Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
More Martians
The Jazz Bus: More Martians
While watching television the other night with my bride and our youngest cub a movie preview came across the screen, one about aliens from outer space. Engaging in a conversation we first directed our attention to the vernacular of the word “alien” and how we now need to be truly “P.C.” by adding “from outer space” when using the word. Secondly, we had a laugh about my Venusians experiences recently. Well actually only I had a laugh, Lil Pup just shook his head as the Chief Venusian was listening to us and cautiously watching his reaction.
But then Lil’ Cub who is a movie bug further the conversation by suggesting Hollywood and Sci-Fi writers mostly display aliens “from outer space” as creatures unlike us, ones usually much, much bigger in size. Some have tentacles, others six arms, and most possess supernatural powers of some kind. He suggested, “What if aliens are already here, years ago, at creation maybe, and are so miniscule we never, ever see them or even know they are here? Just keeping records on humans and reporting back, or controlling what we do, sort of like using us as their toys.” WHAT? Flashback time, I ask him if he ever read THE MIND PARASITES by Colon Wilson. He said “only if it was a required book”, which I knew it was not. Stupid me. But it got me thinking.
Early 1970’s, my last semester of college I took what I thought was a basket weaving course called “Sci-Fi as Literature”. The professor was a known freak of the English Department who regularly chain smoked her student’ cigarettes. The syllabus was a listing of 100 novels broken down into 20 categories (5 books per), of which you were expected to read a total of 20, one per category. Every few classes she would intro a new category and you were expected to verbally participate or submit a 10 page double spaced paper. By the second week the class was basically empty, most opted out. Just a few stayed. As I needed another English credit I remained.
As the weeks went by the group became more and more enthusiastic in their discussions. Professor just sat atop her desk, nodding her head while lighting up a smoke. Toward the end of the semester she suggested we all read one more book, THE MIND PARASITES, and if the discussion was as exciting as she thought it would be, there would be NO FINAL EXAM. Done, we all bought the book. Probably, one of the best suggestions Professor Owen had.
Imagine an archeologist discovering invisible mind parasites that only “menace the brilliant people” on earth, Never to bother with the lazy, because they considered worthless in society. The only weapon against these murderous parasites is to push your mind to its limits, thereby destroying them in your brain. However, they are always present and only attack when you sense they are in your brain. If you even remotely think about them they multiple rapidly neutralizing brain cells. Both my bride and cub acknowledged that the Mind Parasites will never bother me. jazzbus@gmail.com
While watching television the other night with my bride and our youngest cub a movie preview came across the screen, one about aliens from outer space. Engaging in a conversation we first directed our attention to the vernacular of the word “alien” and how we now need to be truly “P.C.” by adding “from outer space” when using the word. Secondly, we had a laugh about my Venusians experiences recently. Well actually only I had a laugh, Lil Pup just shook his head as the Chief Venusian was listening to us and cautiously watching his reaction.
But then Lil’ Cub who is a movie bug further the conversation by suggesting Hollywood and Sci-Fi writers mostly display aliens “from outer space” as creatures unlike us, ones usually much, much bigger in size. Some have tentacles, others six arms, and most possess supernatural powers of some kind. He suggested, “What if aliens are already here, years ago, at creation maybe, and are so miniscule we never, ever see them or even know they are here? Just keeping records on humans and reporting back, or controlling what we do, sort of like using us as their toys.” WHAT? Flashback time, I ask him if he ever read THE MIND PARASITES by Colon Wilson. He said “only if it was a required book”, which I knew it was not. Stupid me. But it got me thinking.
Early 1970’s, my last semester of college I took what I thought was a basket weaving course called “Sci-Fi as Literature”. The professor was a known freak of the English Department who regularly chain smoked her student’ cigarettes. The syllabus was a listing of 100 novels broken down into 20 categories (5 books per), of which you were expected to read a total of 20, one per category. Every few classes she would intro a new category and you were expected to verbally participate or submit a 10 page double spaced paper. By the second week the class was basically empty, most opted out. Just a few stayed. As I needed another English credit I remained.
As the weeks went by the group became more and more enthusiastic in their discussions. Professor just sat atop her desk, nodding her head while lighting up a smoke. Toward the end of the semester she suggested we all read one more book, THE MIND PARASITES, and if the discussion was as exciting as she thought it would be, there would be NO FINAL EXAM. Done, we all bought the book. Probably, one of the best suggestions Professor Owen had.
Imagine an archeologist discovering invisible mind parasites that only “menace the brilliant people” on earth, Never to bother with the lazy, because they considered worthless in society. The only weapon against these murderous parasites is to push your mind to its limits, thereby destroying them in your brain. However, they are always present and only attack when you sense they are in your brain. If you even remotely think about them they multiple rapidly neutralizing brain cells. Both my bride and cub acknowledged that the Mind Parasites will never bother me. jazzbus@gmail.com
Today's ARTIST OF THE DAY
Taday's ARTIST OF THE DAY is the Legendary Captain Beefheart who passed away yesterday.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Artist of the Day
Today we are on a quest for THE WORST CHRISTMAS SONG EVER MADE. Give it your best shot but get back to me soon...
