Few songs have the power to capture a moment, evoke emotions, or define an era quite like Tiny Dancerby Elton John. From its opening notes to its unforgettable chorus, this song is pure gold—a timeless masterpiece that holds a special place in my heart and countless others. Let’s dive into why this song is so damn good and how it has resonated with me throughout the years.
A Melody that Feels Like Home
The first notes of Elton’s piano in Tiny Dancer do something special—they set the stage for an emotional journey. It’s like being slowly wrapped in a warm blanket on a cool night; there’s a familiarity and a sense of comfort in those opening chords. Elton has always been there for me, from my mid-70s discovery of rock music through to now, and Tiny Dancer was one of those songs that just clicked instantly. You can’t quite put your finger on it, but it’s more than just notes and words; it’s a feeling.
The Power of the Lyrics
Written by Bernie Taupin, Elton’s long-time collaborator and lyrical genius, the lyrics paint a vivid picture of California in the early 70s. Taupin wrote the words inspired by his experiences and observations of life on the West Coast. And if you’ve been to Los Angeles, you can almost feel the weight of the city in lines like:
“Blue-jean baby, L.A. lady, seamstress for the band…”
It’s a song that grounds you in a place and time, yet it’s universal in the way it touches on themes of longing, nostalgia, and life’s fleeting moments. It’s both intimate and grand, personal and yet so relatable.
Holding On to What Matters
For me, there’s one line that has always stood out:
“When I say softly, slowly… hold me closer, tiny dancer.”
This line isn’t just the song’s climax; it’s a release, a moment of connection. Life can be heavy, full of sadness or darkness, but those moments of closeness and understanding are what lift you up. Tiny Dancer is about holding on to those little, intimate moments in a chaotic world, and that’s what makes it so uplifting for me. It’s a song that takes you on a journey—not just geographically to LA, but emotionally through highs and lows.
The Connection to Almost Famous
One of the most powerful modern associations with Tiny Dancer is its iconic use in the 2000 film Almost Famous. The scene where the band and their crew are on the tour bus, tense and fractured, and the entire group breaks out into a singalong of Tiny Dancer—that moment captures something profound. It’s about connection, about joy breaking through despair. That scene felt like an echo of what I’d felt all along with this song: no matter how tough things get, there’s always that chance for a moment of pure, collective joy. It’s why Tiny Dancer resonates with so many.
Craftsmanship in Music
Of course, none of this would be possible without Elton John’s signature touch on the piano. The song’s melody is a perfect blend of melancholy and euphoria. You can hear a contrast between the verses and the chorus that mirrors the way life swings between darkness and light. It’s almost as if the music itself understands the complexity of emotions we all go through. Elton’s piano work here is less showy than some of his other hits but more evocative, letting the melody and lyrics carry you.
And let’s not forget the arrangements. The addition of strings, that subtle buildup, and Elton’s vocal delivery—there’s a synergy in the way these elements come together. It’s one of those songs that, for me, always hits the mark.
Gratitude in the Moment
Listening to Tiny Dancer, I’m reminded to be grateful. Grateful for the connections in my life, for the moments of happiness that break through the routine, and for the songs that serve as the soundtrack to those moments. Life is full of ups and downs, and Tiny Dancer is a reminder to savor what’s good when you find it.
A Timeless Journey
Whether you’ve been a fan of Elton John since the 70s or you’re just discovering him now, Tiny Dancer is one of those songs that takes you somewhere. For me, it’s a journey that’s uplifting, a reminder that there’s joy in the little things if you hold them close enough. The song’s craft, its context, and its enduring message of hope and connection make it a classic. It’s not just a piece of music; it’s an experience.
Do you have a song or songs that leave you feeling really good every time you hear them, no matter what is going on?
The spring of 2002 marked a pivotal moment in my life and career. I had just walked away from my position as an email manager at Webkrew, a decision fueled by their spamming policies. Back then, email marketing was seen as an easy way to blast out offers and promotions to anyone and everyone, but it felt completely unethical to me. I wanted to build meaningful connections, not throw content at the wall to see what stuck. It was a bold move, and I didn’t have a clear plan for what would come next—but I knew I couldn’t stay in that environment.
At the same time, I was juggling a side hustle with an affiliate marketing company that worked with online entertainment platforms, specifically dating and gaming sites. This gig allowed me to build an email system that was successful because it focused on the opposite of spamming—delivering valuable, engaging content. It also gave me the opportunity to develop my creativity, practice product planning, and expand my skill set as an emerging online professional.
Work wasn’t the whole story. Around that time, I threw myself into a passion project called SlidingGlass.com. The name came to me effortlessly—it felt like a perfect reflection of my love for water, surfing, wakeboarding, and the newfound freedom I discovered on my first Sea-Doo. I had recently bought it on a whim, and it quickly became more than just a toy; it was my escape, my clarity.
One day, after spending hours skimming across the lake’s surface, I found myself riding back alone, the hum of the motor blending with my thoughts. Somewhere between the waves and the shoreline, I made a life-changing decision—I was going to quit my manager’s job. That moment was pure exhilaration, like gliding across the water with nothing but endless possibilities ahead. Whether I was carving through the Great Lakes or dreaming of the open ocean far from Toronto, every ride reminded me of the freedom I was chasing. SlidingGlass became a symbol of that feeling—movement, excitement, and an endless horizon.
Even though I was landlocked in the Great Lakes region, sliding glass became a metaphor for how I wanted to live: with clarity, motion, and a sense of possibility. It was during these rides that I started dreaming about what my life and career could look like if I took full control. The idea of working on my own terms, doing something I loved, made me shiver with excitement.
The Wild West and the Birth of ShiverMedia
The internet in 2002 was what I like to call the Wild West. Everything was new, unregulated, and full of potential. It was also full of risk—just like the new business I was imagining. As I considered taking the leap into full-time entrepreneurship, I felt a mix of excitement and fear. What if I failed? What if I couldn’t pay my bills? What if I wasn’t good enough?
The naming process for my business became a way to work through those doubts. I knew I wanted “Media” in the name—after all, that’s the space I’d been working in for years. But I needed a word that captured not just what I did, but who I was and what this endeavor would mean for me. Without screaming it in an obvious way.
Around that time, I was obsessed with Coldplay’s Parachutes album. I had it on repeat, and the song Shiver stood out as a personal anthem. The lyrics spoke to me on so many levels:
“Don’t you shiver, shiver / Sing it loud and clear / I’ll always be waiting for you.”
The song wasn’t just about love—it was about longing, passion, and chasing something that felt just out of reach. It reminded me of the thrill I felt riding my Sea-Doo, the clarity I sought in my life, and the dreams I was starting to embrace as I firmly implanted myself in my 30s. I was living more authentically than ever before—falling in love, taking risks, and trying to create a career and life that reflected my true self.
The word “shiver” stuck with me. It wasn’t just a feeling; it was a promise. A reminder to chase those moments when everything aligns, when the universe seems to say, This is it. Keep going.
And so, ShiverMedia was born.
The Challenges of Building ShiverMedia
Starting a business from scratch was exhilarating, but it was also terrifying. I didn’t have a safety net, and every decision felt like it could make or break me. Back then, freelancing wasn’t as mainstream as it is today, and working remotely was still seen as unconventional. People didn’t always take me seriously, and I had to constantly prove that I could deliver results.
The early years were full of trial and error. I took on projects that didn’t align with my vision, simply because I needed the income. I worked long hours, often sacrificing weekends and personal time to meet deadlines. There were moments when I doubted whether I could make it work.
But there were also wins. SlidingGlass.com, my passion project, wasn’t just a dream—it was growing and gaining recognition. What began as a personal escape on the water evolved into something much bigger. I assembled a team of riders, each of us pushing boundaries and representing the spirit of freedom that defined the project. We covered events, created content, and started to build real partnerships with brands. I worked on deals, designed event experiences, and even crafted websites like Rock the Wake, long before the world knew what it meant to “create content” for an online audience. Every ride, every event we captured, added another layer to the business, building credibility and a sense of community.
Alongside this, my freelance work was thriving. Each successful campaign and every satisfied client reinforced the idea that I was on the right path. ShiverMedia wasn’t just a business—it was an extension of who I was. It became a creative outlet, a chance to shape my career around the values I believed in: freedom, authenticity, and the joy of building something from scratch. It was my ticket to more than just financial stability; it was a chance to live on my own terms, chase my passions, and constantly push myself to grow.
