tag:tommyconnors.com,2005:/blogs/finds?p=4Finds2024-02-19T05:28:20-05:00Tommy Connorsfalsetag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658272019-06-29T20:00:00-04:002023-04-16T15:44:30-04:00Mundy "July"
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So after a show I did at Kitty Hoyne's, David Hoyne and I struck up a conversation about a few artists native to Ireland. Then we began showing me clips of some people he thought I'd appreciate. Mundy was one of those performers. Two days later I special ordered every CD of his from Ireland. This guy is great. He reminds me of the Robert Earl Keen of Ireland...which is a good thing.</p>
Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658202019-01-12T19:00:00-05:002023-12-10T12:05:52-05:00Francesco Forni - BLUE VENOM BAR
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<br>So I was in Rome Italy recently and aside from doing all the usual tourist stuff - I was able to check out some live music while there. I was in this great little cafe in Trastevere and caught Franceso doing a solo show. Awesome musician, great performer and even though most of what he sang was in Italian - you could feel what was going on in each song. He did an amazing version of Hendrix's Voodo Chile that was sick! His website is still under construction but his MySpace page is a great place to hear more tunes (http://www.myspace.com/francescoforni). Check him out. I have his album Tempi Meravigliosi and it's one of those rare CD's that you can just leave on repeat and enjoy over and over and over....good stuff.</p>
Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658192018-12-26T19:00:00-05:002020-01-15T06:13:59-05:00Ladies & Gentlemen...Conway Twitty.
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I remember when I was growing up in South Carolina I used to spend all my summer days at the neighborhood pool. We'd get high on Mentos and Mello Yello. Anyway, one of the lifeguards said that one of my friends looked just like Conway Twitty and called him that every summer to his face. My buddy would get so pissed, but me being from NY - I had no clue who Conway was. I grew up eventually hearing about Conway Twitty and used to crack myself up about how angry my friend got every time he came to the pool. Anyway - here's a pretty good song of his that I came to know through a recent episode of Family Guy.</p>
Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658182014-05-14T20:00:00-04:002022-08-11T16:37:04-04:00Dido - See You When You're 40 (LIVE)
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Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658422014-04-30T20:00:00-04:002023-12-10T11:52:44-05:00Great Big World "Already Home"
<p>Really amazing song and video. Worth sharing. </p>
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Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658412014-04-30T20:00:00-04:002023-12-10T11:51:26-05:00Tommy Connors to join Medicine Wheel
<p>It's official. Tommy is now the front man and lead singer for the central New York Rock band, Medicine Wheel (http://www.medicinewheelband.com/). Medicine Wheel is a collaboration of great musicians that started strummin' in 2012. Prolific songwriter Charley Orlando (Ruha, Dexter Groove) and guitar great Michael Vincitore (Red Light District, Dark Hollow) stared an acoustic duo and were playing pub dates in the Syracuse area. The duo was great fun; but there was a desire to take that collaboration to the next level. Enter a rhythm section that has been playing together for over 15 years; Aaron Fried (Dark Hollow) on bass and Marc Stell on drums. In the spring of 2014, Charley stepped down, but Tommy Connors is stepping in to fill his HUGE shoes. The combined talents produce a wonderful synergy that we all know today as Medicine Wheel.</p>
Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658312014-03-30T20:00:00-04:002024-02-19T05:28:20-05:00Fiction Plane "Two Sisters"
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Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658062014-02-08T19:00:00-05:002022-09-05T07:34:30-04:00Vic Thrill & The Saturn Missle
<p>So after The Bogmen split up, Billy started this band and they were so "off the wall". He adopted the stage name Vic Thrill and came up with some crazy and amazing tunes. This is one of them in which he shows off his unorthodox dance moves. Enjoy.<br>
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Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658342012-10-18T20:00:00-04:002022-04-28T01:16:12-04:00Band of Horses (No One's Gonna Love You More Than I Do)
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Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658382012-09-12T20:00:00-04:002021-12-15T10:33:56-05:00Bon Iver - Holocene
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<br>It must have been the fall of 2008 when Danny Brennan, my long-time manager and now partner in wine turned me on to Bon Iver. I must admit, at that point in my life, it was tough for me to find the time to really "listen" to music. But over the past couple years, I'd pull this debut CD up on ipod and chill. Then I heard Peter Gabriel cover "Flume", which made me fanatical over the song. Then, this album came out in 2011 - simply titled "Bon Iver". I burned it onto a disc so that I could listen in high fidelity in my car - without all the bit crushing that happens when you convert into mp3's. Anyway, songs like this just invaded my mind and stayed there. Looking at the words alone, they came seem a bit cryptic - however, coupled with the music - you come away with this "I SOOOO GET IT" feeling. Do yourself a favor and grab this CD. It will grab you like a long lost lover.
Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658082012-06-09T20:00:00-04:002021-10-26T08:53:15-04:00The Bogmen - Suddenly
<p>Going to College in New York City, no band was hotter than The Bogmen from Long Island. I had the chance to see these guys several times and every show was simply amazing. One such show was at the Roseland Ballroom in Midtown Manhattan where they opened for the Barenaked Ladies and Big Head Todd - they blew them away. The crowd was whipped into such a frenzy that by the time the headliners came on, the crowd was spent. It was that cyclical energy between the crowd and band that we tried to emulate at every Homer show.
In 1994 they were singed to Arista and had the good fortune of Jerry Harrison of the Talking Heads produce their album, "Life Begins at 40 Million" - which is in my top 5 off all time. This was the video they released. I actually caught it on MTV's 120 Minutes - I think it only aired a couple times. <embed src="http://www.metacafe.com/fplayer/sy-18502474/the_bogmen_suddenly_official_music_video.swf" width="400" height="345" wmode="transparent" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" name="Metacafe_sy-18502474" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"> </embed><br><font size="1"><a href="http://www.metacafe.com/watch/sy-18502474/the_bogmen_suddenly_official_music_video/" data-imported="1">The Bogmen - Suddenly (Official Music Video)</a> - <a href="http://www.metacafe.com/" data-imported="1">Click here for this week’s top video clips</a></font></p>
Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658392012-03-26T20:00:00-04:002023-12-10T12:05:52-05:00The Walk - Meyer Hawthorne
<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gmfcYli6vV4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div> <b> I absolutely love this jam. I downloaded this album late last summer have have been digging it ever since. And this video is tremendous. Enjoy.</b>
Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658402012-03-11T20:00:00-04:002020-01-15T06:14:00-05:00Good Old War - "Calling Me Names"
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<br> So if you have not heard of these guys, you will or you should. Daniel Schwartz was in several bands before Good Old War, a couple that actually joined Seeking Homer and myself on a few bills up and down the east coast. Anyway, they are just fantastic songwriters that have come up with a great fun sound. I was at The World Cafe in Philadelphia a few weeks ago to check out a free show in which they were promoting songs from the new album. A very good listen.
Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658372011-10-18T20:00:00-04:002020-01-15T06:14:00-05:00"HABITUAL LINE STEPPER" nominated for BEST POP ALBUM
<p>...it's not the Grammy's - it's the Sammy's - or the Syracuse Area Music Awards as it known in Upstate NY. The event will be held Friday November 11th at the Syracuse Oncenter Ballroom. Tickets are $15. For more information, visit: www.syracuseareamusic.com. Wish us luck.</p>
Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658362011-09-30T20:00:00-04:002022-03-24T21:39:45-04:00Mr. Anonymous "Spong Gong Diddley "
<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jpwanQ2O7ek" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div> I am addicted to this video. Jeep keep 'em coming....
Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658262011-08-19T20:00:00-04:002021-11-20T13:59:19-05:00Jeff Buckley "What Will You Say"
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<embed src="https://www.youtube.com/v/g5Ty4wgj2SY&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object> What a tragic loss when the world lost Jeff Buckley. I have bought the album "Grace" about 10 times since it came out. I think I've even given it as a gift to many people too. I cannot describe Jeff's music - not even going to try. But if you don't know who he is, the world is a better place when you have an album like "Grace" to fall in to. This song never made an album unfortunately.
Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658022011-08-01T20:00:00-04:002021-05-20T07:13:17-04:00One EskimO - "Amazing"
<p>So last summer I grabbed this album after hearing their song "Kandi" a million times on XM radio. Along with the Mumford & Sons "Sigh No More" - these have been staples with me wherever I've been. This is my new favorite one.... </p>
<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe width="560" height="349" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y2w3MM8htP8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658222011-05-07T20:00:00-04:002022-05-10T05:55:28-04:00Peter Tosh & Mick Jagger - Don't Look Back
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Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658032011-03-31T20:00:00-04:002022-05-27T08:38:35-04:00The Samples "Everytime" Video
<p>This is just a great video concept. The ol' Three Amigos plus 1 outfit. I think Andy told me one suit was actually blue-ish. Most of this was shot Joshua Tree. I remember catching this video on VH-1 back in the day - back when VH-1 was relevant.
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Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658352011-02-21T19:00:00-05:002020-01-15T06:14:00-05:00David Gray "Shine"
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Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658332010-10-31T20:00:00-04:002023-12-10T11:48:55-05:003 Preview Tracks added to the site...
<p>Good news, I put three rough mixes on the website today. Feel free to stream all you want. I also created an artist page on Facebook (TOMMY CONNORS) where these can be heard as well. <!-- Facebook Badge START --><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tommy-Connors/172082796140418" target="_TOP" style="font-family: " title="Tommy Connors" data-imported="1">Tommy Connors</a><br><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tommy-Connors/172082796140418" target="_TOP" title="Tommy Connors" data-imported="1"><img src="http://badge.facebook.com/badge/172082796140418.2163.1217554172.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="198" style="border: 0px;" width="120" /></a><br><a href="http://www.facebook.com/business/dashboard/" target="_TOP" style="font-family: " title="Make your own badge!" data-imported="1">Promote Your Page Too</a><!-- Facebook Badge END --></p>
Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658322010-10-10T20:00:00-04:002020-01-15T06:14:00-05:00The new album is coming....
<p>UPDATE OCT. 11, 2010
<br>
So I’ve been fielding lots of questions over the past couple weeks on the new CD’s progress. Let me just say that everything has been amazing. We’ve recorded 13 songs but I think only 12 will make the cut. Like the Seeking Homer albums, there’s a theme that moves throughout and these twelve allow for the best ride.
Feeling blessed is an understatement when I speak with the souls involved in helping me with this “project”. I’ve always thought about recording my own album someday but to actually do it, without all the great ideas and sounds of my Homer boys – I just didn’t think it would be feasible. I just wouldn’t expect to come up with enough good songs all by my lonesome. What I also didn’t expect was how much I would be inspired by my central New York singer-songwriter comrades over the past year or so. People like Brad Thomas, Dusty Pas’cal, Mikey Powell, Lisa Gentile, Jeffrey Pepper Rogers – all have been so instrumental in supporting my efforts over the past year or so.
What I found funny about this album was the fact that songs came to me in pairs or triplets. Meaning in one night, two or three song ideas were coming about. This only happened once before during my Homer days (I wrote “Whiskeytown” and “Ms. Wichita” the same afternoon). This past Christmas, I wrote three songs in one night – “Show Me The Light”, “Don’t Answer Me Now” and “Galveston & Galway” – three gifts that you’ll never get Santa to drop under a tree. It was a great Christmas. And in April I wrote “Burying Confessions” and “When Does The Giving End” during my flights to and from Europe. “Never Meant that Much to Me”, “If You Run” and “Nothing More to Lose” all had their roots close together in time as well. I can’t explain it.
The one song I did not write on this album is a tune called “Break Me” – which was written by Dusty Pas’cal.
