Before production began on his new Austin, Texas based podcast, Shafer Hall, one of the two hosts of One Magical Hour: A Matthew & Shafer Podcast Spectacular asked me to provide him with a theme song. As I turned the title over in my head, Matthew & Shafer set sail on their podcasting adventure.

By the time I was ready to work on the theme, Matthew and Shafer had just released Episode 19. It was clear that I had work to do. I donned my headphones, opened Garage Band, and put my favorite Harold Lloyd movie on the television with the sound turned down.

I started with the beat, then added some whistling, synthesizers, and vocals. My first version clocked in at over six minutes. Over the next two days, I was able to edit this down to a three minute version, which makes its debut at the end of Episode 21.

A shorter version of theme opens and closes Episode 22. And then opens all subsequent episodes beginning with Episode 25.

You can catch up on all the adventures of Matthew & Shafer over at onemagicalhour.com

Jim Peterik (born November 11, 1950 Berwyn, Illinois) is an American musician and songwriter, best known as the keyboard player of the band Survivor and as vocalist & songwriter of the hit song “Vehicle” by The Ides of March. (Jim Peterik myspace)

“Vehicle” performed by The Ides of March
Words and Music by Jim Peterik

“Eye of the Tiger” performed by Survivor
Words and Music by Jim Peterik & Frankie Sullivan

Sonny Curtis (born May 9, 1937, Meadow, Texas) is an American singer and songwriter. He was a teenage pal and band member with Buddy Holly in Lubbock, Texas. Curtis joined The Crickets after Holly’s death in 1959, and soon took over the lead vocalist role in addition to lead guitar. Curtis is the author of 189 registered works on BMI.com including five BMI award winners. He is a member of the Nashville Songwriter’s Hall Of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (as a member of the Crickets).

“Love Is All Around”
Composed and Performed by Sonny Curtis

“I Fought The Law”
Composed by Sonny Curtis
Performed by the Clash

“Walk Right Back”
Composed by Sonny Curtis
Performed by the Everly Brothers

Otessa Moshfegh – My Year of Rest and Relaxation

Bernard Cornwell – (The Warlord Chronicles) – The Winter King, Enemy of God, Excalibur

Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai – The Teachings of Buddha

I read some excellent books in 2019 as well.

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Above these thoughts are a few photos from my phone.

(Updated October 5, 2020)

The last time I can remember being ahead of the times was in 1976, when I became a vehement Jimmy Carter supporter at age 4. The next step off the cliff of the present was in 1985 or so, when I turned from the pop radio station to the oldies station. Within a few years, I had a copy of Joel Whitburn’s Top 40 Hits, a book listing every song that had been on the charts from 1955 to the present.

As I write this, I’m listening to Making Love Out of Nothing at All, written by Jim Steinman, recorded by Air Supply. To this day, I think I’d rate Air Supply in my most memorable shows of all time. For the sake of honesty, let’s see if I’m correct.

• Ray Charles
• Frank Sinatra
• James Brown
• They Might Be Giants
• Battershell
• Blossom Dearie
• Willie Nelson
• Air Supply
• Harry Belafonte
• Billy Joel
• Eagles of Death Metal
• Violent Femmes

I’m sure I’m missing something, but that’s about right for now.

In the past, I’ve found that learning how to play a song, getting it inside you, so that you can play it again to yourself, or for a friend, that’s the best way to get rid of what they call “an earworm.” Should I be working harder on my Air Supply covers? That’s a good question. The answer is: probably. At least this one. I don’t think I’ll ever be manic enough to do another birthday tribute show again, or at least another new one. So far, I’ve done several tributes to Johnny Cash and one each for Katy Perry and Frank Sinatra. I was really stoked about doing a BeeGees show for awhile, but that idea faded away.

Damn, that Jim Steinman can write a song. I’d love to see him in concert someday.

Above these thoughts are a few photos from my phone.