Featured Music by the Beach Boys

Labor Day has passed, and even though Summer doesn't officially end until the 22nd of this month, for most of us, this is our bookend to days at the beach or by the poolside. Before we turn our thoughts to changing leaves and caramel apples, I'd like to offer this final farewell to those glorious sunny days.

This song is aptly titled Summer's Gone and comes from the Beach Boys 2012 album, That's Why God Made The Radio. The remaining original members got back together for a last hurrah, with an overall theme of reminiscing on the good times in the past and living those out one last time. In fact, this particular song is about more than lamenting the passing of another season, but actually reflects on the end of an entire era. A reminder of how time flies and things change, but it's nice to know that whatever age, it's never too late for our own last hurrah!

Featured Music by Chad & Jeremy

It's just a little less than a month before Labor Day, so we all know the writing is on the wall. Summer days are running out, but we can still make the best of it in the meantime! There is still a chance to cram in all your favorite Summertime activities, so don't let it get you down quite yet!

To get you in the mood, I have selected the Chad & Jeremy classic, 'A Summer Song' for our featured music. It was written by David Stuart and Keith Noble and was a big hit in the in the summer of 1964. The song was included on their debut LP, Yesterday's Gone, but you can find it on any number of compilation sets, including 'The Very Best of Chad & Jeremy'. Enjoy!

Featured Music by Sufjan Stevens

Now that Independence Day has passed, I thought it only appropriate to select this song, 'Christmas In July' by Sufjan Stevens. After all, those who are fellow holiday fanatics embrace this opportunity to turn our minds toward early Christmas preparations. Now is a great time to get started on those crafts or begin shopping for your loved ones.

This fabulous tracks appears on Sufjan Steven's glorious 5 disc album, 'Songs For Christmas'. The tracks within are mellow, folksy, fresh takes on classic Christmas carols mixed in with a few originals. It's a wonderful addition to anyone's Christmas music collection. If you happen to want to go all out for Christmas in July, why not order it now?

Music For All Seasons

Just wanted share a project that both my co-author Kristin and I worked on together! A while back I completed a mini concept album called "Seasons". It contains 6 tracks that explore the 4 seasons and how they reflect different stages of life.

I recently put together videos for all 6 tracks, featuring gorgeous seasonal photos taken by Kristin in a New England setting. The only exception is the set of photos for "Summer", which were taken by me at the Great Lakes, Pacific Ocean & Atlantic Ocean. To highlight this glorious time of year I have chosen to post the entire set of videos from Seasons via YouTube. My greatest hope is that the lyrics will speak to you and bring to mind the elements of each season.

For more info visit these websites:
Jakki Jelene Official Website
Kristin Small Photography

Deana Martin - White Christmas

One new release that was almost overlooked was Deana Martin's White Christmas, released on 8/19/11! Deana is the daughter of Dean Martin and pays homage to his cool, laid back style in this mixed set of swingin' and sentimental arrangements. There is even a marvelous duet with legendary crooner Andy Williams on "White Christmas", a version that is truly reminiscent of so many beloved classics. You can sample all the tracks from the album and find purchasing information below!



Discover more about Deana Martin:
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK

A Christabel Christmas

Released today (12/01) is this charming, vintage inspired Christmas album by Christabel and The Jons. Simply titled "The Christmas Album", the vibe is jazzy and laid back, perfect for both a swanky holiday party or intimate dinner. Sample the music below and then visit their website to order!

Featured Music By Garfield

Our featured song this week is "What Should I Be?" from the Halloween special, GARFIELD'S HALLOWEEN ADVENTURE! Unfortunately, this song cannot be found on any CD soundtrack or compilation. Instead, I simply ripped the music directly from the video.

This half hour special can be found on the DVD GARFIELD'S HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS, and features a Christmas and Thanksgiving holiday special as well. For anyone who grew up in the 80s, these became childhood staples every year, but somehow they eventually became overlooked and no longer air in prime time as they once did. At least they are all available on one DVD, and for less than $10. Can't beat that!

Featured Music By Bing Crosby

Our featured song this week is "The Headless Horseman" by Bing Crosby. Most will be familiar with this track as it appeared on Disney's animated version of SLEEPY HOLLOW. This is a great Halloween classic with Bing Crosby providing his voice for both the songs and narration.

