Otokichi

But where would "Fleet Street" and scandal rags like The National Enquirer find replacements if Hollyweird's replacement writer campaign was successful?

"Michael Jackson"? Oh yes, "the gloved one" back when music videos were marvels of choreography and spirit. It's time for MJ to shift gears and ponder what Queen Latifah has done since her Hip-Hop days. It's a shame that MJ doesn't play the trumpet or cornet; he could make a play for Louis Armstrong's mantle. Oh wait, that would require humility.

Drop by http://last.fm and check out the "Christmas" group. At least one poster admits to "roasting chestnuts over an open fire" on November first. Since the stores are playing "Jingle Bell Rock," 'tis the season for Noeltunes. (The local Borders has a whole section set aside for "Christmas music," instead of the usual "2 for $22" music CD overstock!) On this computer, Mason Williams' "Greensleeves" occasionally plays when iTunes is set to "random." So go for it, and watch out for sharpened-Holly-stake-bearing Scrooges!

(Cracks open "The Hard And The Easy" CD case and extracts the booklet.) "The Mermaid" is a cover, with the original written by Phil Hillier. Currently, GBS' distributor is Rounder Records as of "Courage & Patience & Grit." (Their third live album to date.) Recent credited songwriters are: Alan Doyle, Sean McCann, and Bob Hallett. This band has been shaking up the rafters of various concert venues since 1993, which doesn't exactly make them an unknown Indie group. According to a poll on the GBS official website, this song is the most popular among voting fans: "When I Am King" (Alan Doyle) Wake up, without a care. Your head's not heavy, conscience clear Sins are all forgiven here, yours and mine Fear has gone without a trace It's the perfect time, it's the perfect place Nothing hurting. Nothing sore. No one suffers anymore, The doctor's found a simple cure. Just in time [Chorus] All these things if I were King would all appear around me The world will sing when I am King The world will sing when I am King She walks right in she don't even knock. It's the girl you lost to the high school jock She shuts the door and turns the lock, and takes your hand. She says she always felt a fool, for picking the Captain over you She wonders if you miss her, says she always told her sister That you're the best damn kisser That she's ever had [bridge] Daylight waits to shine until the moment you awaken So you never miss the dawn No question, now, you know which road you're taking Lights all green, the radio plays just the perfect song Well, the war's been won. All the fights are fought You find yourself in just the spot It's a place where everybody's got a song to sing. Just like the final movie scene. The prince will find his perfect queen The hero always saves the world. The villains get what they deserve The boy will always get the girl When I am King This tune is off their 2004 "Rock & Roll" album, "Something Beautiful," and there are more gems on this album if the world is getting to you. :guitar:

One final note: Great Big Sea MP3s can be heard at http://mog.com. In addition, there are music videos on YouTube if you're curious about these New Foundland Celt-Rockers.

