|
A Thought for Today
Common sense sees the visible; imagination goes beyond.
Good Morning Ken,
This song is from a very early McKuen album and I don't think it has ever been on a Flight Plan.
I like it and here is a chance to share.
Waterfalls and Blue Skies,
Jay
Talk about
serendipity, Jay! Driving home the other night I found myself thinking
about which of Rod's albums I'd pick as my all-time favorite. I finally
settled on "Rod Sings His Own" so you can imagine my surprise
when, upon checking my mail after dinner, I got your letter. And you're
right, it hasn't featured here before.
There are
some terrific numbers on this album and as I've said a number of times
before, some should have found their way onto one of the Greatest Hits
compilations. Perhaps with Vol. 5?
Jimmy
McHugh, who penned the liner notes for the album, proved to be a most
astute spotter of new talent and I thought you'd like to read his
thoughts on the (then) new kid on the block.
Being a lover of art and intrigued with the magnificence of Renoir, the striking colors of Gauguin, the vibrant tones of Rouault, and the softness of Monet, I find myself enthralled with the lyrics and music expressing moods, memories, emotions, love and environmental scenes as composed by Rod McKuen.
As I listen to his new album "Prolific Composer Rod McKuen Sings His Own", I am completely engrossed in his unique ability as a
bard and balladeer. He casts a spell over the listener, and one finds himself seeing and feeling into the depths of his emotions as expressed in this beautiful album.
In this day and age it is truly a God-given gift to able to hold the listeners attention ..... and Rod
McKuen has it. As a composer myself, I would like to congratulate him. He is one of our new greats in the musical world, a most individual creator, a sentimentalist, a dreamer, and one who possesses warmth and sincerity.
Surely, his future is unlimited and he will reach great heights.
JIMMY McHUGH
And to round
things off, here's what Rod himself has to say about Jay's choice of
song.
"The ultimate luxury is being able to say no without fear of repercussions. Yes is the easy way out."
Thanks, Jay, nice
choice!
Don't forget to check out
the new offering from Stanyan
By Mail. The posters featured at the top of this page would make a
wonderful Christmas present for yourself or a special
friend.
My address is ken@mckuen.com
if you, like Jay, have a favorite song or poem you'd like featured in
this regular weekly column. Look forward to hearing from you soon.
- Ken, Johannesburg, November 1 |
