Rockferry.

From across the pond comes yet another brilliant young woman who probably would not win on Idol: Duffy. Just 24, Aimee Duffy has captured my heart with a collection of songs she co-penned with another brilliant Brit, Bernard Butler. A few years back, Butler discovered Duffy and shared with her a CD collection of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Dusty Springfield, and others. Duffy felt their love and pain of the human experience and she came up with stories that Butler helped her turn into songs. The result is nothing less than spectacular.

The lead off single, "Mercy" is as much a party as Nancy Sinatra's "Boots" ever was. Good luck staying still during this one. The second single, "Warwick Avenue" is a soul shaker- a building song about a break up that will give you chills. Catch the video on YouTube and watch the nearly single-shot tribute to the pain of love and loss. The arrangements on this album are stunning and beautiful- and Duffy nails it. There's not a back track here.

While Amy Winehouse deserved those Grammy Awards, Duffy is Amy without the crackhouse. Snorah Jones, well, should not have won all those Grammy Awards because this album from Duffy is what she wanted to make, but didn't. Duffy is right now the number one seller at Amazon.com, outselling even that Madonna album everyone is talking about. Buy Rockferry now and listen to what is one of the best new artists on the scene today. Let's see if the Grammy Awards come through for her, too.

Brothers and Sisters.

Tonight, after the sure to be non-groundbreaking edition of Desperate Housewives, television history will be made. The best dramatic series on television is ABC's Brothers and Sisters and it's because of writing that brings realism to an American family and because of a cast who clicks as a family- embracing their dysfunction and loving each other anyway.

Now, a dysfunctional family is nothing new. What is new and will make history tonight is the commitment ceremony of main character Kevin Walker and main character Scotty. Thankfully, they are in the State of California where same-sex couples are afforded some of the legal trappings of marriage. While there have been other same-sex ceremonies on TV, this is the first one between main characters on a network TV program. Sally Field will no doubt be delightful as the mother of the...groom...and will bring more real emotion in one camera shot than any of the Housewives do in an entire season. Watch this show, talk about it tomorrow, and then let's get back to work to elect those who also want to make history to bring equal rights to all.

You can also watch the entire episode after tonight's broadcast at ABC.com

Hilary McRae

In 2006, Starbucks bought Hear Music, an established record label known for putting out compilation CDs of music from established, and often unheard of, artists. Basically, a label that put out cool mix-CDs of music you need to know about. Last Fall, Starbucks presented the "iTunes free song of the day" promotion in an effort to get customers to come in everyday, even when maybe they didn't need a coffee, but did want to get the free music. As you can imagine, I was one of those people both looking for coffee and looking for free, legal music. It was through one of these free downloads, of the terrific song "Consider Me Gone," that I discovered Hilary McRae and I've been waiting for this CD to come ever since.

Hilary McRae is the first new artist signed by Starbucks-- and she is worthy the honor of sharing a label with Paul McCartney and Carley Simon- she is a next generation singer-songwriter. At 22 years old, my other favorite Hilary (but with one L), is a Berklee School of Music graduate and wrote every song on this album, Through These Walls. Yep, unlike the karoke singing, song stealing wannabes on Idol, Hilary created her own classics. The result is super catchy pop music dripping with great horns, keyboards and guitar. If the unique polished sound was not enough, then comes her voice- emotional and playful at the same time- and a voice that so does not match her looks as it is pretty soulful and borders R&B. Tracks 1-2-3 and 6-7-8-9 are can't get it outta my head catchy. Think a girl version of the 70s rock group Chicago meets Shelby Lynn meets Michelle Branch meets Joss Stone.

Please buy this CD and help make this Hilary a star so she can pay off her student loans to Berklee.

Guitar Heros.

Ever since I bought into the WII phenomenon a few months back, my respect for amazing guitar work has only grown. Sure, I have played air guitar since the first time I hear the Rolling Stone's "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," but having to manage the WII remote to play "Slow Ride" for the first time is among my most intimidating music moments.

This week, the boys and I headed to see the some good friends play some rock and roll for their fans. The Raconteurs are the closest thing to a super group (think Asia from the eighties) that the alternative rock world has right now. Jack White (of the White Stripes) and Brandon Benson (an amazing solo artist: check out is pop-rock gem "The Alternative to Love") write and play amazing music. So clear from their performance is that they are the best of pals, which I think is fun to watch on stage. Rolling Stone recently interviewed Jack White with Keith Richards together and it was an all-out love fest. And for good reason. The Raconteurs put on an old school rock and roll show at Denver's Fillmore last night- filled with hooks, licks, and showmanship. Keeping up the tradition- loud, hard, and memorable. Keith and his good buddy Mick should be proud that this next generation of classic rockers is keeping up the tradition. Too bad they'd never win on Idol.