It was late Summer, 2004 when I spotted a PBS special on Great Big Sea. This was a concert/party, with fans "getting vertical" and singing as loudly as the band on stage. This led to the "Great Big DVD & CD" release, which captured the look/feel of GBS. Here's a cover that caught my interest: "When I'm Up (I Can't Get Down)" I am the fountain of affection I'm the instrument of joy And to keep the good times rolling I'm the boy, I'm the boy, You know the world could be our oyster, You just put your trust in me, Cause we'll keep the good times rolling Wait and see, wait and see....oh wait and see! His exhaltation, a sweet disintegration. A few discolorations, then it comes along up is why he chooses, the kisses and the bruises There ain't nothing he refuses, then it comes along It comes along, and I am lifted, I am lifted, I am lifted! [Chorus:] When I'm up I can't get down Can't get down, can't get level When I'm up I can't get down Get my feet back on the ground When I'm up I can't get down Can't get down, can't get level When I'm up I can't get down Get my feet back on the ground He just needs, something to blind him Something to wind him up It won't take long to find him When it comes on strong. Wise guys are grinning, street lights are spinning The night is just beginning, and then it comes on strong It comes on strong, and I am lifted, I am lifted, I am lifted! [Chorus] Oh it comes on strong, and I am lifted. It comes on strong, and I am lifted. I am lifted, I am lifted! Chorus GBS also writes interesting originals: "Ordinary Day" I've got a smile on my face, I've got four walls around me The sun in the sky, the water surrounds me I'll win now but sometimes I'll lose I've been battered, but I'll never bruise, it's not so bad [Chorus] And I say way-hey-hey, it's just an ordinary day and it's all your state of mind At the end of the day, you've still got to say, it's all right. See that girl on the street, what keeps her from dying Let them say what they want, she won't stop trying She might stumble, if they push her 'round She might fall, but she'll never lie down [Chorus] It's a beautiful day, but there's always some sorrow It's a double edged knife, but there's always tomorrow It's up to you now if you sink or swim, Keep the faith and your ship will come in. Then, there's a tale of strong drink: "The Old Black Rum" I drank sixteen doubles for the price of one Trying to find the courage to talk to one I asked her for a dance Not a second glance My night had just begun Well I drink to the father and the holy ghost I'm kneeling at the altar of my nightly post So I'll raise a glass, not the first nor last Come join me in this toast [Chorus:] Because the old black rum's got a hold on me Like a dog wrapped round my leg And the old black rum's got a hold on me Will I live for another day? Hey, Will I live for another day? Well the queen of George street just went walking on by Walking on by with some guy who don't care That she stood in line Since half past nine And spent three hours on her hair (On her hair!) Well her friend is looking at me with an evil grin I think the bloody racket might soon begin I must have said some thing To the George street queen The boys are joining in! [Chorus] So I drank all of my money And I slept out in the rain Everyday is different but the nights they're all the same You never see the sun on the old black rum But I know I'm gonna do it again! [Chorus 2x] From what I've read at Last.FM posters, GBS concert goers really get their money's worth and it's nearly impossible not to "get vertical." :guitar:

I wonder if GBS' repertoire of reworked sea chanties and drinking songs has kept them off Songfacts? I've read that Newfies are considered to be unsophisticated, funny speaking, and often-drunk fisherfolk by urban Canada. (Imagine that, Canadian Rednecks!) Oh well, I'll play "When I'm Up," "Seagulls," and "Captain Kidd," assured that MusicStrands and Last.FM folk know a great band when they hear them.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601088&sid=a76WF0GvMHFk&refer=muse The "Camelot" broadway soundtrack was playing on the record player back in 1967, when "Sir Lancelot" introduced himself in "C'est Moi" and I began to appreciate the difference between movie and stage singers. I used to wonder if Robert Goulet considered a "Man of La Mancha" movie to challenge Richard Kiley's landmark reading of "The Impossible Dream." Naah, old musicals don't register with the iPod generation, do they? :sleepy:

I suspect that life after death could be interesting, though the movie "Flatliners" suggested that the first thing one would face was one's greatest sin/guilty memory. "Beetlejuice" showed that suicide only led to clerical work processing unruly spirits. However, "After Life" suggested that NOT making a choice of a terminal memory would result in staying at the way station to help create same for arriving/departing spirits on the way to the next station. Well, I'm hoping for the incredibly interesting trip across the universe found in "Brainstorm." :sleepy:

Reconsidering a line from "Field of Dreams": "No you didn't experience the 60's, you just took two 50's and moved on to the 70's!" Here's what I didn't do in the 1960's: *I smelled it, breathed it, but didn't light up or inhale it. *I never dropped Acid, shot up with Heroin, took Speed, or ate Peyote tabs. *With the Sexual Revolution in full bloom, I've never done it. *I didn't burn my draft card. *I wasn't a Beatles fan. I preferred The Who, Simon & Garfunkel, Cal Tjader, and Folk music. *I made a few skyrockets into bombs in high school, but didn't sign on with SDS at university. *I was an ROTC trooper in high school, but eschewed Khaki and spitshines at college. *I didn't pick up a guitar, sitar, or synthesizer. *I didn't go to Woodstock, but I went to several Diamond Head Crater Celebrations. *I forsook Rock and Jazz for a time as the Hawaiian Music Renaissance of the 70's appeared. :sleepy:

