Friday!!!

I am so happy it's Friday! I feel silly, I feel sly, I feel ready for anything! I feel like a kid again... and I remember what used to make me really happy when I was a kid in school. What made you the happiest when you were in school? Remember the TV on wheels?

January 26, 1964

Today in rock history - The Beatles hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time on this day with "I Want To Hold Your Hand". It was the beginning of the British invasion. It was the start of my favorite era in rock music. It was the day that American performers said "this won't last". But it did last... all the old rules slowly ceased to exist. I was one of the first kids in school to comb my hair down... I got chewed out by a teacher. A year later the same teacher had a better Beatle haircut than I did. What a wonderful time to grow up!

Keith's Forgotten Oldie...

Today a record from a band that has more than one distinction under their belt... they are credited with pioneering heavy metal, and they were among the first "power trio's". "Summertime Blues" was San Francisco psychedelia at it's best extreme, and shook the roots of rock and roll all summer long in 1968, but was the only single by the band to climb into the top 40. The band had several lineup changes over the years, finally breaking up for good in 2009 with the death of founding member Dickie Peterson. I saw them back in 1969 or 1970 and was awed by their power and unique sound... I loved them. And I wasn't alone, Jim Morrison of the Doors called Blue Cheer the "single, most powerful band I've ever seen!"

Optimism!

Well after the freezing rain and snow Sunday and Monday, the forecast for the rest of the week is pretty darned good. Lately, a nice forecast seems to get me up for the day. I feel like a nice day is going to be a good day... and I get all optimistic. Even a silly idea seems to have merit (see picture). Do you feel better with a favorable visit from Mother Nature?

Postage Stamps now 45 Cents!

Just in case you missed it, the price of a postage stamp went up to 45 cents yesterday. Hopefully, you already bought a lot of stamps like this one... because "forever" stamps are still good!

COLD!!!

Bundle up today, dress in layers, avoid being outdoors if you can, and stay warm! Wind chills have been around 25 below zero all morning, and there's a wind chill advisory until noon. Brrrrr. And by the way, 2-6 inches of snow is on the way!

Keith's Forgotten Oldie...

Today a record that roared into the top 20 back in 1969, and got solid airplay for many months. The song "Evil Woman (Don't Play Your Games With Me)" was a national hit for the Minneapolis based blues-rock quintet Crow. A great dance song, Evil Woman featured overdubbed horns that the band was not happy about. The band released three albums without a second hit before finally disbanding in 1971. Lead singer Dave Wagner did release a solo album in 1973. Crow has the weird distinction of having the keyboard player with my favorite rock name... Kink Middlemist.