"While My Guitar Gently Weeps"

My heart goes out to the Lakewood Police Department,  the families, loved ones and all in the Law Enforcement community this morning. This unbelievable senseless violence has to stop! The only Beatles song that I cold think of to pay tribute today was released on November 28 1968. While My Guitar Gently Weeps is famous of course because George Harrison who wrote it, brought in Eric Clapton to add the guitar solo. The result was another hit and a song that goes down in history as one of the top 100 rock and roll songs of all time. I look at you all and see there there might be love there that is sleeping, I  hope it is there for the families and friends of the Lakewood Officers.
 



 

"Run"

Happy post Thanksgiving! I have to sneak in one more cute photo from about 1993 or so and Yvonne's first triathlon. Her swim went well but after trying to start on the bike and two or three flat tires she had to give it up. Look at the kids' though!

I hope the food and family ventures went well for everyone. I got some good news Wednesday (bone marrow is clean) and then discovered if I go forward with bone marrow or stem cell transplant that UW Physicians (Part of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center) are in a dispute with my insurance company and probably wont be available to me after Jan 10 2010. Sometimes it is two step forward one step back.



Today's song is from a newer singer-songwriter from Scotland thanks again to free i-tunes from Starbucks. Amy MacDonald will be a name you will eventually hear if you haven't already. "Run" is a broken love I am not giving up on love song. I liked the throaty almost peaty voice and pure talent, please give it a listen. It's meaningful and explosive, with some tenderness at the same time.


*Once more I want to give thanks to Bryan Howard and the ARFF crew for a tremendous Buzz night last week. I am pledging to donate to each of his Big Climb members as they prepare to climb the Columbia Tower this spring, and I hope others will help out the Lymphoma/Leukemia Society in this fund raising/team - building event. 

 Please click on this link: http://tinyurl.com/ycb9dw6 

"She Loves you"

I hope everyone has someone and something to thankful for today, on Thanksgiving Eve. I am thankful for so much, most importantly my Wife Yvonne. I picked "She Loves You" as my blog song today because of how it relates to my life. The song was the largest hit in England ever for the Beatles and eventually broke through into the USA.  It was released in the summer of 1963 before the Beatles came to America. It was considered unconventional at the time due to a jazzy ending and the story being told in third person. I always thought the third person was telling a bloke to "pick it up" since he was lucky his girl still loved him after making some mistakes. 

The Yeah Yeah Yeah portion of the song was panned by the critics of the day, now of course the Yeah Yeah's  almost define the Beatles. Give it a listen again, I hope it stirs some emotion for the simplicity of 1963. 

This video is LIVE, I am guessing somewhere from Scandinavia in 1963-1964. 

PS: I am off to the Doctor for a chemo booster and to find out my most recent blood and bone marrow results. I will update later. Have a great Thanksgiving, Mikhael is coming home to join us for our intimate family Thanksgiving this morning. 

"You've Got to Hide Your Love Away"

It was early 1965 and the Beatles, especially John Lennon were influenced by Bob Dylan. Just as Bob was going electric from acoustic, the Beatles were tending to go acoustic from electric in songs like this. Originally released on the Help album and soundtrack to the film, "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away" has been debated over the years as to the true meaning of the song. The title itself might suggest a hidden meaning. John  never commented specifically about this song other than a reference to Dylan (after he wrote it.) Others mentioned references to affairs, Brian Epstein and his homosexuality (which was illegal at the time in England.) The bottom line is the attached video is of great quality and the song has always been known as an acoustic masterpiece. The opening lyric sets the tone: "Here I stand head in hand; Turn my face to the wall; If she's gone I can't go on; Feeling two foot small."

"Almost Cut My Hair"

In 1970 the Supergroup Crosby Stills Nash and Young released Deja Vu. One of the lesser know cuts was "Almost Cut My Hair" written by David Crosby. The interesting lyric to some of us might be:
"Oh, I tell you baby this increases my paranoia

Yeah, like looking in my mirror and seeing a police car."

Today's song actually goes out to Chief Bryan Howard and the ARFF for setting up a great fund raiser yesterday entitled Greg Dymerski Buzz night. I came buzzed, my brother from Nebraska sent his buzz photo, the Soup Ladies provided a great spread and many people gave financial support to the Lymphoma/Leukemia Society. Some photos attached...More will be on the way.

"I Know A Place"

In the swinging 60's there were many acts competing for the adult contemporary market. Petula Clark burst on the scene in 1964 with the release of Downtown. Her follow up hit was I know a place. There are a couple of catchy lyrics including a reference to Brian Epstein the Beatles Manager that make this a timely tune for today for me. I know a place where Bryan Howard is collecting folks to show support for the Lymphoma/Leukemia Society naming it Greg Dymerski Buzz night. It is being held at the ARFF office, 8190 East Marginal Way South Seattle, WA 98108 Phone: 206-296-7392 from 3PM to 7PM today, November 19th. Session 3 of chemo started well, by the time I make it to Tukwila I will go through another chemo and a hip biopsy for bone marrow disease levels.

There might not be swinging girls and boys or a cellar full of noise, but there will be an atmoshere of its own... Cut happy! See you there around 4PM, Greg

PS: I am in room 10A3 the direct phone is 253-426-6857 ext 127-1013

"Revolution"

The year- 1968. The 60's were in full bloom. The Vietnam War and the Tet offensive occurred in January of '68, Robert Kennedy was assassinated in June of '68, the musical world was on fire with psychedelic and protest songs. The energy erupted into riots, racial and political. I was just 9 but remember most of the trauma.

The Beatles came back from India and produced the white album and a couple of singles that went on to be very big indeed. The "B" side to Hey Jude was "Revolution." Some critics believe it to be a prelude to what turned out to be heavy metal. The guitars were pounding, electrified to create a buzz sound. While the title might suggest this is a normal protest song, it actually advocates for a more peaceful (read the lyrics) revolution than was popular at the time.

"You say you want a revolution
Well, you know We all want to change the world. You tell me that it's evolution
Well, you know We all want to change the world. But when you talk about destruction Don't you know that you can count me out"

"But when you want money for people with minds that hate. All I can tell is brother you have to wait. Don't you know it's gonna be all right"

This is Rock and Roll in a very pure form. This video was released as part of the Hey Jude television show, the instruments are pre-recorded and the vocals are live.
I start Chemo session #3 today, looking forward to being almost half done!

"God Only Knows"

It's 1966, the Beach Boys (Brian Wilson) are competing almost album for album with the Beatles. Brian Wilson hears Rubber Soul and is inspired to write an album to compete with or even surpass Rubber Soul in terms of technology, harmonies, new directions, etc. The Beach Boys had actually released more albums than the Beatles by 1966; Pet Sounds being their 12th. "God Only Knows" was the opening track on side two of the album and the first single- it's a simple love song with all sorts of new changes and harmonies that until 1966 were unheard of. After Pet Sounds Paul McCartney was so impressed that he and the fabs went to work on Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band... Listen for the changes in tempo, a french horn, and distinct harmonies. Carl Wilson sings lead and Brian harmonizes so well. Beautiful Song.

"(Don't Fear) The Reaper"

Today's post is a departure of sorts, Blue Oyster Cult? The only thing in common with the Beatles is that the groups both start with B. BOC started playing in 1967 as the American answer to Black Sabbath. Through some growth the band finally hit pay dirt in 1976 with the release of the album "Agents of Fortune" which included Don't Fear the Reaper. The song saw a major reemergence in 2000 when Saturday Night Live parodied the group with this Will Ferrel/Christopher Walken video (not the best quality) I have attached. The attached picture is of me and some friends doing the same parody in Karaoke. So, I do like some BOC songs, but more importantly- I want to inject some comedy to those who have never seen the video. Time to loosen up a bit... Greg

"Brand New Day"

I had a request from a very wise follower of the blog, and after listening to the song I am glad he made it. I had only heard one song from this artist "One of those days" and as a free download it was a good listen. Joshua Radin and "Brand New Day" makes a lot of sense for how I feel today. I am home after six unscheduled days in the hospital for what turned out to be a bad mouth infection, feel much better, and I will be O.K. I hope you give it a listen as it might help inspire you as well. Check out his songs via the website just click on "music" and listen. I think "one of those days" is also very catchy. You can hear Brand New Day at the bottom... Photos: Me and Peter, while we were at the FBI Academy.(He's a police commander from Denmark.) Sedona view.

www.joshuaradin.com/

"Getting in Tune"

I am going off the grid a bit today to help remind myself about what is important in life. So, a song I remember from the 1970's post Beatles and recommended by my brother Alan at the time (that fits in well with now) is the Who's "Getting in Tune." At the time in the mid 70's I just thought a couple of lyrics were really cool, I went on later to discover that the Who completed Who's Next in 1971 after missing on an ambitious Lifehouse Project. The album has some great rock standards like Baba O'Riley, Won't Get Fooled Again, and Behind Blue Eyes. here are a couple of lyrics I remember:

"I get a little tired of having to say "Do you come here often?"
But when I look in your eyes and see the harmonies
And the heartaches soften"

"I've got it all here in my head
There's nothing more needs to be said
I'm just bangin' on my old piano
I'm getting in tune with the straight and narrow"

I'm getting in tune because I need to as I am leaving the hospital after a long 6 day unscheduled stay, hopefully before lunch time today. Live Happy- Greg

"Getting Better"

"Getting Better" came out on the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album. It was a song known for it's positive message, but with a minor undercurrent. Mainly written by Paul, John threw in a few of the negative lyrics like "it cant get no worse", and "I used to be cruel to my woman." I will take Paul's positive overall tone for myself. I have been breaking fevers again, again this morning down to 98 flat. I am still in hospital until some white blood counts and other less important counts come up. And I am scheduled to start chemo session number three next Wednesday...

My reason for picking this song today is to give me a positive jumpstart into going home at least for a few days. I got here Sunday...

To quote one good lyric; "I have to admit it's getting better, it's getting better, Since you've been mine." To my wife and family- that quote was for you. To everyone else sending all of the positive energy and prayers, oh heck you too.

Updates

Since I am on such a see-saw hospital stay this time I will try to give you an up to the minute update knowing that it will clearly change in the next hour! I slept pretty good last night with an average temp of 101.8 to 102.5. Woke up, got outta bed and dragged a washcloth across my head. I proceeded to sweat away most of the fever over the morning hours until finaly at about 1030- my temp was 98.6 (Almost normal for me.) I waited a bit for good measure to report on the news... Sure enough at about 1:00 PM the fever came back to the 101 area. So here I go again I think.
I will try to post further updates as the day goes on... Don't feel sorry for me-Live Happy!

"Let It Be"

* I have been moved from 10B1 to 10C3. My new extension is 127-1033. Paul wrote Let It Be in 1969 whe the Beatles were working on a film, at first the title was to be "Get Back." After a lot of ups and downs the Beatles abandoned most of the project and renamed the project "Let it Be." Paul lost his mother Mary to cancer when he was just 14, and the references to Mary are directly tied to that memory. I lost my mother fairly early too- and find that the I receive wisdom in many of the same ways that Paul wrote about.

"When I find myself in times of trouble
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
And in my hour of darkness
She is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
Let it be, let it be."

I am still in the hospital trying to raise some blood levels and beat some infections including strep and staff. I will learn about wearing a mask in public!

Updates

Sorry for the lack of posts lately, as you ight imagine I ended up at St. Joe's Sunday, and am still here due to infections and fevers that won't go away. I will try to post something tomorrow morning. My room number is 10B1, the phone number inside is 253-426-4100 extension 127-1021. :) Have a great evening! Greg

"All You Need is Love"

For those outside of the Seattle area, suspects in the Officer Brenton murder have been arrested and one was shot (in critical condition) just after the end of the memorial yesterday. It looks like the family will see some justice and in a very timely fashion.

