Let's start with a rave, shall we? Get comfy...
Last week, while watching the Grammys, I made a discovery, (I thought). There, amongst the overtired Madonna, wide-awake McCartney, colorful Green Day, nuclear MaryJ/U2, invisible Sly Stone, surprising Clarkson, and countless others, was the absolutely unbelievable John Legend. Am I the last person to "Get Lifted" by this remarkable talent? I hope so, because while I might be late getting on board, I'm enjoying the ride immensely.
First thing next day I downloaded the "Get Lifted" record from iTunes, and my iPod hasn't let me play anything else since. This is easily the best first effort I've ever heard. Bar none. I'll usually give a complete breakdown of what works and what doesn't in anything I review, but this one's almost too easy...there's not a single misstep on this entire disc.
It's practically otherwordly. And I know it's not just me. I made a copy for my beautiful friend Marsha, (a music industry super-pro), and watched her as she listened. It definitely worked on Venus...
Next up: Reality TV and what it's done to the Biz. (It's not good...) Definitely a rant. Don't get comfortable...

You can write....so you won't be using my name then? Best of luck, Neil. You deserve it...
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Thanks, Alan, whoever you are......
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After reading your blog, and not being familiar with John Legend's work, you have inspired me to check it out. Thanks for the recommendation and the enthusiasm!
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Wow!! Exerting my influence already. You do know I don't get a cut, right? Enjoy the disc!!!
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Great rave, Neil. I haven't had the pleasure of checkin' out John Legend yet, but my 21 yr. old daughter has told me good things about his music. Taking music advise from one's children can sometimes leave one recovering from shock, but now I'm really inspired to listen. All the best to you in your new endeavor.
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Jackie Brown, legal eagle extraordinaire!!! I learn more from my kids than I care to admit...but this one I learned on my own! Thanks for checking in, it means a lot to me.
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Nasty Neil.. love the stuff u put out.. uve always taken ur own take on everything which = entertainment for ur audience..
do me a solid.. get mean..thats when it gets funnier
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Zio...PUPPY.... Of course I'll get tougher, I wouldn't be me if I didn't!! And you're quite right, I'm funnier that way. Thanks for checking in.
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Yo bro -
Nice to see you join the bloggity blog world.
Legend is awesome - first saw his video on MTV months ago and thought - whoa! this guy is too normal and straight-ahead for the mainstream and yet there he was on the Grammys.
Very cool - almost as cool as The Neil Spiel ;-)
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Ah...first family member to check in. Thanks for stopping by Richie boy!! Check in, and contribute, often please.
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This is my first venture into someones blog. I find the computer a necessary evil thanks to work, I do have to go to work Neil. But, I might be moving towards like, now that I've thrown my pc out the door at home, the mac is way cool and Garage Band is better than surfing. bg
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Goldbones!! I even like Macs these days. Though I wouldn't own one, they are cool. But, then, they're basically just fancy PCs these days since they're now powered by Intel chips. Love that you stopped by from Nashville, Bubba, thanks!!
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Personally, I'm looking forward to your embarrassing moments!
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Another brother checks in.... Of course, even I will enjoy those moments, Ken. They'll make the good moments seem that much better.
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HI Neil:
Noticed at last the return of class in music? That younger people actually listen to and respond to the likes of John Legend or Michael Buble' or Joss Stone? I like what the Grammys have been doing the past two years, putting various styles of music together into one performance. That sure keeps it more interesting even though those marathon award shows are just too much! Wonder how long the Oscars will be....five hours?
Anyhoo, you are a brilliant writer and enjoy your Spiel....I strongly suggest you take advantage of your talents! Sometimes, we Managers, recognize the Talent of ours but not of ourselves. Pretty sad, but better late than never!
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Thanks for stopping by Alexia, and for you very smart observation on music. Good, melodic stuff IS coming back. And thanks for the kind words about the Blog.
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Congratulations on your great writing and direct approach,,,,
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Yo Bro Interesting Site.. Would like a personal Reply. But? well ya know I liked the pic you sent a copla years ago with the woman and yer kid . I sent one to Ally Natale He Dug it. how are they.. and hows ken and andy... Later Paddy C
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Many thanks.
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