Equal Rights are Human Rights.

Being "for" or "not for" HRC these days is kinda like being "for" or "not for" the gentleman from Illinois running for his party's nomination- you really can't lose, but know you can do better. And of course, better is the Senator from NY. But I digress.

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is our nation's largest GLBT lobbying organization and they talk lots about the great work they for their donors. But why is it that marriage is defined as "man and woman" in at least 40 states right now? Why is it still legal on the federal level to fire an employee simply for being gay or lesbian? Where were they on the recent "Day of Silence" sponsored by the ever-noble gay and straight school teacher's network (GLESN) to draw attention to the bully culture in so many schools? In my view, HRC does not get that politics is all about compromise and communication and education of its donors on the real issues. For all the criticism the Bill Clinton Administration weathers for the so-called "don't ask, don't tell" policy of the early -90s, future president Hillary Clinton explains that it was the best we could do at the time, and even then it was groundbreaking. Even as Melissa Etheridge threw Hillary under the bus, Senator Clinton stood firm as she explained that Washington is about compromise and playing within the system-- look back in history and you'll see that's how we change the world. Enough said.

I'm so very proud of my friend Pat for receiving the Paul Hunter Award for the inspiring work he does state-wide to advance the issues so important to humans, regardless of sexual orientation. Pat was my reason for participating in this year;s fundraising dinner and for renewing my faith in HRC during such an important time in our country's history of making sure the words equal and human go together with the word rights.

Pictured above is Pat accepting the award. Below is Pat and his delightful partner Dave and me.

Band of Influence.

The boys and I headed to see Kraftwerk last night at Denver's always accommodating Fillmore Auditorium. So very entertaining was the show and the crowd- among the most diverse concert crowds you will ever see in Denver. In the days leading up to the show, I dusted off my Kraftwerk music and fondly remembered just how much I loved electronic music growing up in the late seventies and early eighties and how it has shaped my musical tastes today. While I am a budding guitar hero, I love the crisp production of electronica. I remember Davey and I shopping for CDs in the format's early days and getting excited when a CD was "DDD."

I realized how much Kraftwerk has influenced the artists I listened to growing up, and, yes, still listen to today. Kraftwerk has been making music of influence since the days of Saturday Night Fever. Think about that-- and they are still touring the world! It's impossible to listen to this band and not think about Human League, Gary Numan, The The, New Order, Heaven 17, Naked Eyes, Depeche Mode, Tears For Fears, Howard Jones, David Bowie's eighties comeback, Madonna, Pet Shop Boys, Goldfrapp, JT, and any synthesizer-using band from the last 30 years. Yep, including the Bee Gee's-- listen to the first 40 seconds of Tragedy and you'll hear what I mean. Kraftwerk gets a tip of my hat. Well, I'd tip my hat if it didn't mess up my heavily TEN-X'ed hair. Ah, those were the days.

Thanks to my new pal Jeff for the great photo.

100 Days 100 Nights.

Amy Winehouse just won an armload of Grammy Awards and she is a wonderful, albeit troubled, young artist. Or does she just have one of the hottest producers working right now with the gifted Mark Ronson? Sharon Jones and the legendary Dap-Kings have put out the best pure soul album I've heard in a long time in 100 Days 100 Nights. While Amy's behavior is tragic, the real crime is that Jones did not even get a Grammy nod, in any category. Amy is on a big label and certainly does plenty to keep herself in the media and keep her publicist employed for life. Jones is on a small, quiet indy label, and, well, is a bit more mature than our Amy. She stays home and reads books while Amy is out getting arrested. Pick this CD by Sharon Jones up today and listen to a memorable voice grown the old fashioned way- in church and at family gatherings. It will be the perfect background for your next gathering.

Love.