Performing on my album are some great souls. On drums I have Michael Seda, my brother from Seeking Homer. I couldn’t imagine recording with another drummer. On bass I was able to convince Max McKee to sit in. I am eternally grateful as he’s laid down some funky bass lines that really make these songs jump. I think we spent more time laughing as recording. On keyboards I have enlisted the world famous, Will Tobin. And vocals I have my 5th cousin Jeffrey Connor adding his fifty cents. Some of you have seen Jeffrey and I play live so you already know what he brings. For those of you that haven’t – you’ll be amazed as to how well our voices work together. And speaking of voices, I have the wonderful Krista Lewandowski singing duet on “Show Me The Light”. You are all going to love her.
Producing and Engineering I have Andrew Graecen and Jason “Jocko” Randall (John Brown’s Body) – a killer mix. Andrew has a great background in jazz, pop and acoustic music whereas Jocko is legendary for his thrash, metal and reggae mixes. The blend of styles and backgrounds has allowed me to go to places I never thought I could. And it’s because of this, that I am so proud of this effort. I hope you enjoy it.
So I will be in the studio the next two weeks putting in the final touches. I may release a couple samples online too. As of now, the release date looks to be the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. I can’t wait.
See you soon. Thanks for all the support.
~TC</p>
Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658152010-09-07T20:00:00-04:002021-12-31T05:31:24-05:00U2 Remembers September 11
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Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658102010-08-14T20:00:00-04:002021-12-29T05:28:29-05:00Jeep - Discotheque
<p>Several years ago, Seeking Homer had the great pleasure of playing in Chicago with Jeep MacNichol, former drummer of The Samples. At the time he just released a solo album that was fantastic and was on tour with Kenny James (another former drummer of The Samples). Anyway, the show was amazing and since then, me and the other Homer guys have been looking forward to hearing more music from him.
Recently, he has been working on a project called Mr. Anonymous in which he is collaborating with Ranking Roger (English Beat), Sly & Robbie, Dave Wakeling (General Public), Pinchers, Mega Banton, Brando and Ranking Jr.
Here is a video from their most recent album. Great grooves. You can visit Jeep at www.jeepmusic.com.<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/kHkIwz71IOo&hl=en&fs=1&">
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Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658302010-06-06T20:00:00-04:002021-04-16T05:32:02-04:00Greetings From The Studio
<p>Things here have been great. Feeling so inspired. So enlightened. I feel very fortunate for how things have fallen into place over years of time. For one, my producer, Andrew Graecen is someone I first met nearly ten years ago, when his band was touring alongside mine. Then this spring, he comes to one of my open mic nights, we reconnect. He tells me he’s doing some producing – engineering at a great studio called More Sound in Syracuse. A week later I take a tour with my good friend Lisa Gentile – and I’m sold. The vibe that Andrew and this great studio were giving off were exactly what I needed.
The first song I began to record was a gospel song called “Show Me The Light”. I had created a rough demo version on my computer at home that I shared with one of my favorite voices, Krista Lewandoski. Krista and I met last fall where we just happened to be on the same show and did a song with me after knowing each other all of 30 seconds. It was magic. And still is every time I hear her voice complimenting mine. So when I penned up this song – it was her voice I had in mind from day one. I am very honored that she’s come aboard to add to my project here. You are going to love her.
On drums, I have enlisted my long-time collaborator from Seeking Homer, Michael Seda. We have always had that ability to communicate without words when playing. He’s also always had this Jedi thing too where he knows what I’m going for in a song and he just knows what to do. “Set and forget it!” Back when Michael and I first began playing music together, we’d simply rehearse in my living room – acoustic guitars and drums. I would say “Ok, so I have a song and it goes like this…One. Two. One, two-three-four” and we’d be off. Our prep for this album was much the same. Very organic. This time we were in his garage in Connecticut wailing away just like old times. Hearing the songs for the first time with the force he brings – gave me chills.
For those of you that have seen me performing around Syracuse in the last month, there’s a good chance you’ve seen me performing with Jeffrey Scott Connor – a great singer/songwriter/piano player who adds so much to my live shows. Pretty soon he will be laying down his keyboard parts as well as some background vocals. I can’t wait.
