My hyacinths are blooming and smell so good. I’ve got lots of plants waking up, and I think even more will show signs of life this week. My rose bushes are out of control. I’ve never grown roses before so I’m not quite sure how to go about tackling them. They have some mighty thorns (a bit like me). Anyway, welcome to the last Monday in March and another edition of Songful Style! Suzy and Shelbee decided to riff (see what I did there) on Style Imitating Art only with music! Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge, Suzy of Suzy Turner, and I make up the bloggers in this group. You can find all of us on our blogs and Instagram. Our ensembles (pun intended) may be inspired by the lyrics of a song, the artwork of the album cover, maybe the MTV video, or even a memory the song evokes. Shelbee chose this month’s song. Last time, I selected “Pleasant Valley Sunday” by The Monkees. Oh, and there’s a link party, too!
The band…
Formed in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 2007, The Revivalists are a pretty big band. There are eight members, and as far as I can tell, they’re all the original members. Ed Williams (pedal steel guitar, guitar) David Shaw (lead vocals), Zack Feinberg (guitar), Rob Ingraham (saxophone), George Gekas (bass guitar), Andrew Campanelli (drums and percussion), Michael Girardot (keyboards and trumpet) and Paulet “PJ” Howard (drums and percussion) began playing soon after Feinberg met Shaw while riding his bike! They seemed to attract the other members kinda like a magnet to iron shavings, and bingo, bango, boingo, a band was formed! Within a week of meeting, the initial version of the band had booked a gig at Checkpoint Charlie’s Laundromat/Bar on Esplanade Avenue in New Orleans (I think)! Before long, the full contingent was together and playing lots of places.
A little more…
In the beginning, The Revivalists released their albums independently. These releases were EPs rather than physical albums. On March 3, 2010, they released a physical album, Vital Signs, which received good reviews from the New Orleans Times Picayune saying the music had “irresistible hooks, melodies and arrangements.” During the time between the EP and Vital Signs, the band toured the US. They released another album, City of Sound, in 2012. This album moved them in the direction of folk, pop, and soul.
Still more…
On July 17, 2015, The Revivalists released Men Amongst Mountains. That album contained our song. In March 2016, Elvis Duran selected them as Artist of the Month on NBC’s Today show. They played “Wish I Knew You” during that segment which was part of the Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb’s show. I’m sure that gained them some attention as Kathie Lee and Hoda were IT for a hot minute!
Even more…
“Wish I Knew You” was #1 on Billboard’s Adult Alternative and Alternative charts. It remained on the Hot 100 for nine weeks. Certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, the song was also called “one of the best and catchiest radio singles of the year” by Forbes magazine. This single appeared to have launched their careers. They appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Ellen, and Conan. Rolling Stone magazine called them one of “10 Bands You Need to Know.” The Revivalists were also nominated for Top Rock Song for Billboard Music Awards. They also received nominations for Alternative Rock Song of the Year and Best New Rock/Alternative Rock Artist at the iHeart Radio Music Awards.
And, still more…
The album, Men Amongst Mountains, got over two million streams on Spotify as well as ending up in the Top 5 of the Billboard Heatseekers chart. In addition to three EPs, the band has also released five studio albums. They have played New York City’s Central Park SummerStage and Austin City Limits, the New Orleans Jazz Fest, Outside Lands, KRO! Weenie Roast & Fiesta and other festivals. In addition to being a band, they have a partnership with NOLA Brewing Company for The Revivalists American Pale Ale. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Roots of Music Foundation.
Philanthropy…
The Revivalists seems like really good people. They have raised money for various causes. Feinberg, Gekas, and Ingraham joined members of other bands for a show in New Orleans which raised funds for Emily’s Entourage, a non-profit organization seeking a cure for cystic fibrosis. They also work with the Roots of Music, a New Orleans after school music and tutoring program for over 150 children. The Revivalists participate in The Roots of Music presents Band Together which is a concert of the kids and other local bands. And, there’s that donation from the sale of their pale ale! In 2019, they began Rev Causes which is a fund supporting “the essential work of organizations dedicated to reviving and investing in their communities, health, and our environment. By donating a portion of ticket sales, and through fan donations and a variety of fundraising efforts, Rev Causes aims to assist these organizations in building a better future. Organizations include The Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP), Everytown for Gun Safety, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Songs for Kids Foundation, and Upturn Arts (source).”
Finally…
The Revivalists have their own website with lots of different tabs. One of them is their blog. I read a couple of posts, but I couldn’t tell if they were written by different members or not. I know a couple of them were by Rob Ingraham because they started with “Rob here.” I’m not sure who else contributes to the blog.
