Sunday, March 23, 2008

Leonard Nimoy - The Way I Feel (1968)


Well, since I've already posted three of my five Leonard Nimoy albums, I figured I might as well finish out the lot. I didn't post the very first album because, as I mentioned in the post for "The Touch of Leonard Nimoy", someone else already had it and I listed that link. But, if y'all want me to, I can go ahead and record my album and post it - just let me know! Today, I'm posting "The Way I Feel", which is probably my favorite of his folksy albums. I particularly like his version of "If I Had a Hammer". You're going to think I'm really weird (well, you probably already think that), but this version gets me all teary-eyed when he starts speaking towards the end - I think I start feeling all patriotic and stuff so I get all emotional. I don't know - maybe it 's just the menopause. Anyway, here's another to add to your Leonard Nimoy collection! (No cool liner or track notes on this one.)

Track listing for Leonard Nimoy - The Way I Feel:

Side 1:
1. I'd Love Making Love to You
2. Please Don't Try to Change My Mind
3. Sunny
4. Where It's At
5. Both Sides Now
6. If I Had a Hammer

Side 2:
1. Here We Go 'Round Again
2. Billy Don't Play the Banjo Anymore
3. It's Getting Better
4. Consilium
5. Love is Sweeter
6. The Hitch-Hiker

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Leonard Nimoy - Two Sides of Leonard Nimoy (1968)


Well, after posting that last Leonard Nimoy album on Sunday, my buddy, Gordon, requested in his comment that I post this album. Ask and you shall receive (provided I have the album, of course)!

Anyway, in this earlier album (I forgot to mention on the last post that Leonard had gone on to be a regular on TV's "Mission: Impossible" when he recorded that album), "Star Trek" was on TV and Leonard recorded this album as Spock on one side and as himself on the other. Being the Trekker that I am, I like the Spock side better, although, I love "The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins"! It's just a hilarious song, especially if you watch the video of Leonard singing it! (If you want to watch the video, just click on the "Leonard Nimoy" label on this post, and it'll bring up all posts. I posted the video when I did "The Touch of Leonard Nimoy" a while back.) There is one song on here that I don't like - "If I Were a Carpenter". I've never liked that song (not even when Bobby Darin sang it) - I just think it's one of the most boring songs ever. Just my opinion. Some of you may love that song, and that's great, so I hope you like this version! Enjoy the album! Oh, and after each song, I've typed what it says on the record for that song.

Track listing for Two Sides of Leonard Nimoy:

Side 1:
1. Highly Illogical - Spock's reactions to some earth-behavior.
2. The Difference Between Us - Could Spock ever feel hidden, deep, emotional love problems? Could he react as a human in a romantic situation?
3. Once I Smiled - Once Spock's emotional barriers were broken down, and for a short while he tasted a bitter-sweet romantic experience.
4. Spock Thoughts - Some excellent vulcanian advice and philosophy.
5. By Myself - As "alien" to the planet earth, Spock is not always completely at home, and feels his loneliness at times.
6. Follow Your Star - Aim high in life. Make your goal a star and follow it.
7. Amphibious Assault - A surrealistic battle of the future. Will war come to this?

Side 2:
1. The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins - Long an admirer of the "Hobbits", Nimoy sings of the adventures of the bravest Hobbit of them all.
2. Cotton Candy - A modern, thought-image in musical setting, written by one of the camera crew of the Star Trek series.
3. Gentle On My Mind - The kind of song that Nimoy personally loves to sing.
4. Miranda - A lovely Bart Howard song in a classic-folk tradition.
5. If I Were a Carpenter - Another "modern" folk song, sung by Nimoy in an unusual rhythmic setting.
6. Love of the Common People - A song that Nimoy enjoys singing on personal appearances, since it reflects his own philosophy.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Leonard Nimoy - The New World of Leonard Nimoy (1970)


Before I get on with today's post, I just want to say thanks to everyone who has left their great comments on my past posts, and for the well-wishes for me and my new home! Thanks!

Okay... after I posted one of Leonard Nimoy's albums, I got some feedback asking for another album. I think I mentioned in the previous post that I was lucky enough to buy the entire lot of five albums on eBay (plus a Star Trek bloopers record)! I don't know what I value more - these five albums of his, or my autographed copy of his book "I Am Spock". Now that I've mentioned that, I have to digress a little and tell you about the sci-fi convention I went to a few years ago where Leonard Nimoy was the super-special guest. I went ahead and bought the VIP ticket so that I could be in the group of fans that would get his autograph. We could take one item and he would sign it, but not personalize it. That would've been nicer, but I was happy enough to just be able to stand across a table from him and have him touch and sign my copy of his book! I think after that day, I pretty much thought that I can now die happy (although, I'd rather not die just yet!).

On with this post - I've read that this is the hardest to find of the Leonard Nimoy albums, so I hope you are not disappointed. In addition to the usual covers, he also sings a couple of his own compositions. What a treat! I really like listening to Leonard - it really relaxes me. As the liner notes say: "This album is Leonard Nimoy. A very refreshing experience."

Track listing for The New World of Leonard Nimoy:

Side 1:
1. Time to Get It Together
2. Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town
3. The Mayor of Ma's Cafe
4. I Walk the Line
5. I Finally Saw the Two of You Today
6. Mary's Near

Side 2:
1. Abraham, Martin & John
2. Proud Mary
3. Let It Be Me
4. Everybody's Talkin'
5. The Sun Will Rise
6. Put a Little Love in Your Heart

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

House and Home Compilation


Hey, y'all! I'm all moved from my apartment to my new house! Woo hoo! I've officially been in the house for almost three weeks now - spent my first night here on February 23. Last weekend, I moved the final "big" things (futon, bicycle) from my apartment, so now all I have left to do at the apartment is clean it. I still have to bring all my stuff up from my house in my hometown, but that's another story.

Anyway, in honor of my new house/home, I decided to put together a compilation of songs with the word "house" or "home" in the title. There's a variety on here - classic standards, instrumentals from movie soundtracks, rock, country - so I hope you like them. The house in the photo is actually my new house. It's what's referred to as a "mid-century modern", or a "1950's soft contemporary", or an "atomic ranch" house. The inside is really cool - interior brick walls, very open, vintage kitchen, vintage bath - and it is in pristine condition for a house built in 1959. I'm very excited about my new house and plan to be here a long, long time!

Track listing for House and Home Compilation (in order by artist):

1. House of Love - Amy Grant
2. The House - Bernard Herrmann
3. Come On-a My House - Bette Midler
4. Feels Like Home - Chantal Kreviazuk
5. Our House - Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young
6. Come On-a My House - Della Reese
7. I'm Coming Home Again - Dusty Springfield
8. Around the House - Ivor Osborne
9. The Old House - Jerome Moross
10. Little Pink Houses - John Cougar Mellencamp
11. Come On-a My House - Julie London
12. Our House - Madness
13. Come On-a My House - Rosemary Clooney
14. This Old House - Rosemary Clooney
15. Homeward Bound - Simon & Garfunkel
16. Home - Stephanie Mills
17. House of the Rising Sun - The Animals
18. In My House - The Mary Jane Girls
19. This Old House - The Oak Ridge Boys
20. I'm Going Home - Tim Curry
21. That's My House - Toby Keith
22. Every Light in the House is On - Trace Adkins
23. White Houses - Vanessa Carlton