Face the Music

Song of the Day: "What the North Pond Hermit Knows"

Angie Muhs — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 14:44:20 GMT

I can only imagine the songwriting inspiration that has been drawn from all of the North Pond Hermit news of late. I know I recently rewrote a few lines of Foreigner's "Jukebox Hero" with the words "North Pond Hermit" in the refrain. It goes a little like this:

"Standing in the rain, with his head hung low, couldn't go out hunting, that wasn't how he rolled"

But as for original music, I'll leave that to the professionals. Whew...

That said, here's a catchy little ditty all about The North Pond Hermit.

"What the North Pond Hermit Knows" is by Stan & Dan (nationally known bluegrass songwriter Stan Keach and mandolin player Dan Simons)

Listen once and then listen again and sing along!

Songs for the North Pond Hermit

Angie Muhs — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 16:03:28 GMT

The story of the recently-caught North Pond Hermit is one of the most enthralling stories I've heard in a while. The dude's been living in the woods since 1986. What the what? And he didn't even have a copy of this to refer to:

Not to mention the fact that the hermit, Christopher Knight, shares the name with the actor who played this famous teen:

But let's remember, "Face the Music" is a music blog. And so, here's some choice selections I've come up with that bring to mind some of the different facets of The Hermit of North Pond.

And we're off and running...

It's entirely likely that The Hermit is one of the few people that can actually answer Bruce Cockburn's question.

Surely this oldie but goodie from The Cure was a theme song.

The Hermit was alone for a LONG, LONG time. Here's hoping he wasn't singing this one by Eric Carmen. After all, he was there 'cause he wanted to be.

He was pretty much living this Neil Diamond classic.

And his lack of hunting, fishing and foraging skills makes me think this one by Evan Dando is applicable. Thanks, Mr. Dando for "The Outdoor Type"

But it was only a matter of time (in this case a seriously long time) before this was bound to happen. Thanks, Jane's Addiction. Oh yeah, time for a little "Been Caught Stealing"

And thanks also to The Smiths

I know I'll be rivited to the pages of The Portland Press Herald as this story continues to unfold. Here's hoping a book or movie comes out of this. Here's also hoping that all the victims of Knight's thievery for all these years can rest easier.

Tune in Wednesday! GO's Aimsel Ponti on MPBN's "Maine Calling"

Angie Muhs — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 19:05:19 GMT

I love radio. Don't you? I mean good, dare I say, old-fashioned live radio. And so you had better believe that I love Maine Public Radio. I love just about everything on it, except maybe for when Garrison Keillor sings during "A Prairie Home Companion." When I hear him singing, I look like this:

But other than that, I love the programming on MPBN.

That said, I invite you to tune in (and even lean back on your ra-di-o-o-o)on Wednesday, April 10, at 12:15 p..m.

Yours truly was asked to be a guest on "Maine Calling" with host Keith Shortall. I'll be accompanied by Lara Seaver from WCLZ and Reverb along with local musician Spencer Albee. Wanna guess what we'll be talking about (and answering questions about!).

Say it with me:

The Music Scene here in MAINE which is, of course, one of my favorite topics.

Here's the official blurb:

"Join a panel of music lovers and writers for a conversation about local bands, great venues and what makes the music scene in our state thrive."

Awesome right?

So tune in on your FM dial or hop on the interwebs mpbn.net and stream it live.

Tomorrow (Wednesday, April 10) 12:15 p.m. sharp.

Oh and here's the skinny on what exactly "Maine Calling" is:

"Maine Calling is a live call-in radio program that provides a panel of experts to answer questions and comment on a topic of interest to Mainers. The show is 45 minutes with the first 15 minutes being a dialog between the host and guests and the final 30 minutes being opened up for listener calls. The conversation can be somewhat organic as we try to center on what the listeners are asking about."

And last but not least, one thing led to another in my chaotic mind and so I'll leave you with a string of songs that reference radio! Enjoy. (and, because I care, I'll spare you "Video Killed the Radio Star")

Donna Summer "On the Radio"

Elvis Costello "Radio Radio"

R.E.M. "Radio Free Europe"

The Clash "This is Radio Clash"

The Replacements "Left of the Dial"

Queen "Radio Ga Ga" (the awesome Live Aid version)

And a personal favorite, Davie Bowie "Starman"

A Twin Peaks inspired love note to TV theme songs

Angie Muhs — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 15:05:50 GMT

I'm a gal who appreciates TV. There I said it.

