Tuesday Musings (#4)

Happy anniversary to the Smyth clan. Thirty nine years ago, the nine of us boarded a plane and left Ireland to come to Canada. I remember almost everything of that day. I remember leaving Ireland with tears streaming down my face and I remember the smoke filled cabin of the airplane and I remember the ride from the airport in Toronto to my aunts house in St. Catharines. Back in those days, there was a roundabout at the Niagara side of the Burlington skyway. I remember watching all the lights and seeing the immense size of Canada and being scared.

I am so thankful that my parents made the decision for us to come here. Canada has provided all of us with the opportunity to live different lives than we might have had in Ireland. I am proud to be a Canadian, I love Canada and all that she stands for. On the other hand (there's always another hand), I am so proud to be Irish, many claim to be Irish, but few are really Irish by birth. I can find the house that I was born in on Google maps and as in a previous post I talked about my significant longing to "go home". My sister Margaret (I have three other sisters, although they are not named Margaret) and I are planning a trip together to "go home" next year in the fall. I can't wait.

On another note, I was watching the pre-game stuff for the Monday night football game last night and was appalled that they would give air time to the middle linebacker of the Ravens as he tried to get his players "up" prior to the start of the game. During his rant to a few of his teammates he exhorted them to take a player out. This is just a day after another NFL player was seriously injured and the network has the gall to play video of a player saying those things. Does anyone else remember Darryl Stingley? He was paralyzed by a hit by Jack Tatum (They call me Assasin) and he eventually died of complications in 2007 from the paralysis? I am all for forgiveness, if you know me well, you know exactly where I stand on that matter. I just don't understand why anyone would trumpet the rantings of a player with such a checkered history.

The network was at the least inconsiderate to those who have been injured on the field of play. But (there I said it), these are the days when a lot of people watch full contact fighting (whatever it is called) and call it a sport. We are treading so close the days of the real Gladiators again and we need another person who will stand up and say that this is not right.

Happy Tuesday everyone...............Slainte

Obscure Musical Lyric for the week of Sept.29/08

Good morning music fans, I trust you had a wonderful weekend. I did what I was told and rested. I read, I listened, I drank numerous cups of tea and "I took it easy" to paraphrase the Eagles. I also attended the 50th birthday party of a friend and met some folks who know some old friends from high school days. They even lived down the street from one of my best friends from high school and went to Lakeport High around the same time that I did. What a small world.

On to the song, I think you will like this one. This is the last week of my month of Canadian artists. I'm sure I will use Canadian artists again, but not a whole months worth for a while. I did a lot of research on this song. In fact the writer sent the song to Lynyrd Skynyd for them to record it and unfortunately several members of the band were killed in a plane crash and they never recorded it, so the writer recorded it.

Think of me

as one you'd never figured

would fade away so young

with so much left undone

remember me to my love

I know I'll miss her

The song was released on an album in 1979 and the tile of the album was suggested by a member of Devo. The album was ranked #350 of 500 by Rolling Stone magazine, in 2003. The song is found on side two, track one (that's for you Chief).

I would like to know the following:

The artist:

The name of the song:

The name of the original album:

Have a great week, looks like there are some chilly nights a comin'. The mornings will be a little frosty, thankfully I have a garage. I hope you enjoyed my little foray into Canadian music, I certainly had some fun researching. I got a lot of my material from the "Chief's Big Red Book". If you are fan of Canadian music of all genres, feel free to borrow the book and have a read. I do want it back though.

New gadget added (feedback please)

I've added a new gadget to my blog. I'd like to know who and how many people are reading the blog. So, feel free to click on the "followers" gadget and let me know if you are following and what you think.  

I'd really like some feedback to see what you think of the blog and my thoughts. I have also added a comment control feature, so you will find that when you make comments, they have to be pre-approved by me prior to being published. It's a simple way to ensure that spam and other stuff like that is managed well.

Happy reading.

Reading, resting, listening and remembering.

I'm listening to my many advice contributors and doing what I'm told(for a change) today. I'm resting, drinking a lovely cup of Irish tea, listening to some of my favourite tunes and doing some reading.

Currently, Lilywhite Lilith  and the rest of "The Lamb lies down on Broadway" is playing. Amazing singing by Gabriel and musicianship by the rest of the lads. I remember the first time I heard this album, I was sitting in my kitchen in 1975 listening to a barely perceptible FM radio station as they played the entire album for the first time. I wasn't that impressed at first, it takes time to warm up to this album(and most of the music of Genesis to be honest). When I finally heard it clearly, I was duly impressed. This is a live version and even with the overdubs that were added in production, I love it.

