the United States by September 2012.

The Lazy Song 

Today I don’t feel like doing anything
I just wanna lay in my bed
Don’t feel like picking up my phone
So leave a message at the tone
‘Cause today I swear I’m not doing anything

Please, have a great day, and if you have any questions, drop us a line and please partake in #OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth and while you are at it take a trip to Greenville, Maine-I understand the foliage is majestic this time of year! #visitGreenville

#OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth #visitGreenville

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Fly Like an Eagle on Bloody Sunday

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Nostalgic Music Month Day 22

Steve Miller Band by Jon Hilton

The Steve Miller Band has provided the soundtrack for the lives of anyone our age. They put out some of the most iconic songs of the 70’s but then never really recaptured that magic.  As they tried to switch from cool rock band to whatever they thought the 1980’s were looking for they lost their identity and their mojo.  But this is a focus on the mojo they had in their prime. The music transcends time and generations and will help you through life whether you are a picker, grinner, lover or a sinner. I have known many a Joker, smoker or midnight toker and none of them wanted to hurt no one.  Let’s forget the Abracadabra era and focus on the music that transcends time.

  1. Fly Like an Eagle– This is one of the songs that even today, I have to listen to whenever it comes on the radio. I think I have always identified with the theme because freedom seems to be the most important thing to me. When you look at the world and all of its problems. It seems that there should be easier solutions for societies problems. Feed those who don’t have enough to eat. Give clothes to those who need it. It all gets so complicated somehow. And Time keeps on slippin’, slippin’, slippin’ into the future. I think that if, as a society, we ever focused on providing for the greater good of all people we could fly like an eagle to the sea. Great song and great thought. Feed the babies, Who don’t have enough to eat
    Shoe the children, With no shoes on their feet, House the people, Livin’ in the street. Oh, oh, there’s a solution.
  2. Take the Money and Run– On the other end of the spectrum is this little ditty. A story about theft and murder and apparently how to get away with it. I don’t think that Billy Joe and Bobby Sue would have been able to escape justice from Billy Mack. He knows exactly what the facts is. I don’t think that this crime spree would have worked out for them in the long run. I mean how much money could they get from that man in his castle? I think they would have to commit quite a few more crimes before they found real financial security. They would have been better served to go to college, build two successful careers and then they wouldn’t have to run so much.   It is a good song though and probably inspired many marathon runners over the years. Bobbie Sue, whoa, whoa, she slipped away. Billy Joe caught up to her the very next day. They got the money, hey. You know they got away. They headed down south and they’re still running today.
  3. Serenade– I think we all need to wake up. The world is running in an unconscious whirl of activity. There are so many things in front of us every day that are beautiful and breathtaking but we only see the time we are behind and the hurry that we have to chase.  Get it done, achieve the goal, but there is a time to appreciate the things that nature provides. We are only here for a short time and should appreciate the sunrises and sunsets we are fortunate enough to experience. This song always makes me stop for a moment and appreciate these moments and the value that they provide. Did you feel the wind, As it blew all around you? Did you feel the love That was in the air? Wake up, wake up, Wake up and look around you. We’re lost in space. And the time is our own.
  4. Jet Airliner– One of the best songs about traveling through life.  There are big jet airliners that carry us anywhere in the world that we want to go. The world is a much smaller place than it used to be.  Home is a thought that continually enters my mind.  I know it is not really a place physically but more of a spiritual destination. Where you are accepted, loved and where you belong. We have all felt like we are far away from that in life. Sometimes doing what we think we need to take us away from this.  That is the thought that “you’ve got to go through hell before you get to heaven.”  Keep clear of all the funky s–t going down in the city and you will hopefully return home in one piece and find happiness.  Goodbye to all my friends at home. Goodbye to people I’ve trusted. I’ve got to go out and make my way. I might get rich you know I might get busted
    But my heart keeps calling me backwards.As I get on the 707
    Ridin’ high I got tears in my eyes. You know you got to go through hell
    Before you get to heaven.
  5. Rock’n’Me – I learned some valuable lessons from this song. You need to work hard and make money to please my sweet baby. But if she was a real friend of mine, would the amount of money I made matter? It wouldn’t no matter how much she kept on rocking me.  I also learned that it is a lot of travel from Phoenix Arizona all the way to Tacoma, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and L.A. I also learned that girls are warm in Northern California. Must be something about the weather.  All I know is that I want my baby to keep on rockin’ me and to not be suspicious about what I am up to.  In the end, I am not sure this song contributes anything other than a catchy phrase. But it is a great catchy phrase. Don’t get suspicious, now don’t be suspicious. Babe, you know you are a friend of mine. And you know that it’s true that all the things that I do, Are gonna come back to you in your sweet time.

 

U2 by Mike Martin

October 22, 2017- Nostalgic Music Month: U2

I all to say today, day 22,  for #OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth is Sunday Bloody Sunday. I hope that understand!

 

Yeah

I can’t believe the news today
Oh, I can’t close my eyes
And make it go away
How long
How long must we sing this song
How long, how long
‘Cause tonight, we can be as one
Tonight

Broken bottles under children’s feet
Bodies strewn across the dead end street
But I won’t heed the battle call
It puts my back up
Puts my back up against the wall

Sunday, Bloody Sunday
Sunday, Bloody Sunday
Sunday, Bloody Sunday

And the battle’s just begun
There’s many lost, but tell me who has won
The trench is dug within our hearts
And mothers, children, brothers, sisters
Torn apart

Sunday, Bloody Sunday
Sunday, Bloody Sunday

How long
How long must we sing this song
How long, how long
‘Cause tonight, we can be as one
Tonight, tonight

Sunday, Bloody Sunday
Sunday, Bloody Sunday

Wipe the tears from your eyes
Wipe your tears away
Oh, wipe your tears away
Oh, wipe your tears away
(Sunday, Bloody Sunday)
Oh, wipe your blood shot eyes
(Sunday, Bloody Sunday)

Sunday, Bloody Sunday (Sunday, Bloody Sunday)
Sunday, Bloody Sunday (Sunday, Bloody Sunday)

And it’s true we are immune
When fact is fiction and TV reality
And today the millions cry
We eat and drink while tomorrow they die

The real battle just begun
To claim the victory Jesus won
On

Sunday Bloody Sunday
Sunday Bloody Sunday
U2 is an Irish rock band from Dublin, Ireland formed in 1976. The group consists of Bono (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), the Edge (lead guitar, keyboards, and backing vocals), Adam Clayton (bass guitar), and Larry Mullen Jr. (drums and percussion).

