This nonsensical chant is what opens "Hooked on a Feeling", the number one pop hit from 1974. The Swedish band, Blue Swede took the easy listening tune originally done by B.J. Thomas (reaching the top-five in 1968) and added their own odd but memorable way to kick off this love song. I remember hearing this as a kid and having no idea what these weird sounds were supposed to mean in regards to the song. Now, being a little bit older, it's still kinda lost on me but it works.
During the height of Linda Ronstadt's fame, recorded music was still pressed on vinyl and a singer was actually required to be able to carry a tune but she has managed to endure as one of the most dynamic and gifted vocalists in the world who could do it all: pop, rock, country, folk, Broadway, big band, jazz, opera and Mariachi. Unfortunately, her glorious voice is now silenced due to recently revealing that she is suffering from Parkinson's disease. Ms Ronstadt was a passionate vocalist who sang simply and clearly from the heart. In this era where many of today's artists are simply manufactured in the recording studio, this is a great loss for music lovers.
Here is a brief collection of some of the diverse sounds from Linda Ronstadt:
"When Will I be Loved" - Linda Ronstadt (1975)
"Falling In Love Again" - Linda Ronstadt (1984)
Finally, here is some vintage footage of Ms Ronstadt performing with Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris:
Although it wasn't really planned (I swear!) but this one is all about the ladies. I offer a few samples from an eclectic mix of female musicians who will warm up the upcoming chilly season with some exciting new music:
Tamar Braxton - "The One" (2013)
Yuna - "Falling" (2013)
Amel Larrieux - "Afraid" (2013)
Celine Dion has returned to recorded music with a new song, "Loved Me Back To Life". It's been six years since her last English-language album and this will also be the title of the forthcoming release due in November. This tune feels very contemporary and fits perfectly in the current pop landscape :
"Loved Me Back To Life" - Celine Dion (2013)
"Wild" - Jessie J (2013)
"Strange Warnings" - Rose Elinor Dougall (2013)
Here is a remix by Chromeo & Oliver of one of my all-time favorite songs by Donna Summer. "Love Is In Control" has been worked over and given a modern spin while maintaining the spirit of the original (which is what all good remixes should do). There has even been a new music video made which incorporates clips of the video created for the original version featuring the Queen of Disco, which I had never seen before:
Cher's comeback single, "Woman's World" now has a music video. While I'm still not much of a fan of the tune but I am really digging this vid which is wild, wacky and typically Cher. This ageless performer has shown these younger girls (Hello, Miley) how to be outrageous and a little out there without having to try so hard:
