The Story
Life: The Musical is an original aFa production is a journey featuring songs of about life. Each act features an aspect of life as a theme with music supplied around that theme.
Program (Past Posts)
Act 1: Life
Act 2: Born
Act 3: Names
Act 4: Young
Act 5: Dream
Act 6: Teens
Act 7: School
Act 8: Adulthood
Act 9: Work
Act 10: Play
Act 11: Hope
Act 12: Love
Act 12
Life … the time for the living to live. One’s life starts when one is born. Shortly thereafter, we are given something that stays with us no matter where we go – a name. Immediately, we are nourished, so we grow physically, mentally, and emotionally from babies into young children … and that’s when we start to dream about our future life. Growth never stops, so from children we move on as teens .. but school is still much of life at this point.
Eventually, we move into adulthood as women and men with many things going on in our life. Whether its work, play, or family, life can be complicated, so many times we hope for the best. Maybe above all else, people desire love, and go through many ups and downs in that quest.
No matter the situation, human encounters also provide a wide-range of emotions – so Act 13 features songs with a positive emotion in the title … but because it was the Act 12 feature, love is not acceptable, and using tears will be scrutinized.
Production Note
To prevent browsers crashing from loading too many videos, please 1) include the song title and artist in your text, and 2) paste the URL as part of your last line (not a new line). The latter will provide a link, thus not embed the actual video … but I don’t mind unembedding, so apologies are not necessary.
Announcement
Back in the early 1960s, they were part of the British Invasion and one of my favorite bands. Ladies and gentleman, a big aFa welcome to the Dave Clark Five with Glad All Over.
A Frank Angle 
I hope this is okay! Sexual Healing – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bAekG9VwQc
LikeLike
Resa,
Whew … now that was a steamy start to this act and for my morning!
LikeLike
Can’t get much more positive than this! Pentatonix’s [much better, IMO] cover of Pharrell Williams’ “Happy”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJ4diEohODE
LikeLike
Twixt,
I was wondering wondering how long it would take Happy to appear … but not this version … which was a lot of fun!!!!
LikeLike
Oh yes…….I did enjoy hearing this song again. A real blast from the past, Frank. My choice is even older. My dad used to love listening to Jim Reeves singing “Whispering Hope.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqwomT5YSiw My sister and I often used to sing this as a duet, with me on the piano. 🙂
LikeLike
Sylvia,
I didn’t know this one, but the fact that this took you back to your dad is a pleasant surprise to my day …. and I’m sure a joy for you. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
How about Pleasant Valley Sunday? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUzs5dlLrm0&list=RDsUzs5dlLrm0
LikeLike
Elyse,
You’ve provide Monkeys songs in the past … so I figure it must be John’s favorite group! But hey … let’s all sing along.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well he doesn’t run scteaming for the remote …
LikeLiked by 1 person
… so I take it he didn’t join to sing along.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nope. Never.
LikeLike
OH well … 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just stumbled across this one … so a special one for you … Laugh (Monkees) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6qsbeLa2cM
LikeLike
That took me back! Thanks! And Happy Thanksgiving!
LikeLike
I knew you would like it!!!! … and from the show as well…. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Frank!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope this works, Frank! From my favorite English comedy group, Monty Python’s Flying Circus and their wonderful but sacreligious parody “Life of Brian.” Always Look on the Bright Side of Life!” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlBiLNN1NhQ
LikeLike
There’s nothing more uplifting than a choir of men uplifted on crosses 🙂
LikeLike
Yep!!! 🙂
LikeLike
Cathy,
Oh my … not only a classic, but this my be the first Monty Python song to ever appear in one of my musicals. … and obviously a fan favorite!
LikeLike
Frank, here’s one of Milton’s all-time favorite singers, Bettye Lavette, convincingly belting “I Feel Good (All Over)” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79PZezXNEAA
LikeLike
Lame,
Very convincing … a touch of soul for my morning!
LikeLike
I thought you might dig Bettye. Her career has been having quite a second act.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Getting back to the classics: Getting Better, by the Beatles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jk0dBZ1meio
LikeLike
X,
Not only a classic, but a classic from the Fab Four!
LikeLike
A classic classic, in other words. 🙂
LikeLike
That works!
