Hey. This book is inspiring. It's about an octapus
You see Ringo, this is exactly what I don’t want to do. I wonder if he was reading a work by Chopin or Hawthorne. Maybe we can get together for a joint study session on visions of reality in both author’s works. Okay, probably not. But, right now I am sympathetic to one of Ringo’s songs especially. That’s right folks. One of Ringo’s songs. Well, it is not really Ringo’s song but he sure did make it famous. The song is his 1974 hit “The No No Song.” It skyrocketed to #1 in Canada and #3 in the U.S. It’s a dumb song, I know, but right now if we take some creative liberty with the lyric, it does express some of my Fall semester finals woe.
The No No Song was originally written by Hoyt Axton and David Jackson. Axton is one of those famous songwriters who never gets enough credit even though he penned several hits. “Joy to the World”? Axton. “The Pusher”? Axton. “Heartbreak Hotel”? Well, his mother actually co-wrote that one.
Here is Ringo’s version:
It’s trippy and really odd. Like seriously weird. I kind of feel scarred, maybe dirty, after watching it. Anyway, let’s focus on the chorus:
“And I said no-no-no-no, I don’t ___ no more, I’m tired of waking up on the floor. No thank you please, it only makes me sneeze. Then it makes it hard to find the door”
The blank portion can be filled in with anything you like. In the context of the song it is an action that relates to the drug Ringo mentions in the verse prior. In the context of my post, let’s put study. So, studying makes me sneeze and makes it hard to find the door? Sure, why not. Honestly, I think I am ready for my Tuesday final right now, but back to studying I go just to make sure. Wish me luck and I will be home, back to posting on a regular schedule, Wednesday. I may have a post for you tomorrow. Keep posted
I apologize for the late posting. After a long day of work/final preparation I went to Binghamton University‘s Anderson Center and supported my Fraternity brother, Andy Castillo, who was playing drums in a Jazz ensemble. It was an excellent two-hour long show. Now, back in my warm house, away from the single-digit temperature of Binghamton, I thought I’d try to warm you night owls up with Six Degrees of Your iPod. That’s right, the Music Court category of musical connections. I hit shuffle on my iPod – which currently holds around 13,000 songs – and choose the first six songs that appear. After providing the first six songs, I attempt to link songs one and six. The lead singer of band one had a son whose wife’s brother-in-law is the drummer of band six. If that’s the case, I’ll dig it up. Let’s play!
This famous Canadian band formed 22 years ago in Ontario. Yes, how long ago it feels. But, they still maintain a youthful feel to their high-powered music, especially with their humorous live shows (including rap battles). The band knows how to rock it, and knows how to slow it down for intimate songs like my personal favorite “War on Drugs.” This particular song’s true video is a montage of old Barenaked Ladies videos. I could not embed it, but you can all certainly check it out on Youtube.
2.) “Cry Baby Cry” by, The Beatles
3.) “Goodnight Sweetheart” by, Billy The Vision and the Dancers
4.) “Uncle Johns Band” by, The Grateful Dead
5.) “Infinite Arms” by, Band of Horses
6.) “Cat’s In The Cradle” by Harry Chapin
The story of Harry Chapin unfortunately ends with his untimely death because of a car accident on the Long Island Expressway near exit 40 for Jericho, NY (which is where I live by the way…no not on the expressway). But, Chapin’s incredible musical talents paired with his philanthropic contributions make him an honorable musician and man. Chapin was posthumously awarded with the Congressional Gold Medal and “Cats in the Cradle,” perhaps his most famous song, still lives on today
Connection:
Well, like usual, I get the impossible task of linking two songs and bands that have absolutely nothing to do with each other. How can one link a Canadian band with a Brooklyn based singer-songwriter? Okay, let’s start with Chapin. “Cats in the Cradle” was released in 1974 off of Chapin’s fourth album Verities And Balderdash. It was the first track. The Barenaked Ladies’ fourth album was Stunt and the first track on that album is “One Week,” their famous fast-paced hit. “One Week” has several pop culture references mentioned in the song, including Harrison Ford, who is perhaps most famous for the Indiana Jones movie series. And, would you look at that. Harry Chapin passed away in July of 1981 and what was the #1 movie at the time…”Raiders of the Lost Ark” starring Harrison Ford. From Chapin to Barenaked Ladies to Harrison Ford. What does this have to do with anything? Absolutely nothing. That’s Six Degrees of Your iPod and I am going to sleep!
