Words, classics, originals, full of memories, word power, the presence of national events and some performances that will amaze. Yup, thank the good speakers that it’s Friday.
You can and oughta add feedback at the YouTube location for the ones you really like. Most include a donation button because that’s how musicians are forced to sustain themselves in a pandemic. You can applaud via written word, toss coin into a virual hat like you do for a great group of sidewalk buskers. Sing along and dance whenever or even interact live while they’re singing in their late afternoon Monday sessions (5 pm PST).
Tried to arrange these in order through the very best so don’t you dare quit through the Joni cover, at least.
Not long after the initial covid wave shut down their touring, they released this Ezra Furman cover.
Covering a Guy Blakeslee song. Not sure who’s playing the tractor or the pilot at the end. Made me feel like I was outside on a sunny day too.
Ever feel like hitchhiking up a California highway? A Creedence Clearwater Revival song knows that feeling.
A snippet of a song released Oct 2020.
A Rainbow Girls infomercial from last October is a swift must-see because they is who they are. Improv wit, theatrics, an amazing array of instruments few talents could conquer, social awareness and vocal harmonics.
The kind of music finds we’d send back and forth several times each week to lighten the long lockdown. Marlene was constantly watching the world with that kind of positivity. Sharing it with others. Sunny sorcery for the soul.
A peaceful Eagles cover, during the pandemic lull in September 2020
Also in the lull, awareness of the increasingly sabotaged mail system late last summer moved them to respond about the one branch of government that’s been reliable for longer than anyone’s lived. Good government advocacy. Nice.
Come for the song, stay for the spoken word. One of the videos with a surprise ending. A fine Marvellettes cover.
The Quest for Inspiration and the Coolness of Finding It is about Women. Maybe your daughters are ready for the importance of it.
This is creative multi-media not Zoomy Zoomy stuff. Featuring Joel Ludford on the tuba and Anna Moss on the sax. They’re known as Handmade Moments in New Orleans.
Lorenzo Loera adds piano and lead vocals to a sweet R&B cover of the Bloodstone classic.
Here the Rainbows provide backing to Caitlin Jemma for some pure country and nasal swabs. From 3 weeks ago.
The Soundscape Traveller is a mix-up that may be drawn from Rod Serling, Blazing Saddles, Stephen King and Firesign Theater. You might want to set your beverage down for a bit.
The day after Election Day 2020, before the result was known. It was called for Biden two days after this. A haunty rendition of the Righteous Brothers’ huge classic that was written by Alex North & Hy Zaret.
Straight from the video liner notes: “Made popular by Martha Reeves & the Vandellas in 1964, this song was originally written by Marvin Gaye, William "Mickey" Stevenson, and Ivy Jo Hunter.”
Gotta keep an eye on the backgrounds for an ending twist again. Not many days after election results were in so a song of celebration.
Four days later, they brought back the import of Autumn spirit. Neil Young would have to be pleased by this cover. I especially dedicate this to Marlene, who was eager to see her grandbaby on Thanksgiving weekend when this was released.
Released in 2018, it reminds me of a Saturday we spent at the Oregon Country Fair, a rural forested entertainment extravaganza every July. Something everyone should do at least once.
We’re coming into the home stretch with this pop Britney Spears number with another strong and longer surprise close. Ever creative.
Are you feeling the spirit?
This was released on Marlene’s birthday, last Tuesday. It was recorded last mid-August. Completely irreverent plus an ode to pandemic sports. A bit of improv comedy devoid of song. I could hear Marlene laughing throughout.
You better be ready for Caitlin’s tour de force cover of a Joni Mitchell masterpiece. No joke stunning performance. Jeremy Lyon on guitar. Released Feb 1, just 39 days ago. I know Marlene was thrilled.
Recorded at the August 15th session last summer, here’s the call for national unity from some true patriots. Released just 2 days ago.
Twenty up and done. Sun’s out. Time to go dig in the dirt. Spring’s sneaking up.
Tune in for the last of the week’s tributes tomorrow. But the Rainbow Girls are done. Pass on the ones that made ya smile to friends and family needing their new smile today.
I smell coffee. Participation in every button encouraged.