Although I'm not much for reality shows (except "Storage Wars") I do adore my "Criminal Minds," "Game of Thrones," "The Office" and a handful of others.

I also love a really good song. Well I mean who doesn't?

And so, this post is all about TV and music. Certain TV theme songs either pull at my heart strings or are, for one reason or another, downright awesome.

When David Lynch's "Twin Peaks" aired in 1990 and' 91, I couldn't watch it. Not for lack of interest, but because it was on Sunday nights which is when my college radio show shift happened. I do however remember playing the heck out of the song "Falling" from the soundtrack during said shift. Specifically, the version with vocals by Julee Cruise. It was - and still is- sacred music as far as I'm concerned. The music was composed by Angelo Banalamenti and Lynch wrote the lyrics. Here it is:

The actual "Twin Peaks" theme song is an instumental version of "Falling" and we'll get to that in a moment.

About a month ago, I decided that it was time to FINALLY watch "Twin Peaks" and with the help of Hulu-Plus I'm knee deep in it and halfway through the second (and final) season. I couldn't love the show more if I tried.

And I never tire of the opening theme music, which is also used in different forms throughout each episode.

This got me thinking about TV theme songs in general. And so I've come up with a list of my favorites and invite you to do the same. With sites like YouTube, they're at our fingertips and I sure had a good time with this endeavour.

My criteria was fairly simple.

1. It had to be a show I actually watched (either when it first aired, via "repeats" or via things like DVDs and Hulu.)

2. It had to be a show I truly loved

3. The theme song had to have righteous musical merits and render me unable to imagine the show without it

Take a trip with me through these songs and think about what your favorites are.

Twin Peaks

M*A*S*H

Six Feet Under

The Mary Tyler Moore Show

The X-Files

The Adventures of Fat Albert

Welcome Back Kotter

The Muppet Show

Laverne and Shirley

All in the Family

Lost In Space

The Man, Myth & Legend...Mr. Eddie Money in Portland

Angie Muhs — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 19:31:37 GMT

Eddie Money, the man behind such rock classics as "Two Tickets To Paradise," "Baby Hold On," "Take Me Home Tonight" and my personal guilty pleasure favorite "Shakin" is in Portland for a sold-out show tonight at Asylum.

This was Money during his chart-topping hey day.

Just after 2 p.m. he stopped by classic rock station WBLM which is in the same building as the Portland Press Herald so I of course invited myself to be the proverbial fly on the wall.

Little did I know I'd be part of the choir singing "Happy Birthday, Dear Eddie!" as a cake was brought in for Money's 64th.

Money was hilarious and ended up taking over the broadcast, even playing a CD of his son's music on the air. He also played a new dance remix of "Take Me Home Tonight" and he quipped that listeners his age might not be so not hot on it. And yeah, he loved the cake.

Here's a little footage I shot during the interview. Eddie... He's stilll so money!

Michelle Shocked bails on radio interview

Angie Muhs — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 17:20:37 GMT

Folk singer Michelle Shocked promised Nicole Sandler, host of The Nicole Sandler Show on the progressive internet radio station Ready or Not Radio radioornot.com that she'd appear live on the show this morning.

The purpose of this interview was to give Shocked an opportunity to respond to and/or defend herself for the anti-gay remarks she made during a St. Patrick's Day performance in San Francisco.

Here's a good recap of what went down, in case you haven't heard yet, from New York Times blogger James C. McKinley Jr.: Michelle Shocked Draws Fire for Anti-Gay Remarks

But here's the thing; Shocked didn't answer her phone. It was one of most intense hours of radio I've ever heard. Shocked opted to use Twitter in the same cryptic, oddball way she's been doing since this happened. See for yourself here: twitter.com/MShocked

Here's one example:

"God is my ever present Help. He that is in me is greater than He that is in my world"

Um...huh?

At one point Sandler actually reached Shocked but it was inaudible because Shocked seemed unable to grasp the idea of turning down the sound on her computer. At one point, we were able to hear Shocked speak but she just quoted a few lines from her own strangely written statement that was released yesterday. Here's Shocked's "apology" that ran in The Guardian

Sandler all but begged Shocked to speak to her and everyone listening so finally Shocked called back on a different phone line. But, Shocked was angered by the several second delay that often goes along with live broadcasts and in frustration told Sandler that she would only speak in "real time" via Twitter. She then prompty hung up. At this point, Sandler had had enough. She voiced concern for not only Shocked's career but her mental health and well being. Sandler ended the hour-long segment by spinning the last Michelle Shocked song she would every play which was the tune "Come a Long Way."