This particular version of the track can be found on a great compilation called, THE HAUNTED HOUSE: 20 Tracks To Make You Jump In The Night. It features an excellent playlist of haunted melodies from other artists such as Louis Armstrong, Tommy Dorsey, Bessie Smith and Artie Shaw. Unfortunately you will find it is hard to get your hands on, and you'll pay a pretty penny if you plan on picking up a used copy on Amazon. Still, I thought it would be nice to at least share a piece of it with all of you!

Featured Music By Danny Wright

Before we pull out a recording of "Monster Mash" or snap our fingers to the "Addams Family" theme, it's nice to take a moment to enjoy the peaceful side of the season. Perhaps one of my favorite ways to do that is by lighting a candle and listening to some gentle piano. There are a handful of CDs that I particularly enjoy listening at this time by artists such as George Winston and David Huntsinger, but an even lesser known pianist that is also up to par is Danny Wright.

Danny Wright's album, AUTUMN DREAMS, is out of print, but can still be found used at a reasonable price. It features 12 expressive instrumentals, including the title track, that perfectly sets the scene for falling leaves and provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on the summer past or contemplate the holidays to come.

Featured Music By Jakki Jelene

To commemorate the beginning of Fall, as well as our new layout, I wanted to share my new single, "Autumn", with all of you. It comes from the album SEASONS, a mini concept album celebrating each season throughout the year.

Although the songs within seem based on a simple understanding of what each season brings, the underlining message speaks of the emotional seasons we experience in life and the hope found even in the most difficult times. All seasons eventually pass and give way to the next. With "Autumn", change is in the air and becomes a time of preparation for the dark months ahead!

Featured Music By Mannheim Steamroller

For those living in the USA, Sunday is Independence Day, affectionately known as the Fourth Of July. This of course is the most patriotic of all American holidays, as we celebrate our freedom that so many fought and died for. To commemorate the occasion I have aptly chosen "America The Beautiful" to be our featured song this week, performed by Mannheim Steamroller. You can find this gorgeous choral recording on their album AMERICAN SPIRIT, which contains other classic and original patriotic hymns. It truly is a beautiful country, one we are so blessed to call home!

Honoring Dad

Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful, hardworking dads out there! It seems mothers often receive the majority of affection and praise from their children, so I believe it is important to remind our fathers just how much we appreciate everything they do. Their job is often thankless, as it may mean providing financially or fixing things up around the house. Those aren't exactly tasks that elicit obvious attention, but are praiseworthy nonetheless.

For a featured song we have chosen a track called "Father's Love" by Bob Carlisle. It can be found on his album "Best Of: Butterfly Kisses & Other Stories". I have to say though, it was not easy to find a song that actually showed appreciation to dads. Although it may seem that good fathers are few and far between, I think it really just goes to show the deep effect that a child's relationship with their father has. I think we could all agree, whether you're a son or daughter, nothing can quite cause pride to swell up like knowing our dad is proud of us. It actually seems to reflect that hope to one day hear our Heavenly Father say, "well done, good and faithful servant".

If you have a good father don't take it for granted! Be sure to take this opportunity to shower him with the love and respect he deserves. Take him out and treat him like a king - we all know it's how he envisions himself anyway (ha)! We all need those moments where we know that all our hard work is not in vain. Sometimes all it takes is a thank you. May this be a truly blessed day for all of you!

Featured Music By George M. Cohen

It's Flag Day and I can think of no better way to celebrate than by watching the 1942 classic film, Yankee Doodle Dandy, a musical biopic starring James Cagney about the life of composer/singer/dancer George M. Cohan. Cohan was the author of many catchy popular songs such as, "Over There", "Give My Regards to Broadway" and the title track, "Yankee Doodle Dandy". To mark this special occasion, we have selected the patriotic hit, "You're A Grand Old Flag" as our featured song. Enjoy, and sing along with the lyrics below, if you feel so inclined!

You're A Grand Old Flag
by George M. Cohan

You're a grand old flag
You're a high flying flag
And forever in peace may you wave
You're the emblem of
The land I love
The home of the free and the brave
Ev'ry heart beats true
'Neath the Red, White and Blue
Where there's never a boast or brag
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
Keep your eye on the grand old flag

Featured Music From Seven Brides (To Be)

In steps June, after a glorious Memorial Day Weekend. Therefore I decided to select the song "June Bride", from the classic musical soundtrack to Seven Brides For Seven Brothers. I don't personally know anyone who is getting married this month, but it is the most popular time of year for people to enter into wedded bliss.