I will also have some other special guests pending on scheduling issues. So far that has been the only issue we’ve had in recording – just lining up the schedules of the parties involved. But we are getting there. I’ve got 12 new songs that I can’t wait to share with you all. Hopefully it will be worth the wait.</p>
Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658172010-04-30T20:00:00-04:002022-03-24T21:42:42-04:00Stone In Love (Journey)
<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/TyzQl1msfnU&hl=en&fs=1&">
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Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658292010-04-26T20:00:00-04:002021-11-25T03:18:43-05:00Album Update
<p>I have officially begun recording my first solo album. So far 9 songs but I may add a couple more. Still not sure yet. I spent most of last weekend wearing my fingers raw playing guitar – but had a blast with my producer Andrew Greacen at More Sound Studios here in Syracuse. A great studio located very close to my mansion.
It’s coming along nicely and I am having so much fun creating again. I am honored to have some fantastic guests on this album too. For one, I have enlisted Michael Seda, my long time band-mate from Seeking Homer to lay down the beats. I cannot wait to hear these songs with his force behind them. Backing me up on at least one song, will be the wonderful voice of Krista Lewandowski. You are going to love her.
More to come....</p>
Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658282010-02-02T19:00:00-05:002021-12-02T07:49:59-05:00Stay Classy San Diego
<p><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pxAidqA6ols/ScvpbKO6wuI/AAAAAAAACrc/G_AUgzfhw4k/s320/postcard+san+diego.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br>So my next trip is within the borders of the US. I'm heading out to San Diego, CA later this month. I've never been. Heard great things and will be shown around by probably the best tour guide I could ask for. I am really looking forward to it. And to get away from the snow for a little while will be fantastic. So as many of you know, with every trip I take, I tend to come back with some new songs. I don't wanna come back though. We'll see.</p>
Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658252010-01-10T19:00:00-05:002021-12-02T11:33:15-05:00Live on WCNY PBS TV (Connected)
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Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658242009-12-16T19:00:00-05:002024-02-01T05:44:52-05:00LIVE ON WSYR TV - Syracuse, NY
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Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658092009-11-27T19:00:00-05:002022-05-11T12:21:22-04:00Robert Earl Keen - Merry Christmas From the Family
<p>Hands down, my favorite Christmas song. The great Texan, Robert Earl Keen Jr. Happy Holidays. <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/P37xPiRz1sg&hl=en&fs=1&">
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Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658232009-11-04T19:00:00-05:002020-01-15T06:13:59-05:00Dusty Pas'Cal - "Hunters & Thieves"
<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/U-PtboqWxk4&hl=en&fs=1&">
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<embed src="https://www.youtube.com/v/U-PtboqWxk4&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br>One of the funniest guys I have met in a long time is a fella named Dusty Pas'cal. I've heard about him for several years as this mythical 6 foot 4 creature who not only writes some amazing songs but holds 2 Guinness World Records involving deviled eggs. When/if you ever see him, I'll let him tell you all about it. Anyway, i was introduced to him through my good friend Brad Thomas and have had the pleasure to have him join me a few times on stage. We are in the workks right now putting together a nice Theater concert in Syracuse for the holidays - right before Christmas - stay tuned. This is one of his gems - "Hunters and Thieves"....great line in here "We grow up just like weeeeeeeds!"
Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658212009-10-14T20:00:00-04:002020-01-15T06:13:59-05:00Mindy Smith - Come To Jesus
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<embed src="https://www.youtube.com/v/-nW1o7JlfMA&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br>I was first introduced to Mindy Smith when I was living in Philadelphia. The best radio station I've ever known, 88.5 WXPN began playing her on a regular basis - her voice is so amazing and it just hooked me. The only one I can compare it to is Harriett Wheel of The Sundays. I began to download more of her songs and was just floored by every one. Recently, a couple friends of mine (Brab & Krista) have been playing this one - so sweet. Check out more of Mindy at: www.mindysmith.net
Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658012009-09-30T20:00:00-04:002020-12-21T00:52:44-05:00The Making of a Masterpiece
<p>Check out this great snippet of The Stones working on and polishing the classic that would become Sympathy For The Devil. Fantastic! <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/DcFb5YZ0w34&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1">
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Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658162009-09-02T20:00:00-04:002020-01-15T06:13:59-05:00Debbie Gibson - WTF?