Please, have a great day, and if you have any questions, drop us a line and please partake in #OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth and while you are at it take a trip to Greenville, Maine-I understand the foliage is majestic this time of year! #visitGreenville

#OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth #visitGreenville

 

Nostalgicmusicmonth

Tuesday Afternoon in the Danger Zone

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Nostalgic Music Month Day 21

The Moody Blues by Jon Hilton

In the mid 80’s I really discovered the music of the Moody Blues. It was more thought-provoking and interesting. The songs are both musically beautiful and supply a great message about life if you take the time to listen. As I have grown over the years my philosophy of life has allowed me to find even more connections to the music and to the days of my youth.  Life is a gift and we are all trying to live it in the best way we can. Sometimes you are up and everything goes your way, and other times you are faced with challenges that serve to test us. Either we learn lessons and move forward a better equipt person. Or we might be destroyed by them. The music of the Moody Blues brings hope that the results of all your challenges will be to be successful in life.

 

  1. Tuesday Afternoon– Whenever I hear this song, I immediately think of the 16-year-old me. I used to spend about 30 minutes every morning before I would go to school, drinking coffee and listening to music I liked. This song reminds me of those times. As I began to develop self-reflective skills that helped me look at what was happening in life and try to understand the emotions I was experiencing because of them. This is a skill with a lot of value today. There are still moments of anger, frustration, embarrassment, etc.  This song reminds me that it is OK and there is a beauty in each day to enjoy.  I’m looking at myself reflections of my mind. It’s just the kind of day to leave myself behind. So gently swaying through the fairyland of love. If you’ll just come with me you’ll see the beauty of TUESDAY AFTERNOON. 
  2. Nights in White Satin– I was talking about this song the other day and it just may be one of the greatest love songs ever written. Love is a confusing emotion that makes you react from hormones and operate from a more emotional and be less pragmatic about things. At least in my experience that has been the case. Love has the power to make your life more intense, more vital and provide each day with a unique flavor.  Unfortunately, most people are never taught the problem with something so powerful is that we are in constant fear of losing it. That fear leads to jealousy, envy, cruelty, neglect, and downright meanness. All of this could be solved just by clearer communication and trust. But we are only human after all and the lessons will continue until the game is up. Gazing at people, some hand in hand. Just what I’m going through they can’t understand. Some try to tell me, thoughts they cannot defend. Just what you want to be, you will be in the end.
  3. Question– One of the most powerful tools we possess in life is the ability to question. Not only what others are doing and how it affects our lives. Also, we have the ability to question ourselves, our lives and the situations we find ourselves in.  All change and self-reflection come from the asking of questions about things. There is a philosophy called Access Consciousness which is based totally on developing your question asking tools. Once a question is asked there is no choice but to find the answer. The secret, I think, is to make sure you are asking the right questions. And when you stop and think about it. You won’t believe it’s true. That all the love you’ve been giving. Has all been meant for you. 
  4. Lovely to See You Again– People leave a mark. No matter who they are, when you deal with someone they change you in some way. The ones who change us in a positive way and share in good times are the ones we really value. When you are young and just learning, the potential for influencing your life is greater. Those are the people who you can see today after many years and no years have passed. It makes you wonder that people are so similar to each other but totally unique in the effect they have had on you and your life.  People will not remember your accomplishments or your intellect but they will always remember how you made them feel.  In all of our interactions, we should be aware that we are leaving a mark on someone else’s life. These marks will define your life.
    Lovely to see you again my friend. Walk along with me to the next bend. Dark cloud of fear is blowing away. Now that you’re here, you’re going to stay, ’cause it’s Lovely to see you again my friend.
  5. Never Comes the Day– We tend to be working our lives away looking forward to the next step. A kid goes to elementary school looking forward to middle school. A kid in middle school looks forward to high school, high school to college, college to career, career to retirement. Then what?  As people, I think we do not do a very good job of living in the moment and enjoying the part of your life that you are in. This day is all that you are guaranteed in life, this moment right now. As a young man, I didn’t really get this. This funny game of life can end in an instant. Better not to spend those instances with the people we enjoy, doing the things we like best. Give just a little bit more. Take a little bit less, From each other tonight. Admit what you’re feeling, And see what’s in front of you, It’s never out of your sight. You know it’s true, We all know that it’s true.

Kenny Loggins by Mike Martin

I remember the first time I ever heard, “Do something for 21 days in a row and it becomes a habit.”

Working as an Account Executive for an investment banking firm in La Jolla, California, Larry Isen was a top producer and full of wisdom.  He was also under investigation by the SEC for insider trading but a good guy none the less.

I once played Torey Pines, North- a famous municipal golf course, owned by San Diego, California-and two other stockbrokers from the firm. We played skins, and I won nine dollars. Larry won the rest of the pool. This was my first sales job.

The founder of the firm was a high energy former member of the US Ski Team, Sandy Greenberg. His morning motivational calls were both educational and a little weird. I just found him on LinkedIn.

His profile says he is the Founder at SDG CONSULTING and still lives in the Denver, Colorado area. I sent him an invitation to connect along with a note explaining that I started working for his firm the day that I was discharged from the Navy, November 28, 1991.

My “office” at the investment banking firm was similar to the setup of the sales floor in the movie, Boiler Room- a 2000 American crime drama film written and directed by Ben Younger, and starring Giovanni Ribisi, Vin Diesel, Nia Long, Ben Affleck, Nicky Katt, Scott Caan, Tom Everett Scott, Ron Rifkin and Jamie Kennedy.

