Music Monday - RUSH, Paul Simon and Sting

Going to cover some of my favorite musical performers/bands for this edition.

RUSH has been together for what seems like forever. And when I say "been together," it's just that - the same three talented musicians playing together since July 1974. They are the kind of band that are referenced as influences for other great musicians through the years. This is from what is probably my favorite album of theirs, the live "Show of Hands." The song, "Mission," is probably my favorite RUSH song of all time. It's about what it takes to be successful star and the toll it can take.

I don't think Paul Simon needs any type of introduction. Starting with Simon & Garfunkel, he has always stood out as one of the great American songwriters of the day. Love this single, "Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes," from his much-lauded "Graceland" album for its smooth, soulful sound.

Another great songwriter and performer I've been a long-time fan of is Sting. From his earliest days with The Police through his jazz period to today, he continues to put out superb music. This song, "Why Should I Cry For You?" is from his under-rated "Soul Cages" album.

Music Monday Begins!

Often, I'm not sure what to write for my blog so I'm trying to add more content by having themed days during the week. I'm starting with the new institution of Music Mondays - featuring one current, one classic and one conceptual or crazy release.

To start off, an incredible album I picked up recently after seeing this group on the Grammys: 'The Cave' from Mumford & Sons' "Sigh No More."

Josh Charles - actor from "Dead Poets Society," "Sports Night" and "The Good Wife" - tweeted this link yesterday. It reminded me how much I enjoy the blues when I get a chance to hear them: Legendary blues artist Skip James singing 'Crow Jane' from 1967. (via @BaltimoreJosh)

I've followed Genki Sudo since his time as a MMA fighter because of his unique combat style, creativity in the ring and positive message as a human being. (When he won a fight, he would hold up a flag with the words "We Are All One.") After his retirement, I was looking up some of his older fights on YouTube when I found a music video with a group called World Order. The group brought the same positive message that Sudo had as a fighter. Here's his latest video for the song 'Machine Civilization' (with subtitles.)

Sudo also placed this message with the video. While the translation may be slightly broken English, the message remains:

Many disasters are ongoing in Japan; earthquakes, Tsunami, and nuclear accidents. These unprecedented things may be able to change however from now. That's why I expressed through World Order to convey some message to you on my own way. I see these accidents will become a turning point of civilization. I think the time of revolution is coming, where people in the world coexist with this planet against the system of modern society, economy and politics.
Any accident is neutral. Although we are straying around this deep darkness, I believe we can get through anything when each of us can let go of our fear and face things positively.
The world won't change on its own. We do change one by one. That makes the world change. The darkness just before the dawn is deepest. So, we do rise up together to greet the brilliant morning truly coming for the human beings.
WE ARE ALL ONE

Genki Sudo

Hope you enjoyed this first edition of Music Mondays. If you have any suggestions for entries, let me know in the comments section.

Until next time, remember: We Are All One!