Over 20 Years of ShiverMedia
Fast forward two decades, and ShiverMedia has remained a constant in my life, serving as the foundation for countless projects and milestones. It’s powered everything from email marketing campaigns to creative design work, and has played a key role in some pivotal projects. I developed an affiliate program for various partners, worked on the Rock the Wake website, and helped build brands like Sunrise Records and BrassVixens Fitness. I also contributed to Double Click Marketing, which was my first gig after moving to Los Angeles. That was a turning point after a low period when I closed SlidingGlass due to the 2007 economic downturn and a personal relationship loss. LaHaBnB.com is another project I worked on, focusing on creating platforms for small businesses and teams to thrive.
ShiverMedia allowed me to work remotely from places like Sauble Beach, Los Angeles, and now from my temporary home on a tropical island in Mexico. It’s not just been a business—it’s been the freedom to create, explore, and live life on my own terms, wherever I choose.
But it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. There’s been heartache, setbacks, and countless challenges along the way. Partners fell through, contracts fell apart, and I’ve often had to navigate the frustration of contract workers failing to deliver on promises. I’ve juggled periods of displacement, shifting between full-time roles and freelance gigs, never knowing where the next paycheck was coming from. All while trying to balance a relentless pace—work hard, play harder—only to sometimes feel like I was barely keeping my head above water.
The industry itself has transformed drastically since the early 2000s, and staying relevant has meant constantly adapting to new technologies, shifting strategies, and finding ways to stand out in an overcrowded market. It hasn’t always been easy, but through it all, I’ve learned and grown. I’ve honed my skills in the ever-evolving digital landscape, adding new tools to my belt and adapting to challenges, learning from every mistake, and finding new ways to keep pushing forward.
There have been moments of burnout, times when I questioned whether I still had the energy to keep going. But every time I’ve hit a low point, I’ve come back to the name—ShiverMedia—and what it stands for. It’s a reminder of why I started, of the passion that fuels me, and of the promise I made to myself all those years ago.
The Coldplay Connection
The lyrics of Shiver still resonate with me today, just as they did when I first heard them. The line, “I’ll always be waiting for you,” feels like a message from my younger self—a reminder to keep chasing what matters, even when the path isn’t clear. It’s like a whisper to never give up on what I truly want, even in the face of challenges or uncertainty. That line has become a mantra, pushing me forward when things get tough.
The message from my younger self has always been about returning to my path, no matter how evolving or cumbersome it becomes. It’s about remembering the core reason I started this journey in the first place—to have control over my own income, to produce work that reflects my skills, my creativity, and the growth I’ve gone through over the years. And as much as it’s been a rocky road—partners falling through, projects going sideways, and the pressures of constantly shifting markets—it’s also been incredibly empowering to know that the work I do is mine to shape. The mentors I’ve had along the way, the lessons I’ve learned, and the skills I’ve developed have all fed into creating something that’s truly mine. This isn’t just about the work—it’s about crafting a life, one that’s authentic and under my control, one that allows me to keep evolving as I grow into who I’m meant to be.
And the song itself, with its raw energy and vulnerability, mirrors the journey of building ShiverMedia. It’s about putting yourself out there, taking risks, and trusting that the effort will be worth it.
The Legacy of ShiverMedia
Looking back, ShiverMedia has been both a positive and challenging force in my life. It’s given me the freedom to live authentically, the opportunity to create meaningful work, and the ability to connect with clients and collaborators around the world.
At the same time, it’s pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t expect. It’s forced me to confront my fears, adapt to change, and persevere through setbacks.
Through it all, I’ve learned that the shiver—the thrill of chasing something bigger than yourself—is what makes it all worthwhile. It’s the feeling I had when I launched SlidingGlass.com, when I named ShiverMedia, and when I took that first ride on my Sea-Doo. It’s the feeling that keeps me moving forward, no matter what.
Because in the end, ShiverMedia isn’t just a business. It’s a reflection of who I am, what I love, and the dreams I’ll always be chasing.
Ok, I am debating adding Coldplay to my top 5 favourite all time bands, except there is a section of Coldplays library that is a huge blank for me. Sounds and beats I could not gel with or felt nothing for. And yet… The amount of joy the songs I do like bring me is completely immeasurable. They backtrack through different periods of my life.
So what is it that attracts me to the parts of Coldplays library that so moves me? Well first of all, like with Brandon Boyd, when I hear Chris Martins lyrics, they so resonate with me. Poetry, words and music that moves you in motion fluid with sound. It is the piano, the rhythm and the tempo that get my feet moving, my hands up in the air with a smile on my face that is alive with the energy of the song. That to me is music. Even if I get the lyrics wrong, as often I will when singing aloud. I want to be moved by the music.
So let’s get to it.
5.CLOCKS
Clocks struck me from the first chords, the melody of the piano alone setting the tone of whats to come. When the rest of the instruments commence the energy is lifted up again. You can feel the full vibe. And then the lyrics;
“The lights go out and I can’t be saved. Tides that I tried to swim against”
— ColdPlay – Clocks
One of the most prominent reasons for my love of Coldplay , as stated earlier is the lyrics. They follow the worlds with the melody. You can hear the feeling behind the words, even if they appear to not make sense in a small section like above, combined they paint a picture. This will likely be a theme behind many of the songs I have chosen for this list. Chris Martin makes the words stand out with his ethereal high and low changing vocal notes. His calling out “Ahhhhhhh, Ohhhhohhhohhhohh ohhhh” highlights this.
The next reason i love this song is the melody of the piano. The chords leading the other instruments through the story. One thng I can say is Coldplay is not the first and only band I have been drawn to because it included a piano melody. Ben Folds Five, Billy Joel and Elton John to name a few. Surprisingly it was not Elton who I was first drawn to, it was the piano man himself Billy Joel, Glass Houses was the album.
I mentioned the energy. It is not just the words being sung with Chris’ distinct voice combined with the piano. Coldplay manage to make this otherwise pleading love song into a crashing high crescendo love song about time. It rises and falls as time changes until finally we know.. home is where the story teller longs to be.
4.SPEED OF SOUND
Again it is a piano intro and then the lyrics with the rhythm of the base and drums setting the backdrop to the vocals. This forray of lyrics that I feel are a guided self journey. Words that ask questions, point to what you can see. We focus all the time on the speed of light, yet sound surrounds us all the time and hear it is asking us to look at thoughts that go by at the speed of sound.
To me it is the bass and the rhythm section that drives this song through the verses and the chorus. Which of course builds into these great vibrant crescendos of sound. Appropriate as the song is about sound and how our thoughts can move as fast as it does. There is also heartbreak, a feeling in the first verse that I know all too well! Lyrics are an important part of the way a song flows.
A theme I find through many of these songs is the energy and how they just get you up on your feet dancing around and really enjoying the music.
“All those signs, I knew what they meant. Some things you can invent! And some get made, and some get sent”
— ColdPlay – Speed of Sound
3. TROUBLE
There is a slow painfulness in this song. A person who is looking at what is happening in their life and figuring out that perhaps they have stepped into it. Starting again with the solo piano melody, Trouble is a song that is about asking forgiveness through recognition of your place in a story and its outcome. There is a brutal honesty in the chorus, when we hear, that the trouble, the harm was not intended.
The song is slow, it spins the yarn in a slow meaningful way that allows you to hear the drums, a slow jazzy sound, the piano accenting the words and phrases, that places emotions right there at the forefront. Right from the start with the piano intro you can feel the tone of the song. This is consistent with a lot of the songs here. The first stanzas of music are driving the mood and feelings of the songs.
I loved to play this song over and over again, listening to the words and the feelings they evoked. It really resonated, not in the sense that I had done something wrong and was tangled up in a drama. No, more in the way that with the lyrics above, loving someone was oftem my downfall and I felt that often that love was trouble and I wanted forgiveness for the feeling. Coldplay Therapy!
“And I, I never meant to cause you trouble. And I, I never meant to do you wrong. And I, well if I ever caused you trouble. Oh no, I never meant to do you harm”
— COLDPLAY – TROUBLE
2. Adventure of a Lifetime
The energy of this song just get me up onto my feet and moving. I love Coldplay as a dance music rock band. The intro while not a piano is an electric guitar with a little synth to it. To really appreciate the song, I feel it is almost as important to the experience of listening as it it to watch. So before I go further into the music and melody of the song with the lyrics, let’s drop the video.