Thirty years ago I was -9 years old. Yes, a non-existing age where conscious thought is, well, not at a premium. But, after I was born, I took the natural musical transition to the age of sing-a-longs to the 10-year-old euphoric, ‘Eminem is the best artist ever,” to the introduction to good music, to today. At 21 years old, this semi-adult audiophile has gathered a pretty decent opinion on music. And, there is no one better than John Lennon.
John Lennon. The name evokes such memory and emotion. He is like music’s version of Santa Clause. Everyone knows him. From those who express pure idolatry to those who may have only heard his name in passing, he is beyond a musical legend and icon. John Lennon is god-like, transcending “music” itself. His name expands into the realm of magic. An anagogic superstar?
His shocking murder 30 years ago still leaves an incorrigible scar on the face of all music. That is how superb Mr. Lennon was. When Mark David Chapman pulled the trigger and killed Lennon, he destroyed a fixture of music itself. Lennon is irreplaceable.
Imagine if all of a sudden dogs just disappeared. That’s right. No more Fido and Spot to walk and love. Would we live on as human beings? Yes. We would all adjust. But, there would be this grand lacuna in our lives. That is what happened when John Lennon was ripped away. That is what happened 30 years ago, tonight. The world shook. People like Lennon are not supposed to die at 40.
So, let us remember him. The loquacious, sardonic and arrogant Beatle. The loving, and obsessed husband to Yoko and his Sean. The pioneer for peace marches and an anti-war sentiment, even after the hippie generation had deteriorated. He was a man with a giant heart and an indelible, extraordinary musical skill that surpassed his work with the greatest band to ever play, The Beatles.
Was he a complete angel? Of course not. His distant relationship with his first son, Julian and volatile relationship with his first wife Cynthia was a certain black mark on his existence. But, as humans, we are marked with numerous foibles (some being worse than others) and it is how we work through them that demonstrate our personality. He was young. He became kinder, less cocky, and more focused on propagating a message of peace to the world.
It happened at around 10:50 p.m. The Lennon’s arrived home at the Dakota after spending several hours at the Record Plant. Lennon wanted to go home so he could say goodnight to his son, Sean, before he was put to bed. He also liked to oblige fans who generally waited for a long time to get a picture with John or an autograph. Chapman was there. He had come to New York with the intention of killing Lennon. Earlier in the day he backed away from his plan at another autograph signing. This time he did not. He shot Lennon numerous times in the back. Two of the shots inflicted fatal wounds. Lennon was pronounced dead at 11:15 p.m.
The story broke in a very interesting manner. Being a journalist, this particularly interested me. Alan Weiss, ABC’s New York affiliate, was in the hospital following a motorcycle accident. He reported the story first. Remember this was way before Twitter, Facebook and cell phones! He contacted ABC news, who relayed it to Roone Arledge, the executive producer of Monday Night Football (which was going on at the time). The Dolphins were facing the Patriots. The report was read by Cosell:
Yes, we have to say it. Remember this is just a football game, no matter who wins or loses. An unspeakable tragedy confirmed to us by ABC News in New York City: John Lennon, outside of his apartment building on the West Side of New York City, the most famous, perhaps, of all of The Beatles, shot twice in the back, rushed to Roosevelt Hospital, dead on arrival. Hard to go back to the game after that news flash, which in duty bound, we have to take.
And that was that. John Lennon was murdered. A world mourned his loss.
There are some great links that any fan of Lennon should visit today after viewing this post. Rolling Stone has put together an excellent segment of Lennon’s last days. It includes audio clips of interviews, photos and videos.
We embark on a journey back in time. A sojourn in the bright-eyed days of 2009. Oh, the nostalgia is killing me. The Music Court has not clicked the category option of lyric of the day for way too long. And, this in unacceptable. Every category should get love. So, for today’s post, we concentrate on a lyric that can set your night right. And, we rhyme. Because, that’s what we do here. Rhymes and old times with musical chimes. Shut up and get to the song. Okay!
