Robert Nash Bigelow

Four simple words with so much meaning. My good friend Michael Walker used to say these words at the end of every conversation we would have via phone, and they were plentiful. I can still hear his voice in my head perfectly after two years. The voice that I can't hear, and I don't know why, is that of my grandfather. My grandfather passed away on this date in 1991. I was only ten years old when this happened, but I recall the memory well. My family and I were watching Nick at Nite (back when that network aired shows other than Home Improvement and Roseanne for their "classic television" line-up) and the entire screen was green in honor of St. Patrick's Day. We got a phone call that would cut that fun family night short and change our lives forever. My grandfather was an amazing man with so many quirks and interesting personality traits. I remember having him sit back in his easy chair and pretend that he was getting his hair washed while we watched The Price is Right. He was always such a good sport about it, even with his 3 tufts of hair...

Why I remember Michael's voice and not not my grandfather's has a lot to do with the amount of time that they have been gone. Michael has been gone two years, whereas my grandfather has been gone for 20. Wait..is that right? 20 years? I have been without this person for more time than I was with him and yet the memories are still so vivid. I have been told that I have a ridiculously vivid memory to begin with, but I think that there is more to it than that. What I'm trying to say is that today is a day that I remember my grandfather. I'm not the most sentimental person, but after having a child that has *cough cough* slightly changed in some subtle ways. I think about the importance of anniversaries, birthdays and other monumental events with more of an urgency to remember and celebrate them than I have in the past. I suppose I'm no longer the one choking back tears at sad movies, avoiding funerals in order to not show public displays of emotion or skipping over days like today to eliminate any unpleasant thoughts that might enter my head. The fact is, in order to truly embrace the life that you have today, it is important to honor your past. Robert Nash Bigelow is the kind of person that I was, and still am, proud to call my Papa and even more honored to name my child after. Besides, if Miles ever goes into the music business he can drop the Hutchinson and simply be Miles Nash. Now what about that name doesn't scream touring musician?


While many may be slugging down their green beers today in honor of this Irish holiday we call St. Patrick's Day, I think I may skip that acid reflux battle that alcohol inevitably causes, and spend my time looking at old pictures. I know I have some of papa sitting in his favorite chair, pocket protector securely in place, waiting for his "favorite" grandchild to come and join him for next episode of Wheel of Fortune. That man loved his game shows.....

Happy St. Patrick's Day to you all.

Cover Girl

What is it about classic songs being covered that either gets your blood boiling ("THEY MASSACRED IT!!!") or makes you think "You know, this is almost as good as the original."? A cover song is hit or miss, especially when someone messes with a timeless classic. The following are some covers that I, Jessica Hutchinson, deem worthy of being a successful cover. Here goes...

#10) "Those Memories"-Brian Jonestown Massacre

Although Dolly does it so beautifully, the B.J.M does this song justice by adding the jangled up flair of their own sound. Reminiscent of the old garage sound and overall an appealing version of a hauntingly beautiful song.

#9) Guns of Brixton-Nouvelle Vague

 

I am a HUGE fan of Nouvelle Vague. Note: if you are inviting friends over for an impromptu dinner/cocktail party, throw on some Nouvelle Vague to be your soundtrack. It will always be a crowd pleaser and raise the question of, "Is this a cover of...(insert awesome song title here)?"

#8) Fell In Love With a Boy-Joss Stone

 

I know that a lot of people favor the original, as do I..but there is something very lovely about the female take on this song. I can get behind this cover 110%

#8) My Favorite Things-Bjork

 

Although the movie was haunting and seriously sad, I still can't forget this scene and Bjork's cover of this song. It goes from a chipper show tune to a dark...dark....swan song. Sorry to make the swan reference...Bjork...dress...fashion..yeah. 

#7) Wonderwall-Ryan Adams

 

Whenever I play this on a jukebox people always stop and listen. No matter who they are..young, old...I think it's the kind of song that brings people together. Sing-along anyone?

#6) Do You Wanna Dance?-The Ramones

 

It doesn't get much better than this. 'Nuff said.

#5) Enjoy The Silence-Tori Amos

 

Ms. Amos does it again. Only Tori could take an already haunting song and make it even more incredibly goose-bump inducing. Best track off from this concept album

#4) Ooh Child-Beth Orton

 

Ms. Orton's voice=heavenly. I can't even say anymore about this. Like floating on a cloud made out of her voice..it's very fluffy. You dig?

#3) I'm on Fire-Bat For Lashes

 

#2) Ghost of Tom Joad-Rage Against the Machine

 

I, sadly and embarrassingly, didn't know that this was even a cover until I was 18. 

#1) Because The Night-10,000 Maniacs

 

I can never get enough of this song.

There you have it folks. There are many more...but this is all for now.