Friday 80s Flashback (on a Saturday) for December 30, 2011

Image from Spicytec.com

[Ring in the New] -- I did not do a proper "New Year's Eve" post last year (OK, I didn't do a post at all), but I'll take a few moments to do a quick post this weekend. New Year's Eve is a holiday that does not exactly inspire its own set of season songs. We do have Harry Connick Jr.'s wonderful rendition of "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" and there are umpteen versions of "Auld Lang Syne." But there really isn't a canon of great New Year's songs. Unless, of course, you subscribe to the notion that New Year's songs, unlike songs about Easter or Christmas, are not about a particular event. They are about an attitude. They are about letting go of errors and reaching out for renewal. And so with that in mind, I offer up three songs for this, the last weekend of 2011. To find out what my selections are, read and hear more after the break.

Friday 80s Flashback for December 23, 2011

Dance of Love by Doe Grozs Art

[Winter Holidays Week 4] -- Here we are. It is the day before Christmas Eve and we have one more installment of our Winter Holidays-themed 80s flashbacks. For the last two weeks, I pilfered from my own archives. But today, we have a fresh playlist! I hope it gives you a brief respite from your own holiday preparations. If you are ready to celebrate the 80s with me, then read and hear more after the break.

Friday 80s Flashback for December 16, 2011

[Winter Holidays Week 3 Redux] -- As mentioned in last week's flashback post, I did four straight weeks of music about "Winter Holidays" for the 80s posts in December 2010. Well, with Christmas Eve just a week away, I am once again plucking a post from the archives. Hey, just like some of you out there, I'm behind on cards, shopping, and food prep for the holidays. So I'm taking advantage of my previous work. Besides, there may be a few new 80s-philes who weren't following my weekly posts last year. And even if you've been along for the ride since the beginning, do you remember what I offered for your sonic stockings last year at this time? (*ahem* without Googling it?) Well, read and hear more after the break.

Friday 80s Flashback for December 9, 2011

[Winter Holidays Week 2 Redux] -- The nice thing about having a year's worth of blog posts is that I can reach back and pluck a choice one from the archives. Such is the case today. Last December, I did four straight weeks of music about "Winter Holidays." We're getting down to those winter temperatures, but no flurries have been sighted in my area. Still, I'm in a Seasons Greetings kind of mood. Do you remember what stocking stuffers I presented last year at this time? Well, read and hear more after the break.

It's an Ancient [insert pagan theme here] Holiday, Charlie Brown!

I love this image so much:

And lest I be labeled a hater, remember that I am an interfaith minister and that I have advocated for everyone getting along during the holiday season. (Please refer to The Reason for the Season posted on December 22, 2010).

Friday 80s Flashback for December 2, 2011

[I Still Have Heart] -- Last year at this time, I launched a multi-week exploration of 80s "Winter Holiday" tunes. Well, I'm not quite ready to break into songs of the season. So, instead, this week I'm exploring songs about having heart. These three songs defined the time from the beginning of my senior year of high school through the conclusion of my first year at college. Wondering if your heart beat in tune with mine? To find out, read and hear more after the break.