lately i don't feel much like talking

Listening to Richie Havens' album Mixed Bag I can't believe that he was only 26 when he recorded it. His voice is smooth but rough, polished yet raw. Havens has the undeniable quality of sageness. You can't help but give in and believe every word he sings.

This week I found a live album comprised of performances from 1970 and 1972 in Washington D.C. and Santa Monica, CA titled Live at The Cellar Door. The opening track is "I Can't Make It Anymore" - one of my favorite Gordon Lightfoot covers - and boy does he start the set out right.

I Can't Make It Anymore - Richie Havens

If you haven't experienced much of Richie Havens' music I would suggest poking around his discography, especially his early stuff. His unique style of strumming and open tuning was showcased quite nicely when he kicked off Woodstock, providing the accompaniment for the opening scene of the 3-day love and peace fest.

now remember to floss

The other day I found out some very exciting news, news that directly connects me to one of Rock's greats.

My dentist - the same dentist I have been going to since I was 4 years old - was Kurt Cobain's dentist during the time he lived in Seattle. How crazy cool is that?! My 6 year old self totally could have been sitting in the chair one over from him during one of his routine teeth cleanings.

Mind.

Blown.

Drain You - Nirvana

It feels good to be home.

*This version of "Drain You" is from the BBC Sessions (1989-1991)

it's alright, i'm ok. how are you?

Joni Mitchell & Graham Nash.

I can’t help but think of the amazing love story these two had for that short period of time when they were young. I have read a number of articles, watched a few documentaries, and am currently reading a book surrounding this place and time. From what I have gathered, Graham Nash was wholly enamored by Joni. I have read countless interviews with him where he cites his time with Joni as some of the most cherished moments of his life. He revered her as an artist much more talented than himself. When I read about how/why they broke up it just breaks my heart. I’m totally on Team Graham.

Nash's album Songs for Beginners - released just one month before Mitchell's Blue - was very much a mediation on the unraveling of the couple's relationship. With "I Used To Be A King" Nash realizes that his heart has been changed forever. He's moving on but he's become guarded and slightly cynical. Part of his heart as been stolen... and he's not so sure he'll ever get it back.

Someone is going to take my heart but no one is going to break my heart again.

I Used To Be A King - Graham Nash

ps Check out Joni's tune "I Had A King". Although she wrote it before meeting Nash it does offer a deeper understanding to what Nash is trying to get at in "I Used To Be A King".

goodbye summer.

hello fall.

April Come She Will - Simon & Garfunkel