There are additional songs on my House Mini-Tribute page.
 

Alive & Well

Unfortunately, it doesn't say which grade school did this rousing version of 'The Battle Hymn of the Republic,' but it's nice to know patriotism isn't completely dead among the youth.  Because of its size, I'm opening a new browser window.  Enjoy!

Side note:  The onscreen lyrics use Julia Howe's original "let us die to make men free", but the choir sings "let us live to make men free", obviously because some teacher thought that, you know, actually dying for one's country might be asking a bit much and the thought might scare the innocent little schoolchildren.

God Bless The USA — Tigerhawk mentioned this song in passing a while back, so I whipped together the song & lyrics for his readers.

One thing ya gotta hand the Russkies:

Their music kicks butt.

Here are the opening five minutes of The Hunt For Red October.

So, I heard you're an old rock 'n' roller.

At least, that's what I heard.

But what I also heard is that you've toned it down as you've turned into, first, a parent, then (gasp!) a senior citizen.

Pretty-much Montovani and Guy Lombardo for you these days, is that it?  Maybe a little Frank Sinatra and Mozart thrown in?  You know — something calm and relaxing to help wash down the Geritol.

Well, old man, while you're sitting there caving in to the forces of society, gravity and time, guess what this 58-year-old's latest favorite song is?  Five or six listenings and I think I've got most of the nuances down.

Give my regards to Frank and the boys.

What's that?  You feel insulted that I dare to mention how old and creaky you've become?

Well, that's certainly understandable.  I mean, given your age and delicate sensibilities and all.

So, in order to make up for my callous behavior, here's a nice slow number that you should be able to keep up with.  Got the volume knob cranked up to 'Cremate'?

Go for it.

What a magical moment this Shakira video is.  You think it's pretty neat that your favorite singer has two different singing voices?

How about three?

In the same song?

Listen to how she starts off in what might be called her normal singing voice, then, as the volume increases, listen to how she starts using that 'throaty' voice here and there, weaving back and forth with her normal voice.  Then, during the interlude, listen to the 'little girl' voice she uses, then back to normal, then back to full-bore throaty.  It's really something.

And the magic.  You would have had to have been watching this "Las Vegas Divas" show to understand how special this really was.  Up to this point, the stage had been hogged by the usual screeching divas, all singing at the top of their lungs and filling every micro-second of music with their self-adored, self-adulated voices.

And then this walks onto the stage.

Ah, there you are, old-timer.  Thought we'd lost you.  I hear those walkers can be treacherous.

So, I've got a new fave rock song.  You probably remember "rock songs" from your youth, right?  Well, I knew you'd be expecting me to share this with you.

I'd heard the song here and there and thought it was pretty cool, but it wasn't until I stumbled across some YouTube video that was using it in the background that I decided to hunt down the lyrics.

The first time through, I wanted to drown myself at the end.

The second time through, I thought "Better her than me!" and decided that the least I could do was honor her last request.

Speakers cranked up?  Ready to sing along?  Give it your best!