Joe Pisapia is often referred to as “that balding guy from Guster,” but he is certainly much more than that. This multi-instrumentalist is a talented singer-songwriter that has been an essential part of Guster since he jumped on-board 7 years ago. Recently, after completing Guster’s new album Easy Wonderful, he left the band to explore a project with musician, k.d. lang.
A solo release in 2002 by Pisapia is often looked over by fans of Guster. But, if you want a good listen and you are a fan of Guster, definitely check out Pisapia’s work on Daydreams.
Here is my favorite lyric from my favorite song, “Dancing Partner”
To set the scene, Pisapia’s character goes to visit his grandmother (I think) in a nursing home and they discuss how it has been 27 years ago since her husband passed away and how she refuses to dance with anyone now because her dancing partner is away.
It is a sad song. Pisapia’s smooth, innocent voice is a perfect compliment to the piano rhythm that is jumpy and bubbly. But, as the song hits the chorus the piano draws out and we are left with extended vocal and piano notes that help the song. Here is the lyric
“Driving home so late that night
My mind still recollecting
All the many things we talked about
Like living with and then without
I wondered to myself if I would
Ever love someone that way
And in the echoes of that night
I still can see her as she’s saying,
When they play that music
I turn the other way
Since my dancing partner’s away”
That last segment is repeated throughout the song and it just works so well. I like the story above everything. It is personal and allows the listener to explore one single scene/conversation of dealing with loss. Just well done.
We begin this installment of court links with a brief list of instructions on how to make Michael Buble go crazy:
1.) Go to one of his shows (sit close to the front)
2.) Interrupt show and tell Buble you want your son to go on stage to sing with him
3.) Tell teenage son who is quite nervous to go on stage
4.) Let him sing and blow everyone away, including Buble, with his singing ability.
5.) Buble WILD!
Don’t believe me. Watch this video. Thanks Fark.com for posting this!
Buble really goes wild. I mean, look, is it awesome that the kid can sing well? Yes, of course. Do you have to pick him up? That may be crossing the line. I laughed. Buble is a great sport. Plus, it are these moments that can make a kid’s life. I mean, what a story. Yeah, I impressed Michael Buble with my singing voice. No big deal or anything!
Well, I wasn’t joking. After being arrested last week in Texas for marijuana possession, Nelson’s charge was dropped down from a felony to a misdemeanor. This means lesser fine and maximum jail time. This all according to a Rolling Stone article by Jem Aswad
You can quote me on this: Nelson will not serve jail time. Why? Well, first off, he is a 76-year-old celebrity musician who advocates marijuana usage and will never stop smoking. Jailing Nelson would just be stupid. You would be depriving the public of Nelson for a period of time because he was in possession of six ounces of marijuana. Seriously! Sometimes I question the law. Legalize it. Tax it. Make money. Nelson can go on and do what he does…and he will be providing money for the U.S. Government in the process. Instead of propagating this conservative hoopla of arresting people for possession. Let’s keep the law and lawyers out of a place they do not belong…Willie Nelson’s tour bus.
So, you know how occasionally when I review a new band I mention how their sound reaches back to the old days of rock n’ roll, 60’s style. Well, Liam Gallagher has made his living trying to be Paul McCartney on every Oasis album. Now that Oasis has broken up, Liam has gone on to bigger and better things, exploring more musical styles and finally breaking free from the grip of attempting to copy 60’s music. Did you believe that last sentence? Yeah, I am not a good lier. Liam’s new project, Beady Eye, is a flat-out copy of 60’s everything. Here is their new album cover which was just released.
And, how about a band picture:
Seriously. Can you rip the 60’s off anymore? Listen, I do not mind being inspired. Heck, 60’s music inspires me too. But, when you have spent your entire career unsuccessfully copying music from an era 45 years ago, maybe you should just collect your money and stop. I shouldn’t say he has been unsuccessful. Gallagher has made a lot of cash doing this. Just stop. I don’t need to hear your music anymore. But, if anyone is interested. Here is a song from Beady Eye.
It sounds like “Great Balls of Fire” with the piano. It is like early 60’s fused with some background musicians attempting to harmonize with the nasally Gallagher. Well, enjoy!
The Music Court 