(Note: this series was created elsewhere.)

Something in music: the origin

One night at a trendy L.A. nightclub on a rare solo outing, yours truly found himself standing alone at the bar preparing to review the upcoming act. Before he had scribbled down more than a few notes, however, he was bookended by a pair of vivacious vixens who insisted on engaging your rockin’ writer in cozy conversation. Strangely, the subject of “marriage” arose.

One of the young ladies noted that when a gal’s about to get hitched, she needs “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.” Your provocative penman was immediately inspired. After all, those same terms could be applied to music: “Something old” or classic, “something new” or recently released, “something borrowed”, a cover, and “something blue”, a blues song or a song with “blue” in the title. And the rest is history…

‘Something’ in Music 370

Something Old

Our “something old” this edition is the classic collaborative cut “Under Pressure” co-written and recorded by Brit rock group Queen and singer-songwriter David Bowie. It was first released as a single in 1981. In 1982 it was added to Queen’s 1982 platter titled Hot Space. It broke into the top 10 in more than 10 countries.

Something New

Our “something new” this time is the new track titled “Every Day” performed by country pop rock music singer-songwriter Eileen Carey. The Los Angeles-based performer co-wrote the song with Lily Wilson. Carey has been described as “a little bit cosmopolitan, a little bit country, and a whole lotta musical chameleon.”

Her signature sound is a mélange of multiple music genres including “pop, rock, and country music”. Thus, this track, produced by Nashville’s Travis Allen, has its own upbeat identity. It’s a piece about perseverance and determination. It’s about getting up and dusting yourself off, no matter what happens.

(Having seen her perform the song live recently at the popular Canyon Montclair, your rockin’ reviewer can confirm it is even more upbeat and energetic performed live.) Carey said that while there is no official music video for the new track, she plans on making one in the near future. In a recent e-communique, Carey briefly discussed the track’s musical message.

She said the song concerns life’s “little worries” and the “hundred things” that we deal with daily. Carey added that “the song captures the essence of (my) resilience and determination.” She invited everyone to listen to her “story of overcoming obstacles and finding a better way, getting back up ‘Every Day’."

Something Borrowed

Our “something borrowed” for this edition is the song “Don't You Worry Child” written and first recorded by the Swedish house music supergroup known as Swedish House Mafia. This distinctive 2013 cover and music video is by Liverpool, England’s own songstress Michelle Lawson. Her rockin’ resume includes several singles and full-length albums.

Something Blue

Last but not least, our “something blue” this time is the song “Catastrophic Blues” by singer-songwriter and musician Dean Summers. Based out of Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly, in the United Kingdom, he said: “I wrote it in September [2023]. The recorded track featured myself and Dan Fitzgerald of Recrock.”

He explained: “Recrock is Dan's school.” Fitzgerald plays the guitars, and the percussion is programmed. “Recrock is [a] music school/project I'm part of…”

Summers recalls: “I wrote the song at the end of [last] summer and most of the lyrics ring true. You'll hear me refer to a recently deceased best friend and a love that came to an end. Bailiff at my door, etc., explaining a summer full of bad luck told with a hint of humor and sarcasm.”

He concluded: “The song’s been played in three live shows before being recorded on 20th December. [Our] live shows are played by myself and Dan on acoustic guitars, Nicky on drums, Geoff on bass, Mark on electric guitar, and Sylvia plays mandolin.”

Did we mention your favorite “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”? If not, let us know. Don’t forget to send us your bride photos too!

(Images courtesy of Loraine Ross Photography, Kathryn Grimm, and/or original owners)