Listening Lyrics

NOTE: Between minute 13:10 and 15:30 in this broadcast we had some technical difficulties

Billy Larkin joined me in the studio this week to discuss the power of music. He chose these songs to talk about, and we played snippets from most:

• 'Imagine'  (John Lennon) Possibly one of the most important songs ever written. Full stop.
• 'Adagio for Strings'  (Samuel Barber) Humanity's guidebook to empathy.
• Beethoven's 7th Symphony [2nd movement] See above and add hope and perseverance.
• 'That's the Way of the World' (Earth, Wind & Fire)  When I realized I was happy to be alive.
• 'Music for 18 Musicians'  (Steve Reich) Wonder at the possibility of creation. 
• 'Blackbird'  (Lennon/McCartney) Love=Beauty=Sadness=Joy=Art

From his website: "Billy Larkin is an award-winning pianist/composer who has been bringing his individual brand of musical artistry to audiences for over 40 years. He is a composer and arranger who defies easy categorization and helps define true expression through the collaborative process."

"Music gives the soul to the universe" -- Plato

"Music is the food of love, play on"  -- William Shakespeare

Ryan Williams, Chris O'Keefe and Dani Judith are three members of Rainbow City Park. Their love of music and exuberance of life shine in their musical output. It truly was a pleasure to get to know them.

Here's the band's story from its website: "Rainbow City Park is an indie alt-rock/dream pop band from Northern California. The band draws inspiration from 90’s alt-rock acts such as Third Eye Blind and The Smashing Pumpkins, infusing their music with a modern twist akin to the sounds of Boygenius and Snail Mail. Band members reside in both San Francisco and the Central Valley, converging in Sacramento for rehearsals.

Nat Lefkoff is 29 and has a cat named Sweetie who is just the best. Nat likes going on long walks and listening to books about history. He also likes bugs, birds, and especially roller blading. The Central Valley that dominates the interior of California is his home. Big open skies and fields with swampy spots and woods scattered throughout. Family and friends are super important, but so is the music he makes.

In his own words, "I'm so grateful to be able to call this my life. Best job I ever had. I'm a happy person but I get real down sometimes and these songs are the product of that. The pearls of my pain, the rainbows of my rain, the Ernie to my Bert, the worm in my dirt."  

Natt will appear for his latest album release event at the Davis Odd Fellows on Sept. 14, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. Check out ticket availability here

This show is streamed at KDRT.ORG and available on most podcast apps under Listening Lyrics.

Weekly Playlist These are selected songs from Listening Lyrics, songs talked about but not necessarily played. Enjoy. Updated weekly.

This week Listening Lyrics shares music from host Pieter Pastoor's Shazam list with music he has never heard before, music he had forgotten, or songs he just loves.

The musicians include Rita Hosking, The Pogues, Patti Smith, The J.B.'s, Billy Swan, Smog, Nat Lefkoff, Mohama Saz, The Gold Souls, and Tracy Bonham.