Saturday Slow Down: Mary Chapin Carpenter "John Doe No.24"

I don't think I can love this song more than I already do.

The simplicity and slow, deliberate tempo seems to create for the listener the silent world of "John Doe No.24."

Knowing Mary Chapin Carpenter wrote this based on an actual newspaper clipping she came across makes it all the more poignant.  There's a kind of calm acceptance of life's situation in the way Mary Chapin writes as "John."

I've been affected by the song from the day I heard it.  I've never really known why other than it's clearly theatrical sense of soliloquy.

Listening today I was reminded of growing up without my own mother and a father who, although he loved me, was somewhat absent.  And, as a young child, I was very quiet and happy to be in my own world.

Then I found my "crepe jasmine" - my best friend Carlye - who opened up new senses, colors and confidence in me.  For the first time in my young life, this "orphan shoe" was no longer missing the other.

I guess that's where John Doe and I diverged.  Lucky me.

I hope you like the song.

New Music: Mary Chapin Carpenter "Sometimes Just The Sky"

In celebration of her 30-year recording career, Mary Chapin Carpenter (easily one of my favorite singer/songwriters in the history of time) will release Sometimes Just The Sky on March 30.

The landmark record features new versions of twelve of Carpenter’s most beloved songs - one from each of her 12 studio albums - as well as one newly penned title track.

All Pre-Orders come with an Instant Download of “Heroes and Heroines.” If you order the Vinyl product from the official store, you’ll receive a digital download card of the full album, available at midnight on March 30, 2018.

TRACKLIST:

1. Heroes and Heroines
2. What Does It Mean To Travel
3. I Have A Need For Solitude
4. One Small Heart
5. The Moon and St. Christopher
6. Superman
7. Naked To The Eye
8. Rhythm of the Blues
9. This is Love
10. Jericho
11. The Calling
12. This Shirt
13. Sometimes Just The Sky

Pre-Orders are now available in the Official Mary Chapin Carpenter Online Store & at major retail outlets here.

You can preview "Heroes and Heroines" exclusively at Billboard.

Sunday Slow-Down: Mary Chapin Carpenter "Stones In The Road"

I'm such a huge Mary Chapin Carpenter fan. I really felt like sharing some MCC with you folks today.

In the mid-90s I began developing a stage musical of her catalogue. I obtained the rights, but timing was never in sync with my career at the time. I still hope to produce it some day.

So many gorgeous melodies matched with thoughtful lyrics packed with insight.

When you think about it, "Stones in the Road" and it's commentary of changing political/philosophical views is really at home on The Randy Report.

Happy Sunday, y'all.

Mariah Carey: "Almost Home" from OZ

Mimi looks and sounds great on this track from the new OZ movie starring James Franco.

But...

I happen to like what I think is a better song of the same name by the fab Mary Chapin Carpenter.

Interestingly, Mary Chapin's song could practically be from the same movie in terms of lyrics and spirit...

Mary Chapin Carpenter: "Shut Up and Kiss Me"

If my radio show co-host Candi was a country singer, I imagine she would be something like Mary Chapin Carpenter: sultry voice, blond and smart.

Mary Chapin Carpenter - "House of Cards"

I completely get this song and video.

I'm always in the mood for some Mary Chapin Carpenter. What's surprising is how I'm still 'surprised' at how much I love her writing.