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
It's Christmas Time
The Jazz Bus: It’s Christmas Time
I promised myself that this piece will have nothing to do with the spiritual side of Christmas, which is probably a sacrilegious way to look at a religious holiday, but my dear friend Barbara would expect nothing less from me. Rather than exposing what I feel is a commercial approach…oh sorry I promised, I will attempt to have some fun with the musical side of the “holiday season”. Imagine that inner warmth you get when you first hear Nat King Cole’s CHRISTMAS SONG, you know the tune about Chestnuts roasting. When was the last time you had a chestnut? Years ago the song would be played right after the Thanksgiving Day Parade to officially, in song, start the season. This year I heard it played the week after Labor Day.
Alright, my favorite holiday songs. See if you remember these. Bing Crosby WHITE CHRISTMAS, probably the finest version ever made, that crooner could sing. I can almost smell his pipe burning its tobacco. SLEIGH RIDE by a group that started as dancers for Joey Dee’s Peppermint Lounge to later become famous as The Ronettes, and Ronnie still belts it out each Christmas season, LETTERMAN December 15 and live at B.B. King’s December 17th. On my iPod you will find FELIZ NAVIDAD by Jose Feliciano; JINGLE BELL ROCK- Bobby Helm not to be outdone by Brenda Lee’s ROCKIN’ AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE followed by The Peanuts Gang (Vince Guaraldi Trio) CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE, and The King himself- Elvis- deeply belting out BaBaBa BLUE CHRISTMAS. Do you remember Little Jimmy Boyd’s moment where he SAW MOMMY KISSING SANTA CLAUS? a great novelty tune but not one to be found in my collection. I do have standards.
My Pop, while a fan of Bing Crosby did not like the version of LITTLE DRUMMER BOY/PEACE ON EARTH Bing did with David Bowie. Me, I can take it or leave it. But I do love Bob Dylan’s version found on his CHRISTMAS IN THE HEART, which I still can’t figure out if it was done “tongue in cheek”. Not one to enjoy choral selections, I do find the John Lennon and The Harlem Community Choir’s collaboration HAPPY XMAS-THE WAR IS OVER to be unsurpassed as a true theme of its time. And who could leave out THE CHIPMUNK SONG,” let’s not overdue it, Alvin, ALVIN”. Bruce Springsteen recorded SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN locally live at C.W. Post many a moon ago; The bells, drums, sax, the ho ho ho’s, a true E-Street highlight.
But my all time favorite is MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE FAMILY written by Robert Earl Keen and recorded by many artists over the years. I offer just a taste of the second stanza where he introduces only some of his dysfunctional relatives and you’ll be hooked.
Brother Ken brought his kids with him
The three from his first wife Lynn
And the two identical twins from his second wife Mary Nell
Of course he brought his new wife Kay
Who talks all about AA
Chain smoking while the stereo plays Noel, Noel
The First Noel
Feliz Navidad! From The Griswold’s. jazzbus@gmail.com
I promised myself that this piece will have nothing to do with the spiritual side of Christmas, which is probably a sacrilegious way to look at a religious holiday, but my dear friend Barbara would expect nothing less from me. Rather than exposing what I feel is a commercial approach…oh sorry I promised, I will attempt to have some fun with the musical side of the “holiday season”. Imagine that inner warmth you get when you first hear Nat King Cole’s CHRISTMAS SONG, you know the tune about Chestnuts roasting. When was the last time you had a chestnut? Years ago the song would be played right after the Thanksgiving Day Parade to officially, in song, start the season. This year I heard it played the week after Labor Day.
Alright, my favorite holiday songs. See if you remember these. Bing Crosby WHITE CHRISTMAS, probably the finest version ever made, that crooner could sing. I can almost smell his pipe burning its tobacco. SLEIGH RIDE by a group that started as dancers for Joey Dee’s Peppermint Lounge to later become famous as The Ronettes, and Ronnie still belts it out each Christmas season, LETTERMAN December 15 and live at B.B. King’s December 17th. On my iPod you will find FELIZ NAVIDAD by Jose Feliciano; JINGLE BELL ROCK- Bobby Helm not to be outdone by Brenda Lee’s ROCKIN’ AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE followed by The Peanuts Gang (Vince Guaraldi Trio) CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE, and The King himself- Elvis- deeply belting out BaBaBa BLUE CHRISTMAS. Do you remember Little Jimmy Boyd’s moment where he SAW MOMMY KISSING SANTA CLAUS? a great novelty tune but not one to be found in my collection. I do have standards.
My Pop, while a fan of Bing Crosby did not like the version of LITTLE DRUMMER BOY/PEACE ON EARTH Bing did with David Bowie. Me, I can take it or leave it. But I do love Bob Dylan’s version found on his CHRISTMAS IN THE HEART, which I still can’t figure out if it was done “tongue in cheek”. Not one to enjoy choral selections, I do find the John Lennon and The Harlem Community Choir’s collaboration HAPPY XMAS-THE WAR IS OVER to be unsurpassed as a true theme of its time. And who could leave out THE CHIPMUNK SONG,” let’s not overdue it, Alvin, ALVIN”. Bruce Springsteen recorded SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN locally live at C.W. Post many a moon ago; The bells, drums, sax, the ho ho ho’s, a true E-Street highlight.
But my all time favorite is MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE FAMILY written by Robert Earl Keen and recorded by many artists over the years. I offer just a taste of the second stanza where he introduces only some of his dysfunctional relatives and you’ll be hooked.
Brother Ken brought his kids with him
The three from his first wife Lynn
And the two identical twins from his second wife Mary Nell
Of course he brought his new wife Kay
Who talks all about AA
Chain smoking while the stereo plays Noel, Noel
The First Noel
Feliz Navidad! From The Griswold’s. jazzbus@gmail.com
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