“And if we’ve only got this life, And this adventure, oh then I, Wanna share it with you! With you, with you, Sing it, oh, say yeah”
— COLDPLAY – ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME
The songs asks the listener to turn their magic up. Something I feel I don’t believe in anymore and then I hear the energy and feeling of this song. The way it floats with happy feet fun. I am always drawn to the lyrics in the song and how they really mesh with the energy of the music to create the emotion of feeling that I get inside. From the moment this song came out, I recall getting my niece to watch the video with me and make the moves like the monkeys.
I think that is something I really like about Chris Martins lyrics in this song, you can feel and hear the adventure of the lifetime. Like in other songs, you really feel what he is conveying. There is imagination, a sense of whimsy and a colourful painted picture of life when music and dance can be discovered. It is happiness and joy.
1. SHIVER
Here is a fun fact. I manage a digital marketing agency called ShiverMedia. I registered the name in 2002 the reason I chose Shiver is because of the song that holds my number one spot. It is absolutely one of my all time favourite songs. From the moment I first heard it until today. I absolutely love everything about this song.
Often when I hear a song it resonate for a woman I am interested in. It is easy to apply the feelings evoked in a song vicariously to a situation or circumstance in your own life. With me that is so very true. Always music was an outlet for me.
So Shiver starts not with a piano, in fact t is a melody of raw guitar notes overlayed with the strumming of a good old fashioned acoustic guitar. Its fast and almost 50s rock-a-billy sounding in the chords of the electric guitar. The song rises and falls to the feelings of the words. The pleading of the person saying he knows he is unseen, unwanted, but it matters not, the heart wants what it wants. and the cries out, seemingly in vain, to wait. Waiting on love is hard. Often it never comes and that pain is evident.
This song is not a dance song. It is a pure rock song and that is the diversity of the music Coldplay writes. Also why this song reaches the number one spot. The pain of unrequited love, the quitars and the drums the rises and the slower parts. Good well written rock and roll!
“So you know how much I need you, But you never even see me do you? And is this my final chance of getting you?”
First let’s begin with 1984 …. THEN These were what I would say were songs I remember making a HUGE mark on who I was. I immediately loved guitar driven rock ballads. I was young and full of passion and music found its way to viariously describe feelings and moments I could not find the words to do so alone.
L.A. Woman, The Doors Released: April 1971 Writing Credits: Jim Morrison, Ray Manzarek, Robby Krieger, John Densmore Label: Elektra Records
I’ve always had a soft spot for Jim Morrison and The Doors, especially their iconic track “L.A. Woman.” From the moment the bluesy guitar riff kicks in, it’s like being transported to the streets of Los Angeles, where the city’s pulse beats in rhythm with the music.
Despite living in LA for almost a decade, the allure of the city has somewhat faded over time. Yet, every time I hear “L.A. Woman,” it’s like rediscovering the magic of the city all over again. It’s a reminder of why I fell in love with LA in the first place and a testament to the enduring power of music to evoke emotion and stir the soul.
I named my family dog Mrs Mojo Rising or Mojo for short.
Thank You, Led Zeppelin Released: October 1969 Writing Credits: Jimmy Page, Robert Plant Label: Atlantic Records
“Thank You,” nestled within Led Zeppelin’s second album, is a cherished gem that has etched itself into the fabric of my being. Its ballad style, adorned with the signature grit of Jimmy Page’s guitars and Robert Plant’s soul-stirring vocals, struck a chord within me during my formative years.
What truly sets “Thank You” apart is its lyrical depth and emotional resonance. Plant’s heartfelt lyrics express gratitude and longing in equal measure, creating a sense of intimacy that transcends time and space.
3. Live Wire, Mötley Crüe Released: January 1982 Writing Credits: Nikki Sixx, Vince Neil Label: Leathür Records
“Live Wire” by Mötley Crüe is the epitome of unadulterated metal energy, pulsating with relentless speed and power. Featuring lightning-fast guitar riffs and Vince Neil’s gritty, electrifying vocals, the track delivers an adrenaline-fueled punch that leaves listeners exhilarated.
And let’s not forget the iconic cowbell, adding an extra layer of intensity to this headbanger’s anthem.
But beneath the surface of its raw energy, “Live Wire” also boasts a level of musicianship and craftsmanship that is often overlooked in the metal genre. From the precision of Tommy Lee’s drumming to the intricate interplay between the guitars and bass, every element of the song is meticulously crafted to create a wall of sound that is as powerful as it is infectious.
4. Foolin’, Def Leppard Released: July 1983 Writing Credits: Joe Elliott, Rick Savage, Steve Clark Label: Vertigo Records
From the seminal album “Pyromania,” Def Leppard’s “Foolin’” emerges as a prime example of the band’s unique fusion of melodic sensibility and hard-hitting rock.
This power ballad epitomizes their distinctive style, blending narrative-driven lyrics with energetic guitar riffs. As the track unfolds, it takes us on a captivating journey through the highs and lows of love and life, all underscored by the band’s signature sound.
I always was a sucker for a good power ballad.
Watch for my list of top power ballads coming soon
5. You Think You’re Tough – Ratt Released: 1983 Writing Credits: Stephen Pearcy, Robbin Crosby, Warren DeMartini, Juan Croucier Label: Atlantic Records
Emerging amidst the vibrant melodic metal scene of the early ’80s, Ratt swiftly claimed a spot as one of my personal favorites with their release “You Think You’re Tough.”
This track embodies the quintessential elements of the genrethat I love. Things like infectious hooks, anthemic chorus, and driving guitar riffs that instantly captivated my youthful spirit. I absolutely love how Warren DeMartini plays guitar. And in this song well… It’s a song that resonates with the rebellious energy of the era, fueling my passion for the electrifying sound of classic metal.
As I listen, I’m transported back to those exhilarating days of my youth, where the music was loud, the energy was high, and the Ratt and Roll was blaring in my sony walkman!
Let’s sum it all up!
In ’84, Ratt shot up to the top of my favorites list with their infectious hooks and driving guitar riffs, capturing the essence of the emerging melodic metal scene. Def Leppard’s melodic yet hard-hitting style, especially in tracks like “Foolin’,” resonated deeply with me for their ability to blend storytelling lyrics with energetic instrumentals. The Doors’ timeless classic “L.A. Woman” remained a constant favorite, reminding me of the allure of Los Angeles despite its fading glamour over time. Led Zeppelin’s soulful resonance in “Thank You” and Mötley Crüe’s raw energy in “Live Wire” rounded out my top bands, each offering a unique sound that spoke to me on a personal level
Tattooing my body has always been about the story! About the things that were happening for me in my life at the time I sat down in the chair. I mean it is art right most great pieces should have a story! Well I have thought so since recklessly deciding to make my first piece a purple butterfly on my ankle. Almost as tragic as the 80’s trend to get the rose on the cleavage. Close, but not quite.
My Very First Tattoo
So the story starts with a few of us from high school who had decided that we were going to watch one friend get her first tattoo. The shop was located down in what is now known as the West Queen West area. I believe the artists name was Tobi. She was maybe about 10 yrs older than we were at the time. She had also inked up many of our favourite hair metal heroes on their travels through Toronto!!! The walls of her shop were adorned with the gratitude and autographs from the likes of Nikki Sixx, Sebastian Bach, Rachel Bolan and so many more etc.
We ventured down there because our friend Kate had decided it was time to get her first piece. I would then be the only one without and to be honest was not yet sold on the idea. At the shop, the walls adorned with flash from cute little birds and animals to hard core sailor Jerry as well as custom work. Kate selected a yellowish orange butterfly. She seemed pensive to sit in the chair, asking if anyone else was going to get one so she could watch first. It was I who stepped up.
Scanning the wall feeling the pressure not to get a rose on my chest like others before me, I took out my last $60.00 bucks and selected a purple butterfly! Yep, it was small within my budget and 100% spontaneous. (All the best things in life are). Not intending to get a tattoo, I blew my hard earned beer money on a tattoo I never wanted. But it left me wanting more.
I must have imagined it would be more painful. A needle rapidly going in and out of your flesh like that. (I am crazy afraid of needles – don’t ask)However, I was in the chair, the gun was running, her halfway through the outline when I finally asked when she was going to get started anytime soon. From that point forward tattoos have been relaxing and easy for me! Almost meditative. Like I go into a zen zone and just let the artist do their work.
Sure there are pinches and ouches now and then but it also really depends on the artist. There are those I have experienced who just drill the ink into your flesh. Tobi was really good at her craft, easy and gentle. Maybe because the whole time we were there she would take breaks in the back to do a few bumps. Several years later we heard she died of an overdose. RIP Tobi, thank you for the story of my first tattoo!!