LikeLike
Dave Clark Five – wow – haven’t thought about them for a few decades 🙂 That was fun! Here’s my offering: James Taylor ‘How Sweet it Is’ Unfortunately the only live version I could find is from 1979. http://youtu.be/1Mp0rBHhXMs
LikeLike
Pauline,
Glad the Dave Clark Five took you back in time … and regarding your selection, good one .. and I love live performances!
LikeLike
Now you’ve done it, hurled me back to that dreamy innocence when I thought surely life was bound to get better–romance would cure, secure everything. While everyone else was crazy for the Beatles, my heart belonged to Dave and the Five–voices, songs, looks–they had it “glad all over” the other Brits. Thanks for this fabulous song. (I recently saw a documentary–PBS–that had me singing along to every hit. And grieving the deaths of some group members.)
LikeLike
Ponder,
Thanks for sharing your affection for the Dave Clark Five, and they were one of my favorites as well. I was going to leave you with “I Like It Like That” but it’s stretching the parameters … so I will move ahead many years for a sing-a-long with Three Dog Night’s Joy to the World https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFypAB7nYGA
LikeLike
Ah yes–I vaguely remember attending one of their concerts, in college maybe (a very long time ago).
LikeLike
I won’t ask why you vaguely remember. 😉
LikeLike
Simple and clean answer–I’m old!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They’ll be singing me to sleep tonight (this morning): “give me one kiss and I’ll be happy….”.
LikeLike
Ponder,
Glad that you are still singing away … so for your Blu alter-ego, here’s another song … Overjoyed (Jars of Clay) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czZqiQNQ1_Y
LikeLike
Ohhhh, yay yay yay–thank you, Frank!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
First one that popped to mind was the bright side of life [already taken] and then I remembered one song which was inescapably heard in every speaker everywhere [in London] back in ’87-’88 but still as fresh and pleasant to listen to: ‘Wonderful Life’ by Black [ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2K_1qvIsFo and of course I couldn’t leave out …’Can you Feel it’ by Jackson5 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW1fXL3s7bk …how uplifting can a song get!
A joyful Tuesday to you, Frank! 🙂
LikeLike
Marina,
Well now … Wonderful Life surely is a catch-all title for positive emotions … and I didn’t expect the Jackson 5 to appear … Whew …oh the early days of videos! For your effort, here’s a bonus treat for you … way back to 1969 … Laughing (Guess Who). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRqHfRiGdjg
LikeLike
Ah, Frank now that’s one wonderful treat! Thank you so much!!!!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
How about this one 12 Tenors – You Raise Me Up https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWeVqw7CsIE
LikeLike
Fasab,
An excellent choice, as well as one that one would have immediately came to mind for me. On the lighter side, I recall Josh Grobin singing this line on David Letterman to this tune … You knocked me up like Arnold Schwarzenegger.
LikeLike
I found this one to be the most difficult, hopefully this song fits the bill. You will have to read the translation, the song is called Uyinkosi Enothando – Joyous Celebration 18. I thought it was just beautiful when I listened to it this morning. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2ALEGj98nw
LikeLike
Catherine,
Oh my my … I am so happy that you made this more difficult than it is because what a fabulous addition. I can’t understand the words, but it’s so moving that I can’t stop listening. Well done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
When I listened to it on YouTube, there was a translation available. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
LikeLike
Once I thought of this one, I tagged it for you because you mentioned this act’s difficulty … Not sure if you will like the song, but the title is perfect … Don’t Worry, Be Happy (Bobby McFerrin) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-diB65scQU … Whistle along!
LikeLike
An awesome upbeat song. Perfect for those long car rides to college or university!
LikeLike
Glad you enjoyed it!
LikeLike
My entry for “Life: The Musical – Act 13: Positive Emotions” is Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel singing “The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy)” on the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBQxG0Z72qM
LikeLike
Tim,
I like your imagination on this one … great song!!! … However, I was expecting this one from you. Because you didn’t, this one is from me to you …. your man, James Brown and the horn section you enjoy! … I Feel Good https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t08ejaQqWjY
LikeLike
You Got That Right! “I Feel Good” WOULD have been a great pick, and thanks for including “The Hardest Working Man In Show Business” doing his famous uptempo performance of the tune on Ed Sullivan’s BIG SHEW.