The song…
You shine like a star
You know who you are
You’re everything beautiful
She’s hot, hot like the sun
The loneliest one
Still everything beautiful
Well I’ll be god damned
You’re standing at my door
We stayed up in the city
Until the stars lost the war
So Friday night, holy ghost
Take me to your level
Show me the one I need the most
I need the most
I wish I knew you when I was young
We could’ve got so high
Now we’re here it’s been so long
Two strangers in the bright lights
Oh I hope you don’t mind
We can share my mood yeah
Two strangers in the bright lights
I wish I knew you
I wish I knew you
Oh I wish I knew you when I was young
Truth, it’s all that you need
You bury that seed
It’s everything beautiful
And that sound comes from the underground
It’s all inside you now
It’s everything beautiful
But what you, what you, what you, what you running from?
And they got, they got, they got, they got you on the run?
So Friday night
Holy ghost
Take me to your level
Show me the one I need the most
I need the most
I wish I knew you when I was young
We could’ve got so high
Now we’re here it’s been so long
Two strangers in the bright lights
Oh and I hope you don’t mind
We can share my mood, yeah
Two strangers in the bright lights
I wish I knew you
I wish I knew you
Oh I wish I knew you when I was young
Maybe we can share my mood
Hmm hmm hmm
Maybe we can share my mood
Hmm hmm hmm
Maybe we can share my mood
Hmm hmm hmm
I wish I knew you when I was young
We could’ve got so high
Now we’re here it’s been so long
Two strangers in the bright lights
Oh and I hope you don’t mind
We can share my mood, yeah
Two strangers in the bright lights
I wish I knew you
I wish I knew you
Oh I wish I knew you when I was young
What it means…
I had never heard of this song before Shelbee suggested it. I’ve now listened to it several times, and I find it so bittersweet. I think it hits me hard because I’m at a time in my life when I know there are so many more days behind me than before me. I know I’ve said that before, but it’s kinda hard facing your mortality. This song is about finding love or some kind of relationship later in life. Honestly, unless Johnny Depp comes knocking at my door, I can’t think of anyone but Nigel I’d have wanted to spend the last 50+ years with. It’s really a lovely song, but I really don’t like the line beginning with “Well I’ll be.” I curse like a sailor, but there are some things I don’t say, and that’s one of them.
The video
I love this video. I was afraid it was going to end a different way. I honestly laughed out loud when those old dudes spray painted the lockers! “Bad Boys 4 Life!” I think this is a high school reunion. I’ve only attended one of mine…the tenth. I realized then I really didn’t have anything in common with any of those people then. My fiftieth is coming up, and I admit I would like to go. There are some people with whom I’ve reconnected via Facebook, and I’d like to see them.
Interesting covers…
I don’t know how I would categorize this guy’s voice. I think it’s a little bluesy, a little rock. It’s not visually that interesting, but he’s probably on a smaller budget than the Revivalists!
This is a very short version, but I like the dude’s voice. The background is a little weird for the song.
I think this young woman does a really nice job with the song. She’s got a nice folksy voice.
I’m including this one because there just weren’t that many! I think this guy just set up a tripod in his backyard (which is glorious) and went at it. His voice is just OK, but that guitar is pretty cool.
This young woman has a powerful voice and does a bit of pseudo-scatting.
Leo, Leo! I’m beginning to despair that my favorite Norwegian heavy metal rocker will never have another song for me to highlight!
My interpretation…
I haven’t used April Cornell clothing for the last few challenges. At least, I don’t think I have. I’m too tired and too lazy to check. This pretty smocked jersey dress is from a few years ago. I think I wore it for an Ageless Style challenge once. One of the things I love about April Cornell is the attention to detail. I know you probably can’t see them very well, but there are embroidered pink and blue flowers on the smocked bodice. It reminded me of the older version of the woman’s pink floral dress. I added a Charming Cardigan from Talbots that has been in my closet for years, too. It’s a little more pink than hers is, but I love this color.
The Lewk!
Now, a pair of white ballerina flats would have been perfect for my lewk, I know. But, I don’t have any ballerina flats of any color. And, I’m personally averse to white footwear. I don’t even have white flip flops! I have no clue why I dislike white shoes so much. I do have a couple pairs of white sneakers, but I want them grungy and not pure white. I purely do wish Jambu would make something like these again! I’m not totally sure how long I’ve had them, but it’s been several years. I actually had a similar pair that I completely wore out! There are a couple of pairs I kinda like on their site, but they’re not exactly the same. I thought the soft aqua color did a nice job with the blues in my dress. I couldn’t really see what jewelry the older version of the woman in the video was wearing, if any. But, she looked like the kind of woman who would wear pearls, am I right? I pulled out my two pearl necklaces with matching earrings. I bought these at Talbots probably 10-15 years ago. The “bracelet” is actually a long single strand that I wrapped around my wrist several times.
