Review-Kris Kristofferson "Closer to the Bone"

“Closer to the Bone” Kris Kristofferson 1st studio release since 2006 ‘s ‘This Old Road” continues Kris stripped down stark simple arraignments. Produced by Don Was who also did “This Old Road” there are only 4 musicians accompanying Kris producer Don Was on Bass, Jim Keltner on drums, Rami Jaffee on keyboards and the late Steven Bruton to whom the album is dedicated. “ This Album is dedicated to the spirit of my soul brother Steven Bruton and his unique legacy of music and laughter that has enriched our life” on guitar, mandolin and backing vocals. With the exception of SISTER SINEAD a song dealing with shit Sinead O’Connor had to deal with after her tearing a photo of Pope John XXIII on Saturday Night live a few years back. There is no political commentary in any of the other songs that have been the staple of much of Kris’s recent work. It takes a little to digest that seeing Kris just doing some good tunes. FROM HERE TO FOREVER A TUNE Kris intro’s by saying “Here’s one I wrote to my Kids” The chorus goes “And Darling if’s were not together. There’s One thing I want you to know. I’ll Love you from Here to Forever. And be there Wherever You Go” Track #12 a hidden track one that Kris says was the 1st whole song he ever wrote as a 11 year old. Is a simple sit back and laugh song Titled I HATE YOUR UGLY FACE Don’t know if this Album will draw much attention outside of Hard Core Kristofferson Fans. It’s been 37 or 38 years for me since I first heard ME AND BOBBY MCGEE, TO BEAT THE DEVIL and SUNDAY MORNIN COMIN DOWN from 1970’s Kristofferson when I was Hooked Thinking “Wow there is Something Special Here” and there Still is

Track Listing

1-Closer to the Bone

2-From Here to Forever

3-Holy Women

4-Starlight and Stone

5-Sister Sinead

6-Hall of Angels

7-Love don’t Live Here Anymore

8-Good Morning John

9-Tell Me One More Time

10-Let the Walls Come Down

11-The Wonder

12-I Hate your Ugly Face (Hidden Track-Not Listed)

President Obama's Nobel Peace Prize Comments

Beautiful and humble words of acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize just spoken by President Obama in the White House Garden. A few commentators on MSNBC suggested that the voting of the award may have been more a vote denouncing the policies of President George Bush than a endorsement of President Obama’s policies. I believe that could be a reasonable assumption.

This is so Cool

President Barack Obama won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for "his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples," the Norwegian Nobel Committee said, citing his outreach to the Muslim world and attempts to curb nuclear proliferation.

This is something the entire country should be Proud of. But I am willing to bet there will be some on the Right will only downplay and ridicule it. No need to mention names you know the usual suspects.

The Dalia Lama and President Obama

When President Obama does something I do not agree with I am not going to stand by and not comment. He is open to criticism same as any other elected or appointed official or private citizen for that matter. The Dalai Lama is visiting Washington this week The Dalai Lama is the Spiritual Leader of Tibet similar to what the Pope means to Roman Catholics on his busy schedule is a meeting with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The Dalai Lama on this trip is not meeting with President Obama who has informed the Dalia Lama’s delegation that he wants to meet with him but only after the President’s trip to Beijing in November. This seems like a concession to China who believe that that Dalai Lama is a troublemaker and someone that is pushing for autonomy for Tibet. Something that he had denied on many occasions. This might be seen as a small matter in the grand scheme of things but I believe it is a misguided position . I believe a low key meeting with only a few staff members from each side and only official White House photos being released could have both the meeting taking place and would not irritate China to any great extent.

Now I understand the Healthcare Debate

Today it hit me I now understand the Healthcare fight. On one side there are those that want to make Healthcare “Available” to all and the other there are people that want to make “Provide” Healthcare to all. And still another side does not want anyone not working a full time 40+ hour per week job to have any Healthcare. I side with those that want to “Provide” Healthcare to all Americans.

The Healthcare Public Option

With the vote today in The Senate Finance Committee it looks as if The Public Option is dead. With no chance of it being resurrected. They had there say so now it's up to us. Next time the US election rolls around we must see to it that each member of that Committee that voted "No" Is defeated so soundly there heads spin. The Public Option as far as I was concerned was "No Option" It was a must. Now we the voters have to see to it these officials are tossed out!!!!!

Review- Maura Kennedy "Parade of Echoes"

It might not be as Earth Shattering as Dylan going electric at Newport. But Maura Kennedy’s 1st solo project self produced and self mixed “Parade of Echoes” travels a similar path. Missing for the most part are the soft soothing harmonies of The Kennedy’s sound . They are replaced by a mixture of songs that could potentially get airplay across a wide spectrum of radio formats. Folk, Rock, Americana and even Country on the Nashville slick production sounding “Shadows With The Lonely” Your not given time to sit back and absorber or get to explore what’s here because right from the start on Track-1 “The Thing With Feathers” a so feel good song you will find yourself bopping around the room snapping your fingers. Because these songs were written over a time period and release individually month to month in digital format by Maura a The imagery encompasses in them runs a gamut that includes Sunshine, Snow, Rain, and the seasons of Summer, Winter and Fall, The months October and November are also given prominent mention. Maura as a rock guitarist would not look out of place alongside Joan Jett, Lita Ford or even newcomer Haley Williams the front women of Paramore. Joining Maura for the ride are husband Pete laying some hot guitar solos on “Sun Burns Gold, Make it Last, and Shadows With The Lonely“. Tommy Allen with some cool percussion beats to “Chains and Summer Coulda Lasted Forever” and the Lap Steel Genius Rocky Roberts also on “Sun Burns Gold” The holidays are not that far off why bother fighting traffic heading to the malls. All you need to is head to a Kennedys or Maura Kennedy show and purchase a copy of “Parade of Echoes" to everyone on you holiday list.

Track Listing (Parade of Echoes)

1- The Thing With Feathers

2- New Way To Live

3- Sub Burn Gold

4- Chains

5- Patience

6- Time Will Steal Your Heart

7- October

8- Just The Rain

9- Some Kind Of Life

10- Dreamless Sleep

11- Make It Last

12- Summer Coulda Lasted Forever

13- Shadows With The Lonely.