You Can Have Whatever You Like...

You learn something new everyday, if you’re willing.  Me I learned something new today.  So I am going to share it with you. 

Someone told me Juan Gabriel is known for his ballads, and I replied something along the lines of, “..a Spanish Luther…”, they said there are many Luthers, to which I replied, “There was only one Luther”, they agreed.  But that doesn’t take away from Juan Gabriel. 

Click cover to play Querida (Lyrics at bottom)

This synopsis of this compilation album will give you some history as well.  So enjoy!

la historia del divo

Everybody who has ever heard Latin music has heard a Juan Gabriel song. You may not know it, but I assure you, you have. A superstar in his own right, Juan Gabriel's songs have also been covered in more genres and by more artists -- including Marc Anthony, Rocío Durcal, Marco Antonio Solís, Christian Castro and Vicente Fernández -- than any other Latin singer/songwriter,

La Historia del Divo is a collection of some of Juan Gabriel's best-known tracks -- 16 in all -- spanning more than 30 years. "Some" is the operative word here, because notwithstanding the length of this compilation, it doesn't come close to covering the wealth of music this man has produced. Still, here you will find the original renditions of great romantic hits like "Hasta Que Te Conocí," "No Vale La Pena," "No Me Vuelvo A Enamorar" and "Siempre En Mi Mente," all radio favorites not only in the United States but throughout Latin America.

As hit-filled as Juan Gabriel's catalog is, it isn't predictable in a radio-friendly way. The songs are surprising, both clever and colloquial, often long. Such is the case with the opening "Querida," a five-minute plus track that goes on for well over two minutes before culminating in the drama-filled, high-pitched, high intensity chorus. Talk about dramatic tension; this song should be a textbook. In a similar vein is "Siempre En Mi Mente," a pan regional hit where the verse and chorus are variations on each other, the repetitive, steady beat matching the repeating words.

Aside from his timeless pop songs, Juan Gabriel is, of course, also known for his ranchera fare, which has been sung in pop versions, but appears here in the original renditions. Standouts include the cutting rancheras like "Te Voy a Olvidar" a castigating song aimed at a cheating girlfriend, and the more delicate "No Vale La Pena," with beautiful harmonies sung to strumming guitars and trumpets.

No Juan Gabriel compilation would be complete without his first hit, the almost innocent "No Tengo Dinero," which dates back to 1971. It's peppy, feel-good 1970s bubblegum pop, whose lasting popularity has as much to do with its catchy melody as with its universal story (the guy is broke, but can offer his love). The second Juan Gabriel must-have (if we need to choose), would be "Hasta Que Te Conocí." All of seven minutes long, many listeners not familiar with this original version and may remember it as the song that broke Marc Anthony in the salsa world. This, more than any other of his compositions, embodies all that is Juan Gabriel; from the slow, ruminating beginning, almost a soliloquy, to the unforgettable chorus, to a broad, grandiose instrumental coda over which he improvises.

Such artistic license has no other parallel in Latin pop. Which is why Juan Gabriel is the original "divo" of Latin music.

 

Juan Gabriel Querida Lyrics Querida, cada momento de mi vida yo pienso en ti mas cada dia mira mi soledad mira mi soledad que no me sienta nada bien..ohh ven ya Querida, no me ha sanado bien la herida te extra y lloro todavia mira mi soledad mira mi soledad que no me sienta nada bien..oh ven ya Querida, piensa en mi solo un momento y ven date cuenta de que el tiempo es cruel y lo he pasado yo sin ti..oh ven ya..ah ah Querida, hazlo por quien mas quieras tu yo quiero ver de nuevo luz en toda mi casa oh oh Querida, ven a mi que estoy sufriendo ven a mi que estoy muriendo en esta soledad en esta soledad que no me sienta nada bien....ven Querida, por lo que quieras tu mas ven mas compasion de mi tu ten mira mi soledad mira mi soledad que no me sienta nada bien Querida, Querida, Dime cuando tu dime cuando tu dime cuando tu vas a volver ajai Dime cuando tu dime cuando tu dime cuando tu vas a volver Querida.....eje, Querida, Dime cuando tu dime cuando tu dime cuando tu vas a volver ajai Dime cuando tu dime cuando tu dime cuando tu vas a volver aja aja tu, ven a mi soledad...tu yo no puedo ni me quiero olvidar ahu dime cuando tu.... hey tu dime cuando tu.... hey tu

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At last a guy has taken the time to write this all down

Finally, the guys' side of the story. (I must admit, it's pretty good.)

These are our rules!
Please note.. these are all numbered "1" ON PURPOSE!

