I had seen this one before. What nails me about it, every single time, is the delivery. No matter how good one is, a learned listener can spot the difference between those that are delivering a song, and those that have lived the song. Not to say that the former can't do an accomplished job, but the latter has a certain something that only comes from (in this case) having salt in your face. The voice, my old friend, was stunning, the "turning of the phrase" dead on, and you should be giving thanks for the gift of that voice for however long you had it. No person gets to know what is coming down the pike, so they need to accept their gifts and use them to the best they are able as long as they have them. Judging by what I have seen and heard, you did that very well. Do I wish you still had the voice? Of course. Am I more thankful that I get to hear it, and let my grandkids hear it as an example of a Master at work, you bet your sweet (and wrinkled) old arse. Just don't forget that you have much more to give now. It is fine that we all think you are a great performer, but you have to get these songs into the hands of some youngster. Pass it on, Captain.

And to my younger brother-in-spirit, and his adorable kid (who refers to me as Unca Mickey...Mick says with chest puffed up with pride), I say "Good job". You are a special family, and you are a good man for putting this out there.

All the best,

Mick