Playlist: Vintage Romance

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Classic Rock, february, love, playlist, Romance, Valentine's Day

Of all the months of the year, February is definitely my favorite. It may or may not be because it’s my birthday month (hint: it is), but it’s also a month for romance. I’m a complete sucker for classic love stories; the swelling song at the end of the movie, the violescent hearts on a homemade valentine, even Claire kissing Bender in a utility closet. So, here, in honor of this month of love, are my favorite vintage romantic songs, from first seductions to lasting love – some evoke emotions of lust and longing, while others bring up the feelings of first love (even if it was just for your guitar):

1. “Someone Like You” by Van Morrison (Vintage Double Pearl Necklace)
2. “Till The Next Goodbye” by The Rolling Stones (1960’s Black Velvet Dress)
3. “Darling Nikki” by Prince (1950’s Demi Lace Bra)
4. “Long Ago (And Far Away)” by Jo Stafford (Long Brown Leather Gloves)
5. “Blue in Green” by Miles Davis (1950’s New Look Fox Fur + Wool Suit)
6. “Faithfully” by Journey (1980’s Cartier Envelope Clutch)
7. “Summer of ’42” by Peter Nero (1970’s Indian Feather Silk Ensemble)
8. “Juke Box Hero” by Foreigner (Vintage Printed Handkerchief Dress)
9. “Try A Little Tenderness” by Aretha Franklin (1970’s Boyfriend Cardigan)
10. “‘Til You Love Somebody” by Michael Henderson (1970’s Missoni Necklace)

Spotlight: Led Zeppelin

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Classic Rock, Jimmy Page, John Bonham, John Paul Jones, Led Zeppelin, Robert Plant

This is for you mom…Happy Birthday and thanks for being the best!

Quintessential Songs: No Quarter, Tangerine, Ten Years Gone

Musical Style: They hardly need any introduction, as Led Zeppelin were the hard rock kings of the ‘70s. Created in guitarist Jimmy Page’s mind as a group of virtuosos, all musicians at the top of their craft, the group’s talent was hard to be believed. Intense vocals, hard-hitting drums, and some of the best guitar riffs ever played, every song in Zeppelin’s catalog is unique in its sound, a snapshot of a truly spectacular moment in musical history.

Quoted: “I always believed in the music we did and that’s why it was uncompromising” – Jimmy Page

Fashion Style: When you think in your mind of the proto-typical ‘70s rock band, appearance-wise Led Zeppelin had it all. The long scraggly hair, flowery shirts always unbuttoned to show off sinewy abs, skintight jeans with the ever-present rocker bulge. Not to be grotesque, but it is hard to discuss Robert Plant without noticing his ever-present sexuality as he grinded and groaned onstage. Led Zeppelin always wanted to appear a bit “out there”, so that people could never really place their finger on them and they definitely succeeded.

Legacy: Though drummer John Bonham passed away in 1980, the band lives on, even releasing a DVD of their one-night concert from 2007, and the three remaining members refuse to confirm if they are going on tour again. Whether or not they ever perform together again is a sprat point, because we will have their decade of mischief and mayhem as long as rock music lives.

Spotlight: Bob Dylan

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Bob Dylan, Classic Rock, Like a Rolling Stone, Shelter From the Storm, Tempest

So, in two short days my brother Dylan will be turning 18 – an official adult, free to make mistakes (please don’t) and celebrate his freedom (please do) and I couldn’t be more excited for him! As an early present of sorts, here is a little spotlight on his namesake (possibly) and a true music icon!

Quintessential Songs: Shelter From the Storm, Like a Rolling Stone, Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door

Musical Style: Since the 1960’s, Bob Dylan has been one of the most influential musicians around. His folksy, country-tinged songs have a style all their own and his sometimes off-key gravelly voice is perhaps even more distinctive. Aside from his own music, Dylan has influenced hundreds upon thousands of other musicians and some of the most classic rock songs launched from his pen.

Quoted: “All I can do is be me, whoever that is.”

Fashion Style: Like his songs, Dylan has changed his style numerous times over the years. Country-tinged boot and suede jacket combos, rockabilly suits and shades, androgynous velvet numbers, and various assortments of hats and hairstyles have adorned Bob Dylan, but none have ever truly defined him like his music has.