As to my reading material, I am currently reading "The Shack", by William P. Young. It's a story about "Mack"  who is in the midst of the "Great Sadness" a period that was brought on by the loss of his daughter. The jacket notes speak of of the timeless question, "where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?"

Those of you who know us will know that we have experienced life changing tragedy just under six months ago and there are many of us who have rightfully asked the question that the book poses about the whereabouts of God. Some, more deep in their faith than I, have already come to the realization that God was there and will be here as he has promised, "the same yesterday, today and tomorrow" as well as the promise to "never leave us or forsake us".

I'll keep the blog posted on my progress, be aware that I may share some details of the book that might be considered as "spoilers", so I will put that in the title.

Have a great Saturday, particularly if it is your Shabbat.  Interesting that Genesis and Shabbat have come together in the blog, since Shabbat was instituted by God in the book of Genesis after the Creation. 

Kinda makes you want to go......hmm.  

The big reveal for the week of Sept.22/08

Good morning music fans, I know this one was also tough. It wouldn't be obscure if it wasn't tough, now would it? The next week will be the last in the Canadian series of obscure songs for a while and I'm going to have a familiar artist next week, I haven't decided on a song from that artist yet.

The artist: Joni Mitchell
The song: Coyote

Joni sang back up vocals for Neil Young at The last Waltz, which was a fabulous event at least from the video. It really wasn't a last waltz for anyone, but I'm quite confident they had a good time that evening.

The weekend is almost upon us and I for one am glad it's here. This has been a tough week, I have probably done too much and my physiotherapist would agree. I'm glad that she prescribed rest for the weekend, so I'm going to do that as soon as I get out of here today.

I still have several books that are either started or need to be started again as when I was reading them last I was not in a good mindset for comprehending the comics, never mind Cussler or anyone else.

I digress, have an awesome weekend. Enjoy the sun while it lasts and enjoy the rain too. Without the rain, we would not appreciate the sun so much. Enjoy a sip of something familiar, gather with some friends and break bread(unless you are a sufferer of celiac) and of course listen to some music.

"Music is the only language that you cannot say a mean or sarcastic thing"

Three months to Christmas

I love Christmas, I love everything about Christmas, even the snow, which can leave on Dec.26 if I have my way. I am really looking forward to Christmas, I'm taking some time off, Josh will be home and I'm already starting to think about the menu.

We have loads of fun as a family and have begun to add new traditions. One that we started last year is that when Josh comes home we have a family dinner at Casa Rugantino in Kitchener. if you've never been there, you are missing a significant gastronomical treat. If you have had the pleasure, then you know what I'm talking about. It was great to sit in the dimly lit, tiny restaurant and enjoy the glow of an absolutely fabulous meal with Jo-Anne and the kids.

I have the opportunity to go there once in a while for lunch (their puffs are amazing, have the meat sauce on the side), it is much more special when it is the four of us. The service is awesome and the food is wonderful.

I don't like to wish my life away. You will never hear me hoping for the weekend, just to get past Monday or whatever day it is. I want to get everything possible out of today and (you know I almost said but) I am looking forward and anticipating Christmas and all that brings.

If you happen by my desk, you may even start to hear some Christmas music soon. Happy Christmas to all and to all a good "day".

Tuesday musings (#3)

Well it's time to start planning the parade. The Leafs won their first game of the season. Yes, I do know that it was pre-season and that Buffalo had mostly AHL quality players, so did the Leafs and they looked pretty good for being just 2 days into training camp. The Leaf players, mostly from their AHL squad at least worked harder than I've seen a Leaf team work in years. I was impressed with their fore checking and speed.

That's not what I wanted to muse about this morning, it just came out. I struggle with people who can't be joyful in the happy moments of other people's lives. There is way too much petty jealousy in the world. What's wrong with enjoying someone else's success? I find it disturbing when someone has something good to share and others (read lots of people in all walks of life) can only think of themselves and not celebrate with the one who has the pleasure of some good event.

I think that "we" have become inherently selfish and cannot for some reason accept when another (and not us) has a windfall or is blessed in some way that "we" are not. What childishness is this that "we" act like children on someone else's birthday and don't get presents. Something has got to give here and it will take a cultural change of immense proportions.