Wrap it up, Marsha!
I really found myself thinking long and hard about this song and its message. My mom lost my dad when she was 42. She remarried a few years later, but that marriage ended in less than six months. She never dated again. I wish something like this had happened for her. I am much older than she was when she became a widow. I am pretty sure I’d spend the remainder of my years alone because there could never be another Nigel. So, can we talk? What do you think this song means? Would you be content alone in your later years, or would you seek out a new partner? What did you think of those four old dudes and their spray paint? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as soon as possible.
Thank you!
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Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, Suzy Turner, and Away from the Blue as well as Deb’s World and A Fresh Cup of Coffee. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, Style Splash and Elegantly Dressed and Stylish as well as the Senior Salon Pit Stop (Esme’s Salon) and Slices of Life. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I co-host Traffic Jam Weekend every Thursday with Melynda, Lisa, and Sue. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!
And, now, it’s your turn!
Please link up your favorite posts, DIY, baking, gardening, fashion…you name it…as long as it’s family friendly! Link up with me, visit a couple of others, and leave a comment or two! No worries if you don’t have a blog, just look around! You may find a new blog just waiting for you!
That’s such a sweet dress! I like the look very much on you.
Thank you, Cat! I really do like this dress because it’s so comfortable, and it’s got pockets!
Pretty in pink Marsha, that cardigan is lovely.
Thanks so much, Rosie!
I don’t think I’ve heard of this song either but what a pretty outfit!
Thanks, Joanne! I had never heard of it or the band.
I’m not sure I had ever heard this song before and I certainly had no idea who the Revivalists were! I enjoyed reading about how generous they are and how they give back, that is just so very nice to know. The video was fun to watch, and made me think of how quickly life happens. Such a sweet little story. You nailed it with your outfit – you look like the star of the video!
xo,
Kellyann
Thanks, Kellyann! I knew I had a pink cardigan, but finding a floral dress similar to her was harder than I thought it would be. I had never heard of The Revivialists, either. I was really glad to learn about them, too. The video was really sweet, wasn’t it?
Oh my goodness, Marsha, I knew right away that you took your inspiration from the modern-day outfit that the lady is wearing in the video. You nailed it! This song really does stir up a lot of emotions, doesn’t it? I laughed out loud at some parts of the video, like the older guys spray painting the lockers, and I cried at other parts, like when the interracial couple reacquaints. The flashbacks of them dancing with reckless abandon and joy also brought tears to my eyes. I felt sad that they had to wait 50 years to be together! My mother was also widowed very young. She was 45 and she never dated anyone after that either. She had two great loves. Her first was killed in Vietnam and my father was her second. I don’t think she thought she would find a third great love so she never tried. That made me sad when I was younger but now I totally get it. No one could ever replace my husband so I doubt I would even try if he were to leave this world first. But hopefully, we are blessed enough to leave together. I guess that’s what all happy couples would say! This was really fun and I love both yours and Suzy’s interpretations of one of my favorite songs ever!
Shelbee
Thanks, Shelbee! I had thought about doing both of the woman’s looks, but the weather was a little iffy. Oh, my goodness! I could relate to this video so much. I was so happy when I saw they were accepted 50 years ago as an interracial couple. You almost need a second song or video to tell the story of why they didn’t end up together. I have friends who are an interracial couple and have been married for over 40 years. I often think how brave they were given NE Indiana’s attitudes then and now. My mom’s second marriage was disastrous, and I think she just didn’t think it was worth it to even try again. It’s too bad because she really was a cool person.
I’m loving the colours you’re wearing, Marsha. It’s a super feminine look—very pretty! But weren’t your feet cold in sandals?! lol
I loved that part of the video too—spray painting the lockers and just acting like kids. Wonderful!
I can’t imagine wanting to be with anyone else if something happened to Michael! Mind you, you did mention Johnny Depp!! Maybe Keanu
Reeves because he’s such a nice guy lol!!
