2016 is grinding to a close, and lots of people have been making a big deal about how the year sucked because of the number of big name celebrities that have died. In all truth, I don't quite buy the whole thing. I have been told by a demographer (to whom I am quite close) that, given the numbers of ages of celebritie, the deaths haven't really been out of line. In fact, this demographer says, 2017 is likely to be worse.
Nevertheless, it seems to me I should close out 2016 with a bunch of songs about death:
"People Who Died" by the Jim Carroll Band
Seems to me this is the song to start things off. My understanding is that these were all people who Jim Carroll actually knew.
"Five Missing One" by Bobtown
Admittedly, I'm being a bit self serving here, since this is a song I wrote. Yay me! Just to be clear, this isn;t commercially available, as Bobtown, a really talented New York band, recorded it as a Kickstarter fulfillment. If y'all have connections to the recording industry and know a band looking for material...
"Anachnu Chamishah Pachot Echad" by Hachaverim Shel Benny
I have to include this after "Five Missing One," since it was the inspiration. This is a Western-style Israeli song about a friend lost in war. At one point I was hoping to translate it into English, but I changed my mind and just wrote an original song with an admittedly similar title. "Marie Provost" by Nick Lowe
A classic from Nick Lowe's first album, this story of a fallen movie star is based on the true story of Marie Prevost. It's noteworthy because of the pleasant melody and jangly guitars accompanying such a morbid topic. I recall reading in an interview that the problem came afterwards when he'd be given all sorts of demos of songs about children getting killed by trains and such.
"I Don't Like Mondays" by the Boomtown Rats
The hit that made the Rats' name, this was based on the true story of Brenda Spencer who shot up a school in Cleveland. Her only explanation? "I don't like Mondays." "The Final Taxi" by Wreckless Eric
From early in Eric's career. He got reflective watching a funeral procession. I kind of like the "la la las" even if they seem out of place. The fact is I love pretty much every Wreckless Eric song from this era. Except "Personal Hygeine." "My Darling Clementine" traditional
A folk tune about an unfortunate drowning victim. This is Johnny Hill's version, though there are plenty of others on Youtube. Tom Lehrer doe a whole dissertation on the song, examining what it would have sounded like as penned by some prominent songwriters. But I have Tom Lehrer represented below, so no go on that. "The Homecoming Queen's Got a Gun" by Julie Brown
One of Julie's best tracks is a parody of the teenage death melodrama genre (which is best exemplified by "Leader of the Pack." I've loved this since I was in college and heard it on the Goddess in Pogress EP. Of course I was, for years, puzzled by the ending -- until Ifinally saw Citizen Kane. "Killer Klowns from Outer Space" by the Dickies
The theme song from the song by the same title. I first got into the Dickies when I was in college, attracted by their penchant for high speed cover versions of pop songs. Of the non-cover recordings they did, this is my favorite. And the fact that it's the theme from a movie I love is kind of the cherry on top. "American Pie" by Don McLean
Don McLean's Opus. I don't know if anyone has ever produced the definitive explanation of what all the imagery represents. And I don't know what everything ion the song represents. But apparently the day the music died was when the plane went down killing Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper. I had heard the Brady Bunch's awful cover of this long before I heard the original. So I was really surprised when I found out that this was the original and the Bradys' version was a cover. Go figure.
"Tie Me Kangaroo Down" by Rolf Harris
For years before I actually listened to this song, I thought the title was some reference to a way of tying someone down. Tie me tightly down. Tie me loosely down. Tie me kangaroo down. That kind of thing. My friend, Tall Judy, has observed that the imagery at the end -- "keep playing 'til I shoot through" -- is very evocative. I would like the song better if not for the fact that I mentally associate it with Harris' conviction involving some kind of indecent actions and underage girls. I don't know the details of the charges and the conviction (and I don't want to know), but it does taint the song for me. "The Death of Barry the Roofer with Vertigo" by the Toy Dolls
I recall reading in an interview that Olga (who head the Toy Dolls) can't write songs that aren't literally true. He just can't make stuff up. So is this based on real events?
