by Tom Shafer
June 14, 2020
So, it’s obvious to me that boredom is creeping into your lives, based solely on the questions and comments I’ve been receiving from you. One in particular struck a distinct nerve with me when I was asked whether I liked music or not, and if I did, who was I listening to on a regular basis. Though I have addressed music a little over the past couple of years (see “My Creepy MP3 Player” under the For Your Consideration tab and the very recently added “Rock Shows!” — a list of concerts I have seen — under the Shtuff tab), I realize that I have certainly not done it enough.
Yes, I LOVE music, and in fact, one of the very first entries to Signal Hill Musings was supposed to be about my favorite band or artist. Unfortunately, it never got out of the blamestorming phase of the writing operation (yes, sometimes there is a method to the madness!) because I couldn’t whittle my favorites down to A favorite. As it turns out, my absolute favorite changes with greater frequency than I ever considered, and the pool of artists grew larger and larger as I poured through my extensive catalogue. Looking back at my folder of open blogs, ones that I am working on or are evolving, I found the original page that I started back in 2018. There, I see names like Steve Earle, the Ramones, the Avett Brothers, Bob Schneider, Elvis Costello, the Foo Fighters, Jackson Browne, the Rolling Stones, Lyle Lovett, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jackopierce, Steely Dan, Kathleen Edwards, the Cure, Social Distortion, Dire Straits, and Glen Campbell (one of the very best guitar players you will ever see!). Houston (or Austin, as in Texas!), you can see I have a problem!
One day, I will address this topic of favorites much more formally, but for now, I will execute a plan I had always intended with my blog: tagging a musical recording to each of my completed writings. I had envisioned these selections to be complimentary in some way, which would be explained there in the moment. However, some of my works may not necessarily lend themselves to direct song linkage. In those cases, I figured I might introduce you to some new music or just drop a golden oldie. Either way, I think you readers will get a better idea of my musical predilections.
Unfortunately, this means that you may have to go back through my archives to see what song and artist I attached to each writing. Of course, as a writer, I don’t mind that at all – and in fact I welcome it! You may rediscover the magnificence and brilliance of my skill – or you may discover that you strongly dislike my musical tastes. No matter what, I believe it will be a fun little endeavor.
And I’ll start right here. This is a fun little Texas blues song by storied guitarist Johnny Winter called “Shake Your Moneymaker.” The lack of intellectual lyrical quality is more than made up for with some wonderful (and killer!) guitar solos. Enjoy!
Johnny Winter at Madison Square Gardens,
compliments of Morrison Hotel Gallery
