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Leo Kottke — Living in the Country
Album: Sixty Six Steps
Avg rating:
7.1

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Total ratings: 2494









Released: 0
Length: 3:46
Plays (last 30 days): 4
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(Instrumental)
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When a foreigner asks what is a magnificent example of the best of American music, I always present Leo Kottke and they're blown away!
Posted 2 weeks ago by nelsonha    [ Reply ]
I have his early lp albums. He and John Fahey got me hooked on fingerstyle guitar.
Posted 1 month ago by eklekticERZ    [ Reply ]
Someone mentioned seeing him live? Perhaps he's coming to a venue near you:
https://www.redlightmanagement...

I've seen him perform a number of times from coast to coast. Last time was with Mike Gordon at the Fillmore in San Francisco. Next up will be at The Birchmere in Alexandria Va. on April 14. 

Maybe one day (hint hint) RP will play instrumentals by his mentor John Fahey. One can only hope.
Posted 8 months ago by chinaski    [ Reply ]
the more Leo Kottke, the better
Posted 8 months ago by Tartuffe    [ Reply ]
I want to see him live! Bet he still crushes it.
Posted 10 months ago by siqbal    [ Reply ]
 kweavr99 wrote:

Leo K might be the most underrated guitarist... 


Umm, no one I know underrates Leo Lottke. Nor any guitar-oriented publication that I'm aware of.
Posted 11 months ago by TC1    [ Reply ]
Mike Gordon is bass guitarist and vocalist most recognized as a founding member of the band Phish
Posted 1 year ago by Ihatethissong    [ Reply ]
Saw Leo perform this song last Friday night in Appleton, WI. What a treat he is. The rambling stories are still as good as the guitar playing. He'll be on tour this summer, go see him!
Posted 1 year ago by pclancey    [ Reply ]
Splash Mountain is a great ride.
Posted 1 year ago by HearsayDave    [ Reply ]
The opening of this song always makes me think I'm tuned into NPR Radio for some reason.  Was this a theme song on there at one time?
Posted 1 year ago by timmus    [ Reply ]
Leo K might be the most underrated guitarist... can't go wrong with any of his music. His vocals might be an acquired taste - but his voice works for me
Posted 2 years ago by kweavr99    [ Reply ]
 casagozo wrote:

I'm so glad to have Leo Kottke & Radio Paradise with me as I enjoy some magic truffles in Goes (Zeeland), Netherlands. Thank you!!

I have been there!
My great-aunt had a country cottage, we stayed there a few days circa 1986 (?)
Went to the market in the town square, toured the church.
I seem to recall it was surrounded by, well, dang near nothing. Just miles of flat farmland, with an occasional boat stranded while the tide was out.
Didn't get to sample the truffles though, dang it.
c.

Posted 2 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
I'm so glad to have Leo Kottke & Radio Paradise with me as I enjoy some magic truffles in Goes (Zeeland), Netherlands. Thank you!!
Posted 2 years ago by casagozo    [ Reply ]
 jimtyrrell wrote:

I surrender, I need this album!



Hands Up!  
Posted 2 years ago by Rockit999    [ Reply ]
Had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Kottke perform and he was just as brilliant then as here in this song and quite a storyteller as well.
Posted 3 years ago by amcostigan88    [ Reply ]
"Like a goose fart in a snow storm."
Posted 3 years ago by cosmicjoe    [ Reply ]
I surrender, I need this album!
Posted 3 years ago by jimtyrrell    [ Reply ]
And the chair dancing commences!
Posted 4 years ago by jmkate    [ Reply ]
 SpencerAR wrote:

Have you considered cached Radio Paradise from your smartphone?  
 
Use Caching regularly.  But I also enjoy the unexpected finds in used stores.  Sometimes the finds are keepers like this one is.
Posted 4 years ago by the_jake    [ Reply ]
Thanks Bill.  You just put me squarely in the middle of my happy place.
Loves me some Kottke
Posted 4 years ago by nook    [ Reply ]
 the_jake wrote:
Picked this CD up at a used store in Estes Park before heading into Rock Mtn National Park.    
Was a pretty good road trip listen.   Can't expect any kind of signal to be sustained for long, 
Even satellite drops in canyons.  Forget about HD signal.
 