Jon and I made a five day escape to Las Vegas for a bit of sun and relaxation. Thankfully, we achieved that as we sat poolside soaking in the 75 degree desert sunshine. An added bonus was that I fell in love with Love at The Mirage. I am a sentimental Beatles fanatic and often struggle to find words to describe the influence they had; no make that: continue to have, on music. Love is so much more than Cirque de Soleil performed to Beatles songs. Yes, the Cirque performers are amazing and the stage itself is a technological wonder. For me, the sonic boom of hearing these 26 tracks remastered and remixed with love by Sir George Martin and his son Giles was a thing of beauty. I was brought to chills more times than I can count and even welled up with tears watching the innocence of the early days of the Beatles shown through rare video out-takes. The father and son team obtained permission from Paul, Ringo, Yoko, and George Harrison's estate before playing with the original work and the result for me was like hearing many of these songs for the first time. There are tracks "mashed-up" and elements from some songs blended with others, but it's all Beatles. The soundtrack from Love just won Sir and son, along with The Beatles, a Grammy Award for best soundtrack album. Listening to this music as the Cirque performers interpreted it as no others can, in a theatre designed especially for this sonic experience, was sublime. See Love the next time you're in Vegas. Even if you're not a big Beatles fan.

It Is Time...

"It is time for a revolution" we are told on the title track on the new album from super hot rocker Lenny Kravitz, It Is Time For A Love Revolution. As a new amatuar player of Guitar Hero, I appreciate great guitar work more than ever before. Many critics don't let Kravitz off the hook for his obvious respect of master Hendrix but the first six tracks of this CD are so good that they are difficult to get past--I've had them on repeat for several days on the iPod. These songs span the style and celebration that is the music of Lenny Kravitz. If you've not seen a live show of Lenny's yet, do add it to your list. He is an old fashioned rock star, complete with groupies throwing bras, underwear, and roses at him. He rocks. I agree it is time for a revolution. Somehow I think we'll be hearing this song on the campaign trail soon.

Detours.

"It's about being forced to wake up" is how Sheryl Crow describes her latest collection, Detours. Working with the Tuesday Night Music Club production team for the first time since the multi-million selling, multi-Grammy winning album of the same name. Sheryl has lots to write about, including breast cancer, a very public breakup with friend-of-W's Lance Armstrong, the adoption of her a baby boy, the Karl Rove incident, among other things. Like Lenny Kravitz and Melissa Etheridge, Sheryl remains an under-celebrated artist mostly because she is (too) smart and (too) sexy and is not afraid of being smart and sexy. Her song, still one of her best, My Favorite Mistake, is about her apparent one night stand with God, who we all know is Eric Clapton. Songs like that and others she has written about abortion and politics, are what get your albums banned at the largest music retailer in the US, Wal-Mart. Yet that does not stop her from writing about the war and becoming a new mom all at the same time. I don't know if she's ever been as vulnerable as she is on the title track, Detours. I feel like I've been on a bit of a detour myself and this song spoke to me and I'm grateful for it as it's forced me to wake up myself. Another standout track is Shine Over Babylon, a look at the world through Sheryl's eyes. If you've liked Sheryl before, this album will not disappoint you as filled with hope and maturity and introspection and even a lullaby.

Mika: Live

My buddy Paul was in Seattle for work and he and I shared the utter joy of a live show by Euro-Pop sensation Mika on the evening of Valentine's Day. The show opened with the piano riff from Dolly Parton's "9 to 5," which is sampled in the track "Love Today" off Mika's debut album. Mika and band went on all evening showering love and energy on his audience. 2007's Life in Cartoon Motion is one of the best pop albums to come across the pond in many years and Mika played each track along with a few new songs. His song "Grace Kelly" is now the second best selling single in the history of the British charts, after "Candle in the Wind (For Diana)." I always love when the artist connects with his audience by telling stories about life on the road and about the origin of a song. My personal favorite was the story he told of his record company not wanting to include the wonderfully funny and sadly true "Billy Brown" on the US release of his album because American audiences would not get it. Listen to the song and you'll realize that many of us in America get it, especially GOP elected officials. One minute Mika is Freddie Mercury, the next he's Elton John-- I'm hopeful the love and joy and playfulness of Mika's music comes through once again on his next album. He has a tough act to follow after such a memorable debut.

Shelby Lynne's (more than) Just A Little Lovin'

I have been in love with the music and style of Shelby Lynne since the release in 2000 of the wonderfully confident I am Shelby Lynne. Even though she was a semi-established artist on the country music scene, she won the Grammy for best “new” artist in 2001 for this CD. Not that there's anything wrong with it, but Shelby is so not a country artist, she’s a classic pop, borderline R&B singer who was put into the country category because some knucklehead at her record company thought her story was a country music song. Get this: in front of Shelby, her father shot her mother and then shot himself. Of course, after this experience she became an artist with an uncanny ability to express emotion. She's now on the very cool, very with-it Lost Highway label.