Early on looking at this butterfly I began to see something different, a purple rabbit… like from the Alice in Wonderland rabbit hole. This rabbit sits in an old organic antique chair! I often ponder if there really is a rabbit or if I make it up. Often others miss the rabbit, few see it. I still tell the story of what I see.
The Last Flash Piece
Years would pass before I would venture into a tattooo shop for my second piece. This one would also be the last time I picked a piece from the flash on the shop wall. Though I still browse the books when they are present. books! While this is the only other tattoo on my body I did not conceptualize and draw myself, it still had important meaning to myself. So here goes the story.
One night while out at a club with friends one of the group members suggested she catch a ride home with me. Little did I know it would commence a sexual entanglement that would last several months and basically not leaving me feeling anything good about myself. I felt weak.
She was part of our group of friends. The first night it happened we were all out dancing on a Friday night at Buddies and Bad Times Theatre on Alexander. My Jeep was parked across the street and when I left she was catching the express. The next night at a party, before the woman arrived I was hearing tales of the night before. I was so embarrassed. Yet, we continued to hookup until it got complicated. She started living with me as a room mate but we would still hook up, even when she had a new girlfriend. I knew I needed to be peace out.
One night while walking home with my best mate on Queen West, we passed by the local ink shop and I felt the pull. Something needed to go on my body, immediately. We walked through the doors and a symbol from the wall called to me. I had picked the kanji symbol for strength… so I got the symbol. I was also able to ask her to leave and reclaim my space!!
The Tribal Trend
Everyone who was getting ink in the late 90s early 2000s were getting tribal armbands or leg piece. Either way, I swear it was like the rose on the chest in the 80’s. Not on trend with the rose, I was complete opposite with tribal work. I wanted an armband so bad, but I wanted to draw it myself. The next tattoo was designed long before it became a part of the hieroglyphs of my life’s story. I could draw, why was I relying on others to create artwork for me. I really wanted something that was my own. The design evolved over several intoxicated adventures with a heartache companion whom I was strangely connected/attracted to. We never were involved, over the years our antics and adventures were often raw vulnerable and troublesome. Far too often I was willing to blur the lines of my own integrity.
During our time in heartbreak together, her partner and my partner, the four of us closely entwined, left us in the midst of some crazy drama created by a 3rd party who wanted to date both our partners. Alone together, after the bars, she would often lay naked in the bed we shared while I used my art pens to draw designs across her curves. Later, somewhat more sober, I would recreate the drawings in my sketchbook. She ended up getting one done on her body during this period. It was beautiful. I wish I had a picture of it. It would be several years after the Kanji tattoo before I would get the tribal armband.
The design itself is pretty simplistic. I clean tribal design that is met in the centre with a stylized Pisces symbol capped by the moon. I have always felt the pull of the moon in my life. Especially being a water sign. The way the tides change during a full moon, how the world seems to pull just slightly off kilter for me during the full moon phase. If there ever was a a person more prone to be a Pisces, I would say it is me, but that bodes the question, what came first the person or the pisces.
It took me much longer to get the tribal armband I designed during those dark periods. See back then I was always a pay check to pay check guy. I did not really work that hard, just enough to skate by, instead I was focused on playing hard. A few years later, when the haze cleared, I had some disposable income and encouraged by my ex wife, on one of our first dates together, I got this armband done down on Church Street at a shop called Passage.
Getting a Tattoo Is Cathartic
No new tattoos occurred until a few months after my marriage ended and I connected with the same woman from the tribal band and her then new partner who was training to be a tattoo artist. I drove 3 hours in the direction of Sauble Beach to get the words Rock and Roll tattoo’ed across my back between my shoulders and a star on my left shoulder.
I know I wanted the ink I wanted to feel the sting of the tattoo gun pressing the ink into my flesh. I wanted to do something that was completely 180 degrees from the last 4 years married to Melanie. I had a desire to remember who I was and be authentic to myself. I also new sitting under the gun, letting the ink pierce into my skin, adding another glyph would help me heal. In many ways in that moment I was creating a right of passage that I would carry into the future honouring many relationships and family connections.
I chose to put rock and roll across my back because I love Rock ‘N Roll!! Sure, I have listened to other music, but I always come back to that good ol’ rock and roll! From the moment I was first introduced to music I gravitated towards to big energy of rock. My first album was Billy Joel’s Glass Houses and Genesis’ Misunderstanding. From the guys in my Dad’s pipe and drum band introducing me to Q107 Rock to discovering the hair metal of the 80s grunge of the 90s and so on. I often felt out of place in the queer community as I felt I was a lone rocker.
Music has always woven a vicarious path through my emotional being. My stories have songs and the songs words have meaning to my life or what I felt. It’s not always obvious, not always written in the stars. Which slides right into the star, now hidden by the family crest I designed. I wanted to say to myself that I was my own rock star. Despite the heartache despite the pain, I shone brightly in the sky. My life went on to be so much different than what my ex and I had planned. It was for the better.
The LA Ink
In the summer of 2007 I moved to LA after a few months of debauchery in Port Elgin with the same friend from the Rock and Roll ink. Getting to LA was a struggle. I was given two weeks or the job would be gone. That time line may have been more self imposed than a hardline, but I was slipping down a dangerous slope and I wanted a change. Actually I needed a change. If it did not come I would surely break. I was getting into trouble going to strip clubs and doing drugs.
So when that call came I did everything to get myself there, including selling my Cherokee and nearly all my possessions to go and start new in Los Angeles at Double Click Marketing. I am still friends on Facebook to that former employer. I don’t know if she realizes her role in rescuing me from going further down the rabbit hole, but Thank you!
During this time I started to redesign the star on my shoulder. It was empty and I wanted to fill it with something that represented who I was in that moment. Something that told my story in a way I understood. First and foremost I was Gardner and Marilyn Bell’s first born. The child they wanted for 11 years before I came to be. Shortly after learning she was pregnant, my grandfather passed away and it is said I was his legacy. Its funny because my brother was the spitting image of this man.
First in the heart of the piece is the “ying yang” symbol. I am forever that Pisces swimming in different directions constantly at odds with my own internal compass. The light and the dark, the mystic and the scientist. Chaotic but good! That is encompassed by a star because well, I am after all always that rock star in my own universe. I have to be. Now I strive to also be that star in my nieces eyes. The star is spilling with waves from the ocean. I am always and will forever be connected to the water, to the ocean to the waves. A Canadian surf board for my mother. A “tartan” (they never understood there) surf board for my father and his Scottish roots.
The total tattoo as I mentioned represents who I am. It represents my duplicity, the kind gentle empath and that darker guy who emerges every so often to throw my life into chaos. The Pisces soul swimming in both directions. grounded by the best of life around me. Opposites and yet the same. While I may seem an open book, I assure you there is more that lurks just beneath the surface. the ocean is often deeper than we first realize.
A woman I was spending time with when I first moved to LA took me to this shop in Venice Beach. It was so fitting. I mean one of the reasons I loved California and Los Angeles was for Venice Beach and the meaning I got from learning about Jim Morrison and the Doors. I spent a great deal of time over the years in the Venice Beach area.
Over the next several years I would draw up ideas with the perfect places to put the pieces. During this time I started a type of “ship” not a relationship… not a friendship… maybe a cruise ship. I dont know but it was intense. We met shortly after her 21st birthday and carried on and off through the next 5 yrs or so. Our time together embodied the ideologies around sex drugs and rock and roll.
During the first iteration of our “ship” we would hang out late in my room, in the shared house I lived in, on some substance, listening to music, bumping or tripping and well… we totally connected intensely on a physical level. It was during these nights we started planning some tattoos. One was a huge piece we put on her back. Specifically driving to San Fransisco to get it her branded by an artist in the Castro at the time.
The next piece to be added to my body also derived from our intoxicated nights together. She was always a little jaded! And I was never really open. Neither of us really knew throughout our experience whether we were being truthful or just lying to the other. My truth is there was lost of truth amongst the sprinkling of lies. But even then, does truth lie? It was a game we played with each other, for fun, for intensity, for trouble.
We conceived this idea together in those late nights. We were to both get “Truth Lies” the idea is we have truth we have lies and often the truth lies. We were fucked up on something at the time. That I do remember!
The Shop on Burbank
I ended up getting the tattoo a few years later after we both partnered up with other people and fell outta each others orbit for a while. I went to a shop I saw on Burbank in the Valley. I gave the young artist my drawing and he completely changed it. I was way too shy to speak up. It so looks like shit. I let him put it on my body and well today when you see it, this guys inexperience shows.
