Cosmic Contemplation (1970 - Age 23)

Written, Composed 
Arranged & Performed
by Michael Woodhead
Copyright  ©1970, 2025

I am influenced by cosmic contemplation
There are things which Man cannot explain
And though I know I'll suffer tribulation
I will stay here within my domain
Though I suffer domination
By this crude, old habitation
They can't stop my speculation
Of the future of Man's last year reign

I am influenced by cosmic contemplation
There are things which Man must understand
And though I know he suffers transmutation
I will show him the way to this land
Though held back by gravitation
I will make this observation
Of Man's new transportation
To the world of his new kin and hand

[Musical Verse]
Man will have some relaxation
And a bit of recreation
While he gets a visitation
From the people of worlds 'cross the way

I am influenced by cosmic contemplation
There are laws which Man must now obey
A race will grow by God's insemination
And a new land will grow on this day
He will start an emigration
Which will leave by embarkation
To the place of assignation
In the future of Man’s new world reign

[Listen to it here]

Cosmic Connection : Messages for a Better World

 

Carole Lynne 
Weiser Books
2009
ISBN: 978-1-57863-440-8
spiritualism, channeling
 

Through the mediumship of Carole Lynne, Divine Guidance offers a multitude of messages which, if followed, would hopefully help make this a better world in which to live. 

In today’s difficult, and often stressful times, a noble goal indeed.
 
The book is divided into three sections:
 
The Early Years of Awakening – in which the author struggles with understanding and coming to terms with her gift of mediumship, and what it entails -- in her case, channeling what she calls ‘My Guidance’
 
The Higher Cosmic Realms – here, she presents divers but quite cohesive messages from Divine Guidance, channeled during ten major sitting sessions over a period of two years. These messages include, but are not limited to, the Oneness of Man and Spirit, and the fact that we are ‘energy’ beings rather than just simple ‘flesh’
 
The Path Widens – Carole tells about her continued search in order to understand her abilities. This brings her into contact with Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, some person initiations, the symbology of the Egyptian ankh, healing spirits, and Love.
 
Although quite readable, this is not a book meant for a quick perusal. Much of the material is something on which the reader needs to meditate, sometimes interpret, and even implement in his or her life.
 
As Carole points out, many times, Divine Guidance -- like Jesus -- uses parables, riddles and rhymes so that those who are ready to receive Truth will perceive it.
 
Echoing the words of Valentine Michael Smith in Robert A Heinlein’s novel Stranger In A Strange Land, Carole Lynne postulates, “I know that you and I meet in this place regularly, and within this realm ‘you and I’ are not ‘you and I’. We are all One. I will meet you within that Oneness”.
 
May we all recognize that consciousness.

Book Review by Michael Woodhead
Copyright ©2009

Cosmic Amazon (1968 - Age 21)

Written by Michael Woodhead
Copyright  1968, 2023 

From the sky rides she
The Cosmic Amazon
Oh, yes, I can see
The clothes that she has on—
Golden armour shining bright
A sword is hanging at her side
She rides a gleaming silver horse
Upon the air
And I can see her there

Oh, I know full well
The Cosmic Amazon
Oh, yes, I can tell
That she is only one
But there be others riding near
In her eyes, there is no tear
No emotions in her breast
Oh, look, her hair
Contains a golden flair

Shining bright as gold, her locks
To the others, now, she talks
And I’m carried soon aloft
To her arms, so smooth, so soft
And there I sleep
Within the arms
Of the Cosmic Amazon

Computer Minds (1970 - Age 23)

Written by Michael Woodhead
Copyright © 1970, 2023

Computer minds are winking
And Man’s essence is sinking
The age is no more blinking
With sweaty bodies stinking
Love now is no more linking
All the Ages of Mankind

And Life is slowly ending
There is no use in mending
Though hearts are slowly rending
And Mother Earth is sending
Young men who are pretending
To be helpers of Mankind

What hope is now worth craving
When Life you should be saving
And new paths you’d be paving
And dangers you’d be braving
As women are engraving
Epitaphs of lost Mankind

What darkness is so blinding
That’s keeping us from finding
The Truth that we are minding
The Peace that now is grinding
The apples Earth is rinding
For the good of all Mankind

Colours of the Rainbow (1971 - Age 24)

 Written, Composed
Arranged & Performed
by Michael Woodhead
Copyright © 1971, 2021

Seeking colours of the rainbow
Watching flowers in the sky
Wanting only to be near you
With my hand upon your thigh
Flowing colours of the rainbow
Watching while men crucify
Wanting only to be near you
With my hand upon your thigh

Trickling colours of the rainbow
Blooming flowers in the air
Wanting only to be near you
With my hands inside your hair
Streaming colours of the rainbow
Floating on your skin so fair
Wanting only to be near you
Traveling with you anywhere

