99 Luft Balloons, Nena

Who says Germans cannot rock? Here is proof they can.

This is one of the best New Wave songs, and I do prefer the version in German. The English version is wishy washy.

This 1984 song has a great arrangement, with good synthesizer, bass and guitar parts. The playing is tight, and the singer very charming. The lyrics (in English and German) have social meaning, something that is barely found in today's music.

If you have never see it, now is the time.

Closet Chronicles, Live Kansas

Kansas was a very underrated band. A lot of their music from the 70's is of the highest caliber, and they were definitely the best America had to offer to the world of progressive rock.

Unfortunately this is only an audio version of the song, done in Long Beach, but at least it is a contemporary one.  Singer Steve Walsh had a very bad cold, but that was not a reason to cancel the show. Notwithstanding, he does very well.

For the longest time, I thought the song was prophetic, related to the Shah of Iran. Actually, such was the fate of many a king, however, the narration does fit well what happened to the former ruler of Iran.

It is worth hearing the studio version, which can also be found in Youtube.

Hold out your hand, Chris Squire

A great song from 1975, Chris Squire's solo album. Too bad the actual video was removed from You Tube and is nowhere to be found. Patrick Moraz plays organ in this song.

The rest of the album is also great, and deserves a listen. Chris Squire has re-released the album, I do not know whether any additional material was added.

Samba do Aviao, Mu Carvalho

Mu Carvalho tocando em festival em Montpellier, Franca, 2012. Por pouco não fui. Grande interpretação, embora a qualidade do video não seja muito boa. Este é um solo de piano. Armandinho Macedo também esteve presente no festival.