My next 2 pieces would also be done in this same shop. Not by the same artist. No, the owner would be the guy to give me my next two pieces. He does incredible work. I am not sure he is still working there, or tattooing however, his work was light and stayed in with little bleed. I love that kind of work. He also provided a discount after seeing the shoddy work of the “truth/lies” .
The first piece he did I drew while processing a breakup and listening to Incubus. Often I processed heartache with a song. Im this relationship my entire view on people changed. Specifically within myself and the confines of this specific relationships. The woman helped me understand I needed to stop dating women who were emotionally troubled and significantly younger then I was. Why it was important for me to find women who I were more mature and wiser, someone who was my equal. In this instance the woman was an alcoholic, prone to verbal abuse and anger management issues. Little did I know she was also wanted from the law and would end up in jail shortly after we broke up. I was so glad to be out of that relationship.
Me And My Burdened Black Heart
The day I scheduled the piece to be done, I was also processing something that was happening in the week leading up to that day. My mother had become suddenly ill and on Father’s day was taken to Humber Hospital after having trouble breathing. She was admitted and thus began a series of tests and conversations that were going nowhere good fast!. By the morning of my tattoo my mother was to be removed from life support. In a matter of a week I had gone from the weekly calls with her to saying goodbye.
I still remember our last conversation as if I had it with her yesterday. It’s funny how these things stay with you. I will also never ever forget the friendship I experienced that day up at Neptune’s Net. Thank You Gina! Words wil never express the importance of your friendship that day and everyday since!
The design of this tattoo was about love. About how love has many forms and the heart often can influence how love unfolds. Inspired by the song “Black Heart Inertia” by Incubus. It just resonated how I felt about the heart and love in that moment. Especially the line “me and my burdened black heart“ which in my tattoo sits between an anatomically correct heart. The heart that gives life. From the connection of my mother and father sprung life and this heart keeps beating.
On one side the devil’s wing, on the other side is the angel’s wing. Again the symbolism of opposition. The ying and the yang. Pisces! The transition from the life giving heart to the dark heart. It likens to the words “my black heart pollutes me” central to who I am when it comes to love. Then the transition to the cartoon heart of romance. “You’re a mountain I would like to climb, not to conquer but to share in the view”, it’s all how outlooks and how perspectives can change. How we move forward and survive. Through the music. I added the scroll to represent the loss of my mother… Without you! The love of your mother, the life giver.. that loss.
The second was done again at the shop on Burbank in the Valley. I went with my sister and niece. My sister was getting something to commemorate her and Madisen and I was getting a Samaon styled tribal cuff. This design I had drawn up after seeing some ink on some Samoan friends in Palm Springs area. I began researching meanings and designs and came up with this for my cuff.. To this day it is one of my most favourite pieces of work.
The design features the arrows of a spear, diamond shapes linked together to create the heart of the band. There is some shading in the diamonds as well as around them to create depth. The spear is a symbol of protection, The entire design is encased in waves from the water. The upper waves flowing to the right and a lower wave to the left.
You will notice there a lot of symbolism in my pieces ink. As I believe the ink must tell my story and represent who I am. The symbols of water and of the duality within myself and in life. We are not always running in harmony with ourselves or the universe and it is important to recognize this. I love bringing symbolism into the drawings I do. Even if ever so subtle. Not every message or lesson has to be glaring or in your face. Like that beautiful curve on a woman that runs from the small of her back gently falling over her hips and over the curve of her ass then down to her thigh! One of the sexiest spots on a woman, but that is another story!
When I was there in the chair getting this piece done. I had time to reflect on these symbols and what it meant to me to tell my story this way. What it may mean to the many people who get inked up. As I have said, our bodies are our own personal canvas and we shoudl be choosing the designs that truly fit who we are. That tell a part of our story. Like how parents will get their childrens names, or animals
The Island Ink
Once again, there is a long break between the ink above and the next pieces I will get. Notice this is a trend. I get tattooed like I have relationships. Good stuff when its on but lots of time in between. In 2012 I moved back to Toronto from LA for a few years before life yet again took me elsewhere. This time to Isla Mujeres, Mexico in late 2015. My boy Jackson, the incredible yellow Lab I got with my ex wife in 2002 passed away in February of 2016. A few months before that I got an apartment on ISla Mujeres! For those 14 yrs that dog was my absolute best friend. No matter how many women came and went, no matter where my travels took me, whether long road trips or flights across countries., that brave and trusted old friend was there. He was always a great listener. I can recall with a deep fondness thinking when my ex wife picked him out… this guy is not the dog, he is hiding under the table ad there are all these rompers at my feet. Nope she wanted the guy hiding under the table.
As much as we picked him together, that dog right from the start was all mine. We had a bond that transcended space and time. A companion by my side from that moment through a huge break up, a move to and back from Los Angels. Jackson was my best mate ever, We shared meals, a friendship and so much love! I will never forget that by and have his full name in my personal History tays are!
Jackson of Longmourn
The Duggos! Jacksonian institute of dogology! My boy!!! Jax! August 10th 2002 – feb 26 2016. What a long and fantastic ride it was my friend!!! Thank you for your gentle eyes and kind soul!!! I will cherish our memories and our friendship for all my days to come! I have still not been able to let another puppy into my heart as you were. Forever you are on my arm.
The Whale Shark
Later that first summer, my OG friend Shannon and her daughter Taryn came to visit Isla and we went on a whale shark tour. I was absolutely changed after this experience. I have this profound love of sharks and the depths of the ocean and life that lives there. The bellena tiburon or the whale sharkis absolutely magical. When you live or visit Mexico during the summer moths from June through September, there are ample opportunities to see these creatures up close in the open ocean. They migrate to the area in the summer months specifically during the full moon. Boats leave from the island daily and take you out 20kms to where they are feeding! They are just magnificent!
Three New Tattoos
In the last year I have adorned my body with 3 new tattoos. The first is a replica of a curated piece my ex requested for her previous apartment here on Isla. The specific request was, 2 crows in top hats resting on a skull that is in a bird nest. I nailed it and we got a print made of it at the Costco in Cancun. She hung it in different places around her place. I have never really seen my own artwork on anyone other then my own wall before.
I recall I would look at the drawing and think, “WOW what a great piece of black and white ink!” As she knew my body consisted of other pieces from my past, memories of women and people in my life, she once asked what piece of ink I would add to my arm should we break up! Funny, I should have thought on that more at the time. She always expected to break up permanently. I always hoped for happily ever after.
The second piece is one again drawn for the same ex.This one she specifically wanted drawn as a tattoo. Incorporate her favorite flower, the peonies, a world compass only the slightest hint of color. She loved the drawing but promised her mother to never get another piece of ink.
Anyways, I changed a few things. First I removed the color, added the coordinates of where we met to the compass.
I chose these two pieces because they were both were special requests from her, thus they were meaningful to the relationship. I feel the peony/compass symbolizes the relationship over the skull and crows. Don’t get me wrong, both are a part of the story, and her. However the peony just is more her.
It is funny, I knew she would never get the tattoo, despite how much time and effort I put into it. Even when I finished she loved it and the location on her body it best fit. Yet I just knew she could never get another tattoo after a promise she would not break. Thanks for leaving it for me, I absolutely love it on my body,
The last tattoo I placed on my body was fun. Almost perfect. It is a raptor scratch that reveals a panda eating from a bamboo tree. The scratch represents my ex Jamie (I did say most involve a woman, right) and myself. I am the panda bear and she was the raptor.
So the videos in this section represent the beginning and the end of our relationship. At the beginning she shared this Bishop Briggs song to describe how she felt being close to me. We often in the beginning used music to define our feelings and courtship.
Ok ok, we are starting here… these are currently my top 5 “Endless Summer Bucket List Adventures”. Each item is something I have long dreamed of experiencing. Childhood dreams, desires and plans come to life as an adult. Also dreams developed as an adult can also be thrown in.
Building a top 5 list of my top Endless Summer Bucket List Adventure was not an easy task. There are so many places and experiences out there! So for now I have narrowed that down to the following 5. Because I am Sam, Sam I am!!! There is room for these to be appended or updated as I see how each fits into life.
#1 – Learn to surf on iconic Southern California beach breaks.
The first was easiest, Learn to Surf and then surf the most iconic summer beach breaks in southern California. Ever since seeing the first Endless Summer movie, I have wanted to live my own version of the endless summer. Nothing appealed to me more than this perfect plan for an adventure based on a cult classic movie. Except, while I have boogie boarded, body surfed and paddle boarded, any time I have actually tried to surf, well I was intimidated by my insecurities, not being able to stand up and the “hetero” normative scenes out in the lineup!