Have you considered cached Radio Paradise from your smartphone?  
Posted 4 years ago by SpencerAR    [ Reply ]
Leo Kottke (German man?) Great, great, great music{#Bananajam}
Posted 6 years ago by peter.gerzner    [ Reply ]
Picked this CD up at a used store in Estes Park before heading into Rock Mtn National Park.    
Was a pretty good road trip listen.   Can't expect any kind of signal to be sustained for long, 
Even satellite drops in canyons.  Forget about HD signal.
Posted 6 years ago by the_jake    [ Reply ]
 rich95969 wrote:
I live in the country (i.e. rural). This song does not feel like what I live. It's good technical picking, but doesn't flow easy into the ears.

 
You live in Paradise!  I would stay put and assume the "country" referred to in the song is not your type of rural/country!
Posted 6 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
 rich95969 wrote:
I live in the country (i.e. rural). This song does not feel like what I live. It's good technical picking, but doesn't flow easy into the ears.

 
Have you moved yet? Because that's the obvious solution.
Posted 7 years ago by haresfur    [ Reply ]
Lovin me some Leo this arvo.
Posted 8 years ago by janac13    [ Reply ]
Hard to believe it's not a dozen guitarists going hard at it. Love Leo Kottke, and I'm sure Mike Gordon is no mug either.
Posted 8 years ago by jab49    [ Reply ]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTh7DHIeJCM
Posted 11 years ago by Xstar    [ Reply ]
 agree

leonswiatek wrote:
That boy can play

 


Posted 11 years ago by jocelynsart    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:

{#Clap} Well-said!  This is me, trying with all my might to extricate my foot from my mouth. (How that foot managed to get there in the first place is a total mystery to me, since I can't even touch my toes anymore.)


 
And this is Cynaera doing what most listeners (me included) can never bring themselves to do - apologise with humor.
Posted 11 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
That boy can play
Posted 11 years ago by leonswiatek    [ Reply ]
 mcYammer wrote:
When I saw Mike was recording w Kottke, it allowed me to give Phish another try. I'll always love Leo, tho

 
Bill just mentioned Mike Gordon plays (played?) in Phish. Wow, this is miles better than anything Phish did. 
Posted 11 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
I live in the country (i.e. rural). This song does not feel like what I live. It's good technical picking, but doesn't flow easy into the ears.
Posted 11 years ago by rich95969    [ Reply ]
MassivRuss wrote:
Happy Time in my cubicle{#Music}

 

I, too, am boppin' to the beat!  {#Dance}
Posted 11 years ago by bev    [ Reply ]
Kottke on his own is far better.
As is Pete Seeger .
Posted 11 years ago by owchita    [ Reply ]
Like this tune more and more. Excellent pickin', messrs Kottke and Gordon!
Posted 11 years ago by BrightonGuy    [ Reply ]
Nice and up beat, but  I feel like I'm on hold.
Posted 11 years ago by hagz21    [ Reply ]
 StoneyG wrote:
Thanks for playing this!

 
nice song
Posted 11 years ago by uilekiek    [ Reply ]
I think this is beautiful... just beautiful.
Posted 11 years ago by symthy    [ Reply ]
Too frantic.  Ouch...............
Posted 11 years ago by MirageRF    [ Reply ]
I would enjoy the rest of my life immensely without ever having to hear this song again.
Posted 12 years ago by dynamaniak    [ Reply ]
OMG, end already!!
Posted 12 years ago by callook67    [ Reply ]
Happy Time in my cubicle{#Music}
Posted 12 years ago by MassivRuss    [ Reply ]
A perfect collaboration - Kottke was approached by Mike, essentially auditioning for him, wanting to make music together.  Kottke usually goes on his own, but was so impressed by Gordon, they ended up making two lp's together - both really good, this one being GREAT!
Posted 12 years ago by Biscobret    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:
I've said it before, and I'll say it again:  Those who can, DO.  Those who can't, TEACH.  Those who can't do or teach become critics.  Addendum:  Those who can't be good critics become trolls.
 
