Saturday Night Serenade–Guilty Pleasure, But So Much More

We got the sad news this week that we’d lost a bright light from the music world.  Peter Tork was a member of the iconic 60s band, The Monkees.  While the television show ran from 1966-1968, the band itself continued performing until 1971.  And they continued to pop up now and then after that.

The group was a pre-fab boy band in its day, and much has been said about the fact that the members weren’t initially allowed to actually play their own instruments.  But the reality is, pre-fab or not, the members of the Monkees were/are actually talented musicians.  Not the least of which was Peter Tork, who played guitar, keyboard, bass, and banjo, among other things.  He was also an accomplished songwriter.

I loved watching The Monkees when I was a kid.  Back then, it was mostly about the silliness.  And Davey Jones, I won’t lie.  Boy bands are my guilty pleasure.

As an adult, though, I came to appreciate the music.  The songs, many of them written by Boyce and Hart, in a lot of ways encapsulated the times.  Like now, the 60s were about change, discontent, and disunity.

Through the years, The Monkees continued to get together from time to time.  We lost Davey back in 2012.  And now Peter is gone.

But happily, we still have their music.  For tonight’s serenade, I picked the original television version of Pleasant Valley Sunday, The Monkees’ pop anthem against the hypocrisy of the banal.

Kids.  They always know everything.  I remember when I knew everything, LOL.  The Monkees probably do, too.

In addition, I’ve added a more recent version of the song, a solo acoustic rendition by Peter Tork.

I hope this final February weekend finds you well.  Be sure to hug those you love.

Happy Saturday night!

Saturday Night Serenade–Old Classic, New Take

Oh, Winter, you’re killing me!
Isn’t it time for Spring yet?

I suppose I shouldn’t complain.  South Florida has been spared the more brutal conditions to which most of the US has been subjected.  Still…

I’m ready for plenty of sunshine and balmy breezes, for shorts and sandals and sipping cocktails at an outdoor table and watching the world pass by.

Tonight’s serenade is a new take on a 1066 Simon & Garfunkel classic, Hazy Shade of Winter.  The Bangles covered it in 1987, and if I’m honest, this new version by Gerard Way sounds like the same arrangement.

That being said, I think the guitar is fresh and I’m thrilled that someone’s breathing new life into a great song here in 2019.  See what you think.

On this weekend in what feels like an unending winter, I hope you’re staying warm.  Be sure to hug those you love.

Happy Saturday night!

P.S.  I’m including the original Simon & Garfunkel as well as the Bangles’ cover.  Maybe it can be said that each version represents their own generation.

Saturday Night Serenade–For All the Lovers Out There

This week, we’re celebrating Valentine’s Day.
Yes, I know, it’s a huge commercialized event, one big promotion for cards, flowers, candy, and diamonds.

But suppose we boil it down to its simplest form.  I think it’s a day to appreciate the ones you love, be it a spouse, significant other, parent, child, or friend.  And there’s nothing wrong with that.

For tonight’s serenade, I’ve picked a few of my favorite love songs.  I always love Ed Sheeran, and Thinking Out Loud is one of his most romantic.

But I just melt for John Legend’s All of Me.  This video has over 1.4 billion views.  Guess I’m not the only one.

Finally, who wouldn’t want to be Truly, Madly, Deeply in love?  Yes, it’s One Direction, but I have a guilty-pleasure thing for boy bands.

What would be on your Valentine’s Day playlist?

While you think about it, be sure to hug those you love, especially your Valentine.

Happy Saturday night!

Who Doesn’t Love a Cowboy with a Heart of Gold?

💋 COMING FEBRUARY 12! 💋
JENNY’S VOICE, Redheads & Ranchers Book 1

A traumatized young woman held hostage for years. 
The rancher who comes to her rescue. 
The crime boss who will kill them both if he finds them.

Jenny Stone’s voice was silenced the horrific day ruthless crime boss Victor Sorkin executed her parents in cold blood and took her as his personal good luck charm. Now she’s his ‘pet’, at his mercy when he summons her to warm his bed. Or the beds of his more esteemed business associates.

When she sees her chance to escape, she takes it, hitching a ride with an unsuspecting cowboy, horse trainer Cole Caldwell. Cole’s stunned to find the terrified young redhead hiding in his horse trailer. She’s as skittish as some of the horses he works with, and she doesn’t even speak. But the nurturer in him wants to shelter her, to protect her. He’ll do his best to ignore the attraction he feels, content to help her know she’s safe with him.

When Jenny first escaped, her only thought was to get away. But now she’s worried. She’s put Cole in unspeakable danger. Should she leave before Victor finds them? Could it already be too late?

If you like your romance filled with hot cowboys, suspense, and happily-ever-afters, you’ll love JENNY’S VOICE.

JENNY’S VOICE is Book 1 in the Redheads & Ranchers Series. 
Sexy redheads and the ranchers they can’t resist. 
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Saturday Night Serenade–All For You

Happy February!  This time next week, we’ll be talking about Valentine’s Day.  I feel love songs coming on…

But for now, can you think of a song that just makes you happy when you hear them?  All For You by Sister Hazel is one of those for me.  I’m not sure whether it’s the melody, the harmony, the hook, or what, but I love this song.  And I always sing along, no matter where I hear it.

Last time I heard this, we were seated outside at one of our favorite restaurants.  My folks were in town visiting and Mr. R and I had taken them to dinner in downtown West Palm Beach.  Duffy’s is a local sports bar and grill, and there are several locations, but this one is in the heart of West Palm on Clematis Street.

As we sat there watching the world go by, I became aware of a couple of homeless guys standing not far from our table, one of whom was sipping his libation from a paper sack.  At first, I was a bit nervous until I realized they’d gathered to watch sports on the big televisions inside the restaurant.

I wondered when the staff would come to shoo them along.  Then something surprising happened.  One of the servers approached the men and spent a few minutes chatting with them, joking and laughing about the football game.

Instantly, I felt ashamed of my attitude.  Because you know what?  There but for the grace of God…

So I’m moving into this second month of the year with a greater appreciation for what I have, and, hopefully, more compassion for those around me.  Which makes me happy.

I hope you’re happy where you are this weekend, and that you’re staying warm.  I believe there’s a big game or something on television.  😉  Be sure to hug those you love.

Happy Saturday night!

Okay, I couldn’t resist…