Think about your own situation the next time someone else gets that promotion or has some area of success. Take the time to evaluate your attitudes to them and yourself. We only have to look at the news to see how really blessed we are and to see how difficult most of the rest of the world has it. Take a look in the mirror once in a while and see what kind of person you really are. That's a difficult challenge, I know, and the results can be amazing if you want them to be.

You see, it's really a choice, do you wish to have joy in the circumstances of others or do you silently wish that it was you who received whatever they got. Do you also wish for their trials to be placed on your shoulders? I think not.

Well, I've got to go plan that parade, Happy Tuesday everyone.

Obscure Musical Lyric for the week of Sept.22/08

Good morning music fans. I trust you had a good weekend. Mine was restful and we enjoyed the sunshine and absence of children.

I hope you like this week's selection. Once again, the artist is Canadian, born in Fort Macleod, Alberta on November 7, 1943. This person is considered one of the pillars of Canadian folk music, but has also been know for their pop and jazz music as well. This person sang background vocals for Neil Young at "The Last Waltz". This person sang this song during "The Last Waltz". This song was from an album released in 1976 and the title of the album means "journey".

There's no comprehending
just how close to the bone and the skin and the eyes
and the lips you can get
and still feel so alone

I would like to know:

The name of the artist:
The name of the song:

Have a great week, enjoy the sunshine and celebrate today's special birthday. I'll try to have a few additional hints on Wednesday.

Happy Birthday, Bilbo and Frodo

If you are a Tolkien fan, then you already know that today is Bilbo and Frodo's birthday. If you are not a fan, you can stop reading now.

I'm a big fan of Tolkiens work, his hero's are unusual types. They are the ones who would be picked last for the baseball game (I'm not sure they had baseball games). He took (pun intended) the smallest and used them to bring down the big and mighty.

There's a lot to be said for the work of Tolkien, for me it is always an opportunity to "lose myself" in the story and be transported to different lands on a quest to rid the world of evil.

That's really what we all want isn't it? To get rid of that which threatens our very existence. In the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit, that which seemed so beautiful was ultimately evil and controlling. Much like our lives today, the things that seem beautiful may lead to death and destruction, the choice is ours.

I seem to have lost my birthday celebrations in thoughts about good and evil. There is only good to be considered on a birthday. I'm not sure how old either of them are on this day, it doesn't really matter. I'll get to the "Prancing Pony" or some other establishment and raise a glass in their honour.

Happy Birthday indeed!

The big reveal for the week of Sept.15/08

Good morning music fans, either this weeks lyric was a tough one, or you all have had a very busy week. I did not receive one guess the entire week. I knew it would be tough, but I didn't think it would be that tough.

I've picked something much more familiar for next week. I even watched the song being played on youtube last night.

Here are the answers:

The singer: Loreena McKennit.
The song: The Mystic's Dream.
The album: The Mask and The Mirror.
Where she lives: near Stratford.

Have an awesome weekend, the weather looks great. Take some time to savour the sights and sounds of your surrounding area. Go to a market instead of a grocery store and purchase some locally grown foods and then cook a dinner for that someone special (or maybe the dog). Fill your days with familiar music and may introduce yourself to some new songs.

"Alas for those that never sing, but die with all their music in them"

A new ipod (finally)

Several weeks ago, I wrote about the untimely passing of my ipod. It was really quite sad. As you will know, I love music and would have it playing all the time if I could. During a part of my recovery when I could do very little, I spent many hours reading and listening to my favourite tunes on my ipod. then one day, it wouldn't work.

Last week, the new one came in. I ordered a touch ipod. I saw one for the first time when I was in Cuba in January and was significantly impressed, but since I already had one, I certainly couldn't justify the expense. The money I received back from the warranty on the original ipod just about paid for it and they are even cheaper now(this is not a paid plug from Apple, I wish).

There's a silver lining to every cloud and this one is musical. I really like the "touch". It has lots of fun little things besides the music. It's basically an office the size of a small phone. It's a little bigger than my original 2 gig ipod and it holds tons of songs. When I first synced it, it loaded every song on my hard drive(even the country songs, yech) and after loading 1197 songs, there was more than a 1/4 of the 8 gig memory left, awesome.

So, if you want to check it out come and see me and I'll give you a tour. It is even wifi compatible for mail, internet and all kinds of other wonderful stuff. I can even view and work on my blog from it.

