A musical soundtrack to a spiritual journey
Maybe the best part of Friday night’s Travelin’ Music segment — even better than the music itself — is the insight it has offered into nonpolitical aspects of many of those who post here regularly. It has served as a necessary reminder that humanity transcends politics, no matter how fervently that political opinion might be expressed.
Take, for example, tonight’s guest posting from that lover of all things platinum and black, our provocateur du droit and skeptic by way of Harvey Mudd, Le Bruno:
“Part of being human means experiencing hunger. Every day, we hunger for food, which we can easily alleviate with a nice meal. Spiritual hunger is a little more complex and not so easily satisfied. Though many seem to find spiritual comfort in traditional organized religions, that has never been the case for me. While most promote faith, I advocate skepticism. While others seek certainty, I embrace uncertainty.
The closest I come to spiritual peace is while listening to music. Certain artists and albums seem to take me to a higher plane, where it all makes sense — at least for a while. At the top of that list is Santana, whose 1972 effort, Caravanserai, remains near and dear to me and many others. The album was a sharp departure from his earlier work and marked the end of Neil Schon’s and Gregg Rolie’s time with the band. Though it wasn’t a huge commercial success, it was an artistic achievement of major proportions.
While every song is fantastic, from “Song of the Wind” to “All the Love of the Universe” to “Every Step of the Way,” I have selected “Waves Within” as my special song to represent my never-ending spiritual journey.”
– Jay Bookman
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712 comments Add your comment
josef
June 22nd, 2012
6:32 pm
G-MARE
Glad you liked that @ 4:22….always been one of my favorites and wasn’t that some good images whoever put with it!
AND
I’m glad you and ATLANTA MOM liked the Neil Diamond…that one has been one of my “cosmic om” anthems…my Mom introduced me to it…I hated the book with a mad passion and she had to all but tie me down to get me to listen to Diamond’s work on it…I’m glad she did…
josef
June 22nd, 2012
6:34 pm
Okay, Bruno, Buddy…there’s your 101 and glad to be the one…see? There IS that connection there, eh?
Paul
June 22nd, 2012
6:35 pm
carlosgvv
How ’bout joining pogo? (6:24)
Santana and Michael Jackson
June 22nd, 2012
6:35 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P50hi7ibXrM
josef
June 22nd, 2012
6:36 pm
PAUL
G&T…makes me happy!
G Mare 71(PLEASE VOTE NO ON TSPLOST)
June 22nd, 2012
6:38 pm
Godless, the bigger the hair, the closer to god,
JamVet
June 22nd, 2012
6:38 pm
jonix, my childhood connection to the native people (the Pawnee, the Kiowa, the Comanche, the Arapaho) is through the buffalo, the coyote, the cottonwood trees, the wind, the rocks and yes, apparently (though I never knew it!) the salmon!
Too funny…
Paul
June 22nd, 2012
6:39 pm
Matti
Nirvana?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FklUAoZ6KxY
wet wiccan
June 22nd, 2012
6:39 pm
Why do we never get an answer
When we’re knocking at the door
With a thousand million questions
About hate and death and war
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NP9iOqdxS8c
And when you stop and think about it
You won’t believe it’s true
That all the love you’ve been giving
Has all been meant for you
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
June 22nd, 2012
6:41 pm
“But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdYwRsevX_U&feature=related
Matti
June 22nd, 2012
6:49 pm
carlosgvv,
I am just now reminded, though, that it’s not necessary to try to strip someone’s faith (as you said, there’s no point), when it can be so much FUN to point out what hypocrites they are by claiming to follow a doctrine that demands, love, charity, and humility, while behaving like a hateful, greedy, pompous duck. Heh…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D59ZWa8ehgI
josef
June 22nd, 2012
6:50 pm
G-MARE
@ 6:38
I got your hair…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVfjhxvsMOc&feature=related
Normal, Human Rights Thug...And liking it!
June 22nd, 2012
6:52 pm
When you’re talking Santana, This one really gets to me…We used to dance…when we were younger…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qfpgb62m1A&feature=fvwrel
josef
June 22nd, 2012
6:54 pm
Well, I’ll be…nothing like FNM and great minds…
wiccan
(good to see ya) I had that Moody Blues pulled up and ready to go
\
Scout…
See my 6:50…
Normal, Human Rights Thug...And liking it!
June 22nd, 2012
6:55 pm
Oh hell y’all you want Hair?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYGP3CIT4r4
josef
June 22nd, 2012
6:59 pm
matti
@ 6:49
There’s your sign…that video is fantastic…love it and thanks for posting…put a smile on my ole sour face…
Normal, Human Rights Thug...And liking it!