So, the first task will be learning to surf, then rolling down to those iconic southern California beach break and catching a few Sam sized beginner waves. Leading up to that will require some work. I have been out of shape for some time. My core will need to be strengthened and my knees sorted out. That means moving more and dropping some of this non “dad bod” weight! It all starts with stretching and body weight work.
Check back in March, I will be heading to Cancun to take surf lessons on small beach breaks. Little Sam sized beginner waves for long boarding lessons. There will definitely be a video on this one.
#2 – Meet and speak with role models who have inspired me.
The second may appear to be off the beaten path. However vital to the development of my growing and being able to appreciate the experience of these adventures. So I’ve reached out to some of the people in this world who have inspired me to seek out accomplishing my dreams. This one will definitely take some time.
As I receive responses over the coming months and can meet up with some of these mentors and role models as I get the opportunities to meet some of these people, I will be sharing those experiences with you! One thing I will say, while there were people I looked up to when growing up, I have more role models who are younger than older. I find in fascinating that the people I admire right now are younger than I am, doing things that I only wish were available to me when I was their age.
One of. my dreams has always been to live remotely and work. Pre digital nomad I did it the best way I knew how when I moved to California. I worked from home living in Huntington Beach, but I never imagined even in the early 2000s we could have location independence as we do now.
Look for me to bring other creators, business peers, professionals in their industry and people who are my heroes/heroines to be interviewed in the coming months.
#3 – Learn to free dive for at least 3-5 minutes or more.
For the third on the list, the sun sand and surf are right back at the forefront. As a kid I can recall hours in the water swimming and trying to stay under as long as possible. I could never get better than the minute mark. I would always count the seconds, 1, 2, 3… in my head until the need for air forced me back to the surface.
When I watch YouTube videos of creators staying under the water longer than a minute I am so jealous. I would love to stay down 3-5 minutes if possible. Going down deep and watching the marine life frolic just leaves me feeling such joy inside. To do this will require some training. I will need to prepare for holding my breath long periods of time. Currently I am recovering from COVID, but once I feel lung stronger, I will start posting to Patreon the progress of my breath holding. Perhaps a chart is required.
Reaching out to the dive centres here on Isla Mujeres to find someone who can help train and spot me as learn to free dive long enough to achieve #4.
#4 – Experience great whites, reef and tiger sharks in the wild.
There has never been a time I can recall not thinking about wanting to see a live shark out in the wild! Truth is that It’s highly probable while body boarding or swimming in the oceans off the coast of SoCal there could be toothy guy in the grey suit within 100 yards of me and I never knew. Which is key. I never saw it!
I have seen sharks in Aquariums but that is the closest ever. I am obsessed with seeing a shark. Not just any shark. The goal is to experience Great Whites near Guadeloupe and in SoCal. To swim amongst black and white tip reef sharks or go to the Bahamas and see the Tigers. Obviously I would like a safe controlled experience with professionals. But, yeah, get me in the water with sharks please!
#5 – Cover World Surf League events around the world
The last item that is going on this top 5 list is very close to my heart. The goal is to revisit a period in my life where I was most excited by what I was doing. Incredibly excited and felt at home, but too afraid to own it and be myself through the process. The struggle I always have.
In my 30s I started an online magazine SlidingGlass.com about being on the water and using it as a means to create fun! Covering the adrenaline packed world of the pro wake, surf and jetski sports. I loved these sports. I have always loved surfing, this landlocked freshwater fish loved a port that was the hardest to try. Instead I opted for skating. I was decent, better on street than ramps. Either way. I loved being at the contests and shooting the athletes however, I was ashamed and embarrassed to do put myself out there again fearing the “hetero” normative, what I decided would be “judgey” energy of the bros. I failed due to my own fears of being judged. I just want to shoot the content and write about it when it moves me. So I am going to.
“Don’t let your dreams and goals hang. Hurry up and add them to your bucket list.”
— anonymous
Alright then, time to share! What are your bucket list items? Where do you dream of going? What do you most desire to do in life? Are you ready to live your best life ever?
Comment below tell us all about your bucket list!!!
So, there is the dream right, living somewhere more adventurous, more historical, more like Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Whatever your great escape dream is… how can you actually make the change and continue to live life comfortably with a stable source of income.
Most people have heard the term “Digital Nomad” by this point. I mean we are everywhere, working online in the digital space while traveling to places we love without having to save to go on vacation. Where ever we roam that is where rent is paid. Its a pretty great deal if you ask me. One I have been searching for since I was just 16years old going to high school in Toronto Canada. In fact I was laughed at, has sand literally kicked in the face of my dreams. Good friends whose opinions I valued and respected questioning why I wanted to uproot myself and move to California. I would not be legal to work, how would I live.
Fast forward 20 years later and I was moving to California after working remotely for 6 months on a new contract. Suddenly I had a huge “Ahh Hahh” moment. I coulD move there, live and work because I had my own business and well… The dreams of a young rock and roll kid who wanted to surf and see where the bands they loved came from! The picture below is the 16 yr old rocker. I never smoked really, I just thought it was cool!
That same 16 year old rocker who finally ended up in California also had a dream to one day live in a small house on a beach in Mexico. Well, its not a beach house, but I have designed a life that places me in close proximity to a turquoise blue incredible beach on a tropical island off of the coast of Cancun Mexico. It’s simple. That digital nomadic lifestyle I discussed earlier.
I have designed my business so that no matter where I am I am able to work remotely. The start of this is having my own business. I began back in 2002. My ex wife and I started an online agency creating email campaigns and designing websites for companies in Canada and the US.
My company is ShiverMedia, we are an agency that builds websites and designs campaigns and content that produces results for our clients. I have served clients from David Tutera to Sunrise Records. I specialize in entertainment and small business marketing. Hit me up if you want to implement some campaigns.
If you are looking for small business or creator content coaching, I can help. I have experience building and developing traffic for all levels of business. But enough about me. Watch the video see what I do and get inspired to do something you can work on where ever you decide home base is.
One fo My Favourite Bowie classics, Starman, 1972.
David Bowie is a highly influential musician leaving his mark on many top artists throughout the years, whether they realized it at the time or not. David Bowie had a career in music that was influential in shaping the world of modern rock and pop!
He was never one to fit in with the status quo or do what was expected. No, it was entirely opposite. He never cared about how he looked to others. David Bowie came onto the music scene with an outlandish style and unique voices that soon paved the way for more incredible talent!
My truth is this. I was never much of a Bowie fan when I first caught a flame for rock ‘n roll. No, my first influences were country through my parents and self discovered artists such as Billy Joel, Genesis, the Bee Gees (yes, and I still love them!) and of course, the Beatles!
There is always going to be great debate about how much influence artists had on future artists. Probably best to just let the artists speak for themselves on how much they were influenced by any one artist. I discovered David Bowie in 1983 after the release of his the debut solo album, “Let’s Dance”. There was this girl, she loved David Bowie, so of course I immersed myself in that album and actually found joy in discovering more of his earlier stuff.
Ok so as the title of this post reads, here are 5 artists whose work was influenced by David Bowie’s work.
Top 5 Artists Influenced by David Bowie
5. The Smiths, Morrissey
In 2012 in a radio interview Morrissey sites David Bowie as one of the artists that he is indebted to. The two would go on to become old friends until Bowies passing in January 2016.
In a 2017 Rolling Stone magazine Morrissey, ever himself as outrageous as David Bowie had been, told contributing editor Rob Sheffield“He must surely be happy now. Music is eternity, and there he is, now, very much in it. I don’t imagine he wanted anything else from life”
Though relations between the two men were not always good, in fact there was a scathing call out of Bowie by Morrissey, who suggested in an interview that Bowie was no longer the artist he once was. He went on saying “he gives people what he thinks will make them happy, and they’re yawning their heads off.” It ended with him proclaiming that Bowie was not relevant and had only become relevant by accident.
“David [Bowie] quietly tells me, ‘You know, I’ve had so much sex and drugs that I can’t believe I’m still alive,’ and I loudly tell him, ‘You know, I’ve had SO LITTLE sex and drugs that I can’t believe I’m still alive.”
— Morrissey, Autobiography
The Smiths, How Soon is Now
4. The Cure, Robert Smith
The Cure’s Robert Smith was hugely influenced by David Bowie and will often speak to this during interviews. As a child he discovered David Bowie and described the experience of discovering Bowie like this “David Bowie was probably the first artist that I felt was mine. He was singing to me.” The first vinyl purchase Smith made was Bowie’s 1972 release, Ziggy Stardust.