1. Men are NOT mind readers.

1. Sunday sports: It's like the full moon or the changing of the tides. Let it be.

1. Crying is blackmail.

1. Ask for what you want. 
   Let us be clear on this one:
        Subtle hints do not work!
        Strong hints do not work!
        Obvious hints do not work!
   Just say it!

1. Learn to work the toilet seat. You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down. We need it up, you need it down. You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.

1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.

1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's what we do. Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.

1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument.
   In fact, all comments become Null and void after 7 Days.

1. If you think you're fat, you probably are. Don't ask us.

1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one

1. You can either ask us to do something Or tell us how you want it done.
   Not both. If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.

1. Whenever possible, Please say whatever you have to say during commercials.

1. Christopher Columbus did NOT need directions and neither do we.

1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings.
        Peach, for example, is a fruit, not A color.
        Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.

1. If it itches, it will be scratched. We do that.

1. If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing," We will act like nothing's wrong.
   We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.

1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to,
   Expect an answer you don't want to hear.

1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine...
   Really.

1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as baseball or golf.

1. You have enough clothes.

1. You have too many shoes.

1. I am in shape. Round IS a shape!

1. Thank you for reading this.
        Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the couch tonight;
        But did you know men really don't mind that? It's like camping.

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Categories: Humor

This was one beggin’ brother.  He made it hard for those who weren’t so in touch with their softer side.  You know those that never let their better half see that softer side except on occassion. 

I remember many that were glad he went faded away.  But just as things were beginning  to get easy for the aforementioned fellows along came Keith Sweat, another beggin’ brother.  But that’s another post and  I’ll stop, least you decide I don’t know my softer side.

Check out tracks 3 and 6, they are of particular importance but the others are good as well.

By the way, he should have never done Ghost Busters…
 

Ray Parker Jr. (& Raydio) 

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These two together, what a combo…  I was always impressed with Stanley (no, we are not on first name basis) although I always felt he was a little different.  You know in that Prince kind of way?

Stanley Clarke & George Duke 

Remember being surpised when Stanley popped up in Blind Date with Bruce Willis and Kim Basinger?  Actually a decent movie with Dan from Night Court.  Did Kim ever star in a TV sitcom?  I believe John Hartman was in this one too.

"Do you recognize me? I used to be a respectable citizen. I had a good job and a promising future. I made only one mistake - I went on a blind date. ...Anyone got $10,000 for bail?"

Tags: daily listening, rock
Categories: Music

One word.  SMOOTH! 

I’ll get him to sing at my next wedding (yes next).  Well I’ll try, probably can’t afford him, even if he would do it.  You know, buyin’ that BIG ring is gonna break a brotha…

Actually an extremely good hits album, very rare these days.

Brian McKnight 

Tags: daily listening, r&b, soul
Categories: Music

For all those guys who are King, until their wife gets home.

Walking into the bar, Mike said to Charlie the bartender,
"Pour me a stiff one - just had another fight with the little woman."
"Oh yeah?" said Charlie, "And how did this one end?"
"When it was over," Mike replied, "she came to me on her hands and knees."
"Really," said Charles, "now that's a switch! What did she say?"
She said, "Come out from under the bed, you little chicken-shit!"

This one made me laugh out loud! 
And NO I have not hidden under any bed before (well maybe because of someone’s parents).

Tags: funny
Categories: Humor

Well here is the first of what may become an ongoing delivery.  And I could only start with my all time favorite artist.  YES, I know he got weird but before that he was the SCHIZNIT!  Anyone disagree or doubt his musical genius?

Prince Rogers Nelson, more famously known as Prince or the artist formerly known as Prince or Prince again

ALBUMS (this listing may be a little off, I borrowed it)
I’ve made some songs hot, just selected at random not necessarily favorites.

• 1978 - For You {First Album}
  singles: Soft & Wet, As Long As We're Together.
• 1979 - Prince
  singles: I Wanna Be Your Lover, Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad, Still Waiting.
• 1980 - Dirty Mind
  singles: Dirty Mind, Uptown, Head.
• 1981 - Controversy
  singles: Controversy, Let's Work, Do Me,Baby.
• 1982 - 1999
  singles: 1999, Delirious, Little Red Corvette, Let's Pretend Where Married.
• 1984 - Purple Rain
  singles: When Doves Cry, I Would Die 4 U, Lets Go Crazy, Purple Rain 
  The Movie Purple Rain Which Was Very Good.
• 1985 - Around The World In A Day
  singles: Paisley Park, Raspberry Beret, Pop Life, America.
• 1986 - Parade
  singles: Mountains, Kiss, Anotherloverholenyohead, Girl And Boys.
• 1987 - Sign 'O’ Times
  singles: Sign 'O' Times, U Got The Look, If I Was Your Girlfriend, I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man.
• 1988 - The Black Album
  singles: When 2 R In Love.
• 1988 - Lovesexy
  singles: Alphabet St., Glam Slam, I Wish U Heaven.
• 1989 - Batman (Soundtrack)
  singles: Batdance, Partyman, The Arms Of Orion, Scandalous, The Future.

