CanAm

A Christmas Carol (the Alistair Sim version) - there have been many great portrayals of Scrooge over the years (Reginald Owen & George C. Scott), but nobody brings the character of Ebenezer Scrooge to life like Alistair Sim. I'm sure Dickens himself would have approved. It's also interesting to see a very young Patrick Macnee (John Steed) in a bit part. White Christmas - despite a predictable and somewhat maudlin story, I love the music and the onscreen chemistry between Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen. Jane Withers is also excellent in a small roll as the general's housekeeper. The song "Sisters" as performed by Danny and Bing is one of my favourite movie moments. This movie is far superior to an earlier version (Holiday Inn) starring Crosby and Fred Astaire. A Charlie Brown Christmas - a warm, funny and irresistibly charming show that celebrates the true meaning of Christmas. AND WHILE WE'RE ON THE SUBJECT, MERRY CHRISTMAS SONGFACTORS! I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY!

Chim-Chim gizzardtush! My nickname in high school was twinkletoes. In university, it was the professor. Now at work, it's music man.

Actually, Kevin, you should be in for a pleasant surprise. The high today was +6C(43F) and tomorrow's high is supposed to be +9C(48F). If you want cold, you should have been here 2 weeks ago when the daytime highs were about -31C (-24F). It was enough to freeze the ba**s off the proverbial brass monkey. BRRRR!!! Also, we have almost no snow . It may be a brown Christmas! Bah, humbug!

I too, love the music of James Taylor. He has a wonderfully smooth, silky voice and is one of the great singer-songwriters of the last 40 years. I like most of his songs, but my favourites are Mexico, Fire And Rain, Shower The People, Your Smiling Face, Carolina In My Mind and How Sweet It Is.

Living in Calgary, I've grown somewhat used to weather that is all over the map. Two days ago, the high was -18C (that's about -2 in fahrenheit) and the low was -27C (-16 fahrenheit). Today, the high was 9C or 48 fahrenheit. At least when it was cold, it was sunny and clear. The snow looked lovely. Now that it has warmed up, the streets are a slushy mess. The thing I hate most about winter, are the short days. At this time of the year we only have about 8 hours of daylight. What a drag! At the height of summer in Calgary, the sun comes up at about 5 am and doesn't set until well past 10 at night. We're going to Cuba in February, so I'm already beginning to look forward to those beautiful beaches Ron Jon mentioned.

Welcome, jr Rocker! Great suggestions, so far!! Here are a few others. Lonesome Jubilee - John Mellencamp Full Moon Fever - Tom Petty Making Movies - Dire Straits Night Moves - Bob Seger Goodbye Yellowbrick Road - Elton John Fleetwood Mac - their self-titled debut album (the debut of the band with Nicks and Buckingham in the lineup). Lynyrd Skynyrd - Second Helping

Anything by the Tragically Hip. (Where's that vomiting smilie when you need it?) Anything, except In The Mood, by Rush. Sympathy For The Devil - The Stones Jamaica - Led Zeppelin Any rap or hip hop songs. Anything by The Police.

Yes indeed, I watch it. I quite like the show and the way the creators answer one question only to create several more. I wonder, though, how they are going to be able to keep the show interesting if it turns out to be popular and is renewed for a second season. In some ways, this show reminds me of the 60's show The Invaders starring Roy Thinnes.

Great choice, Laurie! I'd also like to have seen James Taylor and John Denver. Alvin Lee & Johnny Winter Mark Knopfler & Eric Johnson Mark Knopfler & Vince Gill The Manhattan Transfer & Steely Dan Lynyrd Skynyrd & The Allman Brothers Band The Beatles & The Eagles

James Taylor - mellow and as smooth as a fine malt whiskey. Andy Williams- When he was younger, one of the sweetest tenor voices of all time. If I were to choose a woman's voice, it would be Anne Murray (husky, sexy and rich) or Jane Olivor (clear and sweet like a bell ringing).

Link Wray, regarded as the father of the power chord, was one of the most influential rock guitarists of all time. He influenced musicians as diverse as Neil Young, Pete Townshend, David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen and Randy Bachman. He created his signature fuzz tone by punching holes in his amplifier. I first became acquainted with his music when I bought a Robert Gordon album in the mid 70's. I was blown away by his playing and determined to find out more about him. He was 3/4 Shawnee Indian and along with Duane Eddy and Dick Dale, he redefined rock guitar playing in the late 50's. He will be missed.

My apologies too, Sammy. I was not as diplomatic as I had intended to be. I know how much you like the Rolling Stones and we all get carried away from time to time. I was having a cranky day when I responded to your post, hence the snarky tone. Sorry, again! By the way, I share your opinion. Although I like Journey, they are not in the same league as Mick and the boys. Although I don't care for some of their later material, the Stones are still the greatest rock band in the world. I just received my copy of Sticky Fingers in the mail yesterday. What a great album. Mick Taylor's playing really added an extra dimension to their music.

Perhaps it's not Usernameddr who needs to grow up! It's okay to disagree with someone, but insults and vulgar ones at that, come on!

The solo in Clapton's "Forever Man" is way too short.