I've been scratching my head since I first heard about this all on Sunday night. And you know something? I STILL AM.

Were the remarks Shocked made on Sunday night at that show supposed to be ironic or art or a statement of some kind? Was it a poorly delivered joke? A train of thought that got derailed? We've all done that, but most of us can then look back and see why people didn't get what we were trying to convey. Then we apologize. Or at the very we least clarify. And yet Shocked has made matters worse with her confusing Tweets and written statement.

As for me, the jury is still out. But it's not looking good for Shocked. That said, I 100% hope she is OK and if she is going through some kind of personal or psychological crisis, may she seek help.

I want the Michelle Shocked I used to play on my college radio station back. I want the Michelle Shocked I've seen live back. I want the Michelle Shocked back I sing along with on the radio when local stations play her and the one who has stood up for many causes I believe in.

People change. I get that. We learn, we evolve, we grow, we struggle, we falter, we hope and we do a lot of other things as we navigate through life. But I hope that we at least don't try to hurt each other. And right now, I'm hurt.

Michelle Shocked: Shockwaves after an anti-gay rant

Angie Muhs — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 15:46:55 GMT

When I think of Michelle Shocked, I think of the liberal, anti-establishment singer-songwriter who has penned many songs that are permanently tattoed in my musical DNA. Songs like "Anchorage," "When I Grow Up" and especially "Come A Long Way."

I think of the performer I've had the pleasure of interviewing and seeing live. Heck I even got an autograph on a promotional Michelle Shocked cereal box that I've had for years. So yeah, I'm a fan.

What I don't think of is a radical homophobe. So it came as a horrifyingly huge shock to the system when the news broke a few days ago that during a March 17 show in San Francisco, Shocked went on an anti-gay rant that left audience members stunned and heading for the door.

The news of this has since spread like wildfire all over the place including here: tinyurl.com/d4jpgn3

Several future shows have been cancelled and many of us are scratching our heads, caught half-way between outrage and concern.

It's old news that Shocked has been a devout Christian for many years. Heck to each their own right? But what happened in San Francisco was something entirely different.

I have many questions and no answers.

Can I separate my love for her music from the hurt in my heart over what she said?

Should musicians keep their opinions to themselves or do we, as consumers, have a right to know what we're supporting through ticket and CD sales?

Will I ever be able to listen to Michelle Shocked again?

Should I be worried? Is she unwell? Did something happen?

So far, Shocked hasn't responded to the media with any sort of explanation though many eyes are on her Facebook and Twitter accounts. Mostly what I've seen on both is a combination or scathing commentary from her fans, some of which is laced with concern.

I need to give this some time. I'm not ready to toss out my Michelle Shocked CDs and can anyone really "unlike" a song?

Right now I can't bring myself to post a photo of Shocked or a clip of one her songs.

Right now I can barely wrap my head around any of this.

I'll leave you with a line from her song "Silent Ways" because it seems fitting.

"Silence is golden/Words are made of lead/And in the alchemy of love, you know/Some things are better left unsaid"

Music to ease the pain of winter...on the eve of Spring

Angie Muhs — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:14:14 GMT

I just went outside to Monument Square just to check and see if this whole storm thing is as bad as it seems from my 5th floor window at One City Center. Yep. It is. Man alive I hate March.

But dear music fans, let us not despair. The first day of spring is tomorrow and maybe, just maybe, the weather will behave accordingly in the coming days. Or weeks? Or months? Aackkk!

Until then, here a few carefully chosen selections to remind us of sunny days, blue skies and all around springtime cheerfulness.

And let us remember these words from Victor Hugo who said " laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face." And let us also remeber that the 2013 Red Sox regular season starts in 12 days!

Now on with the music!

"The Sound of Sunshine" by Michael Franti & Spearhead

"Oh What A Beautiful Morning" from "Oklahoma"

"59th Bridge St. Song (Feelin' Groovy) by Simon & Garfunkel

"Spring Fever" by Elvis Presley (and some fabulous co-stars)

"Groovin" by The Young Rascals (note: for many years I thought the lyric was "life could be ecstacy, you and me and Leslie")

And last but not least, "I Can See Clearly Now" by Johnny Nash

David Bowie releases "The Next Day" and this fan couldn't be happier!

Angie Muhs — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 17:45:27 GMT

Hello Music Fans,

Today is no ordinary day. As far as I'm concerned it's a holiday - and a big one at that. And I got the video footage to prove it. More on that in a second.

