HI Brian

Glad to see you are back.  You were missed but I hope you had a wonderful fun birthday.  It was great to see Ann.

Thanks for the music suggestions, my husband is a true Dylan fan.  I'll have to try some out some of the other suggestions this weekend.

Looking forward to tonight's broadcast

Nice up date on the music world DJ Brian so much for that R and R we heard yesterday. Now heard a song I like as you know I'm stuck on Coldplay and James Blunt but check this out Jason Mraz/Colbie Calillat's song LUCKY. Yes I highly recommend it Brian. I will listen to the songs you suggested in your post but remember to listen to my suggestions too.

We to the news Economy looks good, Hillary working hard on Pakistan/Afghan stuggle. Cheney tried to destoyed document's and lawyers who wrote torture want a pardon. Some with nothing to do or say are talking Obama/Biden trip to Ray's Burger Joint. I laughed at one person's comment as if Obama had to fly to Virginia. Justice Souter is teaming up with Justice O'Connor to continue to make sure the regular American's voices are heard.

Looks like the Republican Party has sealed their Presidential choice for 2012 and their current Leader. It can only happen in America yes Rush Limbaugh is the choice as every Republican Law Maker and even Fox News follows his direction. Rush has evne chosen Sarah Palin as his team mate. So now we know who Republican candidate is. I thought Bush was bad now we've dropped even lower as we see there is no qualifications to be President of the United States.

Brian looks like Eric Holder found a way to handle the Lawyers who wrote up the Torture Policy. It works for me as the Bar Association will likely take their Law license. Spain is ready to start their trial as other countries will do the same. Americans have to remember the Bush Administration didn't torture US citizens they kidnapped and tortured Foreigners and not all were terrortist. The memos that will be released show the very dark side of what has happen to our country in the pass 7 years, things much people would never have believed would ever happen to our country. The horror is unspeakable.


Best to Lisa, Lauel, Sthephanie, Claudia, Celine, Lori, Anna, Matt and all

see you same time same place

Good evening, Brian!

Thank you so much for allowing me to talk music with you tonight in your blog! As, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street band's show in Charlottesville, Virginia last night is still very fresh...so much that I still have butterflies! (and probably will for a while)

I cannot even begin to explain how amazing last night was. I was so overwhelmed with emotion. It was absolutely one of the most incredible experiences in my life! He doesn't waste a show, he proved that last night. They really exceeded my highest expectations, and it will be a night I will never forget.

Also, he made a mention of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Network and we were handed papers in support of the cause that reads "Tonight, Bruce Springsteen is making dreams come true for the hungry in the Charlottesville area. He's Working on A Dream, and you can join him! You can help feed thousands and allow them to dare to dream beyond their basic needs!"



I hope you had a wonderful Birthday! It's great to have you back. Thank you for your "Music Report" tonight, I look forward to hearing all the songs you've suggested to all of your fellow music lovers like myself. And can't wait to see your interviews, "BriTunes", with all of your favorite musicians! I know this, all thanks to Flickr. I know you'll probably be plugging many new blossoming musicians, which is fantastic! Though I have to say, good luck getting "The Boss"! Bob Dylan would be pretty incredible, too. One of my all time favorites of Dylan's is "Shelter From The Storm", which sortof fits our weather lately.

Thank you for the broadcast, it great having you back and getting back to the routine.

Take care and have a good evening,
-Cary

P.S. A friendly hello to all of you viewers out there, and all of the ones to "shout out" to me on a regular basis.

Thank you Ann, for filling in.  I've been watching but not making it to the blog.  Welcome back, Brian.

With all the pressing news in the world, I had one pressing thought: what was on Sec. Clinton's scarf?  It reminded me of a pattern on a country's flag, but I don't remember the country.  I don't see today's meeting with the U.S., Pakistan, and Afghanistan.  I would have loved to hear RE's opinion on the subject.  As always, he filed a superb report.

It is not a good day in Maine, having had gay marriage signed into law.  What the NBC story didn't say is that this is something the citizens of Maine voted AGAINST at least twice within this decade.  Regardless of your opinion on the subject, the fact that the Legislature & Governor went against the will of the people, spoken multiple times, says more than the law itself.  

My dad was a Ford man all the days of his life.  he would be so proud of Ford for not taking bailout money and keeping itself afloat despite the economy.

I don't ever plan on getting rid of my land line phone; cell service is still spotty in so many areas of Maine.  I suspect that is also true in other rural states.  Oh wait... I'm still not a big fan of cell phones! :)

Chris Jansing's report brought tears to my eyes... seeing how happy Xander & Vincent were to get their new home, knowing that another family has been given an helping hand as they struggle to stand on their own in this economy.  Truly an uplifting story, made the more brighter by those smiling & happy boys.  

Happy middle of the week to everyone!

Good Evening Mr.Williams, Great to have you back this evening! I hope you had a wonderful Happy Birthday yesterday with your family and friends! Ann Curry did a great job filling in for you! Another fine broadcast this evening! Always wonderful to see Richard on the broadcast! And especially sitting in the New York Studio with you! (Always handsome!) Now on to the broadcast. First of all Richard's report on the extreme tensions in Pakistan proved to be the major agenda for President Obama to meet with the two leaders of both countries in attempting to find common ground to fight the taliban. President Karzai of Afghanistan and President Zadari of Pakistan need to work together to fight the enemy of the taliba and defeat them. The taliban have been taking over much of ther region of Pakistan causing hundreds of thousands of civilians to be displaced. As Richard stated the militants are dug in and it is rough terrain which makes it difficult to fight them. One hopes the two leaders of each country will be able to work through differences in order to find a path towards peace.
Excellent Reporting as Always Richard! Great to see you in New York!
The reports by Mr.Todd and Andrea Mitchell certainly call for the leaders to trust eachother in solving these tensions. Especially, since Pakistan holds nuclear weapons. Restoring security and confidence is key to this tense issue.
On another note the report by Mr.Bazell concering the swine flu outbreak even though milder has spread rapidly over almost every State. It is sad that so many young people became ill and the 33yrold teacher died. At least a vaccine is being developed although production has not begun. Hopefully, the worst has passed and this flu outbreak will not return.
The "In Depth" report by Mr.Maceda from Afghanistan showed how this fight against the taliban seems never ending. The men who become part of the Peoples Protection Force do help in fighting the taliban along with the US troops. Defending their own villages in order to stop the taliban from taking over their region is a small step but significant. As the US Commander stated this is a pilot project and one does not really see results for a while. Not knowing what the motive these men have in joining this group to fight, but it is something to be attempted in stopping the taliban forces. Time will tell.
As always the "Making A Difference" segment showed how one organization is really changing peoples lives for the better!
Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Enjoyed you post on music this evening! Great to see Richard in the studio! Peace to You and to All!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Claudia,Celine,Anna,Lori,Cary and Matt!
Be Well Always!
Stay Extra Safe and Well Richard! Excellent Reporting As Always! Always wonderful to see you!
XOXO

Brian-

Wow--what a terrific broadcast toight! All your big
guns in a row: Richard, Chuck, Andrea, Bob Bazell, Phil LeBeau and finally Jim Maceda and all with excellent reports.

I especially enjoyed Jim Maceda's piece. I cannot help but wonder--will we be able to recruit the more moderate Taliban--or is that an oxymoron? Time will tell, but do we have the luxury of time?

Hope you had a wonderful birthday and thanks for your excellent effort tonight.

Take care all-

Hi Bro. Brian,

It's good to have you back. Ann did a great job as always.

I don't have that much to write about, and I'm keeping a low profile. I wrote some really horrible things about Bro. Lester, which I didn't mean.

Speaking of Bob Dylan, I've always enjoyed "Route 61"
and "Everybody Must Get Stoned", or something to that effect.