Turn! Turn! Turn! (Pete Seeger) performed by the Byrds. To everything (turn, turn, turn) There is a season (turn, turn, turn) And a time for every purpose, under heaven A time to be born, a time to die A time to plant, a time to reap A time to kill, a time to heal A time to laugh, a time to weep To everything (turn, turn, turn) There is a season (turn, turn, turn) And a time for every purpose, under heaven A time to build up,a time to break down A time to dance, a time to mourn A time to cast away stones, a time to gather stones together To everything (turn, turn, turn) There is a season (turn, turn, turn) And a time for every purpose, under heaven A time of love, a time of hate A time of war, a time of peace A time you may embrace, a time to refrain from embracing To everything (turn, turn, turn) There is a season (turn, turn, turn) And a time for every purpose, under heaven A time to gain, a time to lose A time to rend, a time to sew A time to love, a time to hate A time for peace, I swear its not too late It was 1967, I was coming in contact with a wide variety of people, music, politics. There was a military draft, so some signed up for military service after high school, while others left for Canada or Sweden. Some did drugs, others chose to "love the one you're with," and things got very Black or White for a while. I often wonder how people got through the 60's without some kind of damage.

The family across the street's boys were LedZep fans and played LPs loud enough to be heard very clearly, often, and repeatedly. Then they bought guitars and practiced "Whole Lotta Love," etc. often enough so that I shudder when I hear the opening chords to "Stairway.." etc. So, I don't know anything about "Tangerine." I'll have to bop over to Amazon or Allmusic for a 30 sec. sample.

Then there's a certain "Dr. Henry Jones, Jr." aka "Indiana" Jones...

You might also check out Alison Krauss with or without Union Station. Then there's Nickel Creek, which has a large following.

"Chain Gang Medley" performed by Jim Croce.

Sad news from South Africa for Reggae fans across the world. http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article2698046.ece

"Thank You For Smoking" 0/10 It's finally happened, a modern comedy that I didn't laugh at once! (PBS' "The War" was running the seek before I saw "Smoking," which may account for this non-reaction.) Then again, it may be the "Yes-men/women" managerial style of George W. Bush, aka the "My Way or The Highway" president. I find a government based on spin to be one step removed from...heck, why continue? According to the movie folk discussing the success of the film, students shouted down a dissenter with "Get over it! That's just the way it is today!" comments. As one of those "Saturday Night Live" characters used to say: "Never mind."

"A Suitable Vengeance" by Elizabeth George (#4 in "The Inspector Lynley" series) What's this? 21-year-old Deborah Cotter just got back from 3 years in the U.S.? Lady Helen Clyde isn't Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley's paramour? And where is Detective Sgt. Barbara Havers? This WayBack Machine tale takes place some years in the past. It's another tale of mayhem and suspense concerning: Cornwall, Cancer, Cocaine, a cross dresser, and a leftover adolescent revenge plot from Tommy Lynley's past. As usual, have a large dictionary handy for "counterpanes, cerulean, and expiation."

As in "Soylent Green," Beethoven's "Pastoral" Symphony (Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68).

To honor The Greatest Generation portrayed in Ken Burns' "The War," a packet of authentic K Rations. (Well, Spam and cheese on crackers, chased down with Kool Aid powder.)