Rippling colours of the rainbow
Soon begins our cosmic quest
Wanting only to be with you
With my hand upon your breast
Bubbling colours of the rainbow
Listen, now, to my request
Wanting only to be with you
Doing all that I suggest

Needing colours of the rainbow
To pervade the sanctitude
Wanting only to be near you
In this blessed solitude
Frothing colours of the rainbow
Building up the amplitude
Wanting only to be near you
Can't believe your pulchritude

[Listen to it here]

Club Tiaj

 

Calvin L Coolidge II
CD Baby
2003

Elsewhere on Minstrel's Harp, I reviewed Calvin's Seconds, and suggested that he impressed me as a subtler, and smoother version of Craig Chaquico.

I still believe that, but on Club Tiaj, he offers a more eclectic approach to music and calls it an "electronic journey through an ambient village". Indeed, it is just that—marvelous manipulations of musical instruments, electronic sounds, and rhythms.

Starfire Dancer begins what seems to be a regular melodic line of guitar work but soon segues into a cosmic interplay of repeating riffs echoed from shimmering curtains of Space and Time. 

Tribe is aptly named for this beat-driven, ambient electronic work that brings to mind cybernetic aboriginals dancing to throbbing tom-toms around some mystic campfire in a world of the future.

Following several other electronic works, Boost begins a special dance mix that Calvin suggests using with two other selections, Sleek and King Diddy, each with its own introductory bars. 

Slither offers what I would call an approach to the movements of an electronic snake through a computer hardware jungle, certainly unique to say the least, and the creature brings us again to the cybernetic tom-toms of—

Skins. I love listening to drum solos and although this piece doesn't utilize a fully equipped drum kit, nonetheless, I certainly enjoyed the pulsations presented here.

These are just some of the selections available of the thirteen compositions Calvin has set down for the listener's enjoyment. In some of them, I think the prominent drumbeats are a little distracting, but that's just a personal observation; I'm more melody-oriented rather than rhythmically inclined, but I don't let that cloud my judgement of a piece of music. 

Overall, however, Calvin has done a masterful job at creating some excitingly different, diffused, and electronically based musical compositions.

My favourite track: Starfire Dancer 

TRACKLIST:
1. Starfire Dancer 
2. Tribe
3. Tropical Peak
4. Sparklin'
5. Sunbeam
6. Boost
7. Sleek
8. Slither
9. Skins
10. Spin
11. King Diddy
12. Blush
13. Night Haunt Farewell

Music Review by Michael Woodhead
Copyright ©2003,2025

Cloth Of Gold (1969 - Age 22)

Written, Composed
Arranged & Performed
by Michael Woodhead
Copyright © 1969, 2021
 
She wore a cloth of gold about her form
‘Twas all she had in rain and thunderstorm
If the rain fell, she loved it
If the sun shone she loved it

And if this cloth of gold should disappear
It would present no trace of glistening tear
If the rain fell, she loved it
If the sun shone she loved it

[Musical Verse]
If the rain fell, she loved it
If the sun shone, she loved it

But if this cloth of gold should turn to dust
The maiden would not know just whom to trust
If the rain falls, the tears flow
If the sun shines, the tears flow

[Listen to it here]

 

Closer to My Heart Art Thou (1965 - Age 18)

Written by Michael Woodhead
Copyright ©1965, 2023

Close to my heart art thou
My darling, hear
Say you'll be mine today
And hold me near
Say you will stay by me
And never go
Say you will love me true
I love you so

Closer to my heart art thou
My lovely girl
Say you will walk with me
Around the world
Say you will hold me close
And love me true
Say you will kiss my lips
I so love you

Closer to my heart art thou
I need you so
And I will make you mine
You'll never go
I will be true to you
More every day
I will make love to you
In every way

Closer I Come to Thee (1964 - Age 17)

Written by Michael Woodhead
Copyright ©1964, 2023


Closer I come to thee as we walk hand-in-hand
As we walk together through this beach of sand
I put my arm about your shoulders
Just the way I used to hold her so long ago

Closer I come to thee as we walk side-by-side
As we walk together; with me you will abide
I can't get o'er thy loveliness
And now I know that I must press you close to me

Closer I come to thee as we walk in the rain
As we walk together; this love is not in vain
Before me thy face I behold
I'll protect you from the cold of the night

Closer I come to thee as we walk in the night
As we walk together; yes, I hold you tight
For you say that I love you
I know that I can't set you free because I love you

Closer I come to thee as we walk in our dreams
As we walk together, all is not it seems
For you it is that I do cherish
And this love shall never perish because you love me

Closer I come to thee as we walk to the west
As we walk together, my heart beasts in my breast
And I think of you always
I know you'll be mine today and forever

