Week 19 of 52 Weeks - Material Girl (Madonna, 1984)

Week 19 - Madonna.  In honor of her birthday (August 16) we are covering her this week.  When I was little, I used watch Madonna live in Madison Square Garden on repeat.  I loved the whole concert but one of my favorite bits was at the end when she talks about how she came to New York with nothing and worked hard to make her dream come true.  It was cited in a sort of poetry style and I can still recite some of it.  I’m sure she influenced my decision to come to NY years later.  One of the first thing I did when I got to NYC was to visit the store “Love Saves The Day” from Desperately Seeking Susan.  Luckily it was still there then.  Cheers to Rebekah for doing an amazing job styling us.  Hope you enjoy!

Week 17 of 52 Weeks - Changes (Black Sabbath, 1972)

Week 17 - Black Sabbath. 

This song was requested by Matt Brundrett, our drummer on the west coast.  The piano is the main instrument in this song and it’s not what you’d expect of Black Sabbath but it’s really a pretty song.  Maybe next time we will cover a metal song that’s more typical of Black Sabbath - in our style, of course ;)  I do have a soft spot for Black Sabbath though - my dear friend and my first band member Christy Kane loves them, and Matt, of course.  A little trivia, Bekah and I encountered Ozzy’s wife Sharon once when we both appeared on America’s Got Talent with our accordion orchestra, The Main Squeeze Orchestra.  Sharon Osbourne called us “the most ridiculous thing I’ve seen!”  Given that Ozzy was rumored to be pouring cocaine on his breakfast toast, and snorting ants off the ground through a plastic straw, I can’t believe that’s true!!! 

Our show at Rockwood Music Hall is tomorrow at 5pm.  Please come see us if you are in NYC area!

Week 15 of 52 Weeks - Rockaway Beach (the Ramones, 1977)

Week 15 - the Ramones.

The Ramones will always have a special place in my heart.  They were the first punk rock band that I really fell in love with, they were the soundtrack to my summer days when I first got to NYC, and Jarvie was dressed as one of the Ramones for his first Halloween.  I even got to meet Joey Ramone a few times!!! Recently I went to the Ramones exhibit at the Queens Museum and it made me think of covering this song.  Singing this song was so much fun, much like listening to the Ramones!  If you are in the NYC area, go check out the exhibit- it’s up till the end of this month.

Week 14 of 52 Weeks - Blowin' in the Wind (Bob Dylan, 1962)

Week 14 - I know we covered Bob Dylan only two weeks ago.  But I had to cover this song and this is why.  As a mother, I hope to raise a child who sees beauty in our differences.  A child who won’t turn away from injustice and will be compassionate to those who are in need.  A child who will listen to others yet always looks for his own truth.  I hope to be a good role model for my son and as I get to know him and his little friends, I wish more and more to make this world a better place for them.  But times like these, I’m feeling small and lost.  So instead of giving into despair, I’m going to do one thing I know how to do. 

“Too many of these hip people are telling me where the answer is but oh I won’t believe that. I still say it’s in the wind and just like a restless piece of paper it’s got to come down some  ...But the only trouble is that no one picks up the answer when it comes down so not too many people get to see and know . . . and then it flies away. I still say that some of the biggest criminals are those that turn their heads away when they see wrong and know it’s wrong. I’m only 21 years old and I know that there’s been too many” - Bob Dylan, June 1962

Week 5 of 52 Weeks - Starfish And Coffee (Prince, 1987)

Week 5 - Starfish and Coffee, Prince

It was indeed a very sad day when we all heard the news about Prince's passing.  A true genius, he was really inspirational all around.  There are so many songs that I love, but this one is my personal favorite.  It was written by Prince and Susannah Melovin (sister of Wendy from the Revolution). The girl in the song, Cynthia Rose is someone Susannah knew when she was young.  

I'd like to dedicate this to the ”Cynthia" in all of us - the happy soul that reminds you that there's magic everywhere.

Thank you, Prince.  

Week 3 of 52 Weeks - Ooh La La (Faces, 1973)

Week 3 - Faces.  When I was planning this project, I had a list of songs that I wanted to cover.  So far I have covered none of them!  The process of song selection has been quite surprising to me but I'm letting it happen organically.  I always loved this song, I love the guitar line and I love the voice.  Both Rod Stewart and Ronnie Lane recorded the vocal for this song but the producer suggested Ronnie Wood try it and that became the version included on the album.  I think Ronnie Wood's voice resonates well with the sentiment of the song - a little awkward and a little sad.  Do you agree?

Our version is a little different - us being women and all but I really like how it came out.  Hope you enjoy!