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<embed src="https://www.youtube.com/v/Qad-HuGxY_c&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object> <br> Okay, so I get an email from one of my good friends (I will call him Li'l E) and he want's to know why there isn't any Debbie Gibson on my website along with other great 80's bands. Now back in the late 80's, E and I used to cut lawns all day in the summertime. Then spend all the money we made on Doritos, Slurpee's and baseball cards. But as we'd cut lawns, we'd be jammin' to mix tapes in our Walkman's (the kind with the orange headphones). So one day I ask him what he is listening to and without showing embarrassment, he says "oh, just some Debbie Gibson". I lost it! <br><br> What began next was a musical intervention. I immediately put him on a strict detox of bands like Led Led Zeppelin, The Hooters, Van Halen, The Stones, etc. After a few months, he came out of it alright. He made it through high school without getting beat up. Got accepted to Notre Dame. And then grad school in Pittsburgh. Now he's rolling in the $$$ - living in Tax-a-Chusetts, beautiful wife, wonderful kids, the dog. He's come such a long way. I am so proud of him. <br><br> So, if you have a friend you care for, and their taste in music is very questionable - take the time to work then through it. It can have drastic consequences on many people's lives if you don't. Don't let the one's you love listen to weak music.
Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658142009-08-26T20:00:00-04:002021-10-25T04:39:58-04:00Kim Jong Il is so ronry
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Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658132009-08-06T20:00:00-04:002021-05-01T05:42:57-04:00Men at Work - Down Under
<p>This was my favorite video for the longest time - never understanding the words much, but it always captured me. I was curious about Vegemite for a long time. Found some. Ate it - it's awful. Don't eat it unless you need to keep mosquitoes away or have Aussie ancestry.<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/DNT7uZf7lew&hl=en&fs=1&">
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Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658112009-07-27T20:00:00-04:002021-09-08T15:15:34-04:00U2 - I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight (LIVE @ Fordham University)
<p>Here's a great clip from U2's surprise performance at Fordham University - my alma mater. Kinda funny to think about not only all the classes I took in that building but also all the shenanigans I pulled on those very steps. Seems surreal to see them playing in the very spot I got my diploma.
Big ups to Fr. Joseph McShane S.J. at Fordham for pulling this one off. I had to pleasure to know Fr. McShane while at Fordham and he's simply an amazing and inspiring person. I can understand why U2's people said "Sure, we'd love to play a small campus in The Bronx at 8AM, in the winter. <object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/Df_K7gAT7eA&hl=en&fs=1&">
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Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658122009-07-19T20:00:00-04:002021-05-19T06:39:19-04:00Walking on The Moon - The Police
<p>Because I wasn't alive at the time, it's hard for me even comprehend how awesome that "landing on the moon" experience must have been to witness. Growing up in the 80's, 90's, 00's - we really have not had many positive television events like this. (see: Challenger, Endeavor, OJ, Rodney King, 911, et al.) I'm certain great things happen every day somewhere - we just don't hear about it. It also doesn't generate the add revenue as those stories that divide us - it's sad. I think we are starving for a moment like this that could bring us all together again.
Anyway, all this thinking of the moon makes me think of this great tune by The Police - recorded live in Atlanta, GA during their 1983 Synchronicity tour. My sister Kimmy witnessed this in Rochester, NY. Lucky. <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/dk4WRhPQuyo&hl=en&fs=1&">
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Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658072009-07-06T20:00:00-04:002022-03-24T21:39:22-04:00Back from Edinburgh, Scotland (Update)
<p>Edinburgh, Scotland is a fantastic place. As soon as you land in the city's center you can hear the bagpipes. What's pretty funny is that as you walk around the city, you will see the same 5 pipers throughout - they move about the city like witches. You will also see guitarists, accordionists and magicians - all of which are super talented and a pleasure to watch and listen to.