The post-punk icon, Smith, describes being drawn into Bowies music, like so many others, by the multitude of characters that became apart the ever evolving career made of of different characters and changes which helped him rise to the top of music charts across several decades.
Robet Smith’s dream came true in New York City when he was asked to sing with Bowie at his 50th birthday party! From a young fan in the 70’s and an album that changed his life. Bowie’s sound patented the Cure’s doom and gloom sound of the 80’s
“I listened to music before Bowie, obviously. I have an older brother and he played me Hendrix, Cream and Captain Beefheart… all that type of stuff from the 1960s but David Bowie was probably the first artist that I felt was mine. He was singing to me.”
— Robert Smith, the Cure
The Cure, Just Like Heaven
3. Madonna
Madonna gave a speech inducting David Bowie into the music Hall of Fame in 1996, where she credited him with changing her life, proclaiming he taught her everything. The woman who in the 80’s and 90s can be credited with single handedly changing the way modern rock concerts are performed, gave the nod to her greatest influence, David Bowie
As the story goes, her and a friend snuck out of the house when she was 15 years old to see her first concert. A David Bowie concert her father already said there was “no way in hell” she would be going. Her father’s refusal encouraged her all the more to take the risk and go. Of course she got caught and spent that summer grounded. In her own words “it was worth every minute that I suffered in my house that summer”.
Madonna patterned her chameleonic stage personas after Bowie. She immediately saw that he created and used his personas as part of the art. “I found him so inspiring and innovative. Unique and provocative. A real genius.” Many artists like Madonna have credited David Bowie with being very provocative for the time, embracing and toying with the ideologies of gender. The realms in between and around masculine and feminine.
This man right here hugely influenced and shaped the types of music I enjoyed when I was a 16 year old in Weston, Toronto. I fell hard for the music that is Motley Crue is famous for now. Nikki Sixx has long credited David Bowie with being a huge influence in his music. Yeah, it seems hard to make the leap from David Bowie to Motley Crue, but as Nikki describes above, it is there.
When looking to make a great band, Nikki described such a band that would be like David Bowie and the Sex Pistols thrown into a blender with Black Sabbath. What a mix right? Truthfully, if I am listening to a song like “Live Wire” I feel that is exactly what I am getting. The song is early raw and hard Crue. It tastes heavily of metal and punk. An homage almost to Sabbath and the Sex Pistols. Especially in that messy energy that drives straight through the song.
The words used by Nikki Sixx after learning of Bowie’s passing, just 2 days after his 69th birthday. “Bowie not only inspired me as a songwriter but inspired me to add layers to my creativity as an artist” aptly describes Nikki’s fondness for David Bowie.
As for the musical influence in Motley Crue and other hair bands, well… Look at a number of the early 80’s hair bands. Present in most of the videos was a strong androgynous teased hair, tights as pants and makeup. The best evidence, Poison’s 1986 “Look What the Cat Dragged In”! Those four boys were looking pretty feminine and masculine all at one. I mean Brett Micheals used to be so pretty! My own gender confused heart was in full crush mode.
“Bowie showed us that it’s not only important to evolve as artists but mandatory… Bowie was my hero and always will be”
— Nikki Sixx, Motley Crue
Home Sweet Home – Motley Crue
1. Nirvana, Kurt Cobain
By the time Kurt and Nirvana found themselves rising on the charts with hits like “Teen Spirit” and the release of Nevermind in 1991, there were many incredible bands that could influence a group of 90’s musicians. Here is an NPR article that describes 50 Artists who Inspired Kurt Cobain.
Nirvana recorded a cover of David Bowie’s “the Man Who Sold the World”, an electrifying version that was released on November 19, 1993 just about 5 months before Cobain’s sudden and unexpected death at age 27. If you think about it the song, a story of a man who no longer recognizes himself as he looks at his reflection in the mirror. Somehow fittingly poignant if you consider the timing and what Kurt was experiencing personally before his death.
Bowie himself had described the version by Nirvana as “heartfelt” noting that “until the cover, it had not occurred to me that I was part of America’s musical landscape.”
“I was simply blown away when I found that Kurt Cobain liked my work, and have always wanted to talk to him about his reasons for covering ‘The Man Who Sold the World’” and that “it was a good straight forward rendition and sounded somehow very honest. It would have been nice to have worked with him, but just talking with him would have been real cool.”
— David Bowie
The Man Who Sold the World – Nirvana, MTV unplugged
What are your favourite Bowie Songs? Do you have a favourite artist influenced by David Bowie?
Alright, what happens when you look at a “Boomer” playlist and put it next to a “Millennial’s” playlist. I reached out to friends Susan (boomer) and Jade (millennial ) to get their favourite songs from when they were 16 years and their current (to the time of survey) favourites. Hearing the musical favourites of others can not only provide great insight to who they are but what was happening in the world at the time they were 16. This pairing could not be anymore different as night and day. It is also highly reflective of both generations and the people
LET ME KNOW WHAT YOUR FAVOURITE SONGS WERE WHEN YOU WERE 16!
Jade Ewing – Millennial – 16 Yrs Old – 2002
1. A Moment Like This – Kelly Clarkson It is hard not to love Kelly Clarkson. There is a reason she won American Idol and is the most successful artist of the franchise. Her powerful voice and dynamic range just pull you in. Despite the fact that she clearly was marketed to the teeny bop generation of the early millennium, Kelly Clarkson has gone on to build an incredible career. She has had many 10 rated albums, been a winning guest coach on The Voice as well as started her own daytime talk show.
“There is a reason she won American Idol and is the most successful artist of the Franchise.”
— Sam Martin
2. WORK IT – Missy Elliot Ok why did I not get how dirty parts of this song could be. Jeez!!! Missy you get your groove on. Regardless, I was always up on the dance floor when this song played at the clubs when it was popular. It is raw, dirty and fun!
3. Hot in Herre – Nelly The fantastic sounds of the dirty south. Funky mixes with a little bit of …. I really dig the deep base accented by the high almost cowbell like drum beat. I’m not ashamed to say I’m hot and want all our clothes off!
4. The Middle – Jimmy Eat World Yes! Yes! What a great song and fantastic band. Highly underrated Band. Heavy of the rock chords with a driving rockabilly riff. Listening to this song sent me into a few other of my favs. Jimmy Eat World throws down a solid rock song repertoire and this is a great example.
This song in the playlist also goes to show how unpredictable Jade is in her musical loves. That is something I admire in a person and their music, lots of diversity.
The music on both of Susan’s playlists speaks to my my inner rock and roll soul in so many ways. This is where a 16 year olds then collides with this future rockers budding interest in classic rock. Some of this music shaped the music I listened to when I was 16. (That playlist is coming soon, don’t worry!)
Only Queen and Freddie Mercury could “Sing It” — And rock us they did! The intro of the guitar in this song just really helps it stand out. A classic riff with an abrupt ending. I was slow to completely appreciate Queen. Maybe I could say I was a closet Queen fan. Though they use a great deal of piano in their music . Fact, I love a rock song with solid use of the twinkle keys!
I remember this song when I was young and really finding the chorus fun, rhyming the actions to the names of a man in order to escape. original or a cover? This is overall a fun song about getting out of that unwanted relationship. Paul Simon is another srtist I have a limited interest in. But then I will hear a song or realize it is Paul Simon and I am a little caught up in the free and easy jazzy upbeat sounds. The bridge instrumental in this song is really bright and fun!
Jackson Brown has always been a favourite of mine from the 70s folky rock scene. This upbeat tune about getting away, leaving with nothing, and just leaving it all behind is also a solid rock tune with a piano in the rhythm of the song. The lyrics really strike a chord with me. Of course in ‘69 I was only 1 not 21 and I had no clue how much every now and then you would need to run into the sun and leave things behind.
One of my all time favourite David Bowie tunes. The harmonies of his voice, the acoustic guitar and ethereal plea to that starman he would be. Oh, man. When I heard of his passing, it was this song I played on repeat. The fact that it is a song about music itself “some cat was laying down some get it on rock and roll” The song is raw and catchy.
Elton John is a rock/pop god. An artist who plays piano in almost every song while his musical style changed with the changing decades. Literally from his 70s rock and roll roots to 80s pop to love songs galore. The song is great. The long solo in this video version is overdone, however it would not be Elton John if it was not a little overdone, right!?
