Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Every Generation Has Their Own Groove On


I write young adult fiction, and through research of something completely unrelated, I discovered the Millennial Generation.  (Okay so I was asking my nephew questions about friendships between guys and girls today, and he told me about this.)  Like most generations, who these young people are, born roughly between 1980 and 2000, grew organically out of their life experiences.  Most of them heartbreaking and tragic.

Their parent’s spent 90% of their time at work to give them, well, everything.  Then our economy exploded at the end of 2008.  Parents were immediately fired and employers gave themselves four million dollar bonuses.  The Millennial child was told, if not immediately, then eventually, your life is now going to change now; drastically.  

“I’ve just lost my job, your college savings and my retirement,” parent said.  “I’d mortgage my house for you college expenses, however, all the equity I’ve built over the last ten or so years is gone.”
“What did you do wrong?” Child asks.
“Nothing.”
“Why did this happen then?”
“Greed.”

Somewhere during that conversation these children decided that’s not going to happen to them.  They will not stay in a job that don’t like.  Their friends are more important than anything.  They keep in touch with their parents on pretty much a daily basis which is easy because their bedroom is located in their parents home, even after they’ve graduated college.  

Oh yes and their parents are helicopters/overprotective.  The reason for this is 9/11, Eric Harris, Dylan Klebold and Seung-Hui Cho.  Mom and Dad became more protective of them.   They became more aware of the fragility of life.  The fact that friends brothers and sisters came home in a box from The Iraq War, adds to their vulnerability.

All of this makes the idea of 8 to 5, in a job they hate out of the question.  They see no point in living life without passion and love.  

I’m interested to see what their family habits will be as far as finding a spouse and having children of their own.  I wonder if it will be more of a community effort with technology to assist them.  They may not be the richest generation.  I hope from the bottom of my heart that they are the happiest.

Monday, July 8, 2013

Boz Scaggs New "Album" MEMPHIS

Scaggs sang the first lyric from his original song, Gone Baby Gone and my heart sang back, "Hello old friend."  I still heard Lido Shuffle, but in a more grown-up voice.  In a few words, he took me back to high school, yet left me in front of the bathroom mirror, making mascara application a more enjoyable experience.

I can think of twelve people who will disagree with me before I finish this sentence, but since it is my blog, I'm going to say it.  The best decade for music began in the late 60's and carried over through the 70's.  Yes, musically I mostly live in 1979 and prior.  Whenever a new album comes out from one my long ago treasured artists, I'm hopeful that in their lyrics I will find the days of the local records stores.  However, comeback artists often no longer have "it."  I will never write a critical review because even bad art is difficult to make, and someone liked it because it was produced and made available in the open market. Be that as it may, when I do like the new songs from a jewel from my past, I must share.

Mr. Scaggs, (just like Dr. John - see previous post) still has the "it" and like the wine he sells, his voice has grown smoother with time.

The album is a mix of remakes and two new songs.  All however have his signature voice stamped upon them.  The remake of Corrina, Corrina is one of my favorites.  Willy DeVille's Mixed up, Shook Up Girl, is a blend of Reggae, Blues and Soul the way only Scaggs can do.

Learn more about this and other albums, and check on his tour schedule at www.bozscaggs.com.
And just for fun, you can go to his Official Fan club site at www.bozscaggs.org.