Today, March 12, 2013, is the day that my favorite musician released his first studio album in TEN years.

Five magic words:
DAVID BOWIE "THE NEXT DAY"

I was so excited last night that I busted out all my Bowie books, records and my super cheesy but kinda awesome Bowie scrapbook.

And then I hopped into my car Frida and we zoomed over to Bull Moose Music so that I could buy "The Next Day" as soon as humanly possible.

I captured all of this Bowie merriment with my phone. It's a little "Blair Witch-y" but I sure had fun with it.

Lights! Cameras! BOWIE!!!

CONTEST: Win a pair of Jewel tickets, contest Ends TODAY at 3:30 p.m.

Angie Muhs — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 17:48:22 GMT

That's right, music fans, I'm GIVING AWAY a pair of tickets to the Sunday Night (March 10) JEWEL concert at Merrill Auditorium in Portland.

Want them? I thought so!

Email the sentence "Those tickets were meant for me" to aponti@pressherald.com by 3:30 TODAY. I'll pick a winner at 3:45. BOOM!

Include your name, town and phone number.

Here's the cool new version of "You Were Meant For Me" featuring The Pistol Annies

Mary Gauthier TONIGHT at One Longfellow Square

Angie Muhs — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 17:04:53 GMT

I first got wind of singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier marygauthier.com when her 2005 album "Mercy Now" was released. Some pals and I caught her on that tour at Tupelo Music Hall in New Hampshire. Man alive, she was something else.

Gauthier, (prounounced GO-SHAY) is originally from New Orleans but, after a difficult childhood and young adulthood, she wound up in Boston where she ran The Dixie Chicken Cajun restaurant for several years.

She started writing songs in her mid 30s and since then has released six studio albums and a live one.

Believe me when I tell you Mary Gauthier is as real as they come. She hides behind nothing with her songs and isn't out to do anything but sing her truth, which she does so well.

Her show is tonight (Thursday, March 7) at 8 p.m. Scott Nolan Opens. Tickets are $25 onelongfellowsquare.com

Here are 5 of my favorite Gauthier songs. When you hear "Christmas in Paradise" know that I actually tracked down the Cow Key bridge while vacationing in Key West a couple of years ago.

"Our Lady of the Shooting Stars"

"Mercy Now"

"Christmas in Paradise"

"Wheel Inside the Wheel"

"Drag Queens in Limousines"

Lady Lamb the Beekeeper SIGNED CD Giveaway: And the Winner is...

Angie Muhs — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 19:44:59 GMT

Howdy Music Fans,

Congrats to Jeff Schneider of Brunswick! He just won himself an AUTOGRAPHED copy of "Ripely Pine," the brand new CD from Lady Lamb the Beekeeper!!

Thanks to everyone for entering!

More contests and such soon.

Cheers,
Aimsel

John Popper with Portland's Anna & The Diggs at F.O.G. Festival

Angie Muhs — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 18:34:06 GMT

Hola Music Fans,

Just a little "How Cool is This!!!" moment for you.

This past weekend the F.O.G. Festival (Friend of Greg) went down at The Big Easy and Port City Music Hall. Although I wasn't there (I'm lame) I heard it was SPECTACULAR.

The beneficiary this year, as in past years, was The Good Shepherd Food Bank in Auburn who received a portion of the ticket sales. Yeah for that!

Headliners were John Popper from Blues Traveler and Chris Barron from The Spin Doctors

Other performers were The Fogcutters, The Shakes, Lazy Lighting, A Band Beyond Description, Los Lotharios, DIRIGO, The John Clavette Band and The Blues Brothers Tribute Band.There was even some comedy by Birdie Googins.

One of the standout moments from the weekend was Saturday night at Port City Music Hall when John Popper sang with Anna & The Diggs. Here's a terrific photo of Popper and Anna Lombard shot by Sarah Madeira.

And here's a clip shot by VJ Foo of Popper, Lombard & The Diggs performing the Blues Traveler tune "The Mountains Win Again"

Say it with me: I Love Portland !

Aimsel's Post-Oscars Music In Movies Moments

Angie Muhs Only — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 16:24:00 GMT

Hello Darling Music Fans,

Here we are five days out from the Oscars. I especially appreciated the extra love that was given to music in film. Though, truth be told, "Chicago" ain't my cup of tea. High-five to Babs, however, for banging out a terrific "The Way We Were." Also, I love Adele, but "Skyfall" ain't my thing either.

But it got me thinking about the importance of MUSIC in movies. Whether it's a film's soundtrack or a scene that actually involves the song, music is SUCH a key element of many of my favorite films.