Jade Ewing – Millennial – 34 Yrs Old – Current
You are going to hear me say the following or a paraphrase of this throughout the remainder of Jades playlist. Her taste in music spans quite a broad spectrum of genres and eras. I would hasten to say that Jade’s is the most eclectic playlist I received when I did the survey. It is also exactly why I chose to include Jade as the lone millennial in the survey. Below are the songs as of the taking of the survey.
One of my all time favourite Aerosmith songs!! While I do think Aerosmith is a fantastic band they were never one of my top bands. As a front man, Steven Tyler is alright, there are definitely better. This song does represent the best of Aerosmith. Like when Steven screams ‘Last Child!’ Good solid pick. I’m off to listen again.
Honestly I could not listen to this song. I dont have much to offer! It truly goes to show that we all truly have different tastes. The Missy Elliot meets L’il Kim is totally a jam, and I love Missy. On this, I just cant!
3. Sunday Kind of Love – Etta James
YES! Now here is a song I am so totally “vibing” with. No matter who we are in our process of loving music, there are always songs that define the different types of genres we gravitate towards. Etta tells it like it is with her soft vocals with sharp smooth follow through. I mean come on.., A Sunday Kind of Love… Does it now sound just right as she sings it to us. No troubles no worries just an easy Sunday kind of vibe!
4. Living Dead Girl – Rob Zombie
Rob Zombie and his band before he branched out solo, were making “zombie” style hits before the whole Zombie culture on television and movies took off. Living Dead Girl is the quintessential zombie based love song. Also a classic electronic rock song. The chorus talks of the living dead girl and how he feels. I almost hear a resonance of .Mr Skin, by Acid Test in this song. Rob Zombie is a little Rough harder sounding. What I really love about this song being on the playlist, it reminded me there are songs / bands that I enjoy but forget to listen to.. Thank you for that Jade!
5. Bang – AJR
Well this song completely took me by surprise. Surprisingly I knew it despite feeling clueless, feeling like it was another song that would just be a HUGE no for me. As I said surprisingly, NOT. It has a catch and is one of those songs that you could get the hook in your head and roll with it annoyingly or not all day.
Susan Pacek – Late Boomer – 57 Yrs Old
Hanging out with Susan, she will want to 70’s R&B, she will want the music up and loud and will sing it out. Which is why I find her current top 5 to be so great! I said it before Susan’s was one of the easiest playlists to listen to front to back both now and then. Let’s take a look at the songs she currently (at the time of survey) what her favourite songs are.
1. Wild World – Cat Stevens
Cat Stevens and his song Wild World are new to me. Well, I guess the Cat Stevens version really. I have always loved the Peter Frampton cover of this song. Then later in life the remake by Maxi Priest. Which really turned me on to the song. I think this is my favourite. Am I allowed to like a cover more than the original? As the lead song on Susan’s list I can see the bridge from her 16 year old self. A little mellower, but a fan of the good solid classics. There is also a great message in this song. Something I have always taken from it. The world is wild and it’s a grand place that is expansive and diverse as all our individual tastes. Also, it is “hard to get by just from a smile”. Though don’t we all want to try!!
2. You Can’t Always Get What You Want – The Rolling Stones
There is nothing more truer than the title of Susan’s second pic for her current top 5. As much as we all want specific things in life, Mick and the band had it right, With added hope, that if we “try sometimes, we just might find, we get what we need!”. So far this appears to be truth. I love that there is a Rolling Stones song on the larger list of the Generations Playlist. While I know 100% my choice is going to be the Beatles, the age old question is, the Beatles or the Rolling Stones? (as asked by the band Metric) I notice there are no Beatles songs on Susan’s playlist
I am a not a play all the time fan of The Who! They are one of the bands easiest forgotten by myself. They are a good solid band with a large number of fans. They just never resonated with me. Roger Daltry’s voice is so uniquely his own and what he brings to the sound of the songs from the raspy belting in this song to the soft touch in Blue Eyes. Overall this lends itself to what I am going to refer to as quintessentially Susan and a playlist for the generation. A late boomer generation that along with the young fellows in my father’s pipe and drum band introduced this GenX’er to the coming generation of rock and roll in the 80’s. When I think of the who I think of the song “Behind Blue Eyes”. Oh those British bands, they do invade our musical charts often!
You don’t know how happy seeing Ol Blue Eyes on a list leaves me feeling. That man could certainly croon and I am so happy he is on the list. I have always felt drawn to the swagger of “the Rat Pack”. The way Frank, Dean and Sammie would croon. Is there anything like that in today’s music? Summer wind is a fantastic example of the swoon in the croon. A song filled with that jazzy blues feeling is always a favorite. The song is easy and Frank was a success because fo great songs just like this one.
What list of favorite bands would not include a song from The Grateful Dead. Honestly, I know they have a cult following and people just love them, I have never gotten the dead fever. I think it was a little before my time and a little too folky for my liking. However I apparently do know their music because I knew this song already. I will admit that this song does sound fun. The happy move along guitar picking and the snazzy little drum beats.
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PREFACE: When first pondering about this idea, my thoughts were more about how a parents musical interest influences their children. I have been endlessly watching old footage my cousin had shared. Music, playing intrusments, dancing and singing were quite alive within the family. With this in mind a response to a video post on my timeline prompted a light bulb to fire. How do our own musical favourites at 16 compare to our choices now. Then I realized I could span from “boomers” to “GenZ”
I can recall being 16 years old and really feeling music. I became head over feet all about rock and roll. Songs on cassette played on repeat connected to my ears through the headphones from the Sony Walkman in the backpack. Songs that evoked feelings or allowed me to live vicariously. Actually, one of the contributors, Renee, proclaimed that music at that age “ is about longing”. I agree. The music said the words, expressed the feelings, allowed me to find me amongst all the teenage chaos.
Part 1 – GenZ, Progeny of GenX
Hayden Clipsham – Genz – 16 yrs old
Of all the top 5 playlists, this one has become my most favourite to listen to as a stand alone. What a fantastic mix of terrific new music to learn about! I completely had no idea what to expect when asking a 16 year old what her favourite music was. I am completely out of touch with current trends. Hayden was the first of the panel to submit the songs. When I sat down to watch and listen, it was just wow!
I hope you appreciate the playlist as much as I have. Keeping it in the order Hayden sent it, I suggest you crank it up and let it play out start to finish. Even better put on some headphones and crank it up. Who says you cannot meditate to loud music?
“I find the vocals so interesting and unique in this song.””
— Hayden Clipsham
Agreed, the vocalist does have a unique sound. There is pleading in the high tones and This band reminded me a lot like the Raconteurs or Jack White. Perhaps a little more “You don’t know what love is” from Icky Thump. Cant place it. However, the way the guitars are arranged, I am hooked. When the guitar solo comes in there is that old blues twang of a fifties riff long forgotten but a favourite. Then the backdrop, that heavy scratching charge of the 70s metal riff. I can really hear that old blues sound that is classic rock and roll. Everyone Check out Big Thief!!
Totally ashamed to admit that the only band I knew on this list was Vampyre Weekend. Not for this song though, for “Cousins”. Another great song from Hayden. What I really liked about this one was the way the drum beat “bam bam bam” (which is carried throughout the song) brings in the chirpy little baseline of this overall upbeat song. Yes! There are parts that definitely make your feet move!
3. Kilby Girl – the Backseat Lovers
“Who doesn’t love some British guy singing about a hot girl he met?”
— Hayden Clipsham
Exactly! Who does not love a song with a British guy, who has a vocal that reminds me of “Foster the People” or in some arrangements, like The Strokes. The high strings of the guitar during the chorus really lend to the urgency. The guitar is raw and edgy. What makes a great song? For me it is almost always about the guitar and the melodies, this one has both. Plus that big heavy stadium build up into the solo. I find the multiple layers of guitar tracks through the solo really give it depth. After all the loud rock sounds in comes a nice little flowing acoustical fade out. Check out this video and tune by The Backseat Lovers
4. Motion Sickness – Phoebe Bridgers
“Her lyrics are so deep and dark. Fun fact: her songs use an Elliott Smith chord which makes her music so emotional.”
— Hayden Clipsham
This song and the voice is very ethereal. You can totally hear the Elliot Smith influence. Her song writing is brilliant. As for the music. I can hear influences of Sara McLachlan, the intro and chorus arrangements reminds me a little of that Wallflowers song “One Headlight”. The deep bass start is what really gets that sound. My favourite lyric is “Why do you sing with an english accent?” At first I thought this was one of my least favourite songs from Hayden’s list, however I am wrong. The more I listen, the more I am liking it. Have you listened to Pheobe Bridgers
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