Minutes To Memories is the one song that made an impact on my life. Scarecrow was released when I was 15 and listening to that song moved me later on. My father is the best man I've known. And if I can be half the man he is when it is all said and done, I'd be a huge success in life. He made sure I always had everything I've needed and received everything I've ever earned (the good and the bad. LOL). When you're 15 you might not be as aware of how important your father is as you should be. Listening to the lyrics of MTM; and in particular the last verse, made me aware.
I am 40, single and have no children. However, there is a boy that lived upstairs from me the past 14 years (he is 14). He never met his father, and his birth mother was never involved in his life and she passed away last year. The boy was raised by his grandmother, and generally had a tough go of it in his life so far. I've been active with him his whole life. Whether it's going to a baseball game, a movie, watching him in little league, pointing him in the right direction when he needs it, or just spending time with him, I just try to be there whenever he might need me to be. I really do not know if I would have been as involved with him as much if I did not appreciate my father so much. But the fact is MTM let me appreciate my dad. I am not certain to what extent I have helped or changed this boy's life, but one thing is certain he has changed my life. If I could say one thing to John it would be Thank You for writing that song.

Lisa Germano's violin at the beginning of Paper in Fire grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go till the end of the song. My favorite, without a doubt.

I had to choose the Whenever We Wanted tour. John played a special sneak preview show at NY's Carengie Hall. Tickets went on sale the day of the show without notice. I ditched school that day, went to Carnegie hall's box office and scored third row center seats for that night. He played the entire Whenever We Wanted album (except for They're So Tough). He floored everyone with opening with Love and Happiness and totally rocked Crazy Ones (after hearing CO that night I thought for sure it would be a huge hit single but was never released as a single). Lisa Germano and the rest of the gang came out to play the rest of John's hits later. Definetly a great night in a very special venue.

I always thought Rooty Toot Toot was a great way to end that album. With the common thread of the average Joe having a tough time throughout TLJ, he finally gets a "break" Having the good time just hanging with his girl then the state trooper shows up to ruin the fun. But the trooper lets him go. I always thought that was a great way of saying things will work themselves out. A little bit of hope at the end of a "dark" album.

I always loved The Lonesome Jubille and never thought he'd top that one. When LDL&F was released I was just floored.