What about you? What are your favorites? Here's a collection of some of most beloved musical movie moments. Some are sentimental, some are silly and some are just plain incredible. Take a look and think about other ones that have inspired you, brought you to tears, made you dance, laugh or just plain escape for a few moments from life.

And....ACTION!!!

"Gonna Fly Now" from Rocky II

Elton John. Tiny Dancer from "Almost Famous"

Paul Simon. "Only Living Boy in New York" from "Garden State"

Irene Cara "Out Here On My Own" from "Fame"

Aimee Mann (and the film cast) "Wise Up" from "Magnolia"

Audrey Hepburn singing "Moon River" in "Breakfast at Tiffany's"

Judy Garland singing "Over The Rainbow" from "The Wizard of Oz"

Harry Belafonte. "Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)" from "Beetlejuice"

Chuck Berry. "You Never Can Tell" from "Pulp Fiction"

"The Time Warp" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show"

Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova "Falling Slowly" from "Once"

The Beatles. "Twist and Shout' from "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"

Queen. "Bohemian Rhapsody" from "Wayne's World"

Simple Minds "Don't You (Forget About Me) from "The Breakfast Club"

Mozart. "The Marriage of Figaro/Duettion- Sull 'Aria" from The Shawshank Redemption

BOSTON CALLING! 2 Day Music Festival: fun. The National, Of Monsters & Men. ON SALE FRIDAY!

Angie Muhs — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 16:16:50 GMT

I'm still trying to catch my breath over this one. It was just another gray, late February morning here in the newsroom and I was toiling away doing this and that.

WHEN WHAT TO MY WONDERING EYES SHOULD APPEAR but the mother of all press releases.

Are you ready?

Let me hear you say it : "I'm ready, Aimsel, I'm really ready!"

Boston's first-ever two-day outdoor music festival is happening at City Hall Plaza on Saturday May 25 and Sunday May 26. It's called Boston Calling

Tickets go on sale this friday, March 1 at 10.a.m. bostoncalling.com and ticketmaster.com

A two-day pass is $120 and a deluxe VIP pass will set you back $325

I know, not cheap. BUT, check out this line-up. You may want to have smelling salts ready to revive yourself. I wasn't so lucky and have a bump on my head after I fell out of my chair.

SATURDAY MAY 25

fun.

The Shins

Marina and the Diamonds

Portugal. The Man

Cults

Ms Mr

St. Lucia

Bad Rabbits

SUNDAY MAY 26

The National

Of Monsters and Men

Young the Giant

Andrew Bird

The Dirty Projectors

Ra Ra Riot

The Walkmen

Youth Lagoon

CAN YOU STAND IT?

hoorah for fun. !!

and HOORAH for The National !!!

And for added love and glee and joy here are my two favorite National songs

"Daughters of the SoHo Riots"

and "Lucky You"

So much BUZZ for Lady Lamb the Beekeeper! Win a Signed CD !

Angie Muhs — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 18:26:24 GMT

Heavens to Betsy, or in this case Aly Spaltro! Spaltro, the singer-songwriter better known as Lady Lamb the Beekeeper has just released "Ripely Pine" (Ba Da Bing Records) and the entire world seems to be in love with it, present company included. I'm giving away a SIGNED copy. We'll get to that in a minute.

Reviews from across the country are pouring in and heck, LLTBK was even interviewed by Audie Cornish on NPR's "All Things Considered" on Monday, Feb. 25. Check it out: npr.org/2013/02/25/172890601/from-behind-the-counter-lady-lamb-the-beekeeper-emerges

Did I mention she's from Maine? These days she lives in Brooklyn, NY but she'll always be one of ours.

Lady Lamb also just made an incredibly neato video to the "Ripely Pine" song "The Nothing Pt. II"

Don't be surprised if you get a serious pie craving when you watch it.

Congrats to you, Aly on all the awesomeness! You can see Lady Lamb the Beekeeper with Xenia Rubinos and Cuddle Magic on Saturday night at Space.

Here's the skinny:
When: Saturday, March 2 at 8:30 p.m. Where: The Space Gallery, 538 Congress St., Portland How Much: $10 in advance ;$12 day of show; all ages Info: space538.org

Don't think I've forgotten about the SIGNED CD GIVEAWAY! Want it? I'll pick a name out of my red cereal bowl. Just email the word BUZZ to me using aponti@pressherald.com Eligible to Mainers only so be sure to include a mailing address. Deadline is Tuesday, March 5th at Noon.