I found this awesome quote the other day, let me know what you think:

"never Bb, never B#, always Bnatural"

Tuesday Musings (#2)

As you will know by now if you've been reading this blog, I have just returned to work following a lengthy absence. I love my job and really enjoy the people I work with as well as the clients that I normally have interaction with on a daily basis, (if you are waiting for a "but", there is none).

I have been nervous, excited, anxious(and all the other adjectives) about coming back to work to the point that it's affecting my sleep and dreams.

Why is it that the specific time when you really need sleep that sleep will not come? When it does, it is fitful and my dreams are crazy and all over the place. I am not much of a dreamer (during sleep that is) but (there I said it) there have been some very weird dreams the past two nights. This sleep pattern is something that has troubled me for years. It will take a few days and everything will fall back into the normal pattern.

It goes to show how powerful my subconscious really is. It also shows how my fears and concerns affect my daily and night life. I need to get one night of uninterrupted sleep soon. I probably should have gotten out of bed and journalled my dreams, but it was too cold in the middle of the night. Where did that come from? It was chilly this morning as I drove to work as well. My musing has changed from sleep to winter and I have no interest in winter this year. For some strange reason I am dreading it this year. The sound of the ducks practicing sends an icy chill down my already sensitive spine. I love Christmas and all that goes with the celebration of His birth, I just have this loathing for the snow this year.

Oh well, happy Tuesday to all, enjoy the sunshine.

Well I'm back

Besides being the final three words from my favourite book and movie (The Lord of the Rings trilogy), "well I'm back" is my current refrain.

I made it through my first day at work in over 10 weeks. To say I'm tired and sore would be an understatement. I'm looking forward to getting some rest before physio and then getting back at it tomorrow.

The words make up a farewell and a return and I only have good things to look forward to.

Obscure Musical Lyric for the week of Sept.15/08

Good morning Music fans, I trust you had a wonderful weekend. I had a few interesting experiences, especially at a hockey game. I certainly didn't take enough time to listen to music. I need to book some time for that over the next week.

I'm continuing to use Canadian musicians for the rest of this month and I hope you like the tour. This artist was born out west in Manitoba and is quite an accomplished musician. The artist has had a difficult journey through some of the periods of life. The joy and pain that was experienced is demonstrated in the music. This song was part of this artists 5th album and was released in 1994. The artist is quoted as saying: "the music I am creating is a result of travelling down that road and picking up all manner of themes and influences".

And so it's there, my homage's due
clutched by the still of the night
and now I feel you move
every breath is full

I will try to give some hints on Wednesday, stay posted and see what shows up here.

I would like to know:

The artist.
The name of the song.
The name of the album.
Where the artist lives.

Have a great week. I am anxiously anticipating seeing many of you this week.

Hockey with a six year old

I went to a hockey game last night with some friends (Thanks Dan). One of them was a six year old who was attending his "very first" live hockey game ever. I'm not so sure about the amount of hockey he has seen over his six years, so it was lots of fun to "see" the game as he "saw" it. We watched the game as he downed a huge bucket of popcorn and drank a large Pepsi. What an experience. I had so much fun watching him enjoy all the sights.

It was great to hear his observations and comments on the game that most of us would take for granted. Having watched hockey since 1969 (wow that's almost 40 years), I think I have a good handle on the game. Trying to explain the game to a youngster was so much fun. He had a very interesting reaction to the two fights that occurred in the game. Having not been indoctrinated in the game like most Canadian kids, he did not scream and cheer as the two pugilists bashed their bare knuckles on the opposing players helmets. He actually didn't notice the cheering throng, he just said, "it's not good to hit like that, is it?".

I restrained myself from pontificating on it "being part of the game" and maturely said, no it's not good to hit each other like that. He really liked the body checking though and since he's going to start hockey in a week, I made sure that he understood the rules that body checking would not be allowed until he is older.

He cheered for both teams, a noble gesture, but I think it was because I was cheering for the Leaf rookies and his Poppa was cheering for anyone but the Leaf rookies (in this case, the Pittsburgh Penguin rookies).

All in all, we had some fun, learned a bit about the game, got soaked as we walked to the truck(thanks for driving Rick) and got home before 8:30. You know, it just goes to show that quality time can be spent anywhere and last night was some good quality time at the rink with a six year old. I'll watch the game more carefully from now on, just to be able to take in the experience more and "see" the game as my little friend does. Maybe we'll do what most proper Canadians do and make Saturday night a night to watch the game and have a bit of fun.