On second thought, Elvis Presley nailed it with two songs: "Suspicious Minds" and "Suspicion." Suspicious Minds (words & music by mark james) We're caught in a trap I can't walk out Because I love you too much baby Why can't you see What you're doing to me When you don't believe a word I say? We can't go on together With suspicious minds And we can't build our dreams On suspicious minds So, if an old friend I know Drops by to say hello Would I still see suspicion in your eyes? Here we go again Asking where I've been You can't see these tears are real Im crying We can't go on together With suspicious minds And be can't build our dreams On suspicious minds Oh let our love survive Or dry the tears from your eyes Lets don't let a good thing die When honey, you know Ive never lied to you Mmm yeah, yeah Suspicion (Words & music: Doc Pomus / Mort Shuman) Every time you kiss me I’m still not certain that you love me, Every time you hold me I’m still not certain that you care Though you keep on saying you really, really, really love me Do you speak the same words to someone else when I’m not there. Suspicion torments my heart, Suspicion keeps us apart, Suspicion why torture me. Every time you call me and tell me we should meet tomorrow I can’t help but think that you’re meeting someone else tonight, Why should our romance just keep on causing me such sorrow? Why am I so doubtful whenever you’re out of sight? Suspicion torments my heart, Suspicion keeps us apart, Suspicion why torture me. Darling, if you love me, I beg you wait a little longer, Wait until I drive all these foolish fears out of my mind, How I hope and pray that our love will keep on growing stronger, Maybe I’m suspicious ‘cause true love is so hard to find. Suspicion torments my heart, Suspicion keeps us apart, Suspicion why torture me.

I'm not sure if this song fits, but the lyrics suggest that kind of feeling. I Am The Other Man (Cecilio Rodrigues of Ceclio & Kapono, 1973) Prelude: Knowing my heart, it's only fair That you let me go, if you really care Don't make me love you more than I do For I am the other man, the one who lost you. (Chorus) I am the other man, yes I am the other man I am the other man, yes I am the other man. In the beginning though you knew you had a man, you showed me sunshine when you took me by the hand. How could I know I was just filling in a space that soon you would be leaving me For another place. (Chorus) And now I've got to pick the pieces up again, you'd think by now I'd be used to losing in the end. It's just that it's so hard to see you walk away, perhaps you'll come back in a dream. (Chorus) Please don't misunderstand, I don't regret a thing, the sweet love that we made has given me a song to sing. And so I've got to change you to a memory, I thank you for the golden moment that you gave to me. (Chorus)

"Jurassic Park III" 8/10. Rooting around Jelly's this past weekend, I ran into a fellow from my Honolulu Orchid Society photographer days. He was looking at the DVD stacks, and I found out that his genre of choice was Martial Arts. (Jackie Chan, Jet Li, etc.) I pointed out other kinds of movies, then ran across "Jurassic Park III," which I'd never seen from the beginning. (Just how did "Dr. Alan Grant" wind up as a "Raptor Surprise" menu entree?) It's a escape & evade suspense flick, where one doubts if anyone will survive. (Too bad the original "JP" or "JP II" weren't as scary as the books, sigh.) I was wondering how the "invisible dinosaurs of "JP II" would be rendered. As with the original, these camo dinos were a no-show.

I dropped by the BBC America website a couple of weeks ago and saw that "The Inspector Lynley Mysteries" had ceased production. PBS' "Mystery!" has been playing series 5 "Inspector Lynley," so I figured it was time to take up with Elizabeth George if "Sgt. Barbara Havers" and "Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley" were "Ballykissangeled." I hadn't seen the video version of "A Great Deliverance," so the topic was disturbing, to say the least. However, I was hooked, and have burned through "Payment In Blood" and "Well-Schooled In Murder." (Traditional GB nobles really take "death before dishonor" seriously! And English Public schools make me prefer Barbara Havers' working class animal farm of a school.) Also, I found "Wolves Eat Dogs," the latest paperback "Arkady Renko" mystery, which takes us into the radioactive lands surrounding Chernobyl and Kiev. I'm debating buying the hardcover edition of "Stalin's Ghost" just to see if the other great dictator rides the Moscow subways.

So, Ray Charles' "Hit The Road Jack" is "pissy"? Oh well, it had to happen once he died and Hollywood made a movie about him. You forgot the ultimate love/hate song: The Police' "Every Breath You Take." or John Waite's "Missing You." :sleepy: