May Day!

Happy May Day all!

I thought I'd give a quick Der Bingle update.  On March 31, I was booted down the road to retirement by my company (a large company that in 2022 acquired the small company I'd worked for since 1986).  So, Der Bingle is semi/mostly retired, definitely post-career.  I'm hoping to find a part-time job at a local non-profit or arts-related organization - something where the work is meaningful and the people are great.  

So, anyway, retirement - yay!

What does that mean for Merry & Bright?  Hopefully more and better content for the 2026 season, since I'll have more time to pull everything together.  But we'll see.  I have a couple artists in mind I'd like to interview, and I'm sure there will be more pop up on the Q&A radar.

What would you all like to see?  Sharing is getting tougher in my home market.  Thrifts have few records anymore, as used vinyl is a hot commodity.  Record stores charge a lot more, and the supply here just isn't great.  So, if you have suggestions, send me a message.

Take care everyone!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone!  This will be the final post for this season, as we head into other endeavors, pursuits, and frivolities.  Starting with reading the 1200+ page Tom's Crossing, by Mark Z. Danielewski (author of the mind-trip House of Leaves).

Now is also the time that I can visit with intent and focus on all of the other great Christmas music blogs and sites.  During the season, while I visit many of my good friends' sites frequently, it's hard to find the time needed to truly enjoy them.  So, now I can pour through Tim Neely's Christmas Songs of the Day and soak up his incredible knowledge of his varied and excellent choices.  I can scroll and listen to the out-of-the-mainstream nuggets from Christmas Underground and Christmas-a-Go-Go.  And I can immerse myself in the weeks of music shared by ol' buddy Ernie (Not Bert).  So much great music waiting for me to discover!

My daily home during the holidays is the FaLaLaLaLa Fireside, hosted by The King of Jingaling, and frequented by many, including the Christmas Music Jedi Master Stubby, who keeps us in the know about all the new and re- releases each year.  It wouldn't be Christmas without this community.  Thanks to all who are part of it!

Thanks to everyone who stopped in here at Merry & Bright this season!  If you found something you enjoyed - an old share or a new stream - leave me a comment and let me know.  I'll be back for the 2026 holiday season, maybe with some new ideas on how to share the Christmas music spirit.  Until then, Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Joyous Kwanzaa, and Happy New Year!