It doesn’t matter (Smuckers, Welches, or Bonne Maman) — let’s jam, man! — “Then one fine morning, she puts on a New York station You know, she don’t believe what she heard at all She started shaking to that fine, fine music You know, her life was saved by rock and roll.” “Rock and Roll” by Lou Reed/The Velvet Underground (1970) “I’m a Man” by Chicago (7:42) Oh, my…

These first fifteen are in no way in order of importance — 1. “Volunteers” - Jefferson Airplane Some songs are direct attacks on the U.S. involvement in Vietnam. Like “War.” This one is one of them. Nothing too subtle here from 1969. “Counter the War” in just over a two minute protest song. Marty Balin rips the song apart, and Grace Slick does a fine job supporting…

Would you ever want these ten jam sessions to end? — “I was listening to my records — And I heard something real good — And it made me feel the way I should! I caught the rock and roll fever! I can’t let it go, baby! It’s in my blood to stay and will never go away!” …

The Chief: “Ivy Day in the Committee Room” from Dubliners — A Great Story Cuts Across National, Religious, Ethnic, and Gender Boundaries It had been awhile since I had read “Ivy Day in the Committee Room” by James Joyce, a short story of Home Rule, politics, Irish Nationalism, the Catholic Church, stout, class, realpolitik, campaigning, British colonialism, poetry, pride, and Charles Parnell. You know, all things prototypically Irish.

Feasting outside on chicken cold with a new garden buddy who teaches more than the gospels while my dear wife recuperates inside — To be with such ease Is a coup against mortals No dude will achieve. Loneliness is fine; Just don’t be lonely inside. Dude, you know that, right? You would sink this pad, With all that weight you have gained. Stop sitting, fool — move! I don’t blink at fear; Fear blinks…

Twelve rolls direct the growth of the daisy poem — Joyous The Shasta Daisies by the Bistro That we call our own Paradise — Our garden. From nothing In Winter not long ago. Just soil so brown, Snow secured, Hiding what soon will grow.

Go ahead and ask me about that scar on my ear, mates — Bleeding — my right ear was bleeding — the blood dripping between my fingers. My fingertips searched for the gash. On the cold tiled floor of the bathroom, white no longer, I was hunched over, crying — trying to staunch the tears like the blood. The tears could summon more…

By train, ships, spaceships or magic carpets — it’s about the trip — The first essay for The Riff featured the first 10 songs. Here are 11–20. Let me know songs I missed. A Part III could be in the making, mates. Cheers! Don’t Drop Acid: Just Listen to These Songs for a Trip to the 60s Feed your head with rainbows and purple, magical mushroomsmedium.com “Crystal Ship” — The Doors (2:32) Any song that begins immediately with —

Thinking of you now — writing this brings me happiness — Vince died today. He was a friend of mine. Someone who helped me through boyhood in early manhood To be able to take care of my wife and daughters. For a few years he was my therapist, And one of the nicest guys I have ever known. He was married…