June 22nd, 2012
7:05 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DvIBiaDwDM
Normal, Human Rights Thug...And liking it!
June 22nd, 2012
7:07 pm
and lastly…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHfIftAK5Hs
wet wiccan
June 22nd, 2012
7:08 pm
Hey josef – it’s been a busy week, what with the summer solstice orgy and all (hahahaha). Hope you are enjoying your summer.
JamVet
June 22nd, 2012
7:08 pm
Happy 64th, Todd Rundgren.
Your music has brought me infinite happiness and a sense of connectedness with and a deep, abiding love for my fellow travelers…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-ctHzyVDFc&feature=relmfu
wet wiccan
June 22nd, 2012
7:11 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZQxH_8raCI
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
June 22nd, 2012
7:12 pm
josef @ 6:50:
Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition !
JamVet
June 22nd, 2012
7:12 pm
Brother Normal, that 7:05 is so fine. And it had been WAY too long since I had heard it. Thanks, buddy. You’re the best…
Erwin's cat
June 22nd, 2012
7:16 pm
waves within….great call Jay
eddy
June 22nd, 2012
7:19 pm
Carlos and Matti…one day the answer will be revealed to the two of you as well as to all of us. Is there really a God and a Heaven and a Hell. For those of us who believe the answer is Yes, is your self-esteem in need of such a boost on this blog to ridicule and revile those of us who do believe? Maybe it is just a rhetorical question and the answer is obvious! No one tries to impose his or her values and beliefs upon you but you feel compelled to do so. Too bad we’ll never be able to see the expressions on your faces when you are held in judgment….priceless!!! In the meanwhile, go forth and spew your venom, hate and ridicule.
Paul
June 22nd, 2012
7:20 pm
Pleasant weekend, all -
JamVet
June 22nd, 2012
7:20 pm
How can I change the world
When I can’t change myself
Try again tomorrow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v10gEIUcK70&feature=related
Erwin's cat
June 22nd, 2012
7:24 pm
eddy…i don’t believe G-d really cares so much if we are believers or not in as much as how we conduct ourselves when no one is watching….my G-d isn’t driven by ego
godless heathen
June 22nd, 2012
7:25 pm
Levitcus 25:44 – “However, you may purchase male and female slaves from among the nations around you.
Why can’t I have a couple of Canadians?
http://youtu.be/cXfqlOF2_bk
josef
June 22nd, 2012
7:26 pm
BRUNO
Did you catch that “five sense one?” Think maybe Carlos might have made it to 1180?
JamVet
June 22nd, 2012
7:27 pm
The time has come to take the bull by the horns
We’ve been so downhearted, we’ve been so forlorn
We get weak and we want to give in
But we still need each other if we want to win
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N3b4f_I6oM&feature=relmfu
josef
June 22nd, 2012
7:28 pm
CAT
Granddaddy always said, “it’s not whether you believe in G-d, but whether G-d believes in you.”
Erwin's cat
June 22nd, 2012
7:30 pm
josef…was all of your “hillbilly” family that brilliant?….seriously you had a rich up bringing
JamVet
June 22nd, 2012
7:31 pm
It’s a challenge
Gotta make myself remember
Facing the truth, well, that doesn’t mean surrender
What is bravado and how much is a force of will?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVFoAcbV2MY&feature=relmfu
Spiritual
June 22nd, 2012
7:31 pm
That’s the way of the world….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsAaLNMtb1A
Matti
June 22nd, 2012
7:35 pm
eddy,
I didn’t attack you or your beliefs — only those who claim one thing but practice another. You came here spewing, so if you feel that I included you in what I said, then you put yourself there. Furthermore, your assertion that nobody tries to impose their beliefs on me is a big fat lie. I was at the State Capitol this year, witnessing it for myself. You expressed pride, and revealed that you take pleasure in vengeance. Oh, my my, please go back and read the book of Matthew.
In any case, I FORGIVE YOU. Here’s a song about Heaven:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQ3dAco1czQ
G Mare 71(PLEASE VOTE NO ON TSPLOST)
June 22nd, 2012
7:41 pm
Josef, went to a Pride show years ago where a guy did Tammy Faye Baker. That was the name of the song. Too funny. Come to think of it, back in the ’60s a lot of us wore that beehive hair – mostly the women, tho. Although, the Afro was in then, too. And have you ever seen early pictures of Bill Clinton?