It was nice to see Richard Engel again. I'll be getting together with my brother one more time, then he'll be leaving for Iraq, his second tour of duty there.

I hope you have a great evening and Thur. Remember, you're not fifty yrs. old, you're fifty yrs. young.

Vicki

Hello Brian,

Belated happy birthday. Check out Wendy and Lisa's late '08 joint, White Flags of Winter Chimneys. It's worth a listen.

Mr. Brian Williams: I have some important historicaal events thatI would like to email to your office, but at my age (81 years old) I'm not too good
in handling the computer. If you're interested, please have you office guide me in sending what I have.Thank you. Paul Minolfo

Hi Brian:

Ann's broadcast on Tuesday was great as usual but it is very good to have you back. Hope your birthday was memorable and fun but from the post it seems you were busy. Ann said you were off for some r and r but of course we all know you never rest.    

Your broadcast tonight was exceptional in all respects but especially having Richard, Chuck and Andrea on board.  Nice to see Richard sitting with you as always.  It appears from his report that the situation with the Taliban is worsening every day.  I know that this summit President Obama had today was to bring the two leaders together in the hopes of getting them to begin to work together with us to defeat the Taliban.  The men of the Peoples Protection Force are achieving small steps in trying to defeat the Taliban but each small step is necessary. Both leaders need to realize these people need them to join forces and fight with them to get rid of the Taliban before more lives will be sacrificed.  I hope that the right results come out of this summit.  

So good to hear Ford is succeeding and good things are developing without them needing the bail out money.  I know that it took a lot of negotiations,  and working with the Union to make this new re-built plant a possibility.  It felt so good to hear those people speaking of not loosing jobs but keeping them and their future alive. It just shows that it can be done if everyone will just work together and make sacrifices.  I hope this grows on not just the auto industry but all industries in every state.  Just imagine how great it would be to hear that other employers and unions worked together to save jobs. Way to go Ford.

Thanks for the music info.  As I said in an earlier email, I will check out some of your suggestions this weekend.  I always find at least one or two of your suggestions to be what I like.  Dylan is a given for my husband, just like Springsteen is for me.  

Your "Making A Differnce" segment was wonderful.  I wish each City and State could take note of this and try to help those that need.  The homeless issue is so severe everywhere.  These people need help to get their lives back on track.  The people with the "Save The Family" group are making such an impact on the lives of the homeless.  The two boys were so happy and their smiles and tears showed how their lives were changed for the better because of someone reaching out to them and helping them.  I just hope more people can be saved.  Again you made us smile and feel good.  

Have a wonderful evening.  Looking forward to you post and broadcast tomorrow night.

The Libs on this blog continue to amaze me. The previous eight years America had a leader who kept the country safe, was respectful to all religious groups, invited them to the White House for services, lowered taxes for all and appointed fair judges to the Supreme Court. Now we a guy apologising for America, choosing cabinet menbers that are 99% tax cheats, flys around New York scaring people, and believe in abortion in the ninth month. Wow, what a guy!! Your radical and goofy blogs are proof to me, that you are worried the Republican's will take over soon and get America back on track. Limbaugh is not a politician but has an audience of millions who listen to his appreciation of how great this country is. Words that are never heard on NBC.........

Hello Brian,

Speaking of music, check out Wendy and Lisa's 2008 joint White Flags of Winter Chimneys. The first cut 'Balloon' is very good. Happy belated birthday.

Norman

Hi Brian could you ask the station not to cut in your half hour report. They broke in and everyone started yelling and I had to call the NBC Station to complain then you came back on. Yes the fires in Santa Barbara are very important but they could just use the information in writing while we still listen to your news. Tell Zucker it's just a half hour we ask that's all he can do what he wonts for the rest of the time. Thanks for your help in this matter. Unless a UFO lands don't break in to Nightly News with Brian Williams.

