Schmoop and I began the day as most others who celebrate the New Year. Food, drink, football on the TV, and hope for the future.
But…It wasn’t until about eight o’clock New Year’s night that I discovered what the future is about.
It was about then that I put a CD on. It was, The Best of Pete Seeger. That sounded good, so after that, I put on a two CD collection of The Kingston Trio.
Just before Schmoop went to bed I played a compilation CD of Folk musicians. Ironic. Here we were celebrating 2010 and I was playing music from the 60’s.And not just any music…I was playing low tech, bare bones and soul, hobo traveling folk music. Oddly enough and in spite of the “advanced” decade in which we now live, it made sense.
Pete Seeger was singing, Michael Row Your Boat Ashore.
He sings it in a way that describes the arduous journey across the river Jordan with optimism in his voice, and it takes me back to the carefree feeling of sitting on the cold, hard, tile floor of my second grade classroom.
All of us eight year olds holding hands, smiling and singing…our only concerns being what we would do at recess and what mom packed us for lunch.
When I put The Kingston Trio on, it wasn’t so much their humorous lyrics and great harmonies that struck a chord with me, it was the fact that Schmoop had bought the CD for me some four or five years ago.
We are not big on buying Christmas gifts for one and other but that Christmas some years ago, she knew that I liked them and she got the CD for me. Not because she had to, but because she wanted to.
Last night, with beers in hand, and trails of smoke coming from the ashtrays on the coffee table, we sat next to each other on the couch and in discordant harmony probably only pleasing to us, sang the, Reverend Mr. Black along with The Kingston Trio.
We smiled…a lot.
After that was done, I played the Folk CD and we sang along with the likes of Ian and Sylvia, Joan Baez, Donovan, and my fave, Ramblin’ Jack Elliot.
After that, Schmoop got up, I smacked her on the ass, she smiled, and then went to bed…without a word.
She didn’t have to say anything.After our brief New Year evening singing engagement, the smile that she threw me was an indication that no matter how good or bad this coming year may be, we both have a crutch to lean upon should we need one.
And I hope that this is the case for all of you as well.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I am going to put some Johnny Cash on. Just like the other groups I mentioned, the man is good for the soul.
Cheers, and once again, Happy New Year!!
27 comments:
I decided to quit lurking, at least temporarily, to brag to you that I had the pleasure of seeing the Kingston Trio in person, as well as the Limeliters. I was a leetle older than you, of course. They came to the University of Arkansas for a concert - at separate times, of course, and we loved them. Those were the days, my friend.
Betty: Well you have a couple of good concerts up on me. I dig the Kingston Trio and The Limeliters. I will tell you though, I did get to see Peter, Paul, and Mary back in '92 or so.
Glad you got to see them, and have a great New Year, Betty. Cheers!!
Sweet post. I'm glad you snapped a picture of sleeping beauty, too.
Happy new year to you both!
You have been quite the sensitive, philosophical one lately, Matt!
I have no idea who the Kingston Trio is, but I do appreciate Johnny Cash.
Have you ever heard Springsteen’s folky stuff? I love it. You are 100% dead on too. There is nothing in this world more important than having someone to share the good and bad times with. My saint of a wife now has to do every single chore that involves leaving the house for an entire month or so. Thank God I can at least cook!
Ahhh yes, amybe the 60s will make their magical comeback in 2010.
Candice: Thanks and I like to pimp Schmoop out when she sleeps. That's when she's at her best. Cheers Candice!!
Lady: I am actually quite sensitive and philosophical. That sometimes gets lost in my expletive laced rants, or more accurately overshadowed by my expletives. And if you have time, check out The Kingston Trio on You Tube. There's plenty of clips of them. Cheers D!!
Scott: I am not a huge fan of Springsteen but when he is at his best, he is one of the best. Wish I could help ya out dammit. But I'm sure Sainte de la Scott will pull you through while you rebound. Cheers to you both!!
Doc: Actually Doc...I think the 60's came back in the mid to early 90's. REM, The Gin Blossoms, Natalie Merchant even some of the B-52's later stuff just to name a few were playing folk type music that had been updated and put onn steroids. Cheers to you and your family as well Doc!!
Ahhhh ... The Man in Blck! Now I could listen to him all day! Kingston Trio? Not so much ...
This was a really sweet post. Of course, it does remind those of us who don't have that crutch to lean upon how sad, lonely and bitter we are, but oh well.
I'm not a huge music guy, but just kicking back and chilling out to some good music is a good thing. Folk, jazz, blues and the rat pack are always good choices.
Some times the best gifts are the simplest ones. No complexity, no need to outdo the next guy. Just give a gift that stands the test of time.
Look at my competition. Technical gurus trying to take over the world. And then look at what I can do to a city with some drums of oil and a couple of bullets.....
Singing and laughing together... priceless.
...how 'bout some goog ol' Harry Belafonte from 1959?....
JR and I rang in the new year listening to the blues and knowing that 2010 will be one more year that we will be together. It's a very nice feeling, No?
Oh, we do love the old folksy stuff, and newgrass. Steve and I play together (mandolin - me, guitar - him, piano - both), and we keep coming back to the standards. It is wonderful, as you say, to have someone to share with.
Dana: Johnny's the Man, but c'mon...don't be dissin' the Trio. Cheers Dana!!
Jay: I love to remind people of those very things as often as I can. And Frank is one of my faves. Cheers Jay!!
Joker: Simplicity speaks volumes. Cheers Joker!!
Micky: Not so priceless if you are one who has to listen to us. Cheers Mick!!
P-Man: I bet you and Hugo Chavez get together and listen to him all the time you Communist, you. Cheers P-Man!!
Michele: It's a great feeling. I love the Blues but have very little in the way of any here at the digs. Cheers Michele!!
Rat: I envy you. I have never been worth a crap with string instruments. I would love to be able to play the guitar. And if I was guitar. And of course,
If I was a fender guitar
A fender painted red
You could play me, darlin'
Until your fingers bled
Cheers Adorable One!!
As you know, Motorhead is slow and folksy to me.LOL I am so glad that you have Schmoop. It seems like you were made for each other.
I hope 2010 is very good to both of you!
Metal: I thank you for my card; I never got mine out. I think you're the best, Chris...and I hope nothing but the best in 2010. Cheers!!
As long as you have a good heart, a great son, and an amazing Schmoop, you have everything you need in the world.
PITS: And you my good my man, would be absolutely correct. Cheers, and Happy New Year PITS!!
Hey, did that Kingston Trio CD have "Charlie on the MTA" on it?
"But did he ever return?
No he never returned
and his fate is still unknown..."
Now you've got me waxing nostalgic. Happy New Year to you and your sweetie.
Jeff: But of course, Jeff. That's one of our favorites. Cheers and Happy New Year to you and your Family!!
You do realize can't talk to you this week as you are from Ohio lol...
pout pout
Cheesy: Sorry Cheese but my heart was with the Ducks. I am as distraught as you. I loathe OSU. Cheers and Happy New Year!!
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