For more on “THE KING” as he (NOT ELVIS!) was known as in SW Virginia where I grew up, I recommend the recent James Brown biopic “Get On Up!”
LikeLike
I knew you would enjoy JB bringing it to the house.
LikeLike
Oh wow, the Dave Clark 5 brought back wonderful memories – I still love the 60’s music to bits! 🙂
LikeLike
Artistinsa,
Glad you enjoyed my flashback to the early 60s. Knowing that music is important to your family, here’s a throwback from me to you that you will enjoy … I Only Wanna Laugh (Dusty Springfield). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0l0mfzsVrk … Enjoy … after all … all those who comment must have a song. 🙂
LikeLike
A song that always makes me happy: Best Day of My Life by American Authors, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y66j_BUCBMY.
LikeLike
Angela,
That a way … good song! …. and the producer just nodded his approval.
LikeLike
I so wanted to join in last night, Frank, but circumstances beyond my control…and all that! 🙂 I didn’t see this old favorite in the list of comments, but if it is indeed a repeat, I’ll suggest another. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0n_e1oqhiMM “Joy to the World” by Three Dog Night!
LikeLike
Debra,
Correct … the song was used above … yet I know you want to try again. Meanwhile, he’s one to hold you over … and one you know … and fitting for making you next choice … Make Me Smile (Chicago) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPwlB5LbGP4 … Enjoy
LikeLike
Mixing the old with the new: Kiss Me Yesterday’s Remix of Peggy Lee’s song It’s a good day! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4DCEwzI4Ps
LikeLike
Yahooey,
A classic song as a wonderful remix … listened multiple times!!! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Since I don’t see it here yet: Kool & The Gang’s Celebration. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GwjfUFyY6M 🙂
LikeLike
Robin,
I wonder how many different times this song has been connected to celebratory events. To me, it’s linked to when the Bengals went to their first Super Bowl.
LikeLike
I’ll have to pass today, but all is positive. Positive Emotions is good health today and always.
LikeLike
Mary,
Passing is OK .. but hey … because everyone gets a song, here’s one from me to you … lotsa energy on this one … and it’s a title with 2 words that qualify for the theme .. Pride & Joy (Stevie Ray Vaughan) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWGa21-c4IE … enjoy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hope I’m not too late, Frank…but here’s one that makes me smile: the Starland Vocal Band’s “Afternoon Delight” , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fz1ex78QeQI. They wrote “Country Road” that John Denver recorded and often were his opening act when he travelled. My all time favourite, as you know, is the Trogg’s WILD THING…but you and I have yet to perfect our dance to it so I’m reluctant to throw it out there again…..until we’ve had a bit more practice. You smiling, Sweet-Tea???
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Raye
LikeLike
Raye,
Love the fact that you used an unused descriptor. Well done! Of course the song title leads my mind into the gutter. In terms of their link with John Denver, I saw a video of them on the Merv Griffen Show with JD essentially introducing them.
In terms of dancing to Wild Thing … although I know the song (and recall the Troggs making it a hit), I listened for a sense of a dance. Whew … as a ballroom guy, this one will be a challenge … but I can innovate. 🙂 … Happy Thanksgiving to you as well.
LikeLike
Hi Frank, to add to the delightful mix of positive emotions here is “Lucky Man” by The Verve http://youtu.be/MmkI–ZZ3xs
LikeLike
Pingback: Life: The Musical – Act 15: Growing Old | A Frank Angle
Pingback: Life: The Musical – Act 16: Death | A Frank Angle
Pingback: Life: The Musical – Act 17: Remembrance | A Frank Angle
Pingback: Life: The Musical – Epilogue | A Frank Angle
Since I introduced you to AJ Croce, I had the whole album(s) playing in my head so I shall give you another “Smokin Good Time” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faCooi8W4Lc
and how about The Black-Eyed Peas with “I Gotta Feeling” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSD4vsh1zDA
LikeLike
Dale,
I was surprised that I Gotta Feeling wasn’t used … so thanks for Fergie! I’ve seen numerous parody videos to this song, this my be the first time I’ve seen the original video. Love the NBC Today show cast doing a video.
LikeLiked by 1 person