The British critic A.A. Gill called himself and his colleagues the " chatterati " and this seems spot-on. BTW, I knew him when he worked in a Soho sex shop before he found fame. It all sort of fits.
Posted 12 years ago by funkyalfonso    [ Reply ]
 jhorton wrote:
" Never have so few labored so much for so little."
 
{#Think}
Posted 12 years ago by mrtuba9    [ Reply ]
" Never have so few labored so much for so little."
Posted 12 years ago by jhorton    [ Reply ]
This one goes to 11...
Posted 12 years ago by NeilBlanchard    [ Reply ]
Pete Seger song.  I prefer this version because Pete whistles on his...don't whistle on records please.
Posted 12 years ago by CamLwalk    [ Reply ]
 Jörg_Asmussen wrote:

Oh hell yeah, big deal. Just push the "Play" button, lean back and enjoy : )
 
LOL!      
Posted 12 years ago by oldsaxon    [ Reply ]
Thanks for playing this!
Posted 12 years ago by StoneyG    [ Reply ]
 trissi wrote:
this song gives me dexterity envy.
 

Ha!
Posted 12 years ago by Dahlia_Gumbo    [ Reply ]
Great fun, this. Thank you! Reminds me I haven't played this CD in toooooo long.

{#Dancingbanana_2}
Posted 12 years ago by Dahlia_Gumbo    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:
I've said it before, and I'll say it again:  Those who can, DO.  Those who can't, TEACH.  Those who can't do or teach become critics.  Addendum:  Those who can't be good critics become trolls.
 
I think you mean well, but that is really an awful comment.   I think you should think a little harder on that one.  Seriously.  Some of the things you say are really frightening.  I know many of us say critical and "troll" like things here.  We are just having fun and participating in the art process in what I would submit to you is a most important way.   Why do you read these posts?  Why post here yourself?  Do you realize that because you claim to like practically everything, your opinion on anything is almost ridiculous?  No one takes your praise to heart.  Artist know this, they are not stupid.  Most good and great novelists are also the most severe critics BTW.  Who would take anything you say seriously?  How are you even participating? Criticism is the very lifeblood of art and democracy.  That is truly a shameful comment.  Sorry Cy.  I still like you though.  
Posted 12 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
very fine! I first thought I was hearing Arlo Guthrie ... from his Running Down the Road album ... now I need to compare the two. :)
Posted 12 years ago by mcdonna    [ Reply ]
this song gives me dexterity envy.
Posted 13 years ago by trissi    [ Reply ]
When I saw Mike was recording w Kottke, it allowed me to give Phish another try. I'll always love Leo, tho
Posted 13 years ago by mcYammer    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:
I love pretty much everything Leo Kottke does - this is such a jaunty, happy tune, and deceptively difficult to play!  (Think octopus-fingers.) He's an astonishing guitarist.... {#Clap}
 
I'm pretty convinced he must have an extra hemisphere in his brain. (Richard Thompson, too).
 
Posted 13 years ago by rsfc_carp    [ Reply ]
 michaelgmitchell wrote:
Oh hell, I can play that. Big deal.
 
Oh hell yeah, big deal. Just push the "Play" button, lean back and enjoy : )
Posted 13 years ago by Jörg_Asmussen    [ Reply ]
blech!

There are a million, " Genius," guitarists out there who make music that only appeals to awestruck guitarists. There's a reason why most people have never heard of them.
Posted 13 years ago by jhorton    [ Reply ]

Êta baiãozinho arretado, sô!


Posted 13 years ago by Orodrigues    [ Reply ]
I bought this CD.  Damned thing had copy protection on it.  Pisses me off.
Posted 13 years ago by spacemoose    [ Reply ]
Kottke could play a washtub string and broomstick bass and still get a 10

Posted 13 years ago by nook    [ Reply ]
I can't hear this too often.  Thanks, Bill!
Posted 13 years ago by Tesseract    [ Reply ]
 Jelani wrote:

Hmmm....
I DO, which qualifies me to TEACH, and I am CRITICAL - necessary to being successful at both. 
 