Bruno
June 22nd, 2012
7:43 pm
Howdy again, guys. PB is here. In case any of you were wondering about the origin of her moniker, Platinum Black is a catalyst.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platinum_black
It is also a small play on “Platinum Blonde”, since she has black hair and considers herself to be an “anti” Dumb Blonde.
josef
June 22nd, 2012
7:43 pm
CAT
Granddaddy on my Mama’s side was descended from a long line of rabbis going back to Babylon and from that side I got my sense of rootedness in the great scheme of things…on my Dad’s side, “the swamp rats,” I got my love of the pleasures of the flesh in the here and now…couldn’t have asked for more…
And, speaking of Granddaddy, here’s the one that always brings his spirit calling…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDYAqz603TE&feature=related
JamVet
June 22nd, 2012
7:44 pm
Spiritual, I just adore that song. I can’t really imagine anyone who doesn’t!
Those early black bands were amazing. Not just because of the obvious musical talent but for the pureness in their hearts when they sang about children and redemption and such things. (And they’re playing at Chastain this coming Wednesday evening!)
For my dear friends, Bruno and Platinum Black…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdsja_Q5cP4
Gordon
June 22nd, 2012
7:45 pm
carlosgvv
June 22nd, 2012
4:08 pm
“That adults who are more or less mature can actually believe in such concepts as “spiritual” and “holy” is totally beyond me.
They are the adult equivilant of children who believe in Santa and the Tooth Fairy.”
Yes, because you haven’t experienced it, it must not be possible.
godless heathen
June 22nd, 2012
7:45 pm
Jam, Have you seen the show “It Might Get Loud” on CATV?
Bruno
June 22nd, 2012
7:45 pm
Spiritual @ 7:31–Awesome choice!! All the elements of the Universe covered!!
For PB:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rInQEQ-yUc
PlatinumBlack
June 22nd, 2012
7:49 pm
To my dearest B; how far I would go for you…
http://youtu.be/PN9n1bAahg4
JamVet
June 22nd, 2012
7:53 pm
Negative, Houston.
But I like the name!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPslBGjuRL0
Bruno
June 22nd, 2012
7:53 pm
our provocateur du droit
I guess better than being “gauche”, eh, Jay??
josef
June 22nd, 2012
7:55 pm
G-MARE
I used to know an impersonator who did Sister Vestal and I mean he was good…no lypsynch, but the real deal accompanying himself on the piano, and he did it with respect, too…he grew up in the church and could he rock a gay bar…still went to church on Sundays…
and hair?
My was waist length, and, if I do say so myself, just made for running your hands through…oh, well, precious memories now!
Bruno
June 22nd, 2012
7:56 pm
Since LOVE is the highest form of spiritual fulfillment, y’all have my blessings to turn this into a total love fest. For my one and only:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4aLTQma-rE
P.S. to Jam–Thanks for the dedication, but our love is right here and now, not 10 zillion light years away.
PlatinumBlack
June 22nd, 2012
8:01 pm
For my baby, B (the only baby I need):
http://youtu.be/ssF65nQAyw4
Erwin's cat
June 22nd, 2012
8:03 pm
B….reminds me of expressions from days gone by…love me now or lose me forever
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WohZm1GsAOw
stands for decibels
June 22nd, 2012
8:04 pm
And when you stop and think about it
You won’t believe it’s true
That all the love you’ve been giving
Has all been meant for you
I’ll see your spiritual Moodies, and raise you mine.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bZrxAtN7gA
(as covered by Fountains of Wayne, but give this version a chance.)
When the final line is over
and it’s certain that the curtain’s gonna fall…
JamVet
June 22nd, 2012
8:06 pm
Across the Universe is arguably the greatest Fab Four song ever. Everything about it is just perfect.
They stretched us all and change our minds and worlds forever. In eight short years.
A sweet steady rain in Doraville…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmBAW0s70Os
Bruno
June 22nd, 2012
8:08 pm
B….reminds me of expressions from days gone by…love me now or lose me forever
EC–PB said she was blown away that you put Amy Winehouse up. Good show!!
If I didn’t make it clear the other day, you have my highest respect for your Science accomplishments. While the rest of us pontificate from the sidelines, you are out there on the frontier.
Bruno
June 22nd, 2012
8:10 pm
A sweet steady rain in Doraville…
Hey Jam–Did you send in a FNM selection for Jay yet?? Let me take a wild guess…….Todd Rundgren.
Was I right???
Bruno
June 22nd, 2012
8:10 pm
To everyone putting songs up tonight–I promise to open all of them tomorrow. Thanks for the dedications.
josef
June 22nd, 2012
8:11 pm
BRUNO
@ 7:53
ZamVet
Loved that Collective Soul…nice
Bruno
June 22nd, 2012
8:12 pm
waves within….great call Jay
BTW, EC, “Waves Within” was MY selection. Jay isn’t that cool.