The legendary Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline and looks down over the city - built atop a volcano many centuries ago. It's an icon for the Scots and currently houses their War Memorial and Crown Jewels - very cool place.
While there, be prepared to meet a million people - not only Scots, but from all over the world. I met Swedes, Spaniards and tons of Aussies - they are everywhere. And EVERYONE loves to introduce themselves and talk about "America". One guy I met, Carl, came to the US 30 years ago for a couple of weeks. His cousin opened a doughnut shop in Detroit and he came to help. He spent his days making doughnuts and his nights with the hookers. He loved it. His wife made him come back though.
The pubs are great. All of them pay homage to some local fairytale or folklore like that of Maggie Dixon. She was a hooker that got knocked up by a "john" but the baby died. Maggie concealed its body. Found guilty under the concealment of Pregnancy Act she was returned to Edinburgh for execution by hanging in 1724. She was placed in a coffin and taken to the grave for burial. But en route there was a banging from inside the coffin, and when the lid was lifted, Maggie was found to be alive. She lived for another 40 years, known universally as "Half-Hangit Maggie". Some say that Maggie survived because she had become a "good friend" of the ropemaker who supplied the hangman: and the early breaking of the rope allowed her survival. Good stuff.
At a place called Biddy Mulligan's - I saw a fantastic band from Glasgow called Playtone. They played some great cover songs but have some great originals. These guys would eat up the States. Check 'em out. (http://www.playtoneonline.com)
<br> <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2355/2179234930_beecb648dc.jpg?v=0" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /></p>
Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658042009-06-25T20:00:00-04:002021-08-02T17:57:58-04:00Edinburgh, Scotland
<p>So I am taking a little bit of a trip. Leaving Central New York for the summertime fun of Edinburgh, Scotland. I am told it's an amazing place, rich with history, culture and ale - lot's of ale. I will be bringing my guitar, playing on the streets during the day and various pubs at night. If you have any recommendations on "must see's" - drop me a line at tommy@tommyconnors.com. For those of you that know me well, I just kind of vanish and do these last minute trips. If you have any suggestions on where I should go next, let me know. So far people are telling me New Zealand and Hong Kong ( I would love too - very long flight however) - any idea's for flights less than 15 hours?? I would like to volunteer for any USO events in the Middle East. So if any of you can pull any strings for me, drop me a line. <br> <img src="http://www.concierge.com/images/destinations/destinationguide/europe/scotland/edinburgh/edinburgh/edinburgh_004p.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /></p>
Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658052009-06-24T20:00:00-04:002021-11-09T08:35:14-05:00Michael Jackson, Dead at 50.
<p>For me Michael Jackson really wasn't an influence nor was I even a fan really. Never owned an album (or cassette). My favorite things he did were collaborations with other icons - I loved the song he did with Mick Jagger in '83 called "State of Shock".
<br>Growing up in South Carolina at the time, that song dominated the airwaves. Jammin' tune. One thing that MJ did was merge music and visual entertainment and set the bar very high for everyone after him. When the "Thriller" video came out, I remember all the hype. It was the first time that MTV had a "World Premier Video". I remember watching this video with my entire family at my aunt and uncle's house in Whitesboro, NY. For those of us growing up in the 80's - this was our Ed Sullivan/Beatles moment. <br>Check out this kid and his version of "Billie Jean" - wow!
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Tommy Connorstag:tommyconnors.com,2005:Post/61658002009-06-10T20:00:00-04:002022-02-07T11:22:35-05:00Gotta Love Those Troops!
<p>It's great to see that amid all the pressure over there in harm's way that our brave men and women can let go and chill a bit. When you see troops here in your travels, take a moment to say a word of "thanks." Despite what the media shows, our troops are doing some amazing things over there. <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/C3iY45m0v1Y&hl=en&fs=1&">
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Tommy Connors