MMM: Cool is a Rule

I can't believe it's the last week of July! Just this month, we've celebrated the Fourth, gone to a dual-faith wedding in Hartford, visited friends in NYC, spent a weekend in Charleston at our family reunion and squeezed in a bunch of movies and a couple of concerts. The most recent concert was last night at Koka Booth with one of my all-time favorite bands. It's been eight years since I've seen them last and two years since they were featured as a Monday Mood Music. 

While Huey Lewis & the News do look a little grayer around the edges, they are still a must-see. Full of energy despite the humid, 100 degree weather we had. Sweat was rolling off Huey and the gang as fast as the notes flew from their instruments. Huey even had a little fun at their own expense by feigning to end the concert around an hour. After sitting in his "old man" rocker for a few moments, Huey bounced up and took requests from the audience. He also played one of his personal favorites, which is also a favorite of mine that I can now say I saw performed live. It's the third track from their third album, Sports. It was never as popular as Heart and Soul or I Want a New Drug, but it's rockin' tune nonetheless. Enjoy!

Huey Lewis & the News - Bad is Bad

MMM: Returning to the Grind

I've got three reasons to post this week's mood music selection. First, it's the Monday after a three day weekend and, if you're like me, it's a struggle to return to the daily grind. I'd much rather prefer another day, week, month, or year off if it were possible. Since I didn't win the lottery on the Fourth, that dream will be deferred a few more days.

Secondly, I love this band and it's a crying shame I haven't featured them long before now. My friends and I saw Huey Lewis and the News in concert back in 2003 and it was a blast! It probably helped that we were third row center, close enough to see the embroidery on Huey's gold suit. Koka Booth amphitheater is already an intimate venue, but at that range we were within ten feet of Huey most of the concert. That's way better than his father-in-law, a local resident who was crammed in the back with the masses (no joke).

I could talk on and on about my love for HL&tN, but instead, I'll leave you with the biggest reason I chose them for this week's mood music. Huey Lewis turned 59 yesterday, July 5. This is a belated birthday wish for Mr. Cregg.

As I trudge through this post-holiday Monday, I will preoccupy my mind with some fun tunes from a band that's been entertaining us for nearly thirty years, starting now:

Huey Lewis and the News - Workin' for a Livin'

They really do put on an awesome concert, full of energy and great music. Here's hoping they make the rounds again in the near future. Who do you wish would come 'round your neck of the woods?