Hugs
Suzy xx
Thanks, Suzy! Well, we weren’t outside for very long, but I’ve been wearing sandals on and off for a bit. I really liked that part, but I was afraid they were going to spray something awful on those lockers. It was so funny to see them acting like that. I’m sure that’s how many of the guys I went to high school with would act. I’m always amazed when I read about the wonderful things Keanu does. He does seem like a genuinely good person.
I was amazed to see that you’ve brought out the sandals already! (Not sure if the weather will hold out for it, but it must have felt great.) I love the pearls in this look.
Thanks, Sally! I just thought the pearls seemed like the right thing! I’ve been wearing sandals on and off for a couple of weeks. But, then I come inside, and my feet get cold! I haven’t gone barefoot in the grass yet! That will be the true marker of springtime!
Oh, I know this song! It’s very catchy! It reminds me of rollerskating – it’s the type of song that might have played at the roller rink when I was a teen. Love your pretty dress and pink cardi, Marsha!
Thanks, Sheila! I’m going to have to listen to it again and think about roller skating! I haven’t done that in decades.
This was a new song/band for me and I love how you put this look together. Your comments about white shoes crack me up. Only because I remember when a couple of friends were groaning about them because they reminded them of nurses shoes. I was the same way with white jackets for the longest time because they reminded me of our lab jackets from dental school. Luckily I have moved on…LOL
XOXO
Jodie
Thanks, Jodie! I have to admit I bought a white dress last summer that definitely gave off nurse’s uniform so I returned it. I knew I would never wear it…why waste good money? I really have no idea why I detest white shoes so much. I had a pair of go go boots for goodness sake! But, I just don’t like them and feel uncomfortable in them. Besides, there are so many other colors out there to wear!
What a beautiful look on you. I can see similarities to the ‘ensemble’ the present day woman is wearing, however, I much prefer your version and color palette. Pink and gray are among my favorite colors together. I don’t wear a whole lot of either but think they are just lovely. And especially pretty on you with your complexion and coloring.
I feel the same way about PC. And even if Johnny came a-knockin’ I don’t think I could be persuaded to trade PC in. I imagine Johnny’s crazy and my crazy would be a toxic mix.
My 50th reunion is this fall. I only went to my 10th reunion, too!! And I doubt a single soul would know who I was if I go to the reunion. Other than my BFF and her husband, that is. I was so shy. Am still shy. But if my bestie goes, she might be able to persuade me to go with her.
How grand that your roses have taken off. Our poor rose bush died last year. Although they are hearty and grow well here, it turns out they do like a little rain now and then. We planted a new rose bush this spring. Hope it will take off. Our neighbors have at least a dozen rose bushes growing out of control in their front yard. They don’t do one thing to them. And the blooms are abundant and beautiful. I love everything I plant to death.
Thank you so much, Leslie! I love pink and grey together. I always have and, in fact, once thought I’d wear those colors when I got married. I am very shy, too. Mike never wanted to go to the reunions with me. If he had, I might have gone as I’d have someone to talk to. I drifted away from my friends, one of which had been my friend since third grade. We’ve reconnected a bit over Facebook, but since I live near Indianapolis now, we don’t see each other. Our roses are growing like crazy. I really need to get out and cut them back, or our house will look like Sleeping Beauty’s! I was loving my indoor plants to death, too. Then, I stopped watering them. It’s weird because I’ve had these plants before and watered them once a week at the old house. Now, that would drown them!
I’ve heard of the Revivalists but am not familiar with this song. I love the outfit you put together! It’s such a pretty spring look!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thank you, Jill! I hadn’t heard of them before but will be looking for more songs.
I love how you say that Nigel is the one (beside Johnny Depp – lol!) that you want to spend the rest of your life with. So sweet! I love this pretty cardigan and dress combo. It’s the perfect spring look in my opinion!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks, Kathrine! I’ve spent so much of my life with Nigel. I just can’t imagine it without him. I really liked the pink cardigan with the dress. I’ve never worn them together before.
I’ve never heard this song before. It’s beautiful! Thanks for sharing about it. I love the outfit you put together. The cardigan is so cute with the scallop detail.
Thanks, Laura! I hadn’t hard of the group or the song. I loved it, though. And, thanks for the compliments.
Hi, Marsha – We have a rose bush that was our first experiment with having roses. You probably got some good advice in the comments here, but I just want to recommend long gardener’s gloves. I got a pair a couple of years ago to protect my arms and hands from the thorns. It works great. Also, I totally agree with you that the lady in the video looks like she would absolutely wear pearls. You got it! – Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com
Thanks, Angie! I definitely need some long gardener’s gloves because these rose bushes have very stickery thorns. I’m going to be cutting it back soon.