Ungrateful Kids, Forgiveness, A Dylan Cover & New Music

Many parents struggle to find the means to say “no” to their often over-stimulated, over-indulged kids. Amy McCready says she knows the methods for parents to connect with their kids in a way that allows them to better learn to be respectful, responsible, and ready to meet a world where frankly, it’s not all about them. McCready explains to Norman B why her new book The Me, Me, Me Epidemic: A Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Capable, Grateful Kids in an Over-Entitled World is essential reading for parents.

Megan Feldman Bettencourt met a father who forgave the man who killed his son, she was both moved and puzzled. How did he do it? And why? She asked. Forgiveness has long been touted by religious leaders as a moral imperative. But Megan wanted to know exactly what it means from a scientific perspective, how it plays out in various situations, and why more and more people seem to be choosing the peaceful option in response to catastrophe. She joins the program to talk about her experiences, as recounted in her engaging book, Triumph of the Heart: Forgiveness in an Unforgiving World.

We are constantly impressed by the amazing selection you, (our listeners) suggest for the Hit That Never Was. This week’s is no exception, “I discovered an incredible double album, celebrating Elektra Records 40th anniversary,” writes Andrew, “There is such a lot of great music on it, but my big favorite is a cover of Dylan’s Going Going Gone by Bill Frisell, Robin Holcomb & Wayne Horvitz. It’s really cool. I hope you’ll play it because I think it should have been a hit…probably in another universe, but a hit none the less!” This distinctive version of Going Going Gone by Bill Frisell on guitar, Robin Holcomb on vocals and keyboards & Wayne Horvitz on keyboards, was included on the 1990 double album Rubaiyat: Elektra’s 40th Anniversary. Other artists doing their spirited cover versions, range from The Gypsy Kings to The Cure, Billy Bragg to The Kronos Quartet and Phoebe Snow to Happy Mondays and many more. This is a true collectors item, and we thank Andrew for selecting a cut from it for the Hit That Never Was.

For your listening pleasure, Norman B likes to occasionally, squeeze in some of his new music discoveries. In this edition of Life Elsewhere, we begin with Berlin-based singer-songwriter Namuuna. Her name comes from the Mongolian word “namuun”, which means pure/soft/smooth, which fits this self-proclaimed bedroom vocalist perfectly. Namuuna says, her music shows you some insights of her soul, her thoughts, her life, just real stuff she is going thru, so people can relate and feel with her. that’s the most important purpose of music in her opinion: to vibe together. But beside music she also likes to be creative in other areas (photography, painting, video editing, dance etc.). The track Norman selected is fittingly titled Cool.

Next up, it’s Birthday Boy & allie, a talented duo, who hail from one our favorite cities, Toronto. The track is titled, I Can’t Wait, we love the combination of techno-tension-tease, with the line, “Take your time now but baby don’t be late, I can’t wait.” The smooth vocals are complemented by a tight beat that never gets in the way.

If Feels by Wolftyla does not make you sit up and pay careful attention, then perhaps you’re not awake. The samples are used economically, as is the reverse tracking. This is an attention getter. Based out of New York City, “Wolftyla is yet another reason I’m so encouraged by the amazing young talent that abounds today!” Says an enthusiastic Norman B.

Recently, we devoted one whole edition of Life Elsewhere to an interview and the music of an exceptional talent, Siv Jakobsen. During the program, Norman B asked the Norwegian artist if she would select the Hit That Never Was. Siv did not hesitate and picked a relatively new release from American Country artist, Liza Anne. We were impressed with Siv‘s choice, Liza Anne‘s album Two is packed full of beautiful haunting songs, Oceans being one of them. Arrangements are in the works for an exclusive Life Elsewhere interview with Liza Anne.