Legacy: Dylan is about to release his 35^th album, Tempest, which he claims is unlike anything else he’s ever done. For a different 71-year-old musician, we might roll our eyes, but no one would ever doubt that the genius of Bob Dylan will go on as long as he lives – and probably a long time after that, as well.

I Love Rock ‘n Roll!

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Classic Rock, Jerry Lee Lewis, Led Zeppelin, Rock And Roll, Rock Music

Does it get any better than when your favorite classic rock song comes on? No matter what your mood is, it will always make you feel better! I come from a family of huge rock’n’roll fans, so it is no surprise that rock is the genre that covers about 90% of my iTunes and album collection. Rock music has gone through several iterations and I’d be hard pressed to find any true “rock” music nowadays, but from the ‘50s to the ‘80s, there were some of the greatest artists of all time strumming and jamming. Let’s take a look, shall we?

1950’s (Rockabilly)

• Elvis Presley
• Jerry Lee Lewis
• Johnny Cash
• Buddy Holly

The Look: The naissance of early rock music was country and rhythm & blues, but the look was slicker. Hair held steady in a pompadour, while tight all-white or all-black outfits barely concealed the new gyrations taking place below the waist. Rock and roll ushered in a completely new and different sound and look.

Shop It: Men’s Black Leather Jacket; Black Tulle & Baby Blue Party Dress

1960’s (British Invasion)

• The Beatles
• The Who
• The Rolling Stones
• Pink Floyd

The Look: By the sixties, English rock and rollers were taking the American genre and adding their own flair to it. Mushroom haircuts, psychedelic ensembles, and incredible guitar licks were all en vogue during the decade, and the living members of these bands are the ones still rocking today!

Shop It: Yellow Mod Corduroy Jacket; Green Silk Chiffon Cocktail Dress

1970’s (Classic Rock)

• Led Zeppelin
• Jimi Hendrix
• Janis Joplin
• Heart

The Look: Some of the most talented and influential rockers hit their peak of popularity in the ‘70s, and this decade remains the classic rock period. The psychedelic and hippie movements of the late ‘60s stayed in style in the rock world, along with ethereal garments and long hair. There are too many amazing artists to name, but above are my personal favorites.

Shop It: Multi Color Patchwork Leather Jacket; Metallic Gold & Leopard Maxi Dress

1980’s (Hard Rock)

• Van Halen
• Rush
• Foreigner
• Journey

The Look: By the ‘80s, the rock formula was down: long hair, a sexy guitarist, and swooning fans. All it needed was the epic “large-ness” of the Eighties. Big hair, big riffs, and big stadiums classified this genre of rock, and it is still some of the most popular music today!

Shop It: Hein Gericke Motorcycle Leathers; Bill Blass Red Puff Evening Dress

Playlist: Groovin’ into Springtime

Tags

Beach Boys, California Girls, Classic Rock, Day Tripper, The Beatles

I have frequently mentioned my true adoration for music of all forms, so I thought I would bring a little more of it into the blog, with these semi-regular playlists. Here in Chicago, we are just starting to see the strains of warm weather in what has been a pretty up-and-down spring. So to honor this coming warmth, and the jubilation that pools will soon be open (and with them, bathing suit season), here are some fun and upbeat classic sounds and what to wear while listening!

1. The Beatles – “Day Tripper” (Multicolor Reversible Maxi Skirt)
2. Fleetwood Mac – “The Chain” (1970’s Gold Chain Cat Necklace)
3. Heart – “White Lightning & Wine” (White YSL Le Smoking Tuxedo Jacket)
4. The Beach Boys – “California Girls” (1970’s Terry Cloth Bathing Shirt)
5. Joan Jett & The Blackhearts – “Crimson & Clover” (1980’s Red Silk Dress)
6. The Doors – “The Crystal Ship” (Gold, Silver & Black Tone Beaded Cuff)
7. Maria from West Side Story – “I Feel Pretty” (1960’s Rhinestone Earrings)
8. The Commodores – “Three Times a Lady” (Quadrille Marigold Couture Skirt)
9. Elton John – “Razor Face” (1970’s Chrome & Lucite Stiletto Heels)