Fun Songs and Beckman Vineyard's Rosé

So, did you survive another Monday? Great day here in Nebraska cause it rained all day and only reached 66^o for a high, a record for us, but nobody’s complaining because we don’t usually see this kind of weather until October. So, how but some fun music? The blog tonight contains some of my favorite songs, some of which are the greatest ever. Lot’s of good guitar “Check out the tasteful bridge by Huey Lewis’ guitarist on Small World), but mostly just great songs  by some stellar groups and people. It’ll get your blood pumping for the rest of the week.

The criteria were the sentiment, the beat, i.e. does it pump you up, and do I just plain love the song. I purposely ended with two of the greatest dance songs by Gloria Estafan. Interesting when you look at these old videos. Beyoncé stole a couple of dance moves from her. See if you can get into her groove and dance. Blast it at the office and see if you can get the whole place moving. It’s a great way to start the day. Enjoy!

Sweet Freedom: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-xetxYwyak

Danger Zone: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yK0P1Bk8Cx4

Small World: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71Kga9Onc60

Jesus is just all right: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwbGjzF3mB0

Footloose: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjqfGe_80Ck

I keep forgetting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zY0--b6DLqQ

Don’t stop believing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcjzHMhBtf0

Fragile: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lB6a-iD6ZOY

Old time rock and roll: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQswfILThsY

Takin care of business: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybtl9qVFAjc

Turn the page: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3khH9ih2XJg

Southbound: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loieSYMoLLs

Mississippi Queen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFhM1XZsh6o

Can’t find my way home: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoSn2Y-b6wI

Badge: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3nPXFcARkA

Watchtower: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw0Gd8uiM5s

Every breath you take: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMOGaugKpzs

Sunshine of your love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhzF2K2b7Xo

While my guitar gently weeps: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3RYvO2X0Oo

Jump: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap2J9RbXaP4

Desert Rose: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3lWwBslWqg

Let it be: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0Z8t8X2KCo

Smooth: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-y2LUh-9AA

Summer of Sixty-nine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2tOoBd9RP8

Conga: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ww4Mil9GMJ4

Rhythm is gonna get you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lr1Isgg7F7U

Since this entry focuses on fun, how about a  2012 Beckman Vineyards Grenache Rose ($18.00). Like Stolpman  Vineyards, Beckman’s “Le Bec” is one of my favorite Syrah’s and this Rosés is out of this world. “What is it with Syrah Vinyards? They seem to make incredible Rosés. The color is coppery red, almost orange and has an aroma of oranges, strawberries and fruit candies. Strawberries dominate the palate, but there are notes of citrus and herbs with a mineral berry finish. Lovely for sipping by itself, although it goes great with grilled teriyaki salmon. It’s just the ticket for the tonight’s musical selections.

Cheers!

Neil Schon & Chateau St. Jean Signature Red

Neil Schon  (born February 27, 1954) was the lead guitarist for a group whom I consider one of the greatest to ever step on a stage, namely Journey. He is Journey's only constant member, having participated in every album and tour to date. Before joining Journey, he was a member of Santana. Interestingly, shortly after Santana asked him to join his band, Eric Clapton invited him to join Derek and the Dominos. He declined because he’d committed to Santana.

Schon was born at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma. His father was an accomplished musician, arranger, and composer who played and taught reed instruments while his mother was a big band singer. Schon was a guitar prodigy, who first picked up the guitar at the age of 5 and at the tender age of 15 joined Santana.

Schon is without a doubt one of the most soulful guitarists and the selections below illustrate both his rocking and soft sides. His leads are some of the most tasteful ever played by a rock guitarist. Journey’s recordings sometimes lull the listener into thinking he’s just a filler for the vocalist, but if you ever saw them in concert you know Neil is one heck of a guitarist.

The Calling: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVvWxiP4_xs

Prayer for Peace: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQBM1QfoJxw

Stone in love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jsjbbGHwnM

Who’s cryin now solo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjN3OY94Oqc

I can’t make you love me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyTWz07ALZI

Lights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9v6ecBv-woM

Walkin out the door: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSvpwSqYqpE&playnext=1&list=PLPeXPYrcEc5x2q0LMt5tnqKVMAlaSDBMB&feature=results_video

Late Night: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y45h5pBM7L0

Rain’s comin down: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNIcNUh40zo

Killing me softly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekE_2E5o3Vg

Everything I do, I do it all for you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMrKXeHz-co

No more lies: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cfcGGo6ecs

Call of the Wild: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7IK_NeXfcM

Softly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhaJRxXL_2E  

Don’t stop believing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcjzHMhBtf0

Pairing Neil with a wine calls for something powerful, so continuing my search for great but cheap, I recommend the 2010 Chateau St. Jean Signature Red. The wine is made from just about every grape that could go into a red including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Malbec. It’s a very affordable ($9.00 on sale) yet delicious wine. The nose is explosive with aromas of blackberries, strawberries, currents, and spice. It’s a symphony for the palate with big black fruit, cherry, and chocolate notes that seem to go on forever. What ever your favorite red, it’s in this wine and the result is spectacular. And at $9.00 a bottle plus the music of Neil Schon, it makes for a great week end. Enjoy!

Cheers!