Close Your Mind to Him [and Think of Me] (1966 - Age 19)

Written, Composed
Arranged & Performed
by Michael Woodhead
Copyright © 1966, 2021


When you find that your memory's fading fast
You should know that the feeling doesn't last
I can show you that the mind is ever free
If you close your mind to him and think of me

SPOKEN
Close your mind to him and think of me
Remind me of each whim that you can see

If you feel that you're uninclined to lie
And the tears do not fall when you cry
Close your eyes, just believe and you will see
That you'll close your mind to him and think of me

SPOKEN
Close your mind to him and think of me
Remind me of each whim that you can see

When your lips cannot speak the words you want
Understand that they're only there to taunt
Let your mind think for you, you'll agree
That you'll close your mind to him and think of me

SPOKEN
Close your mind to him and think of me
Remind me of each whim that you can see

[Listen to it here]

Climb An Evil Mountain (1967 - Age 20)

Written by Michael Woodhead
Copyright ©1967, 2023

We've got to climb an evil mountain
Try to reach the sky
Way up high
Where we cry

We've got to climb an evil mountain
Try to say good-bye
To the sky
Where we lie

And there try to reach for the stars

We've got to climb an evil mountain
Throw away the pain
Entertain
It's humane

We've got to climb an evil mountain
Jump up in the air
Don't be wary
Unaware

And there try to reach for the stars

City of Sleep (1966 - Age 19)

Written, Composed
Arranged & Performed
by Michael Woodhead
Copyright ©1966, 2021

Through fields of flowing honey seeds
I tread the weary miles
And all about me
Crystal birds still greet me with their smiles
La la la la la la
City of sleep
Where do you keep all thy wanderers

In skies of rippling cherry buds
I fly to all the stars
And all about 
The people sing of candy chocolate bars
La la la la la la
City of sleep
Where do you keep all thy mysteries

In seas of weeping maidenhood
I clasp thee to my breast
And hope to see
Some sign from thee that I might take my rest
La la la la la la
City of sleep
Where do you keep all thy tragedies

[Listen to it here]

City of Illlusions (1967 - Age 20)

Written, Composed
Arranged & Performed
by Michael Woodhead
Copyright © 1967, 2021

City of illusions, conjure up a dream
City of illusions, I am still supreme
I would dream of maidens fair
With their shining, golden hair
City of illusions, please, reveal your theme

City of illusions, loose me with your mind
City of illusions, still I love Mankind
I would save fair maidens there
I would aid lost women’s fare
City of illusions, tell me what you find

City of illusions, I would lose my soul
City of illusions, be my aureole
To the land that’s Pluto’s hell
And the world that’s parallel
City of illusions, tell me what’s your goal

{Listen to it here]

City In the Sun (1970 - Age 23)

Written, Composed
Arranged & Performed
by Michael Woodhead
Copyright  1970, 2021 


In a land not far away
Where we hope to be some day
There is a city in the sun

In a world where we will live
Where men and women both will give
There is a city in the sun

The rays of the daystar
Reflect off the glass
And children play
Their happy games on the grass

In a land where peace will reign
And we'll have everything to gain
There is a city in the sun

The skies will be clearer
The seas will be green
And love will reign
No hatred will ever be seen

In a land of peace and joy
For every woman, man, girl, boy
There is a city in the sun

(Listen to it here]

City and the Stars (1970 - Age 23)

Written, Composed
Arranged & Performed
by Michael Woodhead
Copyright 1970,2021

We can tell you of a time
When no one ever gives you pain
When the city and the stars
And all their love shall never wane
When each person feels the same
When each body feels no pain
In the silence of the night

We can tell you of a time
When everyone on Earth is blessed
When the city and the stars
Shall, in the future, they shall rest
When each person in his breast
Shall meet the future as a test
In the silence of the night

[Musical Verse]

We can tell you of a time
When everyone lives off the land
When the city and the stars
Shall join in a common band
When everyone of Earth's clean sand
Shall be no more named as the Damned
In the silence of the night

[Listen to it here]

City (1970 - Age 23)

Written, Composed
Arranged & Performed
by Michael Woodhead
Copyright ©1970,2021

Come to the City
Make known your need
Tell to the City
Know she will heed your every word

Confess to the City
All that you’ve done
Know that the City
Stands for the sun, our god supreme

Repeat to the City
Our sacred vow
Know that the City
Requires your bow of subservience

Tell to the City
Secrets you know
Reveal to the City
When you must go and come again

Know that the City
Is your only home
Here in the City
Beneath the dome of plexiglass

Death to the City
Never shall come
She is your mother
You are her sons and daughters, true

[Listen to it here]

Christine (1965 - Age 18)

