Year: 1999
Original Format: cassette
I like this one a lot; I just wish I had known about Lothar and the Hand People back then.
Playlist:
Your Own Voice James W. Newman & Associates
“The human brain is the smallest, most efficient computer ever constructed by unskilled labor.” —James W. Newman
Just a Night for Meditation Franklyn Ferris
This was a 78 I found in a thrift store. Apparently it is something of a rarity; it’s not on YouTube or Spotify, and no copies are to be had on Discogs or eBay. I also can’t find much information about Mr. Ferris himself. Discogs lists seven records that he made; all that have known dates were made in 1929 or 1930. He also recorded under his real name, Emil Velazco, and the aliases Carol Wynn and Richard Jordon. IMDB lists an Emil Velazco who was a film composer; probably it was the same guy? Something to meditate on.
The Truth Handsome Boy Modeling School
Back in the day I had no idea that the music for this was lifted from a piece called “Coffee Cold” by Galt MacDermot, writer of Hair. The sample is listed right there in the liner notes, but I either never looked or never paid attention. Then one day I heard “Coffee Cold” in a cafe, and Shazam, enlightenment dawned.
Part of the Process Morcheeba
All in My Mind Love and Rockets
L&R just announced that they will be playing the Cruel World Festival later this year, their first show in 15 years. Hopefully there will be a full tour; please, please let there be.
You Are a Light Pavement
Who else but Steve Malkmus would not only write lines like “Watch out for the gypsy children in electric dresses they’re insane/I hear they live in crematoriums and smoke your remains” but make them insanely catchy?
No Growing (Exegesis) The Olivia Tremor Control
I believe that this was my first exposure to the word “exegesis,” which has become a favorite. But only today did I learn of the existence of the word “eisegesis,” which the site gotquestions.org (“Your questions. Biblical answers.”) contrasts with “exegesis” thusly:
Exegesis is the exposition or explanation of a text based on a careful, objective analysis. The word exegesis literally means “to lead out of.” That means that the interpreter is led to his conclusions by following the text. The opposite approach to Scripture is eisegesis, which is the interpretation of a passage based on a subjective, non-analytical reading. The word eisegesis literally means “to lead into,” which means the interpreter injects his own ideas into the text, making it mean whatever he wants.
Now I’m going to have to find a way to use “eisegesis” in sentence. Well, I guess I just did, but that probably doesn’t count.
What Is the Light? The Flaming Lips
Very Heavy James W. Newman & Associates
“No one else can develop an attitude within your system. Only you can do that.” —James W. Newman
Do You Wanna Get Heavy? The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
The album this was on was called Acme and it was in fact their best. Talk about your self-fulfilling prophecies.
Honey Moby
It was easier to enjoy this back in the halcyon days of 1999, when we didn’t know what a tool Moby is or ask uncomfortable questions about cultural appropriation. I cannot tell a lie, though: It is a monster of a track.
Why We Wish Los Lobos
“Great music. Everyone should own a copy. I will buy it again once I wear this one out.” —Amazon reviewer Matt C.
Are You Experienced? The Jimi Hendrix Experience
The connection here, if memory serves, is that I had recently seen Los Lobos cover of this song; I believe they did it as a medley with “Tomorrow Never Knows.”
Letting Myself Go James W. Newman & Associates
“There’s a big difference between a wish and a goal. ‘I want to’ or ‘I plan to,’ are a lot different from ‘I wish I could.’ Next time you catch yourself wishing for something, see if it feels any different to rephrase your thought as a ‘want to’ or a goal or a plan. That simple difference in approach will open the door to some constructive action, instead of waiting for your wish to be granted.” —James W. Newman
Pinocchio Medley (Desolation Theme/When You Wish Upon a Star) Ken Nordine with Bill Frisell and Wayne Horvitz/Ringo Starr
Until I looked at the Wikipedia page for “When You Wish Upon a Star” just now, I never made the connection to Earth, Wind and Fire’s “Shining Star.” But it’s right there in front of your face, innit?
I have been listening to a lot of Jon Spencer this week. Whenever I hear the Blues Explosion I think of you and I seeing them at the Fillmore, I was so impressed that in a drunken and hallucinogenic stupor I emphatically proclaimed them the future of rock and roll and you suggested “they are the present of rock and roll”.