Like the CD that won her the Grammy, this set is self-assured and gentle. This time, Shelby is here to worship Dusty Springfield’s work from what is easily one of the most important albums in my collection, Dusty in Memphis. With uber-producer-don’t-write-him-off-yet Phil Ramone at the dials, this is a great all-around album with standout tracks including I Don’t Want to Hear It Anymore, How Can I Be Sure, I Only Want to be With You and the classic The Look of Love. Perfect background music for your next dinner party or to listen to while you admire what happens when the planets of producer, performer, writer, and vibe align.

The National.

Another 2007 release that I’m just discovering is the latest album from The National, titled Boxer. Paste Magazine just featured them in a cover story. By the way, Paste Magazine is what Rolling Stone Magazine used to be before it had to put Cameron Diaz on the cover just to sell magazines. Paste comes out once a month and includes a CD of the artists featured in the issue. I look forward to its arrival each month and have discovered so much amazing new music thanks to the ultra-hip staff at Paste. The National, hailing from the birthplace of my Mom and Dad-- Brooklyn, is what indie-rock is all about: moody and dark and beautiful and full of hooks that keep you interested. Together with a tender, baritone-voiced lead singer and sparse arrangements, this collection is a winner. Think Joy Division, Elliott Smith, early New Order and the latest from Iron and Wine. The songs Fake Empire, Start a War, and Mistaken for Strangers are standouts. I’d read about The National in the past, mistook them for strangers and never gave them a listen—please don’t make the same mistake.

Cat Power

Chan Marshall is one of the most talented singer-songwritters you've never heard of. Maybe because her stage name is Cat Power. Not too many artists can get away with naming an album The Greatest, like she did on last year's wonderful and painful set of sultry and dreamy original songs. On this outing, she is literally a jukebox, singing the songs of others and treating them like they are hers alone. I'm not a big fan of covers, but on this album Cat Power is not afraid of the ghosts that exist when one songwritter records the work of others. Her version of the classic New York, New York is the most fearless version I've heard. Even the chairman is smiling.

New Magnetic Wonder.

I love KEXP-FM in Seattle. Operated by the University of Washington, its frequency at 90.3 is the same as my college radio station WKNJ-FM. As much as I long for my days in college radio, KEXP blows away anything we did at WKNJ. Actually, KEXP bests just about any radio station in the US. Finally, a radio station that lives by its tagline: Where the Music Matters. Check them out on-line.

I caught an interview with this charming pop band, Apples in Stereo, and fell in love. This is pop music in its most pure form-- before MTV and before American Idol. How did I not know about this CD that was released nearly one year ago?!? At first listen, songs like Energy and Same Old Drag get in your head and make you sing and clap your hands. Download them today and support independent music!

Juno.

It’s not often that you can include the words “charming” and "sweet" in the same sentence with the phrase “teen pregnancy.” Juno is a wonderfully engaging look into the unusually simple world of a pregnant teenager named Juno, played by Ellen Page. Great performances by the sublime Jason Bateman, ageless Michael Cera, sharp Allison Janney (from TV's The West Wing) and hard-soft JK Simons (Thank You for Smoking) and a rock-solid screenplay make this a must see. Ellen Page’s performance is one that most young actresses dream of—and she nails it. The great soundtrack, including a can’t-get-it-outta-your-head song by The Moldy Peaches, was mostly selected by Page herself. See this movie and see why great writing makes for great entertainment. But is is worth giving up a season of my favs The Office and Brothers and Sisters and missing out on The Daily Show with my Jon Stewart during such important times in Iowa and New Hampshire? OK, enough about unions and management and can't we all just get along...

In Rainbows.

First introduced only on-line, the album that was not "in" anywhere is now "in-stores." I'm pretty old school-- while I sampled most of Radiohead's excellent new album In Rainbows on the web, I did not purchase a download. Mostly because I could not decide how much to pay for it. This album gives Radiohead fans what they want: tons of layered and moody production, introspective and moody lyrics (especially on the standout tracks Videotape and Jigsaw Falling in Place) and music that gets better with every listen and with every change in your mood. Much has been written about the way the band released this album, but here it's all about the music-- and the music is quite good. It's fascinating to watch out the music industry responds to artists like Radiohead and Madonna as they seek new ways to make their art available to the world. If only the recording industry could rewind to 1998 and embrace the model from Napster and turn it into a way to sell. Instead, the industry went in with its dukes up ready for a fight. There's a lesson to be learned and one to be studied in many a marketing business case.

Growing Pains.