Written, Composed
Arranged & Performed
by Michael Woodhead
Copyright ©1965,2021

Christine, my Christine
It's you I adore
And I hope forevermore
Christine, my Christine
Give me your heart
And I promise we will never part

[Musical Verse]

Christine, my Christine
Wait, wait for me
Even to Eternity
Even when, e'en when I'm away
I will always write and say

Christine, my Christine
You know I love you
Magic words of Love so true
Christine, my Christine
Please stay by me
Forever and ever, please

Christine, my Christine
Wait, wait for me
Even to Eternity
Even when, e'en when I'm away
I will always write and say

[Listen to it here]

Choosers of the Slain (1969 - Age 22)

Written by Michael Woodhead
Copyright ©1969,2023

Sometimes, I know, it's hard to ascertain
If you are alive, if you are dead
When you see them coming
The choosers of the slain
Then will come the time that you had dread

Why do you need something that's insane
As you live your life from day to day
Soon they'll come
The choosers of the slain
And you'll recall the love of yesterday

Understand, there's nothing you'd obtain
Understand, there's nothing left to fear
When they come
The choosers of the slain
They'll take you to the outer atmosphere

Though I know that Hell you do disdain
The chance is there that you might not be caught
For, it doesn't matter
The choosers of the slain
They take the persons they know that they have sought

Children of the Stars (1970 - Age 23)

Written, Composed
Arranged & Performed
by Michael Woodhead
Copyright ©1970,2021


A child is born

We are the children of the stars
We hope to make our home on Mars
Before the coming war, peace no more

We are the children of the stars
We hope to break the masters’ bars
Of pain, still we’re chained in the rain

We are the children of the stars
We hope to move to planet Mars
And there, no more cares, no one dares

Disturb the children of the stars

A child is born

[Watch it here]

Child of Tomorrow (1970 - Age 23)

Written by Michael Woodhead
Copyright 1970,2023

Come, my dear, now we must flee
We can’t stay another day
Keep close by and stay with me
And just pray we find the way
Where we can hide, where we an go
And you give birth to the child of tomorrow

Hide you ‘neath this pile of stone
Keep you here till I return
Don’t forget just what you own
And, some day, this world will learn
That ne’er were we so filled with woe
That we gave life to the child of tomorrow

Come, my dear, now we might save
This foolish world of ours today
Come, my dear, now we might pave
A happier road to new-born days
And sooner than we’ll ever know
You will give birth to the child of tomorrow

Hold him deep within thy womb
Hide you here until that day
For this world might be our tomb
If we do not hope and pray
That from this Earth we soon might go
And you give birth to the child of tomorrow

Child of the Moon

 

Arturo Stalteri

Felmay Records

2007

This release by Arturo Stalteri contains a series of peaceful and relatively quiet nocturnes ideal for just sitting in a dark room and relaxing, or even for those who have trouble sleeping. However, these pieces are by no means monotonous or boring; some are light as a fairy's touch, others quite evocative and stirring. All are very pleasing to the musical palate.

 

TRACKLIST:

1. Notturno In Sol Maggiore

2. Notturno In Do Minore

3. Notturno In Re Maggiore

4. Notturno In Sol Diesis Minore "Venezia"

5. Notturno In Si Bemolle Maggiore

6. Notturno In Sol Minore "Starry Night"

7. Notturno In Do Maggiore

8. Notturno In Si Bemolle Minore

9. Notturno In Si Maggiore

10. Notturno In Fa Diesis Maggiore "Magla Costa"

11. Sun Rises

 

Music Review by Michael Woodhead

Copyright ©2007

Child Of Ocean (1969 - Age 22)

Written, Composed
Arranged & Performed
by Michael Woodhead
Copyright 1969,2021


Child of ocean, daughter of storm 
Are you cold, or are you warm 
Child of ocean, daughter of storm 
What's your mind, and what's your form  

Born upon the stormy waves 
Of the sun-burnt sea 
There a child was born to them 
Child of storm and sea 
Child of storm and sea  

Child of ocean, daughter of storm 
Are you cold, or are you warm 
Child of ocean, daughter of storm 
What's your mind, and what's your form  

Carried on the restless waves 
To a distant shore 
Found there by a fisherman 
And his wife, Lenore 
And his wife, Lenore  

[Musical Verses]

Child of ocean, daughter of storm 
Are you cold, or are you warm 
Child of ocean, daughter of storm 
What's your mind, and what's your form  

As she grew, her beauty grew 
Dazzling every man 
Child of ocean, child of sea 
On the beach, she ran 
On the beach, she ran  

Child of ocean, daughter of storm 
Are you cold, or are you warm 
Child of ocean, daughter of storm 
What's your mind, and what's your form   

Then, this girl returned to sea 
She was unbetrothed 
So her Mother took her in 
To her, now, declothed 
To her, now, declothed  

[Listen to it here]