{#Clap} Well-said!  This is me, trying with all my might to extricate my foot from my mouth. (How that foot managed to get there in the first place is a total mystery to me, since I can't even touch my toes anymore.)

Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
 michaelgmitchell wrote:
Oh hell, I can play that. Big deal.

  
I direct this to those who took michael's tongue-in-cheek comment seriously and challenged his claim of great talent.  First, did you happen to hear (as Doug Adams might say) the whooshing sound of michael's humor going right over your head?  Second, unless you are, say, Leo Kottke's proud mom, why are you so jealous of a claim of such competence, even if you misperceived it?  Have you been to Youtube lately, where you can probably find a video of an 8-year-old Asian kid playing this, or a dude in Balboa Park playing it with his toes?  Do you hate them, too?

Try to love one another.  Right now.


Posted 13 years ago by nate917    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:
I've said it before, and I'll say it again:  Those who can, DO.  Those who can't, TEACH.  Those who can't do or teach become critics.  Addendum:  Those who can't be good critics become trolls.
 
Hmmm....
I DO, which qualifies me to TEACH, and I am CRITICAL - necessary to being successful at both. 
Posted 13 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
Some songs just make you happy.    {#Whistle}
Posted 13 years ago by eswiley2    [ Reply ]
 michaelgmitchell wrote:
Oh hell, I can play that. Big deal.

I once respected you - thought you had intelligent comments. I hope you were just kidding here.  {#Pray} If not, I have lost all admiration for you. And if you CAN play it (and not on a turntable or a CD-player, but actually strumming a guitar and hitting all those notes with your actual fingers), then I shall retract this statement, pending proof of said ability to play this song. (Record your rendition of it and put it out there for everyone.)

And furthermore, if you can play it, what can you NOT play, ability-wise?  Yep, this is me, kicking the anthill. (I have no videos of me kicking anthills, but I know where there are some anthills, so if you need proof, I'll go kick one just for you.)

Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
I've said it before, and I'll say it again:  Those who can, DO.  Those who can't, TEACH.  Those who can't do or teach become critics.  Addendum:  Those who can't be good critics become trolls.
Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
Good Music
Posted 13 years ago by saidtaybi    [ Reply ]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTh7DHIeJCM


Posted 13 years ago by Raechel    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:
I love pretty much everything Leo Kottke does - this is such a jaunty, happy tune, and deceptively difficult to play!  (Think octopus-fingers.) He's an astonishing guitarist.... {#Clap}
 
Exactamente.

Posted 13 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
 jkhandy wrote:

Thanks for sharing.  When did you say your CD will be out??

 
would like to hear the Leo channel on the other stations.....not happening

Posted 13 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
 michaelgmitchell wrote:
Oh hell, I can play that. Big deal.

 
Thanks for sharing.  When did you say your CD will be out??

Posted 13 years ago by jkhandy    [ Reply ]
Oh hell, I can play that. Big deal.

Posted 13 years ago by michaelgmitchell    [ Reply ]
This is the theme song for "Folk Scene," a show that I listen to every Sunday night on KPFK FM in Los Angeles. It's a GREAT show...you can listen to it, too, wherever you are, at https://www.kpfk.org . Click on the "Archives" button/link and scroll down to find the most recent Sunday evening show. You won't be sorry. Lots of live performances from major talents, as well as way cool interviews!

I saw Leo Kottke once in a small club on the campus of California State University at Long Beach back in the 1970's. He had the flu, but still was amazing, both on that guitar and them vox!