In 1967, the Beatles were looking for projects and singles and John came up with "AYNIL." John wanted to help change the world through his art and this is probably the first easily understood example of that. The message is simple, Love. How one gets to love more, or grow, or treat others better is laid out in the refrain quite often. My favorite lyric is this:
"There's nothing you can do that can't be done;
Nothing you can sing that can't be sung;
Nothing you can say but you can learn how to play the game; It's easy"

Congratulations to the Seattle Police Department and everyone who helped in ending the terror caused by a few people bent on the opposite of love. Greg

"Superman"

After the strike against liberty and all that is good at Fort Hood yesterday I looked for an appropriate song to describe loss and spirit. Today is Officer Timothy Brenton's memorial and while many of us are there to show support, life continues and sometimes we just don't have the answer.

Five For Fighting (John Ondrasik) released "Superman" just before the 9-11 attacks and it went on to become a song of healing for the nation. John has organized many a memorial including albums to support the troops. I hope you listen to other Five For Fighting tunes like "Two Lights" and more, as there are many more similarly healing songs in the collection. Fight Hard, Live Happy- Greg

"Across The Universe"

It might be hard to believe, my first song on shuffle for my bicycle ride this morning was "Across The Universe." The song was originally written just after the trip to India in 1968, and placed on the Let It Be album in 1969. John wrote the song, and considered it is best lyrical composition as a Beatle. There are haunting lyrics, a Sanskrit mantra, but in the end a message of joy and love. In 2003 the Beatles remastered the Let It Be album without all of the Phil Spector over-production and made Let It Be, Naked. The attached video is of that watered down production.

*On another note, I highly recommend the Movie Across the Universe as an escapist way to learn more about the turbulent 60's in modern day England. It's a love-musical story well worth a rental.

Lyrics of note: "Words are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup,
They slither while they pass, they slip away across the universe
Pools of sorrow, waves of joy are drifting through my open mind,
Possessing and caressing me. Limitless undying love which shines
around me like a Million suns, it calls me on and on Across the universe Jai guru de va om Nothing's gonna change my world, Nothing's gonna change my world."

Live Happy- Greg

"Because"

Today's Beatles song and video come courtesy of an inspired bicycle ride this morning. The three part harmonies were streaming through my room and I couldn't help but notice that the three Beatles John, Paul, and George) singing this song sound a lot like the Beach Boys and other better known harmonizers. The lyrics are simple and very pretty as well. This was one of the last songs written by John as a Beatle, found on the Abbey Road Album circa 1969. The attached video is from the "Anthology" T.V. show highlighting just the vocals. Please give it a listen, kind of eerie. Lyrics:

Ah, because the world is round
it turns me on
Because the world is round

Ah, because the wind is high
it blows my mind
Because the wind is high

Ah, love is old, love is new
Love is all, love is you

Because the sky is blue
it makes me cry
Because the sky is blue

Ah, ah, ah, ah

"Birthday"

Yes, I turn the big Five Oh today! Tony, you can now call me 5-0. In 1968 I was a mere 8 when The Beatles had just returned from visits to India in and other far flung locales to write the album known by many as the White Album, actually entitled "The Beatles." It was supposed to be a return to their rock and roll roots. Birthday starts side A of the second LP in the set and of course has been re-recorded and used by many an artist and in many implications. Paul and John sing dueling lead vocals and actually co-wrote the song while at the recording session, unusual at the time.

This is me in hairier times at approximately age 6 months, kids of today don't always show off the cowlick!

I made it through session two of chemo and am looking forward to continued success in my battle thanks to all of the inspiration and well wishes. I hope to see you through my travels these next couple of weeks. Greg

"Good Morning, Good Morning"

I couldn't help but snap a photo this morning when I saw the sunrise on Mt. Rainier. Of course the song that came to mind was "Good Morning, Good Morning." This is another John song from Sgt. Peppers LHCB from 1967 with Paul playing the lead guitar part. It's not a deep meaning song, just sort of a filler with a good beat and added animal sounds thrown in for good measure. I just had to get this photo out, the photo and song name just worked out! I am waiting to finish one last spinal chemo treatment this morning to be driven home by my son Andrew visiting from Colorado. Have a great morning, and please keep the Seattle Police Dept. family in your thoughts and prayers. Greg

"For You Blue"

A Seattle Police Officer was killed in the line of duty last night. I dedicate this post to the Officer, his loved ones, partner and co-workers. Please keep the officer and all of the Seattle Police Department family in your hearts and prayers.