Probstisms

From time to time during periods of social crisis, a song comes around that puts into music how people are feeling so perfectly that it becomes a marker in history that helps remind future generations what it was like to live through that point in time.

Just think about all of the incredibly timely songs we have from the Vietnam War, Civil Rights movement, and the political turmoil of our current century. Songs from Buffalo Springfield, CSNY, Marvin Gaye, and Green Day immediately come to mind. The songs take you back to the time of crisis and paint a picture of what was really happening.

We are living through one of those times now. Of course, we are in the middle of the crisis and have no historical perspective, but that will come with time.

For today’s Song of the Day, I would like to share a song that puts into music how many of us are feeling right now: “i can’t wait to see you again” by Simone.

We saw a lot of insane talk and short-sighted decisions from a few governors today about reopening parts of their economies. I suspect these states will find themselves in trouble in a few weeks. My hope is that the citizens of these states do not suffer unnecessarily from the poor decisions being made by their leaders.

So, let’s all continue to mind what the experts are telling us and listen to Jack Johnson and stay “Home!”

Did you all know that “The Last Dance” documentary started tonight on ESPN? There are so many things I remembered from that last Bulls championship year yet so many things I had forgotten.

Now, one thing about those championship years that is impossible to forget was the player introductions. How intimidating that must have felt for the opposing team”s players!

The celebrate the release of “The Last Dance,” today’s Song of the Day is “Sirius” from The Alan Parsons Project!

There is so much togetherness happening at the Probst house these days. No track practice, no soccer practice, no baseball practice, no school pick-ups, no eating out, no evenings out with Donnell, a whole lot of nothing like our pre-COVID-19 lives.

The one thing I have been enjoying about all of this nothing is that we have spent a ton of time together as a family. I know these years fly by fast. One of our kids is no longer a kid, and the second one is really close to not being a kid so I know these times are precious.

With that in mind, there is one song that always gets me right in the parental feels. One particular lyric, actually.

Dave Matthews Band released an excellent album back in 2009 named “Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King.” It was their first album since the passing of their long-time sax player, LeRoi Moore. You can hear the pain, loss, happiness, and joy in the songs on that album without even trying. And then there is the last song on the album, “You and Me.”

All I can think about when I hear that song is my kids getting older and the joy and sadness that brings all in one package knowing that Donnell and I will have an empty nest in the not-to-distant future and will have another amazing adventure in front of us while the kids start their own amazing adventures.

It really is a beautiful song. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Lake Street Dive reminds me of you because you always listen to it in the car. Another reason that Lake Street Dive reminds me of you is because you always sing along to it when you play “Rabid Animal.” Lastly, the song reminds me of you because the song is good.

Happy Birthday Mom!!!

“Dissolve” by Absofacto makes me think of you every time I play it because when we’re in the car, and this song comes on, you sing it. It makes me think of you because it makes you smile and be happy.

Hi Mom, there’s one song that has always reminded me of you and thrown me into a time I have no memory of, but really take joy in imagining.

A long time ago, you played “To Zion” by Lauryn Hill, and you told me that you used to dance to the song while you were pregnant with me. (For the record, I have a lot of weird childhood memories that may or may not have been dreams and imaginary scenarios, so if this didn’t happen, we might need to start having conversations about my memory problems).

Anyway, the good news is that I have never danced to this song while pregnant, because I have never been (thank god), but even better news is that I have danced to this song hundreds of times and thought of you every one of them. It’s my go-to place when I’m feeling a little homesick, or uncomfortable, or having a melancholy day that could use some hugs. This song is like a hug, and I’m not sure that I ever told you you’re the reason why.

Happy Birthday to the most incredible woman I will ever know. Thank you for everything you’ve done!

Happy Birthday Donnell!!!

To start off your birthday extravaganza, I thought I would share one of your favorite songs from one of your favorite bands.

We have seen this band together in St. Louis, Chicago, Aurora, and Denver. Every time, we have an amazing time, and they put on an amazing show. Of course, I’m talking about Tedeschi Trucks Band!

Every time I hear one of their songs, I cannot help but think of you, and specifically you singing and grooving to the song. I suppose that comes from seeing a band live together many, many times.

For your Song of the Day, I am picking “Midnight in Harlem.” It is one of the first songs we heard from the band, and it is one of the songs I can clearly see you singing when I hear the song.

I hope you have an amazing birthday and cannot wait until we can get out and see a show together again!

Without having to drive all around St. Louis for high school pickup, soccer practices and games, and baseball practices and games, I have found myself with a little time on my hands. Other than writing more on the ol’ blog, I have also picked up the bass and poked around on the piano more often than I have in years.

There is one song I have always wanted to play on bass, and if I could master that one song, I would feel like I finally figured out how to play that thing. That song is the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ version of “Higher Ground.” Flea is a monster on that song (and every song he plays) and pretty much offers a master class on how to play funk and rock bass. Amazing!

So, for today’s Song of the Day, imagine Flea and the rest of the boys jumping around the stage back in the 80’s and 90’s in nothing but a sock!