It had all the bells and whistles: a conference room, motivational posters, and other persuasions tools, and it overlooked the now Marine Corps Air Station Miramar formerly Naval Auxiliary Air Station (NAAS) Miramar and Naval Air Station (NAS) Miramar. They view was incredible, and we got to watch Navy and Marine’s aviators fly their supersonic jets daily.

Top Gun is the soundtrack from the film of the same name, released in 1986 by Columbia Records. The film stars Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, Val Kilmer, Anthony Edwards, and Tom Skerritt. Cruise plays Lieutenant Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, a young renegade Naval pilot aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise CV-65- the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

I served aboard the USS Independence CV-62 from 1988-1991 along with my lifelong friend and fellow altar boy and Boy Scout, Joe Audette

Listening to Danger Zone – one of the hit singles from the soundtrack for the movie Top Gun, which was the bestselling soundtrack of 1986, and one of the bestselling of all time—recorded and release by Kenny Loggins- an American singer-songwriter and guitarist who performed with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band from 1972 to 1977-gives you a little glimpse into the risk that Joe took on the flight deck of the Indy in the Support of your Freedom.

Thank you brother, no worries- I still think you’re an AssHat (smiley face) But, #OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth is all about sharing the love!

Danger Zone 

You’ll never say hello to you
Until you get it on the red line overload
You’ll never know what you can do
Until you get it up as high as you can go

Out along the edges
Always where I burn to be
The further on the edge
The hotter the intensity

Highway to the danger zone
Gonna take you

Please, have a great day, and if you have any questions, drop us a line and please partake in #OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth and while you are at it take a trip to Greenville, Maine-I understand the foliage is majestic this time of year! #visitGreenville

#OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth #visitGreenville

Life Lessons

Seasons In The Piano Man Sun

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Nostalgic Music Month Day 20

Billy Joel by Jon Hilton

Almost all of the people who grew up during the 70’s and 80’s had their life touched by the music of Billy Joel. His music was popular for decades and the songs have become iconic to me. It was January 30, 1987. A friend of a friend was going to see Billy Joel in Portland, Maine. We were going to meet them after the concert, I had no intention of going. Arriving early, on a snowy, cold Maine night, we decided to duck into the Cumberland County Civic Center to get warm. We stepped through the door, there was nobody there. Only an opening into the concert and Billy Joel singing.  Sometimes opportunities are just handed to you and that day I got to see Billy Joel for free. It was a great day.

  1. Scenes from an Italian Restaurant– Life is nothing but a series of choices made. The choices come in all forms, easy, hard, good, bad, short-term or lifelong. Relationship choices are some of the most important we make because it is the relationship choices that really define the direction that our soul is going to go. Your needs and those of another dictate the activities and priorities of the life that you live.  In this song, it is a simple choice between a bottle of red or a bottle of white. When I see young people who are in love, I always think about Brenda and Eddie and wish them good luck.  A bottle of white, a bottle of red. Perhaps a bottle of rose instead. We’ll get a table near the street. In our old familiar place. You and I, face to face.
  2. The Stranger-I believe we all have many sides and people wear masks depending on which side they want to reveal on that day. This song describes the fact that people really keep their true self to themselves. Is it because we lack a faith that our true identities will be accepted by others. I once heard that 99% of what we really think about life and people is hidden kept to ourselves and nobody knows except for us. We all fall in love but we disregard the danger……. There is always a danger in falling in love because you are risking a rejection, and romantic love brings with it attached emotions like jealousy and fear of losing what you have that makes people behave in strange ways like possessivness and other crazy stuff. All good things come with an equal danger of bad, communication and honesty is the cure.  You may never understand How the stranger is inspired, But he isn’t always evil. And he is not always wrong. Though you drown in good intentions. You will never quench the fire. You’ll give in to your desire. When the stranger comes along.
  3. Just the Way You Are– All of the positive memories I have about relationships have stemmed from the feeling that both parties are accepted just as they are. There is no desire to change them or make someone into something that they are not.  It seems that the older you get all the people you meet have spent their lives building a relatonship coat. This coat contains all of the things they ideally want and don’t want in a relationship partner. So they are continually looking for someone who can wear that relationship coat and be that ideal person. This puts expectations on people and causes ultimate disappointment.  I know I don’t have any desire to wear someone else’s relationship coat because it would dim who I am. that person should be enough. What relationship coat have you built?  I said I love you and that’s forever. And this I promise from the heart. I could not love you any better. I love you just the way you are.
  4. You May be Right-When it comes to being wrong, I have a particular friend who is a master at it. One of his favorite pasttimes is arguing with people over silly things. In most cases, he is just arguing for the sake of arguing. I contend that he can’t help it because of his family and upbringing. He will argue about things with questionable factual information but always with conviction. I don’t pretend to understand why he gets all worked up about things you can’t control.  All I know is that the best use of Google is to fact check his sources and make sure that all arguments are coming from a factual location.  This song really reminds me of him.  You may be right. I may be crazy. But it just may be a lunatic you’re looking for. Turn out the light. Don’t try to save me. You may be wrong for all I know. You may be right. You may be wrong but you may be right. 
  5. Vienna– Our lives are driven by dreams. Life is a constant jouney to try to build dreams and to work to achieve them. In that journey there is going to be fear and doubt to overcome. Nothing worthwhile comes without a cost. We should all create dreams of accomplishment and achievement no matter how old we are. These are the things that give life meaning and allow us to move forward with passion and adventure. There are going to be doubts, get out of your own head and focus on the goal.  This will make you create a life that is certainly worth living.  In that pursuit it is important to enjoy the journey, because it is in the journey that all the memories are created and the interesting story is written.  But you know that when the truth is told. That you can get what you want or you get old. You’re gonna kick off before you even. Get halfway through. When will you realize, Vienna waits for you. 

Downeaster Alexa, Good Night Saigon, A Matter of Trust, Don’t Ask Me Why, your My Home, Tell Her About It, Say Goodbye to Hollywood, Ballad of Billy the Kid, We Didn’t Start the Fire, Piano Man, The Longest Time, New York State of Mind, Honesty, You May be Right, Only the Good Die Young, River of Dreams, It’s Still Rock and Roll To Me, Movin’ Out, And So It Goes, She’s Always a Woman, Allentown, Big Shot

Terry Jacks by Mike Martin

The 1973-74 school year was the last time that Jon Hilton and I were in the same class. Mrs. Thornquist, our 2nd-grade teacher, was an absolute sweetheart. The highlight of the week was always a visit from her husband Bill, who like his wife, was very much respected in the small remote village of Greenville, Maine.

