“Don’t Save Me” - Haim

I have no idea why I’ve been listening to this song on repeat in my car for the last hour, crying my eyes out, thinking of my father.  It was released recently, only 3 months after his death, but reminds me of the 80’s - of a song I would have fallen in love with and made him play over and over again.  I imagine he would just listen along, silently, while I belted out the lyrics at the top of my lungs: “Take me back, give it up, give it up to me, cause I can’t go on if your love isn’t strong.  See I want it all give me, give me all your love.  But if you can’t hold on, then baby don’t save me.” - Lynn

Thinking of Boston.  In Paradisum - Gabriel Faure’s Requiem

My parents once recorded these Chinese songs - you can hear both of them singing on this track.  For a long time, they remained unplayed, until my husband Abe transferred them from vinyl to mp3, and we gave their “group” a name - “Philharmonic 5.”  

When my father was in the hospital, I would sing to soothe his pain.  Often it was classical pieces I grew up playing on the piano, but one day I started humming the first few bars of this song.  It was the first and last time I ever saw him cry.  I think he was remembering a time that was gone forever, that he would never get back.  

- Lynn 

“I Dreamed a Dream” - Les Miserables

I grew up listening to the Les Miserables soundtrack - the show opened the same exact time I was doing South Pacific.  I must have seen it at least 4-5x on Broadway, and was always playing the songs at home, in the car, on the piano…watching the movie version tonight was a trip down memory lane, remembering how often my Dad patiently listened along, throughout the years, repeatedly.  As a kid, the deaths never really meant much to me.  They represent a lot now.

Lea Salonga was an idol of mine - I was also a big fan of “Miss Saigon.”  Here she is singing “I Dreamed a Dream.” - Lynn

“The Christmas Song” - Nat King Cole

I’m heading east for my first NJ without Dad.  I can’t hear this without thinking of him; the Nat King Cole version was by far his favorite - he announced it every time it came on (which was a lot).  Christmas holds a special place in my heart because my birthday is the 24th;  love this live video because he’s looking right at me, smiling, singing beautifully, at ease.  - Lynn

Happy birthday, Daddy.  

Currently touring with Edie Sedgwick in Europe.  My dad met Justin, the head of the group, back at Wesleyan over 17 years ago.  I don’t think he would’ve ever come to see us play live, but would’ve been proud to watch this YouTube video, seeing his daughter in a new light. - Lynn

No song to listen too - I’m about to go off to Europe to sing with E.D. Sedgwick.  I don’t think my dad would’ve been a fan of this type of music, but he would’ve been incredibly proud. - Lynn

April Come She Will - Simon and Garfunkel

I’m at Wellesley right now, speaking to students about body image and eating disorders.  Being in a college environment always reminds me of my father - we went to the same school and the entire admission/undergrad experience was very bonding for us.  Another thing that brought us together during that time was watching the movie “The Graduate.”  My father loved this song, and I did too…”August die she must…” kills me now. - Lynn

Piano Concerto No. 2 - Sergei Rachmaninoff

Spent a lot of time with my Mom last week, watching old movies.  Saw my very first Elizabeth Taylor film, “Rhapsody,” which was wonderful, and featured one of my favorite songs, Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 - I realized that this was the probably the first Classical piece that wasn’t introduced to me by my parents; I “discovered” it on my own while in college.  Although I never listened to it with Dad, I’m sure he loved it too.  This version isn’t the best recording, but it’s Rachmaninoff himself playing from 1929 with the Philadelphia Orchestra. - Lynn

For a Dancer - Jackson Browne

I’m back in NJ right now, surrounded by family.  Grateful to spend a little time with the only father figure in my life now - my husband’s dad, David, who told me about this song.  - Lynn

Belle Nuit, O Nuit D’Amour - Offenbach

I watched Kenneth Lonergan’s “Margaret” last night. There’s an emotional scene that takes place at The Metropolitan Opera, which was my childhood playground, with this song from Offenbach’s “Tales of Hoffman.”  The characters on screen were in tears, and so was I.

- Lynn 

Built to Spill - You Were Right

yup pretty much sums it up. lyrics below. -mc

****************

You were wrong when you said everything’s gonna be alright

You were right when you said all that glitters isn’t gold
You were right when you said all we are is dust in the wind
You were right when you said we’re all just bricks in the wall
And when you said manic depression’s a frustrated mess

You were wrong when you said everything’s gonna be alright

You were right when you said you can’t always get what you want
You were right when you said it’s a hard rain’s gonna fall
You were right when you said were still running against the wind
Life goes on long after the thrill of living is gone
You were right when you said this is the end

Do you ever think about it?

Beethoven’s Pathetique - 1st Movement

49 Days later.  This is the piece that Lynn was listening to in the car when he died.  Rest in peace, Dad.

What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong

Went to my friend Emily’s wedding over the weekend; the number of things we have in common is pretty unbelievable, so hearing her father’s speech was particularly touching.  When they had their dance, it was to this song; I had forgotten that my dad loved it too.

- Lynn