Looking back over the years, I remember every time my kids went on the ice as either a player, a member of the staff or as an official, I said two words to them, "have fun". From this point forward, I'll say those same words to my little friend, and I'm sure he will.

The big reveal for the week of Sept.8/08

Good morning music fans. I heard from a few more of you this week, you must be back at work and "working hard" at stuff. Speaking of work, I'm returning to work next week and I'm both very excited and somewhat scared about the whole thing. Due to my setbacks I'm not where I would like to be, but I'm far from where I was.

On to the music, the Canadian theme brought some different people out into the game this week.
Here are your answers:

The song: I got everything I need (Almost)
The group: Downchild Blues Band
The album: But I'm on the Guest list
The famous covering duo: The Blues Brothers (Jake - John Belushi and Elwood - Dan Akroyd with the most amazing band ever assembled, if you ask Perry D. and I)
The famous establishment referred to on the cover: El Mocambo

The winner this week was Brad F. at 10:42 on Sept.8, he had all the answers correct.

It looks like rain for most of the weekend, the good thing about that(there are several) is that those are the times when I get to just sit and read and listen to music. My new Ipod has been shipped(more on that later). It is also a wonderful time to just sip a nice cup of Irish tea. Now later in the day you may wish to have something a little stronger maybe a drop of poteen (tell me if you know what that is?).

Whatever you do this weekend, enjoy family, friends and loved ones. Make music part of your day and you will enjoy it and grow out of the experience. I look forward to seeing some of you next week and more of you as the weeks pass.

I remain,

Your musical tour guide (maybe we'll try a different part of Canada next week)

Some days there won't be a song in your heart.........sing anyway

Remembering Sept.11/01

There are times in my life where the memories are as clear as the last few moments of this morning. I remember when JFK was shot, I remember when John Lennon was shot, I remember the day our family left Ireland. I remember our wedding day and the birth of our children.

I also remember exactly where I was and who I was with on 9/11. I remember listening to the radio on my way to a mediation and hearing the announcer(Pat Marsden, I think) talk about a plane hitting one of the buildings. I mentioned it to the people I met with and went ahead with my meeting thinking it was some small plane.

As I travelled back to the office, more details came out and I remember Bob S. hooking up the TV with some rabbit ears so we could watch the news. I remember that one of our former office colleagues (Ruth) had family in one of those towers and the fear that she exuded.

I just wanted to get home and hug my family. I knew in my heart that something terribly wrong had occurred and I only wanted to be with those closest to me. I knew no one in those buildings however I felt that the world had shrunken significantly that day. This was no longer an us and them situation, rather it was us.

What has happened to forgiveness? When will we learn to "turn the other cheek" and stop taking up arms? I'm sure there is much fault to go around but when do we start to treat our fellow man with the love and respect that we demand for ourselves? What right does anyone have to take another life? I've never been accused of being a pacifist (not that there's anything wrong with being a pacifist), however, the more I read the teachings in scripture, the more I need to demonstrate love and not hatred.

As I sit here and recall those terrible hours on 9/11, I need to be mindful of my attitude towards all people, not just the ones that I agree with. I do not have to agree with your theology or lifestyle, your politics or your approach to life, rather I have to show love in all my dealings with you. If I choose to do that, it will make a difference.

Tuesday Musings Sept.9/08

This is the first in a series called "Tuesday Musings" which are random thoughts that just won't go away.

Does anyone else feel guilty about all the destruction in the world and the relative calm that we live in? There are wars, rumours of war, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes and all kind of natural and man made disasters. Yet, here in South Western Ontario we live in relative comfort with cool houses in the summer and warm in the winter. Am I the only one that wonders when our time will come?

We (generally speaking) fixate on the dollar and forget about the widows and orphans (figuratively speaking). I'm sure that some of us give a little but to try to assuage our guilt but I don't think it really works. Can we really put our head on the pillow and sleep soundly knowing that there is so much need and we drive our new cars and watch our big TV's and cluck our tongues at the tragedy in the world?

I believe that a reckoning is coming. I think that the fall of the big banks in the U.S. is just the beginning. I am no prophet (put down your stones) I just wonder when the other shoe is going to drop. What then, if all our security is in the dollar so fixated upon, then what? I have no interest in walking around with a sandwich board saying the end is coming because it's coming for me too.

I need to review my priorities and see what I am doing that can be eliminated and in turn begin to do things that benefit others not just myself. Is there anyone else out there that thinks like this or am I just spittin' in the wind?

Heading back to work

Finally, I am going to give it a try. I have permission from all involved to start my return to work program. I will be returning on Sept.15/08 on a graduated return to work program and am truly looking forward to getting "back in the saddle" so to speak.

I really have missed the professional experiences that occur on a daily basis as well as the many interactions with colleagues and clients.

I'll keep a daily log as to how it goes. I'm somewhat nervous as I will have been away from the place for ten weeks when I finally return.

Obscure Lyric for the week of Sept.8/08

Good day music fans, it's bright out there this morning and chilly. I hope you had a great weekend even though some of it was rainy.

I have a great song for you this week. The song was written by a Canadian band and made into a hit by another duo, one of whom was a Canadian. The song was originally released as part of an album on January 1, 1982. Here are the lyrics:

I got friends who like me 'cause I got lots of dough
The people recognize me wherever I go
I don't got trouble gettin' high
but if I don't get you, I believe I will die

This is definitely not progressive rock. I have never had an album of this bands music, although I did have an album from the covering duo with this song on it. This group was founded in Toronto by a pair of brothers and a bunch of other musicians in 1969.

I need to know:

The name of the song:
The name of the group:
The name of the album:
The members of the famous covering duo:
The name of the famous establishment referred to on the album cover:

Have an awesome week, I hope to see some of you on the 15th which means I need to see Scott G. sometime this week to get my pass.

The big reveal for the week of Sept.1/08

Good morning music fans, it appears that the remains of Gustav have arrived. I am so thankful that we do not experience the kind of weather that 'nawlins does or others in that area. Then again there is the snow. I'll leave that for another post.

It looks like the Canadian theme shook the tree a bit and I received a few replies. The winner this week was Steve B. at 9:51 a.m. on Sept.2/08.

Here are your answers:

The name of the artist: Corey Hart
The name of the spouse: Julie Masse
The name of the song: Sunglasses at Night (check the video bar)
The album it was released on: First offense

Have a great weekend, hopefully there will be more than rain, however "into every life a little rain must fall". Enjoy family, friends, go see Mats (don't get me started on that one) or just enjoy a little break from the daily grind.

I remain,

your musical tour guide (for the next few weeks we're staying in Canada)

Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without

Chasing the Wind

I've begun to read the book of Ecclesiastes as part of my daily Bible reading. I remember several years ago sitting in a small group study of this book. Most of us were frustrated by the word usage, metaphors and the utter "meaningless" statements. A voice piped up, rarely heard, who stated "this is some of the most beautiful poetry I have ever heard". In an instant, the tenor of the conversation changed and we were once again challenged to see and hear the words differently.

And so, I began today to read these words again. How timely. It's usually a few chapters a day of old and new testaments as well as a portion of a Psalm and one or two lines from the Book of Proverbs.

Most of you will recognize the Byrds song, "turn, turn turn". This was taken directly from the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 3, verses 1 through 8. The writer, King Solomon (of the book, not the song) talks about the meaninglessness of life without God. He tried everything and discovered that it was all just meaningless (or vanity, another translation writes: vanity, vanity, all is vanity) and was about as helpful as "chasing the wind". Later, in Chapter 12, Solomon gives an answer: "fear God and obey His commands, for this is everyone's duty".

I've just given a "readers digest" version of the Book of Ecclesiastes. There is much more than what I've seen or read. I'm planning on doing more than "chasing the wind" as I look forward to re-establishing relationships particularly at work and other areas.

Obscure Lyric for the week of Sept.1/08

Good morning music fans. I'm writing this on Monday, most of you will see it on Tuesday. To be fair, I will only accept guesses after 8:30 a.m. on Sept.2/08. I hope you had a great long weekend. I certainly did and am beginning to feel quite well and I am now considering how soon I can return to work. I received a gift from one of you recently (Making Music, Profiles from a Century of Canadian Music) and I'm going to use it for inspiration for the month of September. So get your Canadian music thinking caps on and here we go:

Keep track of the visions in my eyes
While she's deceiving me
it cuts my security
Has she got control of me?

This song is from an album released in 1983, the artist was between 20 and 21 at the time of the release. That's pretty young don't you think ? I think this is their most famous song. The song went to number 7 in the U.S. and number 24 in Canada. The artist was born in Montreal and is married to another Canadian musician.

I would like to know:

The name of the Artist.
The name of the spouse (googling allowed for this one).
The name of the Song.
The name of the Album it was released on.

Have a musical week.