Can anyone tell me about any of the following artists : Sonny Landreth, Tab Benoit, Roy Rogers & Ry Cooder? I mentioned to a friend at work that I like the slide guitar and he recommended the above artists along with some others, Johnny Winter, Bonnie Raitt and David Lindley with whom I'm familiar. Can anyone recommend any albums by Landreth, Benoit, Cooder or Rogers? I tend to like more uptempo slide guitar numbers, but I also like the blues. Will these artists fit the bill?

Is there anyone else who thinks this show is one of the best on television? Last year I was only able to catch a few episodes of this series because it seemed to bounce around all over the schedule. This year, however, I've managed to watch every episode and it has quickly become one of my two favourite T.V. shows (along with House). The acting in the series is brilliant, particularly the performances of James Spader, Candice Bergen and, yes, William Shatner. The writing is excellent also. Last week's episode featured a story about the firm defending a man whose wife was trying to have their marriage annulled because of his infatuation with a cow, with which he had had sexual relations. In addition, Shatner's character, Denny Crane, is forced by a judge to defend a man accused of raping and killing a 13 year old girl. Crane tries every means at his disposal to get out of handling the case. He sends a subordinate to handle the case, but the judge refuses to allow it. He tries insulting the judge, but only manages to get a contempt citation. He tries to convince the defendant that it would be in his best interests to find another attorney. Finally, when the defendant tells Crane that he has AIDS and that killing the girl was probably an act of kindness, Crane pulls out a gun and shoots him in both kneecaps. When the court officers rush into the room, he drops his gun and claims he acted in self-defense. This show manages to be funny, topical and tremendously entertaining. It's one of the few shows I make a point of watching each week. Long may it run.

David Lindley is perhaps best known for his work as lead guitarist for Jackson Browne. Hovever, he also recorded three albums with his own top-notch band, El Rayo-X, including Very Greasy, the subject of this review. This album showcases Lindley's virtuosity and versatility along with his irreverent sense of humour. There simply isn't a bad song on this album. The opening track, Gimme da' ting, is a reggae tinged toe tapper. The second track, I Just Can't Work No Longer, is a lovely ballad that features some wonderful harmony vocals by Jorge Calderon and Ray Woodbury. Other numbers include a laugh out loud version of Warren Zevon's Werewolves of London, a lively little two step called Texas Tango and a version of Do Ya' Wanna Dance? (also recorded by The Beach Boys) that features a scorching Lindley guitar solo. On this album, Lindley plays slide guitar, electric lead and rhythm guitars, bouzouki, hawaiian and slack key guitars and keyboards. I believe he is one of the most underrated guitarists in popular music. If you like great guitar playing, songs that make you smile and want to PARTAY, then I heartily recommend this album.

I'm a Little Feat fan too, Sweet Jane, both pre and post Lowell George. Until I read your review however, I hadn't listened to or thought about them for quite a while. Yesterday, I pulled out my copy of Little Feat Live From Neon Park. Now I'm not generally fond of live albums, but this one is an exception to that rule. The sound quality is excellent and the musicianship is fantastic. From the rockin' Rock & Roll Everynight and Texas Twister to the dixeland sound of Can't Be Satisfied They're Red Hot (Hot Tamales), this album is a feast for the ears. Thanks for renewing my acquaintance with this fabulous band.

A magnigicent album by an amazing band. Mark Knopfler is my favourite guitarist. Although I like every song on this album, Expresso Love and Tunnel of Love are my favourites. The only Dire Straits album that I don't particularly like is Love Over Gold. If you like Dire Straits, try listening to some of Knopfler's solo albums. The material is a little more eclectic, but the songs still feature Knopfler's stellar playing.

Full Moon Fever - Tom Petty Lonesome Jubilee - John Mellencamp Sticky Fingers - The Rolling Stones Rumours, Fleetwood Mac - Fleetwood Mac One Of These Nights, Hotel California - The Eagles Making Movies, Dire Straits - Dire Straits Night Moves, Against The Wind - Bob Seger Green River, Cosmo's Factory - C.C.R. Highway To Hell - AC/DC Harvest - Neil Young So Far - Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young A Place In The World - Mary Chapin Carpenter Meet The Beatles (not With The Beatles), A Hard Day's Night, Magical Mystery Tour, Hey Jude - The Beatles Any Lynyrd Skynyrd Album - they were equally good. Eliminator - ZZ Top

I much prefer the pre-Michael McDonald version of The Doobies. IMO, McDonald has one of the most insipid voices in rock music. My favourite Doobie Brothers songs are Long Train Running and Old Black Water although most of their early stuff is great. I also have one of their later albums, 1991's Brotherhood. Blessedly, this version of the Doobies was sans Michael McDonald. The album is quite good and the boys prove they can still rock.

My favourite Beatles album is Meet The Beatles, followed by A Hard Days Night and Magical Mystery Tour. Sorry, Sammy! I like their "poofy" stuff.

Although it may seem to stretch credulity to the breaking point to suggest that a nearly 60 year old man could be a legitimate contender for the heavyweight boxing crown, considering today's crop of pathetic heavyweight fighters (Vitali Klitchko, Chris Byrd and Andrew Golota etc.), it's not that difficult to believe after all.

One Fine Morning - Lighthouse Pretty Lady - Lighthouse Poem For The People - Chicago There are many others, but I can't think of them off the top of my head.