(j/k, Jay)
Bruno
June 22nd, 2012
8:14 pm
Matti @ 7:35–Awesome choice!!
JamVet
June 22nd, 2012
8:14 pm
Four years ago this week, I was at the greatest party on the planet. In Kauai, no less…
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/600977_3322710583462_1069977515_n.jpg
Every single song on this LP is great…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqFJJmfWNsg
Bruno
June 22nd, 2012
8:17 pm
For anyone here who believes in a Higher Power, or at least likes Johnny Cash:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WA9PirNVYP0
wet wiccan
June 22nd, 2012
8:18 pm
stands @ 8:04 – Very nice!
JamVet
June 22nd, 2012
8:19 pm
B, LOL.
Nope, you know me, A contrarian. But I wrote earlier that I should, given the love you guys are getting.
And as it is TR’s birthday today, that would have been perfect. (for me!). But…
It’s all good I play what I love and others do the same.
How can that be bad?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSOaLugmdSY&feature=related
Bruno
June 22nd, 2012
8:19 pm
For our dear friend Hillbilly Deluxe:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WZNOaKbYtA
Erwin's cat
June 22nd, 2012
8:20 pm
Bruno …btw…i have more respect for you doing a DIY diffy q’s…not an easy leap when guided…cheers to you
Bruno
June 22nd, 2012
8:23 pm
“But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14
Back at ya, Scout:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TziyOcb96q0
wet wiccan
June 22nd, 2012
8:23 pm
Speaking of across the universe… for Bruno, the science guy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKHAVAuFcjU
One and Out...
June 22nd, 2012
8:26 pm
Just when you thought the Obama campaign couldn’t get any more desperate, they come up with this: the Obama Event Registry, asking supporters who are getting married, having a birthday, or celebrating an anniversary to direct gift-givers to Obama’s re-election website:
Got a birthday, anniversary, or wedding coming up?
Let your friends know how important this election is to you—register with Obama 2012, and ask for a donation in lieu of a gift. It’s a great way to support the President on your big day. Plus, it’s a gift that we can all appreciate—and goes a lot further than a gravy bowl.
Setting up and sharing your registry page is easy–so get started today.
carlosgvv
June 22nd, 2012
8:26 pm
Paul – 6:35
I don’t know what “downstairs” means.
JamVet
June 22nd, 2012
8:30 pm
Yes. Monster cover, stands.
I guess that a lot of people think of the Moody Blues as a kind of Beatlesesque, soft pop band, with songs for the thinking man and the head.
But that one proved that they could put down straight ahead, driving rock and roll with anyone.
carlosgvv
June 22nd, 2012
8:31 pm
eddy – 7:19
Venom, hate and ridicule is what you compassionate conserative born-again Christians specialize in against all those who don’t subscribe to you narrow, bigoted intolerant dogma.
Normal, Human Rights Thug...And liking it!
June 22nd, 2012
8:32 pm
Cat,
The original…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L87X8k2IWK4
josef
June 22nd, 2012
8:33 pm
carlos
The previous blog thread…upstairs, downstairs, two floors up, two floors down, etc. It’s when a post might be more appropriate on another thread…
carlosgvv
June 22nd, 2012
8:33 pm
eddy
And, if I am really held in judgement and thrown into hell, you picture yourself enjoying every minute of my torment. That says a lot of things about you, none of them good.
Erwin's cat
June 22nd, 2012
8:34 pm
carlos…and unopened book is difficult to read huh?
carlosgvv
June 22nd, 2012
8:36 pm
Gordon – 7:45
No doubt, you feel you’ve received God’s grace and I haven’t. If so, then God gives grace to some and witholds its from others. I wonder why you so easily believe in such a whimsical and cruel God?
josef
June 22nd, 2012
8:38 pm
ERWIN
Did you ever watch Babylon 5? If so, do you remember J’Kar and “put your head in the book?”
carlosgvv
June 22nd, 2012
8:38 pm
Erwin’s Cat – “an unoponed book is difficult to read”
What is that – a wise old Indian saying”?
Erwin's cat
June 22nd, 2012
8:39 pm
thanks Normal…
Matti
June 22nd, 2012
8:40 pm
Dang, are we still on religion?
Here’s a question about Heaven:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaHwzkk6tOQ
(and will my Garmin get me there?0
PlatinumBlack
June 22nd, 2012
8:40 pm
Used to think him a performer of insubstantial stuff. However, I ran across these lyrics today. Realized that this is actually a profound metaphor for the search for purity, which, in my mind, is part of the search for truth. To see the truth requires a purity of mind, the mind like a mirror that is only able to reflect truth in dependence upon its freedom from impurity.