Posted 13 years ago by bluedot    [ Reply ]
LEO - open a music-school,
and leave us alone with your
perfect BULL!!!
Posted 14 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
I really must buy this album...
{#Sunny}
Posted 14 years ago by sfearll    [ Reply ]
That's a little stronger than "Puke".  Maybe this is more to your liking....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2tdMwQobZ0


 t00lur wrote:
хуОта, МапрОЎуЌывалО гПвМП ебаММПе  {#Puke}
 


Posted 14 years ago by emh    [ Reply ]
хуОта, МапрОЎуЌывалО гПвМП ебаММПе  {#Puke}
Posted 14 years ago by t00lur    [ Reply ]
Very Nice :)
Posted 14 years ago by sailorgirl    [ Reply ]
I love pretty much everything Leo Kottke does - this is such a jaunty, happy tune, and deceptively difficult to play!  (Think octopus-fingers.) He's an astonishing guitarist.... {#Clap}
Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
 Panama_Floyd wrote:
Great song, but I wonder how much of a bribe I need to get Bill to finally add the version of "Twice" on this record..{#Think}
 
Damn skippy!  Yeah, Twice is gorgeous.

Posted 14 years ago by CamLwalk    [ Reply ]
If you're gonna poke through my cd collection, you could at least ask. 
Posted 14 years ago by CamLwalk    [ Reply ]
Great song to lift the mood on a dull and overcast - grey day in May in the UK
Posted 14 years ago by Jona    [ Reply ]
has me bouncing in my chair...  always a good sign.

solid 8 
Posted 14 years ago by SirLars    [ Reply ]
Great song, but I wonder how much of a bribe I need to get Bill to finally add the version of "Twice" on this record..{#Think}
Posted 14 years ago by Panama_Floyd    [ Reply ]
I am a (hyper) critical SOB but this album has a few very good songs on it!....
Posted 14 years ago by ddbz    [ Reply ]
Very underrated artist over here in Europe.

Hey: almost 300 Dutch listeners!
Posted 14 years ago by Albert1967    [ Reply ]
 pinklife wrote:
Groovy, man.  Makes me want to sit on the porch with a glass of iced tea and my best dog.  {#Sunny}
 
And how about a banjo?

Posted 14 years ago by EssexTex    [ Reply ]
stratzippy wrote:
i saw Leo several times ... all unplanned always a nice surprise. very characteristic flowing style{#Cowboy} cool stuff

The best thing about Leo is his stories between songs. His stream of consciousness is definitely from another planet! {#Lol}
Posted 14 years ago by Walrus_Gumbo    [ Reply ]
 throwback wrote:
nobody can pick the strings quite like Leo!

{#Bananajam} {#Clap}
 
I saw Don Ross last night, he can pick, too.
Heavy wood, he calls it and that's correct.
Having said that, I've liked Leo for ever ( and I'm old). 
Posted 14 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
The added deep bottom of Mr. Mike Gordon is very complimentary to Leos finger picking style
wiki
(born June 3, 1965 in Sudbury, Massachusetts) is a bass player and vocalist most noted for his work with the rock band Phish. Gordon is also an accomplished banjo player, and is proficient at piano, guitar, harmonica and percussion. He is also an award-winning filmmaker.

Posted 15 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
 helgigermany wrote:
I can hear this once a while ,but not every day!
 
Exactly!
Posted 15 years ago by Govi    [ Reply ]
I can hear this once a while ,but not every day!

Posted 15 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
nobody can pick the strings quite like Leo!

{#Bananajam} {#Clap}

Posted 15 years ago by throwback    [ Reply ]
I guess from a lot of these comments people don't get the definition of eclectic...
solid 9...kottke's amazing!
Posted 15 years ago by df1489    [ Reply ]
Not really my style and therefore seems rather overplayed IMO.  I am sure if I loved it I would be happy to hear it so often.  You win some you loose some eh?
Posted 15 years ago by dynamaniak    [ Reply ]
i saw Leo several times ... all unplanned always a nice surprise. very characteristic flowing style{#Cowboy} cool stuff
Posted 15 years ago by stratzippy    [ Reply ]
 pinklife wrote:
Groovy, man.  Makes me want to sit on the porch with a glass of iced tea and my best dog.  {#Sunny}
 

Why must you show favortism to one dog? Isn't your porch big enough for all your dogs?
Posted 15 years ago by SmackDaddy    [ Reply ]
pinklife wrote:
Groovy, man. Makes me want to sit on the porch with a glass of iced tea and my best dog. {#Sunny}

definitely a groove that a good dog could appreciate. i can see his tail waggin along to the music{#Devil_pimp}.