"Run Joey Run" by David Geddes
Funny thing about this song. Sometime during the 1990s one of the New York newspapers (I forget if it was the Daily News or the Post) ran an article about the worst singles of all time. Since this was not on the list, I sent a letter to the editor suggesting that it should have been on the list. The next week my letter was printed along with a bunch of others, each nominating something bad. I used to write lots of letters to editors, so that was nothing new. But that night I got a call from a woman I didn't know. She sounded drunk. First she congratulated me on my letter, explaining that she agreed the song was awful. Then she told me that, years ago, she met the composer at a party, and he was really full of himself, having written a hit song and all. Finally, she asked if I wanted to meet her for sex. That wasn't her exact terminology, but it was the point, I was too weirded out to say yes. There have been about half a dozen incidents where I got phone calls as a result of a letter. That was the second-strangest. "An Irish Ballad" by Tom Lehrer
Tom Lehrer actually wrote a bunch of songs about death. I was torn between this, "We Will All Go Together When We Go," and "So Long Mom." I have no idea why I chose this from among the three. Whatever. "The Night Chicago Died" Paper Lace
I remember hearing this from the summer that I was at Camp Massad Gimel. It was one of the songs that frequently played on the radios that the counselors always had playing. For some reason I thought it was about the great Chicago fire. You know, the one with Mrs. O'Leary's cow. Anyway, I love that rhyme: "And he called his gang to war / Against the forces of the law." "Billy Don't Be a Hero" by Bo Donaldson & the Heywoods
Another story song from the same era. This was also played a lot on the radio during the same summer. "Seasons in the Sun" by Terry Jacks
I really shouldn't say "by Terry Jacks," since this was a cover version. I'm including it because it's the recording that I think of. Anyway, I loved this song when I was a kid and didn't realize how miserable it is. "Kentucky Graveyard" by Bobtown
I saw Bobtown live a few times, and this was my favorite song from their live set. At one show I mentioned to bassist/vocalist Fred Stesney that I'd love to hear this on an album, and I was delighted to find that they recorded it for their third. Even better, at a release party, he told me that my suggestion was instrumental in getting it onto the album. I like to think that's true. "Strange Fruit" by Billie Holliday
There are several themes represented in this list, but "Strange Fruit" is the only song about racism and lynchings. "Will the Circle Be Unbroken?" by Johnny Cash
Honestly? I don't know who first recorded this, but I associate it (whether rightly or wrongly) with the Carter/Cash family of country music royalty. And it always moves me. "I Want My Baby Back" by Jimmy Cross
Years ago I had a copy of The World's Worst Records, a compilation on Rhino Records. I'd say that this was my favorite track on the album, but there was a lot to like. In an "I know it's terrible, but I love it anyway" kind of way. "Suicide is Painless" from M*A*S*H
I can't help but love this song, since I loved M*A*S*H when I was a kid. Now? I don't think the show aged particularly well, and things that I loved now annoy me -- especially in the later years, once Alan Alda had become full of himself. My understanding is that the lyrics were written by Robert Altman's son (Altman, having directed the movie), who was a teenager at the time. So he made a buttload of money. It makes me think back to the crappy songs I wrote when I was a teenager. Too bad my dad wasn't a film director. "My Way" by Frank Sinatra
I'll be honest -- I prefer Sid Vicious' rendition. But I'm including this because it has a bit more popular appeal. One summer, I went upstate with Angry Bob (we were friends then) to a state fair. There we ate a lot, bet on pig races, and went into a recording booth to record our vocals over the karaoke track for this. I wish I still had that recording. Actually come to think of it, we did "Say Say Say." Bob had recorded this by himself some other time. Oh well. So much for my memory. "The Ballad of Harry Lewis" by Allan Sherman
Sherman's first album was part of the soundtrack to my childhood, and this was the first song on it. I uised to love Sherman, and would sing songs from this album for anyone who would listen (as well as anyone who wouldn't). Even though I didn't understand many of the jokes. Like "where the drapes of Roth are stored," which is one of the song's big laugh lines. Also related to that album, I remember singing "God bless you, Jerry Mendelbaum, but nothing you'll dismay" in yeshiva and having a teacher admonish me that it wasn't appropriate for a Jewish kid to be singing that. And I had no idea what she was on about.
Yesterday I posted videos of nontraditional Christmas songs.
Well, Christmas is over. But Chanukkah lives on! So here are some nontraditional Chanukkah songs. I wanted to include "Cheeseburger Deluxe by the World Famous Blue Jays. But I couldn't find it on Youtube.
Hannukah Rocks -- Gefilte Joe & the Fish
An old classic from Rhino Records. I think this was the B-Side of "Walk on the Kosher Side." Or was that the B-side. I don't recall.
Hannukah is Santa Monica -- Tom Lehrer
It's not really so much a Hannukah song as a pan-Judaic holiday song. Whatever. Oh, I also just learned that Tom Lehrer invented the Jell-O shot.
The Dreidel Song -- from "South Park"
I can't help it...I loved this.
The Channukah Song -- Adam Sandler
I've been torn about whether to include this, since Sandler is kind of uh...not for everyone. Lots of people love him. Lots of people can't frickin' stand him. I'm rare in that I'm kind of in the middle on him. He did a buttload of Channukah Songs, but I believe this is the original. Oh, yeah, he was wrong. Rod Carew is not Jewish.
The Rocky Hora Chanukah Song -- The Shomones
The fact that I'm including this should give you an idea of how slim the pickin's are.
So, since I couldn;t come up with enough appropriate songs to include, I'm going to supplement this list. Jewish holidays seem to all be a bout food. Except Yom Kippur and Tisha B'av which are about no food. So here are some songs about food.
Food -- The Takeaways
Some disposable but fun stuff from Stiff Records. I believe that's Sean Tyla doing a Dylan impression.
Food Glorious Food -- from "Oliver!"