I don’t post much on the blog because I’m not so much into politics. I realize it i something very important, however, I tend toward internal solutions, which are equally vital. I believe that these difficult times economically come from greed. No matter where people point to blame for these problems, the greed is evident there, always underneath.
I hear Bruno talking all the time about taxes… Requiring a greedy man to pay only causes him to hold his money tighter. In a way, raising taxes to help the unfortunate is like trying to impose generosity. However, generosity is a state of mind, and requiring people to give more is actually counterproductive. I understand that the unfortunate need help, but I would like to see more done to repair the internal causes of our problems…
The B is complaining because I have taken over the pilot seat.
So here’s the song, metaphor for the search for purity, truth, a return to innocence:
http://youtu.be/x9j6DE6RnSk
carlosgvv
June 22nd, 2012
8:40 pm
josef – 8:33
Maybe it’s because it’s Friday and the end of another hard week that I don’t understand a word of your post.
JamVet
June 22nd, 2012
8:41 pm
wiccan, awesome.
I had a vivid dream as a young boy where I saw images like those. To this day, I’m not quite sure how to explain that.
And it makes me wonder. Out of those countless possibilities out there, are there others who have their Jesus and Buddha and reincarnations?
And guys, I’m not a big rules guy, but really, is it too much to ask that you do this elsewhere?
Bruno
June 22nd, 2012
8:43 pm
Requiring a greedy man to pay only causes him to hold his money tighter.
Alright, wedding’s off…….
Normal, Human Rights Thug...And liking it!
June 22nd, 2012
8:44 pm
Since tomorrow is going to be so hot and I have “God’s work” to do in the yard…I’m gonna be a….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRGA3CPp6hI&feature=related
Erwin's cat
June 22nd, 2012
8:47 pm
carlos…i’m no indian
Bruno
June 22nd, 2012
8:47 pm
For any Geminis on board tonight:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_fDVzNBm0o
Skram30082
June 22nd, 2012
8:48 pm
How about some Janice Joplin…
IMO, one of the greatest songs ever…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXV_QjenbDw
Matti
June 22nd, 2012
8:48 pm
Platinum *bleeping* rocks (@8:40!)
Interesting take on that one, PB! Deep. (I luvluvluvluv him!) That song always reminded me that the true love of my youth could some day be paroled and come to collect… (Ack!)
Normal, Human Rights Thug...And liking it!
June 22nd, 2012
8:48 pm
Heaven? If Heaven ain’t like this, I don’t want to go…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2cijNKu9qc
wet wiccan
June 22nd, 2012
8:48 pm
Matti – love those lonely boys. How ’bout this one?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0ZK1DvTBpw
Bruno
June 22nd, 2012
8:50 pm
PB and I have to head out to get our next to last training run in. Back in a while. Thanks again for everyone’s participation tonight.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVFhmsku6Lo
JamVet
June 22nd, 2012
8:52 pm
Back at ya, Normal…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8DPlTHrxIU&feature=related
Normal, Human Rights Thug...And liking it!
June 22nd, 2012
8:54 pm
Bruno,
Good Gemini…now for a water bearer like myself…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6223XG2r9BA&feature=related
G Mare 71(PLEASE VOTE NO ON TSPLOST)
June 22nd, 2012
8:54 pm
Bruno, Johnny Cash. Awesome. Thanks. I have 5 or 6 of his LPs. Remember those?
josef
June 22nd, 2012
8:55 pm
CARLOS
T-SPLOST ballot language misleading = Downstairs
The other side of Romney’s success at Bain = two floors down…
Normal, Human Rights Thug...And liking it!
June 22nd, 2012
8:56 pm
Damn Jam!
I forgot about that one! So cool!
wet wiccan
June 22nd, 2012
8:56 pm
JamVet – Those pictures truly are awesome.
*It has been said that astronomy is a humbling and character-building experience. There is perhaps no better demonstration of the folly of human conceits than this distant image of our tiny world. To me, it underscores our responsibility to deal more kindly with one another, and to preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we’ve ever known.*
— Carl Sagan, 1934 to 1996
JamVet
June 22nd, 2012
8:57 pm
Wow, Pettitte got lit up like a Xmas tree at Shea in the first. (Screw calling it Citi whatever they call it.)
More great MBs, B…
Erwin's cat
June 22nd, 2012
8:57 pm
cash was punk before punk was punk!
josef
June 22nd, 2012
8:58 pm
a heaven song…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDzxn66W3uM