She was so sweet that she tolerated way too much of our misbehaviors, and I am not saying that Jon and I took advantage of her kindness, but we did earn what I call the “Hilton Rule”-a new policy in the Greenville School System that Jon and I were not to be in the same class ever again.

The school did modify the “Hilton Rule” policy once for a short time. In 5th grade, circumstances dedicated that I move classroom and was in Hilton’s class for what amounted to two days. The duration of the stay was brief because the 5th-grade teacher was a pervert. He made a pass at

Season in the Sun

me and I stopped short of punching him in the nose. I went directly to the VP office Mr. Keenan, asked and was granted a transfer back to Mr. Pooler’s room.

When I hear Seasons in the Sun , an English-language adaptation of the song Le Moribond by Belgian singer-songwriter Jacques Brel- a song that became a worldwide hit in 1974 for Terry Jacks-a Canadian singer, songwriter, record producer, and environmentalist, I immediately think of the bus ride from my house on MacAfee Street to Greenville Elementary School anticipating another great day in Mrs. Thronquist’s class.

The song was originally intended for the Beach Boys, with Jacks serving as producer for the recording; however, after the group decided not to release it, Jacks recorded it himself in late 1973 on his own record label, Goldfish

A different season in the sun

Records. The song became the largest-selling international single by a Canadian artist at that time, eventually selling 14 million copies worldwide.

Terry Jacks “Seasons In The Sun” 2014

Goodbye to you my trusted friend
We’ve known each other since we were nine or ten
Together we’ve climbed hills and trees
Learned of love and ABC’s
Skinned our hearts and skinned our knees
Goodbye my friend it’s hard to die
When all the birds are singing in the sky
Now that spring is in the air
Pretty girls are everywhere
Think of me and I’ll be there

We had joy, we had fun
we had seasons in the sun
But the hills that we climbed
Were just seasons out of time

Goodbye Papa please pray for me
I was the black sheep of the family
You tried to teach me right from wrong
Too much wine and too much song
Wonder how I got along
Goodbye Papa it’s hard to die
When all the birds are singing in the sky
Now that the spring is in the air
Little children everywhere
When you…

And, when riding a school bus in Greenville, Maine back in the mid 70’s, you listened to the girls sing Season In the Sun by Terry Jacks, over and over again. I admit they sounded pretty good, but of course, I was more interested in playing kickball and making slime.

Please, have a great day, and if you have any questions, drop us a line and please partake in #OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth and while you are at it take a trip to Greenville, Maine-I understand the foliage is majestic this time of year! #visitGreenville

#OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth #visitGreenville

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Small Town Johnson

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Nostalgic Music Month Day 19

John Cougar Mellencamp by Jon Hilton

One of my constant companions, as I grew up and became an “adult” in the 1980’s, was John Cougar Mellencamp. His music was easy for a rural kid from Maine to relate to.  The themes of small towns and simple stories seemed to be something that was easily emulated. As I navigated my way through the turbulent waters of high school and then enjoyed the free years of college, this music was there. Along with the songs are a raft of people and experiences that have helped form my view of the world today.

  1. Small Town– this song spoke to me the first time I heard it, just like it does today. I was definitely born in a small town and my earliest
    My small town

    memories were all formed from that experience. That you treat people the way you want to be treated. You practice kindness every day and help your neighbor out. You do this and ask nothing in return because being in a position to help another is reward enough. When you need help others are there for you. The big lesson is that we are all in this together and each of us contributes to that community in one way or another. Good or bad. I am eternally grateful for the learning I received in my small town of Greenville, Maine.   No, I cannot forget where it is that I come from, I cannot forget the people who love me. Yeah, I can be myself here in this small town. And people let me be just what I want to be.

  2. Lonely Old Night– In life the good memories stand out and shout to you as you grow older and the bad ones tend to fade into the background. This song brings some of the best ones to mind. Times spent drinking wine and dreaming of a future that could have existed if I wasn’t so scared of it. Sometimes we learn lessons and move forward and use them. Unfortunately sometimes the lessons we learn come too late to change a situation or yourself. All you are left with are positive memories of people that mattered to you so much then. The images can seem as real today as they were then but then you realize that they are as much ancient history as the pyramids in Egypt. But they are your history.  Radio playin’ softly
    Some singer’s sad sad song. He’s singing about. Standing in the shadows of love. I guess it feels awfully alone. She says I know Exactly what he means………….
  3. Jack and Diane– A song which came out while I was in high school. I think there is a generation of people who created a fantasy of being in a relationship like Jack and Diane. All Jacks are looking for their Dianes and vice versa. Each relationship we have from the beginning of our existence until today is meant to teach you something. It may be a lesson about love, life, selfishness or something else but most often they teach you something about yourself. If you are paying attention, then the next relationship should be better. Or more likely the one you are in will be more vital and valuable. This song reminds me to learn those lessons. I am a slow student. Oh, let it rock, let it roll. Let the bible belt come and save my soul. Holdin’ on to sixteen as long as you can. Change is coming ’round real soon. Make us woman and man. Oh yeah, life goes on.
  4. Authority Song– One of the constant experiences that I have had in my life is that I do NOT like anyone telling me what to do. Especially when the narrative states how you should feel about certain things.  There is no one path that is more acceptable than another. As long as nobody else is being negatively affected by your behavior, then do what you want to do. Don’t let anyone else tell you what career you are supposed to follow, or what hobbies you want to create from.  Creativity is a vital part of knowing yourself and what message you have to share with the world. Be your true self and let everyone else do the same. So I call up my preacher
    I say, “Give me strength for Round 5.” He said , “You don’t need no strength, you need to grow up son.” I said, “Growing up leads to growing old and then to dying”And dying to me don’t sound like all that much fun.”
  5. Check It Out– Another song which speaks about life and the desire to have your true song heard. It actually is urging the world to “Check it Out” and see what the words and thoughts that people posses. It would lead to a better understanding if people listened to those of different political views, rather than carry preconceived judgments of others. Most of which are created and promoted by the mainstream media on both sides. Keep the people fighting and fearing and they are easy to control.  Look at yourself and those you are opposed to. What is the real issue? Justice? Patriotism? Healthcare? Terrorism?  Check it out, we are the same a lot more than we are different. Most people just want to have a life that is fulfilling.  Seems like we should be able to put aside the petty differences and allow this for everyone.  So check it out. Where does our time go? Check it out. Got a brand new house in escrow. Check it out. Sleepin’ with your back to your loved one. This is all, we have learned about happiness.

Pink Houses, Hurts So Good, Cherry Bomb, R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A., Rain on the Scarecrow, Crumblin’ Down, Minutes to Memories, Hand to Hold on to, Just Another Day, Jackie Brown, Rumble Seat, Between a Laugh and a Tear, Ain’t Even Done with the Night.

Jack Johnson by Mike Martin

Is it ok to throw trash in the oceans?

I once helped start a nonprofit with a Biddeford, Maine lobster tank manufacture. Touch Tanks for Kids was formed to bring awareness to the damages that human activity brings to the Earth’s biospheres-the program included a strong focus on Ocean education.

Jack Hody Johnson is a singer-songwriter, musician, actor, record producer, documentary filmmaker and a former professional surfer born in the USA. I was once referred to as the “Surfer Dude” when I worked for a furniture repossession and extortion company. ( FYI-I don’t surf and have only tried on a few times. I do have blonde hair though.)

Johnson is active in the ecology and sustainability movement and has an ocean-centric focus. Johnson, with help from, Kim, his wife, created the Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation and the Kōkua Hawaii Foundation.

Dirty Oceans that need to be cleaned

The Johnsons have dedicated a great deal of resources, time and money,  promoting “positive and lasting change within communities by supporting organizations that focus on environmental, art, and music education.”

With the help of several sympathetic organization and people, Touch Tanks for Kids shared its message at festivals, conventions and other gathers including two lobster festivals. The San Pedro Lobster Festival in California and The Maine Lobster Festival  in Rockland, Maine.

Thank you, Cecil Knight for all your help! And, thank you Jack Johnson for the use of your use of your song, Talk of the Town, used in the video as a way to promote one of Touch Tanks for Kids fundraising systems when The Lobster Claw Invade(d) The Maine Lobster Festival

I know a game using live lobsters may seem a bit morbid, but the lobsters who participated got to live as they were set free to swim another day.  And, many great educational organization benefit from the fund raiser including the Coastal Children’s Museum 75 Mechanic Street Rockland, Maine

Touch Tanks for Kids Annual Lobster Chair Raffle at the Maine Lobster Festival 2011 

Thank you everyone for your participation and think we did a great job motivating people to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. 

If you’re going to the market to buy some juice
You’ve got to bring your own bags and you learn to reduce your waste
And if your brother or your sister’s got some cool clothes
You could try them on before you buy some more of those
Reuse, we’ve got to learn to reuse
And if the first two R’s don’t work out
And if you’ve got to make some trash
Don’t throw it out
Recycle, we’ve got to learn to recycle,
We’ve got to learn to
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Please, have a great day, and if you have any questions, drop us a line and please partake in #OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth and while you are at it take a trip to Greenville, Maine-I understand the foliage is majestic this time of year! #visitGreenville
#OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth #visitGreenville

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1985 Moon Dance

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Nostalgic Music Month Day 18

1985 By Jon Hilton

Our identity is defined by our experience and no other year in my life was more important to my development as a person than 1985. It was a year of change, learning, tragedy, triumph and ultimately the first real push into the person that I became. Looking back we tend to forget much of the mundane and negative and cherry pick the positive memories. For me there is no need to do this about 1985, it was all significant and memorable. Like all other things in my life, there was a soundtrack to that year that brings back the emotions of the era and always allows me to look back in reverence and love for that most formative year.

  1. Don’t You Forget About Me– Simple Minds- One of the most shared rites of passage in all people’s lives is the graduation from high school. It was June 13, 1985, when I experienced this. It was the culmination of four years of emotional and mental turmoil. On that day I played in and lost the Western Maine baseball final to Falmouth. We got back in time to
    I won’t forget about you!

    change and the next thing you know, I was graduating. Then we had a project graduation where you stayed up all night at the Boothbay YMCA, followed by a morning tour of Boothbay Harbor, and then a breakfast at the Legion in Damariscotta. It was a long night. One thing that is for sure from four years previous to that day to this one, I have never forgotten the people I shared that experience with. They are timeless and precious.  Tell me your troubles and doubts. Giving me everything inside and out and Love’s strange so real in the dark. Think of the tender things that we were working on……..

  2. Trapped – Bruce Springsteen- In that year, USA for Africa was trying to feed the world, and we were naive enough to believe that it would happen. this song reminds me of that spring of 1985 when I was involved in some tragedy. Until today I never really realized how much this song reminds me of that time. Life seems to have a way of hitting you hard sometimes, and how you react to that will define you. If your not careful they can trap you in that moment and keep you there. I like to think that all the people that I cared about then escaped these tangles. Good will conquer evil and the truth will set you free. And I know someday I’ll find the key…….
  3. If you Love Somebody Set Them Free– Sting- In 1985, my contemporaries and myself were looking for freedom and the powers that be decided to set us free on the world. This meant that relationships had to change, we all knew this was happening and in order for all people to reach their full potential, they need to be allowed to spread their wings and see what great things they can create. It would be great to keep all people exactly the same, but moments like that are meant to be just moments. They were perfect for their time, but all things must pass on to the next stop on the journey. Our job is to let it go and appreciate the experience we had and the lessons we learned. There are few teachers who are more appreciated than those I knew in 1985.  If you need somebody, call my name. If you want someone, you can do the same. If you want to keep something precious, Got to lock it up and throw away the key.
  4. Lay Your Hands On Me– Thompson Twins- This is a song that is very 1985ish. As we worked our way toward the inevitable end of our high school existence, there are so many people that you shared memories
    Lincoln Academy today looks much different than it did then………Like us it has come a long way.

    with. Some were longer term and some were just for a short time. All had an impact on me. Sometimes there are situations that you need support and to feel like some people care about you.  When it all comes down to the end, it’s the people that we care about and care about us that define who we are. This little 1985 ditty takes you back to that time and the feeling of being young. Back and forth across the sea. I have chased so many dreams. But I have never felt the grace. That I have felt in your embrace.

  5. Money For Nothing– Dire Straits- During the summer of 1985 I worked for one o the best people I ever knew. He made cabinets and I was his faithful assistant. I sanded things like no other.  We used to ride from job to job and listen to music and this song was one of the popular ones because we would have liked some of that money for nothin’.  I also wanted my MTV so this song really had it all.  There was a freedom in this job that I am not sure I have experienced since. We worked hard and got things done, but when the task was accomplished, it was left there and I was allowed to pursue my true passion of that summer which resided in Pemaquid, Maine. I have always been grateful for the lessons I learned that summer about work, people, and life.  And he’s up there, what’s that? Hawaiian noises? Bangin’ on the bongos like a chimpanzee. That ain’t workin’ that’s the way you do it. Get your money for nothin’ get your chicks for free. We got to install microwave ovens custom kitchen deliveries. We got to move these refrigerators we gotta move these color TV’s.

Van Morrison by Mike Martin- Day 18

Sir George Ivan “Van” Morrison is a Northern Irish singer-songwriter, instrumentalist and producer, born August 31, 1945. Known as “Van the Man”, he started his professional career as a teenager and continues to record and tour today with an album, Roll with the Punches, just released on September 22, 2017.

Every October, I am ready to listen to my favorite Van Morrison’s song ,  Moondance  -a song that established Morrison as a musical icon and a song that makes me feel incredibly relaxed and confident.

Well, it’s a marvelous night for a moondance
With the stars up above in your eyes
A fantabulous night to make romance
‘Neath the cover of October skies
And all the leaves on the trees are falling
To the sound of the breezes that blow
And I’m trying to please to the calling
Of your heart-strings that play soft and low
And all the night’s magic seems to whisper and hush
And all the soft moonlight seems to shine in your blush

My other favorite Van Morrison song was released as a single in mid-June 1967 (just about the time I was turning one) and reached number ten on

Moon Dance

the popular music charts in the United Sates.  Brown Eyed Girl (Live) is a true classic and still remains one of the most requested songs, on the radio and at weddings, in the United States today, 50 years after its release.

Hey, where did we go
Days when the rains came ?
Down in the hollow
Playing a new game
Laughing and a-running, hey, hey
Skipping and a-jumping
In the misty morning fog with
Our, our hearts a-thumping

Please, have a wicked Wednesday day, and if you have any questions, drop us a line and please partake in #OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth and while you are at it take a trip to Greenville, Maine-I understand the foliage is majestic this time of year! #visitGreenville

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The Boys are back in Water

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Nostalgic Music Month Day 17

Water by Jon Hilton

A view of our favorite swimming spot through the trees on Dyer’s Pond

In all of my formative years, I was fortunate to be blessed, living within view of a lake or a pond in all places I lived.  My earliest memories are of these places. They are Moosehead Lake in Greenville, Maine and Dyers Long Pond in Jefferson, Maine. Each comes back to me in memories and it is clearly a part of my soul is in each. This is the story of how these two lakes contributed to my life and formed much of what I understand about the world today.  It is a fortunate thing to be raised in the woods of Maine, even though I often thought otherwise. There are lessons you learn about life and respect for nature many people seem to lack today.

  1. Water– Brad Paisley- To live in rural areas one of the first elements you need to master is water. Learning to swim in this scary, monstrous and mysterious lake is one of the first challenges we meet. I remember well
    This was camp, and that boat was my main source of travel, freedom, and entertainment.

    the day I learned to swim. I was standing on the dock at my grandfathers. Tentatively thinking about swimming but fear was in my way. What if I couldn’t do it? Suddenly I was picked up and was hurtling through the air and into that dark scary abyss.  After the initial fear and shock wore off, I realized that I was swimming, and there wasn’t anything to be afraid of at all. Life lesson learned. It is one I have to recall even today when something new comes along. Jump in, give it a go, you will never know if you don’t give it a try.  Yeah, when that summer sun starts to beatin’ down. And you don’t know what to do. Grab your swimming trunks. Ice up that old igloo. Drive until the map turns blue.

  2. Down to the Waterline– Dire Straits There was a path that ran from our camp on Dyers Pond through the woods, past four other camps with the final destination of my grandparents. I ran that path thousands of times in my youth, usually with no shoes on. I knew all of the camps and their inhabitants as well as family. The path was right next to the water. I was very fortunate to be set free almost all summer. I had to be polite when I was around people and was taught to be honest, kind and caring. But when it came to summer days, I was set free with my brothers to go and do whatever I could dream up that day. The woods and the waters were my playgrounds and my teachers.  Respect was the biggest lesson I learned running along the waterline. She can see him on the jetty where they used to go. She can feel him in the places where the sailors go. When she’s walking by the river and the railway line. She can still hear him whisper, “Let’s go down to the waterline.”
  3. All Summer Long– Kid Rock- Growing up and going to camp every summer of my life was a tough life. The lake was not only for fun but also for bathing. There was no shower at the camp. Why? Because you went swimming every day. Usually two or three times. We actually could go as many times as we wanted as long as we could find someone to watch us. Any adult would do.  Of course, we also had to wait 30 minutes after we ate before we could swim. It was based on the unfounded belief that if you swam before your food started to digest you would get cramps and drown. We followed this “science” without question.  Living at camp also meant, using an outhouse, and filling up jugs of drinking water and carrying them home. We definitely take a lot of simple things for granted today.  Splashing through the sandbar. Talking by the campfire. It’s the simple things in life, like when and where. We didn’t have no internet
    But man I never will forget.
    The way the moonlight shined upon her hair
  4. On the Border– Al Stewart- Wind was a constant companion on all lakes. In Greenville, the wind was a powerful and constant factor in life. It made a moderate day colder and a cold day frigid. It did develop a toughness, that if you can handle that cold wind, everything else is minor leagues. In Jefferson, the wind dictated what types of activities the day would bring. Wind out of the south meant warm happy days of sunshine. Wind out of the North meant colder days and maybe some indoor time.  In the village where I grew up. Nothing seems the same. Still you never see the change from day to day.No one notices the customs slip away.
  5. Sitting on the Dock of the Bay– Otis Redding- There are many subtle things about living on a lake you take for granted at the time, but remember as priceless memories. Seeing the movement of the water through the day, or the shadows as they move. Shouting to nobody so that you can hear the echo of emptiness roll off into the distance. Sometimes sitting, watching and thinking are the best adventures available. You just have to take the time to notice them. A lake is a living, breathing entity that provides a life for millions of creatures small and large. As a day drifted softly toward its conclusion, the shadows on the shore grew long and I knew it was time to find the warmth that was waiting at home.  So I’m just gonna sit on the dock of the bay. Watching the tide roll away. Ooo, I’m sittin’ on the dock of the bay. Wastin’ time. 

Thin Lizzy by Mike Martin

If I want to feel invincible, all I need to do is listen to The Boys Are Back in Town from the Irish hard rock band Thin Lizzy. The song was originally released in 1976, on their album sixth studio album, Jailbreak- a song that wasn’t even selected to be on the record until a couple of  Louisville, Kentucky DJs helped bring the song to prominence.

Guess who just got back today
Them wild-eyed boys that had been away
Haven’t changed that much to say
But man, I still think them cats are crazy

“It was 1976 and we were touring America,” recalled Scott Gorham (a California guitarist who contributed to the Thin Lzzy’s twin lead guitar signature style). “Jailbreak wasn’t shifting and we weren’t selling any tickets – but there we were, gigging around… The manager came in and told us, ‘Well guys, it looks like you have a hit record’… Our response was, ‘Wow! Which song are you talking about?’ When he replied, ‘The Boys Are Back in Town’, it was a case of “Really?” We’d demoed maybe 15 songs and ‘The Boys Are Back in Town’ wasn’t among the ten that we chose for the album, which in some ways made it a double surprise. We owe it all to two DJs in Louisville, Kentucky. They fell in love with the (x) song and played it incessantly until other stations in the surrounding area picked up on it… Had that song not kickstarted the sales of the

Boy trying to get back in town

album, then the band was over.”
Thin Lizzy formed in Dublin, Ireland in 1969. Phil Lynott’s was the band’s de facto leader. He was the composer or co-composer of almost all of the band’s songs, and the first black Irishman to achieve commercial success. He died from a condition induces from Heroin dependency in 1986.

Stay safe folks and please have a terrific Tuesday!

Please, have a great day, and if you have any questions, drop us a line and please partake in #OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth and while you are at it take a trip to Greenville, Maine-I understand the foliage is majestic this time of year! #visitGreenville

#OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth #visitGreenville

Life Lessons

Living on a Prayer Monday

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Nostalgic Music Month Day 16

Monday- by Jon Hilton

It is a Monday morning and I feel like most people do on this day. The angst of another week of responsibility and the end of any free time for five more days.  This is the day most people move from doing what you want to do into doing what you have to do.  All of my life, this day has a bittersweet feeling to it. I am grateful to have things to do, but I am a free bird that likes the ability to do whatever I want.  In honor of this strange day that makes people love coffee and long for a vacation, today I am choosing Monday Songs as my musical choice today. Remember that you always have a choice, regardless of your current circumstances, to make the day what you want.

  1. Monday, Monday– Mammas and the Papas- Monday is the worst day of the week. You can’t trust that day because as I remember from my school days, people still expect you to do all of your homework, even if you had a fantastic weekend. Nothing much has changed.  Apparently, the Mammas and the Pappas felt the same way because whenever Monday comes you can find them crying on the ground. I don’t hate Mondays that badly so that is a positive. Oh Monday mornin´ you gave me no warnin´ of what was to be. Oh Monday, Monday, how could you leave and not take me.
  2. I Don’t Like Mondays– The Boomtown Rats- It was sometime in 1983 I first heard this song. And I concurred completely that I did not like Mondays. I wanted to shoot the whole day down. I enjoyed high school because it had the two things I was passionate about, girls and sports. The learning part was far in the background for me. I did it because that allowed me to stay in a place with girls and sports. Oh, oh, oh and the silicon chip inside her head. Gets switched to overload. And nobody’s gonna go to school today. She’s going to make them stay at home.
  3. Manic Monday- The Bangles- I think we all have selected amnesia. We seem to forget that the week is going to be full of many of the things that it was full of last week and the week before. Yet, people still seem surprised that work is going to happen. School is going to happen. Just like it did last week. That leads to another Manic Monday.  I had to include the Bangles because I am a child of the 1980’s.  And it is another Manic Monday. Have to catch an early train. Got to be to work by nine. And if I had an air-o-plane, I still couldn’t make it on time. 
  4. Rainy Days and Mondays-The Carpenters- Often in adult life, I feel like I am in the movie Tommy Boy whenever I hear a song by the Carpenters. Deep down, I love it but I would never let anyone else know that. This song does explain how many people see Monday and let it get them down. We have all had the blues at some point, and this song allows you to sing about it if you want to feel better.  Secretly we all love The Carpenters and that is ok on Monday or any other day of the week. Talkin’ to myself and feelin’ old. Sometimes I’d like to quit. Nothin’ ever seems to fit. Hangin’ around, Nothin’ to do but frown. Rainy days and Mondays always get me down.
  5. Come Monday– Jimmy Buffett- I am sure that Jimmy Buffett will have his own day, but when it comes to Monday songs this is one of my favorites. Unlike the others, it is about looking forward to Monday. It reminds me of all the times that I have been away from the one I love and looking forward to seeing them again. Who hasn’t felt this way? I just can’t wait to see you again.  Monday is a day, just like any other that provides an opportunity to make choices. Whether those choices are positive or negative is up to you.   Come Monday It’ll be all right. Come Monday I’ll be holding you tight. I spent four lonely days in a brown L.A. haze, And I just want you back by my side.

Bon Jovi  by Mike Martin

Bon Jovi, a self-titled debut studio album by the American rock band Bon Jovi, was released on January 21, 1984. The album produced one hit, Runaway, the other songs from the album were rarely performed live after the release of Slippery When Wet in 1986.

I saw Bon Jovi open for the California metal band Ratt at the San Diego Sports Arena on New Year’s Eve 1985. Ratt was a popular headlining band at the time, but we all left thinking that, Bon Jovi, put on the more dynamic performance and that they had a great future.

Bon Jovi Concert

We were right. Thus far, Bon Jovi has released 13 studio albums, has sold more than 130 million records, and performed more than 2,700 concerts in over 50 countries for more than 34 million fans.

There is some confusion about Bon Jovi’s hit song from Slippery When Wet– You Give Love a Bad Name. This is a very different song and should never be confused with a much different song from Bon Jovi self-titled album Bon Jovi –Shot Through The Heart

I like listening to Bon Jovi, but do not listen to them often, but after this Monday morning, I want my family to know that we are all just Livin’ On A Prayer

Take my hand, we’ll make it I swear
Woah, livin’ on a prayer

And, FYI-it’s a day to celebrate because

Woah, we’re half way there
Woah, livin’ on a prayer

Please, have a great day, and if you have any questions, drop us a line and please partake in #OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth and while you are at it take a trip to Greenville, Maine-I understand the foliage is majestic this time of year! #visitGreenville
#OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth #visitGreenville

 

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Wildfire on the Bayou

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Day 15 Nostalgic Music Month

Creedence Clearwater Revival by Jon Hilton

Nostalgia is looking back at your life with fondness. Pulling out the memories you have and remembering the people, events, and things that mattered on your journey. Creedence Clearwater Revival and their music take me on a long visit to my past. Like most bands of significance, it is difficult to pick just a few songs because so many had an impact. From my childhood to my current life as a “middle-aged” person.  I go on a trip in every song, to the backwoods of Maine. To the college campus of the University of Maine at Farmington. To the memories of a young man doing his best to learn about life. The conclusion is still the same now as it was then, I still have a lot to learn.

  1. Born on the Bayou– Even though I was born hundreds of miles from the bayou, the backwoods of Maine bring the same sense of rural, family and wilderness. I can remember running through the backwood bare, chasing down the hoodoo there. This song makes me remember all of those days of my youth and the seemingly perfect circumstances of a life full of play and adventure.  Now when I was just a little boy standin’ to my Daddy’s knee. My Poppa said, “Son don’t let the man get you do what he done to me.”
  2. Fortunate Son–  If CCR released this song today, they would be a target of the people. They would be deemed unAmerican.  During the era of Vietnam, the draft system was one that favored the rich and put the poor and disadvantaged on the fast track to the jungle.  Today we live in an era of ultra sensitivity, where any disenting voice is attacked and demonized. Simpletons spouting simple thoughts. Free speech used to be a valued commodity in the United States, but today it is a luxury.  As long as you say what “the man” finds acceptable you have this right. Say something they don’t like and you don’t.    Some folks are born made to wave the flag
    Ooh, they’re red, white and blue. And when the band plays “Hail to the chief”.    Ooh, they point the cannon at you, Lord!!!
  3. Someday Never Comes–  In my search for knowledge, this advice was true, someday never comes. Too often we put things off until tomorrow and then to the next day. Eventually it is too late and the opportunity is gone forever. We are all given chances to achieve things in life. Sometimes we are too comfortable where we are or more often, too afraid of failing.  If you have a dream, today is the day. If you want to try something the time is now. Well, I’m here to tell you now, each and every mother’s son, That you better learn it fast, you better learn it young,’Cause someday never comes.
  4. Long as I Can See the Light– All of us have left people behind. Some deserved it, they were not in our best interest. But there are a precious few we leave behind that we should have kept with us. Those are the people we want to put a candle in the window to help guide us back to them. In life, there are times we need to go, to learn a lesson we need to learn. But you can always bring that lesson back with you, returning a better person able to give a better part of yourself. Look for the light.   Put a candle in the window ,’Cause I feel I’ve gotta move, Though I’m goin’, goin’ , I’ll be comin’ home soon. Long as I can see the light.
  5. The Midnight Special– This is a great sing along song.  It also shines a light on the inequalities that have existed in our society for decades. Apparantly when you look around, absolutely nothing has changed. The system is rigged against some and for others.  The prevailing strategy seems to be, make sure you are on the side that it is rigged for. Everyone else is on their own.  It leads me to believe that CCR would not be welcomed today into the music industry or conservative society. But you better not complain, boy, you get in trouble with the man.

HM-  Have you Ever seen the rain, bad moon rising, Proud Mary, Down on the Corner, Lookin’ Out My Back Door, Run Through the Jungle, Suzi Q., Lodi, I Heard it Through the Grapvine, Green River, Up around the bend, Travellin’ Band, I put a Spell on you, Hey Tonight, Sweet Hitch Hiker

Micheal Martin Murphey- by Mike Martin

What is a #OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth without celebrating an artist who shares your name?

Michael Martin Murphey is an American singer-songwriter born on March 14, 1945. He is best known for writing and performing Western music, country music and popular music. A multiple Grammy nominee, Murphey has six gold albums, including a song that helped a nine-year boy believe that there was an escape from the confines of a small, remote, isolated, Maine town—realizing that all I needed was a horse.

Wildfire reached #1 on the Adult Contemporary charts, and when I hear it,

Wildfire

this song instantly takes me back to 1975.

By the dark of the moon I planted
But there came an early snow
There’s been a hoot-owl howling by my window now
For six nights in a row
She’s coming for me, I know
And on Wildfire we’re both gonna go

With that said, I gotta go-to the Home Depot.

Please, have a great day, and if you have any questions, drop us a line and please partake in #OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth and while you are at it take a trip to Greenville, Maine-I understand the foliage is majestic this time of year!
#OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth #visitGreenville