Tunes and words
It was announced this week that Bob Dylan has joined other artists in recording an album of “wedding anthems for same-sex couples.” An album of standards with the lyrics amended (he swapped for she, she for he, etc). No material changes, no change to meter or message.
It prompted me to share a specific gripe I’ve had for some years. It is with coverers of Joni Mitchell’s ‘Big Yellow Taxi’.
David Foster Wallace had a theory about sporting greats and why they write such awful autobiographies. The focus required to be the best, the ability to filter out external distraction and internal monologue, and just be present, is what separates them from the rest of us. It is also what makes them ill-equipped to describe what it really feels like to be world number one, to win Wimbledon, to score the winning goal at the World Cup, in a way that scratches our itch. His fascination with sports autobiography fell apart after reading Tracy Austin’s plodding “Beyond Center Court: My Story”.
Check out our list of 12 AMAZING Monkees facts. You won’t BELIEVE number 7!!!.
Continue reading “Twelve Monkees”Netflix is showing a new documentary called Jim and Andy: The Great Beyond. It covers the making of Man in the Moon, the biopic of Andy Kaufman. It includes unseen behind-the-scenes footage and a new interview with Jim Carrey. It’s just great. Throughout the making of the original film, Carrey lived as Andy Kaufman and Tony Clifton, the obnoxious lounge singer alter-ego, taking everything to its illogical conclusion.
Geoffrey Parsons. Tall, enthusiastic young man with a temper to behold. Overly aggressive fast bowler in the annual staff vs boys cricket match. The antithesis of Wing Commander Tyrell, a ruddy-cheeked, rotund, literally old-school, World War 2 veteran. Generous supporter of school cricket. A five-wicket haul or fifty runs in a school match earned you 50 pence.
Both geography teachers. The WingCo was Canada’s major exports and crop rotation. Mr Parsons, who succeeded the WingCo, was plate tectonics and glaciers.
The start of tonight’s Public Service Broadcasting gig in Seattle was delayed by technical difficulties. I feel you. I lived years of meetings at Microsoft and know projector issues. Next time, wiggle the dongle or reboot. If that fails, we’ll all huddle round the laptop.
This summer, I set myself a few goals:
1. Learn to swim
2. Learn to play bass guitar
3. Reconnect with old friends
4. Like Steely Dan
5. Understand quantum gravity
There are certain musicians and producers who are just the best. The go-to people for their thing.
When the Beatles wanted flavorsome keys they knew to call Billy Preston. When Peter Gabriel wanted to duet, Kate Bush was on speed dial. When pretty much anyone in the 60s, 70s and 80s needed a trumpet lead, they called Derek Watkins. When legends like Johnny Cash and Neil Diamond wanted to rediscover the magic, they knew Rick Rubin was the man. And when a talk show producer wanted an artist to crater their legacy via a hoedown version of a classic on live TV, they called David Lee Roth.
School’s out for a summer vacation. Here’s a work-related story to mark a ten year work milestone.
A few years ago, a new CVP joined us. He held an offsite for his new management team to mingle and connect. One of the first group exercises was to pair up and share one story about yourself that the other person may not know. I looked around for someone to pair up with, but I was too slow and he caught my eye. So it was me and the boss.