In general this film has some superb seasonal qualities. There is the memorable Fall picnic where the boys take part in a manly dance-off to win the hearts of their new found crushes. Then you have the emotional winter scenes, one of which includes a colossal avalanche. After being trapped on the mountain for months on end we eventually see the guys and gals enjoy a lovely thaw as they sing of "Spring, Spring, Spring". It's a film you want to revisit again and again and still enjoy every minute, and the soundtrack is just as enchanting!

Featured Music By The Bee Gees

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! If you're still looking for some romantic music to woo your lover with, look no further. The featured song in our player for this week is "How Deep Is Your Love" by the Bee Gees, and comes from their romance inspiring compilation, LOVE SONGS. The best part? Right now you can download the entire collection for only $2.99! That allows you to enjoy it right away and just in time for your evening out on the town.

Not only are the Bee Gees known for their classic ballads, such as "Too Much Heaven", "To Love Somebody", "More Than A Woman" and "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart", but you'll find remakes of other popular songs they wrote for other artists. Songs like "Heartbreaker", "Emotions" and "Islands In The Stream. Some wonderful lesser known tracks are included as well so be sure to grab a copy for this unbeatable price and have a glorious time with your sweetheart!

Featured Music By Nat King Cole

Nothing says romance like the smooth vocal stylings of the late, great Nat King Cole. This is best celebrated in his compilation album, appropriately titled, LOVE SONGS. With Valentine's Day coming up, you'll definitely want to have a copy on hand.

Along with our featured song, "The Very Thought Of You", it also contains other classics such as "When I Fall In Love", "Unforgettable", "Stardust" and more! It's sure to make this Valentine's Day special as Nat King Cole never disappoints! While you're at it, don't forget to pick up some Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Diana Krall and Harry Connick Jr. to make the evening complete!

Featured Music By Sonny & Cher

Today we posted our new Valentine's Day layout, but since tomorrow is Groundhog Day, it seemed appropriate to combine the two holidays for a featured song. Therefore we have selected the song "I Got You Babe" which is not only a fun classic love song, but also plays repeatedly throughout the film GROUNDHOG DAY, starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell.

The film itself is pretty funny, with Bill Murray having to live Groundhog Day over and over until he gets his act together. Perhaps you could be lucky enough to still find a copy available at you local video rental store. If you have NETFLIX you can even watch the film for free online! Sure, it's a corny holiday, but why not have a little fun with it?

Featured Music By The Steve Miller Band

The holiday season is over, and that means that for now we all face the dark, cold months of winter. Of course it's not all bad, even for those living in cooler climates. There are usually any number of fun and productive things you can do to pass the days away. It's also the perfect time for winding down and reflecting on goals set for the new year.

Most of all, Winter brings it's own unique beauty, which has been captured in many songs through the years. One such songs that I feel does this perfectly is "Winter Time" by the Steve Miller Band. It's haunting, but also seems to have a sense of reverence for the season. You can find this, and many other popular tracks on the album Steve Miller Band - Greatest Hits 1974-1978.

Featured Music By Alexis Cole

There have been quite a few interesting holiday releases for 2009, but among some of the best is Alexis Cole's new album, THE GREATEST GIFT. Best for jazz lovers, but the album contains an eclectic mix of both instrumental and vocal tracks. To top it all off, each sale benefits the World Bicycle Relief, which is an organization that provides sustainable transportation to individuals in poverty and disaster stricken regions.

For the featured track I chose "Jesus Is The Best Part Of Christmas" because the message of the song is oh so relevant these days. With much distraction from the actual meaning of Christmas, it is refreshing to be reminded once again why we celebrate in the first place. Throughout the album Alexis chose songs heralding the birth of the Savior, but none gets the message across clearer than this!

Featured Music By Andrea Bocelli

Andrea Bocelli has been dazzling music lovers for almost two decades. This year he released his first Christmas album, MY CHRISTMAS, produced by the legendary David Foster. Among these rich vocal recordings is our featured track, "God Bless Us Everyone".

Not only will you find this song on "My Christmas", but it is available on the soundtrack for the new Disney version of "A Christmas Carol", starring Jim Carrey. Unfortunately, the soundtrack is only available digitally on sites such as iTunes. But since this is the only vocal track on the soundtrack, I recommend buying Bocelli's album for the full effect. It is sure to be a classic for years to come!