Is this the alum that will make MJB a pop star? Mary is in love and feeling fine. If you're like me and have followed MJB's career since the early days, you enjoy her writing about the pain, suffering, and joy that love and life bring to us everyday. On Growing Pains, she gets a song in an iPod commercial (the hot Work This) and has a song that sounds very much like Michael Jackson's Don't Stop 'Till You Get Enough (the more than fine, Just Fine). The songwriting is terrific and the production slick and shiney and unique. Not Breakthrough, but lots of growth and fun.

Once.

Did you see movie that was a love fest to eighties music, complete with eighties child star Drew Barrymore, called Music and Lyrics? It was filled with a few moments of pop-up video fun and made me laugh on a flight from Seattle to Denver. Once. And only once. Oy.

I want to be the guy who selects music for movies. No, not just because I’ve had a crush on Cameron Crowe (yep, both the man and his work) since his debut with Fast Times at Ridgemont High. I want to be Cameron Crowe’s stunt double. Here is a movie that bests the work Crowe has done with music and movies and love stories: Once.

The movie Once is an independent gem. Made for what probably was literally a song, this is a brilliant love story with music and lyrics created by a couple while they fall in love with each other. I know, same story line as that movie I saw on the plane. Only this is music you want to hear more than once. It is not often that we get to experience such a wonderful matching of music and movie and love and heart. The couple from the movie are also the songwriters and they really are a couple in real life. A perfect match.

Glen Hansard, you know him from The Commitments, plays “guy” and Marketa Irgolov plays “girl.” It’s a basic story- girl meets guy, tells him to follow his dream, they become pals, fall in love, and then become each other’s dream. The music tells their story, and it’s a passion-filled journey. The camera work makes it feel like you are right there with "guy" and "girl" through the creative process.

This movie was released to theatres over the summer- the season in Seattle to be outside, so I missed it in the theatre. I have been enjoying the CD for months now and the music has even more impact when watched with the movie. In fact, the song "Falling Slowly" is also featured on this year’s edition of the KBCO Studio C collection. I think it could get an Oscar nod for best song from a movie.

Please, add Once to your NetFlix queue. Or purchase the DVD and help support independent movies and songwriters. I promise you will want to see it more than once.

FutureSex/LoveShow.

Justin Timberlake’s second solo album, FutureSex/LoveSounds, was released in September 2006. Since then, most of the tracks have made it to video and released as singles. It’s not often that on CD can produce so many hit singles. And Justin’s success is, well, justified.

I guess sometimes I have the reputation of being a music snob- listening to artists until they become popular. Well, that can be true, but if anything I am a snob for quality. That said, I freely admit to being a big fan of Timberlake’s music. He writes and performs super infectious pop music-- Rock Your Body (made infamous by that Super Bowl wardrobe malfunction) and Sexy Back were easily the catchiest songs of their time. After last year’s Grammy Award ceremony, during which Timberlake performed no less than four times, I wrote about Timberlake’s dynamic stage presence and charisma. On this new DVD we get to see Timberlake dance—a joy to watch. Clearly he watched lots of MTV growing up as his ability to channel Michael Jackson (in a good way) is uncanny. Wow.

The DVD is a recording of Timberlake’s Labor Day Weekend concert at NYC’s Madison Square Garden that was broadcast live on HBO. I’ve kept the recording on my TiVo since then but now just bought the DVD as to free up some much needed hard drive on my TiVo. I’m glad to have the DVD, even though I needed to purchase it at its exclusive retailer, Best Buy.

Timberlake has managed his career well— without scandal or making a fool of himself as pop stars tend to do. Sure, he’s had a few high-profile break-ups, but he is JT after all. It was a brilliant move to hitch himself to uber-producer Timbaland. Together they have created a unique, genre-bending sound.

If you don’t already own the FutureSex/LoveSounds CD, it is worth a purchase—this way you’ll own one of the defining pop albums of its time. The DVD of his Madison Square Garden performance is certainly worth a spot in your rental queue. You will enjoy seeing one of today’s most talented male pop stars at his best- playing piano, singing, dancing, and charming the audience of a legendary arena.

Rufus Does Judy.

I love Judy Garland and I love Rufus Wainwright. I really was born this way. I bought this CD with such high expectations that I was afraid to listen to it. That fear quickly melted away and turned into giddy delight and chills. Rufus may have sung that “Old Hollywood is over” on the title track of this summer’s uneven-but-buy-it-anyway-because-it’s-Rufus CD Release the Stars. He demonstrates his love for things old and classic on this song-for-song recreation of Judy Garland’s famous Carnegie Hall concert, the LP of which won her an Album of the Year Grammy for 1961. Rufus admits that he has been training for this concert since he was a boy and “…wanted to be Dorothy…” He is now is the ultimate Friend of Dorothy with this true valentine to Garland. It takes lots of… confidence… to take on the concert of truly one of our greatest entertainers at her creative peak. Rufus does so flawlessly. His classically trained, carmel voice has never sounded better and the 36-piece orchestra is arranged as it was that memorable evening in 1961.






Rufus has only performed this show in New York, London, Paris, and Hollywood. The DVD version of this concert was filmed at the Palladium in London. You will get so happy watching him show you his affection for this music and get exhausted watching his performance. If Rufus were not enough, the boy-wonder orchestra conductor (also a FOD?) is brilliant and a joy to watch.

Rufus Does Judy at Carnegie Hall is officially the second classic CD from Rufus, the first one being the 2003 gem Want One- still one of the finest pop albums of the decade.

A Dead Heat.

Even with today's endorsement from the Des Moines Register, Senator Clinton is in a dead heat with Senator Obama for the win of the traditional, but-how-important-is-it-anyway, Iowa caucus. The paper also endorsed GOP candidate john McCain. It sure would be cool if the plot of The West Wing could happen in real life. Can you say Clinton-McCain? Here's the endorsement from today, some of the best written support I've seen for future President Clinton:


The Des Moines Register: December 16, 2007:
A deep, talented field in the Democratic caucus race offers both good and difficult choices.

No fewer than three candidates would, by their very identity, usher the nation to the doorstep of history. Should the party offer the nation the chance to choose its first woman president? Or its first black president? Or its first Latino president?

Or should the party place its trust in two senators, Joe Biden or Chris Dodd, who have served their nation with distinction for more than 30 years each? Or should it heed John Edwards’ clarion call to restore opportunity for all Americans?Beyond their personal appeal, the candidates have outlined ambitious policy proposals on health care, education and rural policy. Yet these proposals do little to help separate the field. Their plans are similar, reflecting a growing consensus in the party about how to approach priority issues.

The choice, then, comes down to preparedness: Who is best prepared to confront the enormous challenges the nation faces — from ending the Iraq war to shoring up America’s middle class to confronting global climate change?

The job requires a president who not only understands the changes needed to move the country forward but also possesses the discipline and skill to navigate the reality of the resistant Washington power structure to get things done.

That candidate is New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.

From working for children’s rights as a young lawyer, to meeting with leaders around the world as first lady, to emerging as an effective legislator in her service as a senator, every stage of her life has prepared her for the presidency.

That readiness to lead sets her apart from a constellation of possible stars in her party, particularly Barack Obama, who also demonstrates the potential to be a fine president. When Obama speaks before a crowd, he can be more inspirational than Clinton. Yet, with his relative inexperience, it’s hard to feel as confident he could accomplish the daunting agenda that lies ahead.

Edwards was our pick for the 2004 nomination. But this is a different race, with different candidates. We too seldom saw the “positive, optimistic” campaign we found appealing in 2004. His harsh anti-corporate rhetoric would make it difficult to work with the business community to forge change.

Unfortunately, for many Americans, perceptions of Clinton, now 60, remain stuck in a 1990s time warp. She’s regarded as the one who fumbled health-care reform as a key policy adviser to her husband, President Bill Clinton, or as a driving force in the bitter standoff between the “Clinton machine” and the “vast right-wing conspiracy.” Her record in the Senate belies those images. Today, she’s widely praised for working across the aisle with Sam Brownback, Lindsey Graham and other Republicans.

Determination to succeed and learning from her mistakes have been hallmarks of Clinton’s life. She grew up in Park Ridge, Ill., graduated from Wellesley College and earned a law degree from Yale. As first lady in Arkansas, she was both strategist and idealist, borne out by her commitment to children and families. As the nation’s first lady, she in essence spent eight years as a diplomat, traveling to more than 80 countries and advocating for human rights.

In the Senate, she has earned a reputation as a workhorse who does not seek the limelight. She honed knowledge of defense on the Senate Armed Services Committee. She has proactively served rural and urban New York and worked in the national interest, strengthening the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Clinton is tough. Tested by rough politics and personal trials, she’s demonstrated strength, resolve and resilience.

Can she inspire the nation? Clinton is still criticized in some quarters as being too guarded and calculating. (As president, when she makes a mistake, she should just say so.)

Indeed, Obama, her chief rival, inspired our imaginations. But it was Clinton who inspired our confidence. Each time we met, she impressed us with her knowledge and her competence.

The times demand results. We believe as president she’ll do what she’s always done in her life: Throw herself into the job and work hard. We believe Hillary Rodham Clinton can do great things for our country.

Buy These Albums Now.

Gift the gift of music this holiday season. I think these are the best CDs of the year-- the order of importance depends on mood.


LIFE IN CARTOON MOTION by Mika
Like a mix tape from a best friend, there is hardly a throwaway song on this album. Mika is the love child of Robbie Williams, Scissor Sisters, Queen, and Elton John. Of course, this makes him just a bit “too gay,” even for me, and therefore not fit for pop stardom in the US. He dances, he plays the piano, and he writes lyrics that are both playful and fun. So infectious that you will find yourself singing along, not quite sure what some of the songs are about, but you’ll be happy. Mika is a superstar in the UK, the single “Grace Kelly” being the island’s biggest seller of 2007. This is sugar-sweet Brit-Pop at its finest.


SONGS OF MASS DESTRUCTION by Annie Lennox
An album of emotion: raw, powerful, expressive emotion. Songs of anger about AIDS, poverty, global warming, the Iraq War. No one but Annie herself can best describe this album: "a dark album, but the world is a dark place. Most people's lives are underscored with dramas of all kinds: there's ups, there's downs. Half the people are drinking or drugging themselves to numb it. A lot of people are in pain.” To that end, each song on this album is better than the one before it. PLUS “Songs of Mass Destruction” has possibly the greatest all-star song ever, “Sing” featuring 25 of the most prominent female singers in the world. It’s a sonic delight- her voice is arranged beautifully and remains one of the most under-appreciated in music today.


RIPE by Ben Lee
Yep, ripe and ready to be a star. I saw Ben Lee this summer in Seattle and knew I was watching a singer-songwriter who wants to move you by making you laugh and think. Oh and hum along too. Perfectly constructed pop songs, even one that asks the question “What Would Jay-Z Do” and instructs “Love Me Like the World is Ending.” Ben is a songwriter who rewards you for listening to the words. If Fountains of Wayne were a solo act, this is what they would sound like.


RAISING SAND by Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
When two of the most distinctive and beautiful voices in music get together with T-Bone Burnett at the dials, the world listens. Plant defined rock and roll with his voice and business-savvy and Krauss has one of the sweetest voices ever and she has more Grammies on her mantle than any other woman. From the opening song to the final note, you know you’re experiencing a very important work. Chilling harmonies, understated arrangements that are a little bit country and a little bit psychedelic. Buy the CD and listen to what will no doubt be a classic.


BACK TO BLACK by Amy Winehouse
I read once that Amy is to the UK as Brittney Spears is to the US. Not so. Yes, yes, yes, Amy needs to get to rehab. This is an amazing album- the best soul of the year. Deep in its emotional, honest lyrics and hip but old school production. Don’t let the tabloids keep you away from this one. Listen to “Tears Dry on Their Own” and see if you can guess which Motown classic has the exact, to-the-note arrangement. Buy this CD and listen to pain from Amy’s point of view.


LITTLE VOICE by Sara Bareilles.
No little voice here- a big pop album filled with gems. This Sara listened to lots of Sarah McLachlan, took that influence, and added more piano and layered arrangements. Songwriting that has both depth and simplicity and a voice that will give you chills- and might even bring you to tears. Really. You’ve heard her music featured on TV programs, often during those contemplative relationship scenes in Brothers and Sisters. Buy the CD and use it as a soundtrack for your own contemplative scenes.


NEON BIBLE by Arcade Fire
The best retro-80s album of the year. Daring arrangements and sounds-- the storm of different instruments will stop you in your tracks: church organs, heavy woodwinds. Let this one grow on your ears and you’ll be very satisfied. “No Cars Go” is one of the best songs of the year – coming soon to a Hummer commercial near you. Heavy sigh.


MAGIC by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
What more can I say? The title track alone speaks volumes for the depth of The Boss as an artist and an American. A great journey through rock and roll’s emotions and power. And a crime that MAGIC did not get a Grammy nod for album of the year. An award that Springsteen has never won. OK, I admit, I’m still smarting that Norah Jones stole the award from 2002’s THE RISING.


AS I AM by Alicia Keys
Alicia is the soulful voice of her generation. Filled with anthem-like writing and style-blending from pop to neo-soul to old-school-Chaka Kahn-R&B. Keys is maturing into a classic before our very eyes and her voice is so strong and full. As if that’s not enough she recorded a song with John Mayer and gave a stunning performance of “Gimme Shelter” with Keith Urban at LIVE EARTH. What’s not to love?