Mr Williams,

Nice music picks. Camera obscura is always a nice listen. Given that reference, I think you would enjoy Belle and Sebastian, or maybe even Rilo Kiley?, but I'm sure you've at least heard of them, if you aren't already a fan. I've been told the new Dylan is decent and I've been waiting for some free time to be able to check it out. Lookin forward I the next batch of music references

WHAT?  I missed your birthday, Brian?  How very rude of me.  I hope it was a very happy one.

Brian,

Forget Dylan's "Forgetful Heart" from his new #1 CD "Together Through Life." It's okay but let's be fair. I've known Dylan since I was 16, 44 years ago, and the progression songs on his new effort are the best, including "Shake Shake Mama," "Jolene" and "It's All Good." The only bad song out of the 10 is "Life is Hard." The lyrics are great but his voice ruined this one for sure.

Dylan wrote in his book Chronicles that he doesn't know the person that wrote all those protests songs in the 60's. He's always been vague about everything he writes and always keeps us guessing about who he really is. A human mystery that people will analyze over and over long after he's gone.

Brian, if possible, please devote some time tonight and share what you know about GM's plans to increase hiring overseas (this morning's WaPo) courtesy of bail-out bucks.  I don't consider myself an isolationist, but I can't understand how helping others now helps us now.

I don't always get to see your show (I'm a teacher), but I really enjoy it on the days I'm home early enough.  Keep up the good work, with best wishes for a very belated happy birthday!

Hi Brian,

Thank you for putting this together and giving the music industry another push from a very honorable perspective.  I've done my share of helping up and coming artists for many years. My unexpectant question to you is, with figures stating that the Latin Music Market takes up approximately 23% of the music industry, how will you be addressing or helping those latin established artists on BriTUNES?  Let me know if you need help, I can certainly contribute to the Latin Music Industry.  Question #2, do you consider DJs Artists?

DJ WheelMaster Rob
Washington D.C.
www.djwheelmaster.com

Mr. BriTunes Williams,
I wanted to give you kudos on your vlog.  I can't explain how much it means to me when I witness an example of multi-generational appreciation for CONTEMPORARY indie music.  (Yes, amazing music with integrity is CURRENTLY being made by artists/bands galore and thanks to you more people will know that!) For you to come out of the "hipster closet" so publicly is truly brave and inspirational.  You are paving the way for future generations (teehee, imagine inspirational string arrangements while reading that).  I will be watching your webisodes and commenting appropriately.  I'm excited!

p.s. check out Akron/Family if you haven't already they just came out with a new one, freak folk band, f.y.i.

Hi Brian, Just saw Britunes. Great idea! I have some ideas. In music take a listen to SO SO Glos. Great new band......Try Melody Gardot, "My One And Only Thrill" I love this one...every time I play it in the store I get a response......also Raphael Saadiq...this guy is interesting. You know music sales are not good. Google "music sales in the great depression" and you can get some insites into today. However as you know the music spirit of the world continues and great music is out there and new ways to find out about it (BRITUNES) are formed each day. Brian, welcome aboard. Jack Trifero

Hi Brian,

I hate to admit that I had never heard of "Indie"  music until your selections. And I actually had to look up the term on wikipedia.

I'm going to go back a couple of yrs. and start with "Cat Power". From what I read she is from Atlanta and began her music there. Also,she's done quite alot in N.Y. Have you heard her before? I called Barrnes And Noble to see if they have some sort of compilations or sampleres of Indie music. They didn't, but I told them about your website and that they might be getting more calls. And they do have Cat Power CDs.

I will come out of the REM, Pearl Jam, and Nirvana days. Well they were and are a great start, or a late start depending on how you look at it.

But thanks for all the info and look forward to the new music.


Vicki

P.S. Brian, can you possibly break it down for those like me who are out of the loop as in; contemporary, rock, blues,folk, etc.?

How funny!  I just heard Camara Obscura tonight at work and couldn't help thinking it sounded a little like Neko Case.  Very nice.  Thanks for posting your thoughts on indie music!

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