ROCKOLLECTIONS

After playing songs about Good Mothers last chapter, I promised you Bad Mothers.Yes, Good, Bad, it takes all kinds.I'll start with the most notorious Bad Mother I could think of- and this Mom is from one of the most successful albums around.After that, two songs I will undoubtedly be introducing you to.If you recall, during my Psychotherapy Series I played a pair of strange, but well-received by listeners, songs by Janis Ian and Dory Previn.This time we'll flip-flop the artists and start with Previn, and her sad and spooky tale.The common thread connecting these Bad Mothers is that they are manipulative, and most especially possessive.Not wanting their child to ever leave them!You'll hear what I mean.After that, a song by the Who that goes beyond Bad into insane, I mean what the...?I'll close this episode out with an interesting change in direction regarding Mothers- one that is not often talked about, never mind playing songs about.I hope you enjoy this Part 4, as it is a curious mix of known and unknown!And with so many Mother songs left, I will continue with them next week for two final installments.Hey, it's Free-Form Radio, and I pick the music, lol!You should trust me by now!

Mike

Mothers Day just took place, so I'll continue with our Salute To Mothers.After all, they work all year round, so why only honor them for a meager one day?We'll open this chapter with the Rolling Stones.How many remember that, like the Beatles, the Stones very first song about drugs was ANTI-DRUG?And a Mother taking them!Then it is on to the fact that Mothers are part of a very very small club- no matter what we do, they will always love us.A serial killer? Proven in court without a doubt?No matter, Mom won't believe it, lol!After that, a look at Good Mothers, with Bad Mothers to follow next episode.Some rockin' music for Good Mothers- and of course we all know about those Good ones...they are the ones WE have, lol!

Mike

I'll open this chapter for Mothers with two interpretations of the same song.There are songs that are covered by artists and Pop-musiced-up to the point where the meaning intended by the writer is lost.That seems to be case with the first, at least to me- then I'll play the proper message version by the composer, Randy Newman.I had absolutely no idea what I was going to play going into this half, and a sentimental mood brought on by thoughts of my very cool Mom caused me to take a risk.The risk being that today's radio seemingly has no place for mellow songs- gotta keep those meters in the studio hopping!But I'll play them when it suits me and it fits.Adding to the risk is the high probability you have never heard the songs in the set, so I will really be pushing it, lol!But that set will be the centerpiece of the episode- what they have in common, besides being beautiful music, is the fact they are Songs Written By ACTUAL Mothers To Their ACTUAL Children!What a marvelous gift to be able to do such a thing.Due to the sheer number of songs about Mothers, and more importantly, the fact that Mothers deserve to be Saluted for more than just ONE day, I will continue with additional music about them next week...and maybe beyond.I wish all Mothers the Happiest Mothers Day!If your Mom is deceased, a truly loving remembrance.If Mom is still in your life, cherish her and let her know how much you love her- let her know NOW!!!She will be so thrilled and grateful to hear it, and you will feel terrific after saying it!

Mike

As you should know, this Sunday is Mothers Day.So what is called for is a Rockollections Salute To Mothers, Mamas, Moms & Ma's.After a previously unreleased opening rocker, I will get into it with a first set that is intended to touch you.Then a musical look at a requirement for being a Mother...you need to Have A Baby!Interspersed throughout will be some wonderful quotes about Mothers I have chosen to share with you.I'll be doing my usual travel all over the musical map to celebrate the Sweetest & Best Ladies we'll ever know.In short, if you like my Theme Shows, you'll enjoy this.

Mike

I'll open this Chapter with a Song you probably have been waiting for me to play.If so, I commend you for your excellent taste- it is another Classic, a staple of FM Radio in the 60's and for years after!And perhaps like with me, there was some confusion with the Song Title and The Group Name when you just looked at them, not hearing the Song.From there, I will take you into Black & White Radio.There are so many Bird Songs, I can't say for sure how long this Series will last, probably another couple of weeks.Hopefully it gives you an Aural Taste Of Spring.It's a fun listen, I think you will enjoy this one.

Mike

This Bird has not Flown away in my For The Birds Series!And two Birds will be featured in this Chapter.First The Raven- common across the Northern Hemisphere and the subject of much Art and Literature.Next, The Cuckoo, which is actually a Family Of Birds that includes one made famous by Cartoons, The Roadrunner!The Centerpiece in here for me is one of my very favorite Jethro Tull Songs.Also a Traditional English Folk Song that has been reworked and sung by many in Our Music, and goes by many Titles as well!To end this Episode, I thought it might be fun to hear a Psychedelic Version of a Song we very closely associate with Richie Havens.It is from 1968 by a group named after horror fiction writer H.P. Lovecraft, and likely went unnoticed by your ears.Kindly give a listen!

Mike

Welcome back to another sort of Birdland, and a Tribute To The Birds Of Spring!There are indeed Nocturnal Birds, active primarily at night, the Owl is one.Of course here in NYC you say Nightbird and one particular Lady comes immediately to mind!So a Look and Listen to the Night Birds!The Keas are Birds that have a Call that puts them in a good mood, makes them happy, much like we humans have Laughter.So I'll end this Chapter with some levity and goofiness.Join me for some Music and hopefully Laughs!

Mike

It's Week 2 of For The Birds, and as I said nothing stops Spring, and nothing will stop us from this Playful Diversion!The Birds do provide a familiar comfort, and I'll help you listen to them with Our Music.And we are merely the beneficiaries of their Singing, they are talking to each other, not us!Oh and, no surprise here, they also, most of them, FLY!Join me for a Free-Form Flight Of Fancy With My Flock!How's that for Alliteration, lol?

Mike

Nothing stops Spring and nothing will ever stop the Birds and I am honoring them with this Series!Their nice familiar Singing is comforting, even Your Bird Can do it!The Bluebird is the Centerpiece of this Chapter, one of the prettiest Birds, and very popular with Gardeners as they are voracious insect eaters.Go ahead, second-guess me with the Bluebird Songs, lol!We are just getting started with For The Birds, I never know for how long, hey it's Free-Form!Give a listen, this will be fun!

Mike

Well the Snow Is Gone and Spring Has Sprung!Wait...what Snow?What a disappointing Winter, I LOVE Snow!A still valid indicator of Spring is When The Cliff Swallows Come Back To Mission San Juan Capistrano California, shortened thankfully in a Song Title.And that's how I will begin this Spring Series.It's For The Birds, lol!Join me for an Airborne Trip!

Mike