THE REMINDER by Feist
Quick, how many iPod commercials does it take to make a star? 1-2-3-4. This song introduced the latest generation of a iPod iconography, and made her a star at the same time. Enjoyable jazz-pop-folk with smart lyrics and arrangements. And there’s that sweet and haunting voice.

Download These Songs Now.

Here are the best songs of 2007, each among the most played on my iPod, and never fail to bring a smile to my face.


SHUT UP AND DRIVE by Rihanna
This year’s “Little Red Corvette” as it combines plenty of innuendo and well, gear-shifting power. Plenty of people stepped under her Umbrella, but really should step into her car instead. This song explodes with all kinds of energy and tension. Play it loud.


APOLIGIZE by Timbaland Featuring OneRepublic.
Take an unknown, nothing special, Colorado band in the right place at the right time with a catchy ballad and partner them with uber-producer Timbaland and you have a hit. The old-fashioned, pre-American Idol way. Timbaland has a unique and addictive sound and brings a hip vibe to this and to…


NITE-RUNNER by Duran Duran (featuring Timbaland and Justin Timberlake and Jim Beanz)
…this sleek, sexy club hit from the boys who made us Hungry Like The Wolf. JT certainly has the wild boys to thank for his career, but also Timbaland, with whom he made one of 2006’s most important pop albums “FutureSex/LoveSounds.” Just like what JT mixed with Duran Duran should sound like. Hot.


BETWEEN MY LEGS by Rufus Wainwright
I had the pleasure of seeing Rufus in concert in Seattle this summer. What a showman. This song is both funny and sexy and spooky and one of the better cuts from his uneven-but-buy-it-anyway-because-it’s-Rufus CD “Release the Stars.” And he does a spot-on Judy Garland in concert.


NIGHT AND DAY by Bebel Gilberto
There might not be a more perfect pop song than this gem from Cole Porter. Gilberto’s version brings a breezy feeling to a heavy song and turns in a version as good as the one by U2 and by the Chairman.


THE STORY by Brandi Carlile
Listen to this song just once and you will be haunted by its power. I had the joy of watching Seattle’s own Carlile and I was blown away by her presence. Wisdom and pain beyond her years.


PLANET EARTH by Prince.
It helps to get a gig at the Super Bowl, which is how his royal badness started 2007. A great track with stunning guitar work and an Al Gore-friendly message. Still an under-valued influence on today’s music, give Prince a chance again.


SOCCER GIRL by Brother Love
The Tom Jones of his generation- woman threw underwear at him when I saw him this year. NYC’s BroLo is in love with a podcast host. From his second album, this track is playful for its driving drums and guitar work. Nowhere near as amazing as the work from his appropriately titled “Album of the Year” from 2004.


WHAT HAPPENS TOMORROW by Melissa Etheridge
A song of hope that was a showstopper that moved Davey and I at LIVE EARTH this past summer. A gifted storyteller, Etheridge writes this one for her kids, both literally and figuratively, and convinces us to believe and work to become the change we want to see.



THE UNDERDOG by Spoon
If Phil Spector were to produce The Jam, this is what it would sound like. Infectious power-pop with a message. This is one of those songs that makes it into a TV commercial and will be a hit in four years. Stay tuned.

Sunny Day.

This week brought lots of rain to the Pacific Northwest. Seattle did not have nearly as much as southern Washington and northern Oregon. After 10 days of gray, we swept the clouds away yesterday afternoon and had a glorious sunny Saturday today. I was getting tired of the gray. This was the most rainy week I've seen since I've been here. In New York, it's not the heat, it's the humidity. Here in Seattle, it's not the rain, it's the gray.

Joey and I took a great city walk and quick run to the world's coolest dog park- almost 10 acres of leash-free heaven with a dog beach with dog-only swimming in Lake Washington. Joey's not much for the water, but he is turning into quite the social creature. I have no idea where he gets it from.

These are two shots from the corner near my place here in Seattle, today. It's kinda cool to see a great American icon everyday. The mountains, the water, the Space Needle-- when the sun is out, there is hardly a more beautiful city in the lower 48.

Snow Patrol.

It snows in Seattle just a few times a year, and it is such a damp cold. When it snows it hardly accumulates and the city shuts down. The buses don't run and Seattle-folk really should not drive. Today we had a dusting of snow and people were stocking up at the Safeway. Before I headed into the office for a little bit today, we took a journey into the snow. Joey is not a big fan of the snow, or the rain actually. Who's dog is he anyway?