1990 - Prince Became Prince And The NPG (New Power Generation)

• 1990 - Prince And The NPG
  singles: Thieves In The Temple, New Power Generation, Shake!(The Time) Melody Cool (Mavis Stapels), Round And Round (Tevin Campbell).
• 1991 - Diamonds And Pearls
  singles: Get Off, Cream, Diamonds And Pearls, Money Don't Matter 2 Night, Willing And Able(Promo Only), Insatiable( Promo Only), Thunder (Uk Only).
• 1992 - 0(+>
  singles: Sexy M.F., My Name Is Prince, 7, The Morning Papers, Damn U (Promo Only)

1993 - Prince Became 0(+> 

• 1993 - The Hits And B-Sides.
• 1994 - Come
  singles: Letitgo, Space.
• 1995 - Gold Album
  singles: The Most Beautiful Girl In The World, Dolphin I Hate U, Gold.
• 1996 - Chaos And Disorder
  singles: Dinner With Delored, The Same December
• 1996 - Emancipation
  singles: Betcha By Golly Wow!, The Holy River( Which There Is A Chat Room Named After That Song), Somebody's Somebody, Face Down
• 1998 - Crystal Ball (It Was Remixes And Bootlegs)
• 1999 - Old Friends 4 Sale The Vault
• 1999 - Rave un2 The Joy Fantasitc
  singles: R, The Greatest Romance Ever Sold.
• 2001 - The Rainbow Children
  singles: From The Album The Work Pt. 1.
• 2002 - Internet Downloads From The NPG Music Club
• 2002 - One Nite Alone
• 2003 - N.E.W.S
• 2004 - Musicology
  singles: Musicology, Call My Name

Tags: daily listening, r&b
Categories: Music

I’ve had my share of good and bad times in relationships but I don’t think anything could ever make me believe that true happiness in love is not possible or worth the effort.  I even believe that I’ve got so much love in me that I’ll leave this place with more than some will ever have. 

But this did arouse a light chuckle in me.

Tags: love, image
Categories: Humor

Perusing an old friend's site, I came across a listing of some of his favorite albums.  The list and other ramblings on his site sparked an urge to put this post out for him.

Troy,
Here is probably one of my favorite EW&F cuts, if not my most favorite.  It was never a hit, that I recall, but it surely hit with me.    I’ve never forgot it and it makes me feel the same today as it did the first time I was blessed with it.

Take a listen.  Maybe you’ll remember it, maybe not.  Maybe you’ll like it, maybe not.  Maybe with you coming to the end of a 2 decade hike, it might ring home for you.

Lyrics at bottom.

Earth Wind & Fire On Your Face Lyrics Songwriters: Stepney, Charles; White, Maurice; Bailey, Philip James; Ain't it funny that the way you feel, shows on your face And no matter, how you try to hide it'll state your case Now a frown will bring your sprits down to the ground And never let you see, the good things all around Everytime we seem to let our feelings flow Our luck run out and the wind won't blow But that can't make me sad, just can't make me Whoa, 'cause I've been there before, don't wanna go no more The world can't take me, won't let it drive me mad Sadness bears no remedy for the problems in your life While you run your race, keep a smilin' face Help you set your pace Wish upon a sunny day, it'll turn to rain Use the sunshine in your heart to ease the pain We wonder how your attitude is going down Is it wakin' and shakin' and safe and sound? Every time we seem to let our feelings flow Our luck runs out and the wind won't blow But that can't make me sad, that can't make me Whoa, 'cause I've been there before, don't wanna go no more The world can't take me, won't let it drive me mad Sadness bears no remedy for the problems in your life While you run your race, keep a smilin' face Life is on your case Yes it is, yeah This world can't shake me, bad times can't make me sad Whoa, 'cause I've been there before, don't wanna go no more The world can't take me, won't let it drive me mad You can't shake me the way I feel today Come tomorrow I'll feel the same ol' way Ain't it funny that the way you feel shows on your face? Wake me! My heart is feelin' glad I'll take you with me when you're feelin' bad Use the sunshine in your heart You can't shake me the way I feel today Come tomorrow I'll feel the same ol' way I start to wonder what's going down, gotta feel it, feel it Wake me! My heart is feeling glad I'll take you with me when you're feelin' bad I start to wonder what's going down In your life, is it safe and sound? I start to wonder if your life's all right Are you dealing with it everyday or does it cause you strife? Yeah

Tags: r&b
Categories: Music

Christmas can’t be that far away…  Is it?

Tags: soul
Categories: Music