Posted 15 years ago by Gartholamundi    [ Reply ]
Groovy, man.  Makes me want to sit on the porch with a glass of iced tea and my best dog.  {#Sunny}
Posted 15 years ago by pinklife    [ Reply ]
nagsheadlocal wrote:
Leo has been my hero since "Six and 12-String Guitar" enchanted me way back in the early 70s. An amazing musician.

lol when that came out we were trying to figure out who and what and how many people were on that record just to find it was "just" Leo, saw him at Armadillo World Headquarters and he had a badly cut finger and still blew us away


Posted 15 years ago by stkman    [ Reply ]
 Naaldekoker wrote:
Almost sounds like sumthin from Soweto township...I once liked Leo Kottke.


  Wow. Too many brandy and cokes?


Posted 15 years ago by Dr-ice    [ Reply ]

I'm pretty sure this is the intro of some public radio show — but which one? {#Think}

{#Dance}


Posted 15 years ago by gpvos    [ Reply ]
Still a great tune to brighten a rain-sodden day.
Posted 16 years ago by Jeremy_Cherfas    [ Reply ]
 geotrash wrote:
Oh MAN!!! Leo Kottke's music is magic and I can recognize his melodies and finger style anywhere. This one's a gem, but for the eye popping version, check out the one on Leo's "My Feet are Smiling" album. Thanks RP!!

Dave
 
Outstanding = 9:  "My Feet are Smiling", too!  {#Dance}

Posted 16 years ago by macadavy    [ Reply ]
Leo has been my hero since "Six and 12-String Guitar" enchanted me way back in the early 70s. An amazing musician.
Posted 16 years ago by nagsheadlocal    [ Reply ]
I appreciate or more.....   -   7.
Posted 16 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
Kottke has 15 fingers...on each hand.   (Not really heh).  If you've ever tried to finger pick...listening to this makes you wanna smash your guitar.  Richard Thompson does that to me too. 
Posted 16 years ago by CamLwalk    [ Reply ]
Oh MAN!!! Leo Kottke's music is magic and I can recognize his melodies and finger style anywhere. This one's a gem, but for the eye popping version, check out the one on Leo's "My Feet are Smiling" album. Thanks RP!!

Dave
Posted 16 years ago by geotrash    [ Reply ]
nice cover!!
Posted 16 years ago by ejsamuel    [ Reply ]
October 2004 Kottke/Gordon Burlington Higher Ground... Had to go. Jumped in the car and went. Solo trip (companion bailed) just went. Really glad I did. Weird thing was, on the way back drove all the way thru Vermont and thru a major blizzard. SNOWED HARD all the way back. Harrowing. Made it back in one piece. Bought this disk at the show and listened to it the whole way back (esp Over the Dam). October, and it snowed all night.
Posted 16 years ago by CamLwalk    [ Reply ]
I'm doin' my chair dance, watchin' the clock, lookin' at the birdies in the sunshine outside my window....perfect song for an almost-time-to-go-home moment on a Friday. Ha! the boss thinks I'm all hopped up on this position paper I'm writing..... ">
Posted 16 years ago by jomercer    [ Reply ]
Nice set! Kottke, Hank Dogs, Arcade Fire, Joan Armatrading, Chris Issak. And on top of that it's Friday!
Posted 16 years ago by nmcvaugh    [ Reply ]
Slick wrote:
Nice follow to take the taste of Blues Traveler outta my head ;-)
Any sound that removes Blues Traveler from my memory is most welcome indeed. I think we should start a global charity just to give John Popper some harmonica lessons.
Posted 16 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
Nice follow to take the taste of Blues Traveler outta my head ;-)
Posted 16 years ago by Slick    [ Reply ]
Kottke Rocks.
Posted 16 years ago by Tesseract    [ Reply ]
Got this album at a particularly weird time in my family's life (tiny apartment, unemployed, etc.). Whenever this track came on, my 4-year-old daughter and I would dance around the room to our "happy music"!
Posted 16 years ago by thatrunnerdude    [ Reply ]