Take a looksie!

My new favorite band: WHITEHORSE...Live at Empire on Friday night!

Angie Muhs — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 22:01:48 GMT

Hola Music Fans,

OK so my new favorite band is the Canadian folk rockers Whitehorse. whitehorsemusic.ca

At the heart of the band is the married (ain't love grand!) duo of Melissa McClelland and Luke Doucet.

The new album is called "The Fate of the World Depends on This Kiss" (superb album name!) and it was released last month as a follow-up to the self-titled 2011 debut.

I can't wait to see and hear Melissa and Luke do their thing live on Friday night at Empire.

Here's the scoop:
WHEN: Friday, February 22 at 8 p.m.

WHERE: Empire Dine & Dance, 575 Congress St., Portland

HOW MUCH: $8, 21-plus show

INFO: portlandempire.com

P.S. The Ghost of Paul Revere open the show

Now here's FIVE reasons why I love Whitehorse. See you Friday night?

1. "Mismatched Eyes (Boat Song)"

2. "Emerald Isle"

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3. "Devil's Got a Gun"

4. "Jane"

5. Bob Dylan's "It Ain't Me Babe"

My Funny Valentines...Just in time for Feb. 14

Angie Muhs — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 15:17:05 GMT

Happy Valentine's Day, music fans! For the sheer fun of it, I have gathered some of my favorite versions of the classic tune "My Funny Valentine."

The funny thing is, the song isn't at all about the holiday we're celebrating today. It is in fact a song from the 1937 Rodgers & Hart musical "Babes in Arms."

In the show, a character named Billie Smith (originally played by Mitzi Green) serenades Valentine "Val" LaMar (originally played by Ray Heatherton). As we know from the lyrics, the songs hurls several insults but ultimately is a declaration of true love.

And so, here's a few of what I consider to be the better takes on the celebrated song.

Chet Baker

Miles Davis

Sarah Vaughan

Ella Fitzgerald

Nico

Elvis Costello

Etta James

Frank "Chairman of the Board" Sinatra

Bjork

Carly Simon

Tom Jones

Carmen McRae

Johnny Mathis

Rickie Lee Jones

A Pre-Storm Soundtrack of Snowy Songs!

Angie Muhs — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 16:11:59 GMT

On this eve of Winter Storm Nemo let us remember the words of Albert Camus now more than ever:

"In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer."

We can get through this. Whether we get 6 inches or 6 feet, in a few days it will all be over. Sure, some of us will lose power, some of us will strain our backs shoveling, some of us will slip and fall. I'll surely do all three. But I'll do it with a smile on my face and one of several songs in my heart.

For now, we may be dealing with stuff like this:

But before you know it, we'll be back to this craziness and will long for the days of ten foot snow drifts and mugs of hot cocoa.

Now onto the musical part of this post. Here's a handful of carefully selected wintry songs to put you in the mood for whatever Nemo has to throw at us.

Dare I say let it snow?

"February" by Dar Williams

"50 Words for Snow" by Kate Bush

"Purple Snowflakes" by Marvin Gaye

"White Winter Hymnal" by Fleet Foxes

"Snow" (written by Randy Newman) by Saint Etienne

"What the Snowman Learned About Love" by Stars

"20 Years of Snow" by Regina Spektor

"Snowman" by XTC

"15 Feet of Pure Snow" by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

And last but not least: "Snow (hey oh)" by The Red Hot Chili Peppers

The Children of Trees cover Tori Amos' "Boys for Pele" tonight in Portland!

Angie Muhs — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 14:04:03 GMT

Four words: I LOVE TORI AMOS.

Ever since "Little Earthquakes" was released in 1992 I've been worshipping at the altar that is her music.

Another glorious day in the history of Tori's career was on January 22, 1996. This is when her 18-song album "Boys for Pele" was released and it's been a favorite ever since.

That brings us to tonight. Local act The Children of Trees, who I know absolutely nothing about, will be performing the album in its entiretly as part of the Cover to Cover series at The Big Easy in Portland. bigeasyportland.com It's a 21-plus affair that kicks off at 9 p.m.

It takes a lot for me to go out on a Tuesday night. But I'm going to rally like the champ I know I can be. Maybe I'll see you there?

Here's a handful of carefully selected clips of songs from "Boys For Pele" to put you in the mood.

Take it away, Tori!

"Caught a Lite Sneeze"

"Blood Roses"

"In the Springtime of His Voodoo"

"Putting the Damage On"

"Way Down"

"Marianne"