This has a place in my heart, because the Oliver! soundtrack was a part of the soundtrack to my childhood. It -- technically, the soundtrack to the Broadway version -- was one of the half dozen or so records I listened to a lot. Then, years later, my sixth grade class put on a production of Oliver!, and I played Fagin. We also changed some of the lyrics to this song so that everything would be kosher.
Pico De Gallo -- Trout Fishing in America
Arguably the weakest on arguably the best album by TFIA. I was tempted to include "All I Want is a Proper Cup of Coffee" from this album, but Pico De Gallo is more of a food song.'
Banana Chips -- Shonen Knife
Shonen Knife did a whole bunch of songs about food. And I was torn between this and "Sushi Bar" from the same album. Tough call. Happy Hour, the album from which this came, is by far their best work.
Cheese and Onions -- The Rutles
From one of the best Beatles parodies ever.
Eat Steak -- The Reverend Horton Heat
I guess The R ev isn't a vegetarian.
Peter Percival Patterson's Pet Pig Porky -- The Monkees
OK, this was kind of a throwaway track that came right before "Pleasant Valley Sunday."
If Sugar Was as Sweet As You -- Joe Tex
I really know this song through the cover version by Rockpile. And I really prefer the cover, Rockpile being one of my favorite bands and all. But I cose to include this since I could still include...
A Knife and a Fork -- Rockpile
I have no clue how they ended up lip syncing this on a kids' show, but there you have it. And don't they look excited.
I Love Rocky Road -- "Weird Al" Yankovic
Food has been a frequent subject of Al's parodies. And I recall hearing that an artist asked that a parody not be about food. No idea if that was apocryphal.
As a nonChristian, I don't "celebrate" Christmas. But since I am a member of society Christmas is part of my reality. With that in mind, here for Christmas are some Christmas songs that I love. Or at least like a lot. Your mileage may vary.
Run Rudolph Run -- Chuck Berry
I came to know this song via Dave Edmunds' cover version. And I like that version better. But credit to the originator.
Father Christmas -- The Kinks
OK. It's not really Christamssy. Whatever...
Christmas in Hollis -- Run-DMC
I'm not the biggest rap fan, but there are some rap songs I like, and this is one of them. It also helps that I grew up near Hollis. And live near it today, while we're on the topic.
Stop the Cavalry -- Jona Lewie
A soldier on the front lines wishes to be with his family.
Snoopy's Christmas -- The Royal Guardsmen
Probably the dopiest song on this list, but I have a soft spot for the these guys.
The Night Santa Went Crazy -- "Weird Al" Yankovic
I have always liked Weird Al's original songs better than his parodies. And this is actually one of his best.
A Christmas Carol -- Tom Lehrer
Tom Lehrer is among the masters of comedy music. This bit of cynical folderol is a good example.
The Lonely Jew on Christmas -- Kyle Broflovski
This isn't quite the same version as I remember from the first South Park Christmas episode. The fact is it does do a pretty good job of capturing the feelings of many kids who feel left out.
Christmas at Ground Zero -- "Weird Al" Yankovic
Normally if I make a list like this I would purposely avoid including two songs by any one artist or band. I'll make an exception for Al.
I'm a Christmas Tree -- Wild Man Fischer and Dr. Demento
The less said about Wild Man Fischer the better. No, really.
Don't Shoot Me Santa -- The Killers
Why does this make me think I'm watching a Breaking Bad video?
Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight Tonight) -- The Ramones
There's something about the Raomones' sound that I love. And this is classic Ramones.
The Season's Upon Us -- Dropkick Murphys
Among the best songs from one of the best Celtic-flavored punk bands. And maynbe, just maybe, they'll make you feel better about your own dysfunctional family.
I'm Gettin' Nuttin' for Christmas -- Spike Jones and the City Slickers
It's not Spike's best work, as he largely laid off the big sound effects. But it's cute and clever.
Hooray for Santy Claus -- from Santa Claus Conquers the Martians
A crappy Pia Zadora Christmas movie about Martians and Christmas spawned this upbeat tune, I was really tempted to include Sloppy Seconds' punk version instead, but respect for the original won out.
Christmas Wrapping -- The Waitresses
This is one of those songs that a new wave fan of my age couldn't help but hearing over and over.
It was 2004 -- a little over twelve years ago. The Society of Actuaries was having a meeting in New York. Somehow it was decided that, as part of the lunchtime program, there should be a play to illustrate the need for actuaries to have soft skills.
Tom Bakos wrote the play, which was titled "Educating Asa." I was a long-time member of the Academy's Committee on Professional Responsibility, and in that role I knew Bakos. I was also a bit of a ham with an unrequited dream of being an actor. So I was a natural choice to play the title role.
In my brief acting career, this was by far the biggest audience I ever performed for.
I look back at this video with a mix of pride and embarrassment. We actually had very little time to prepare and memorize our lines. There was only one rehearsal. We didn't have the luxury of costume changes, which was fine for the others. But Asa had to make a complete transformation. Given the constraints, I think I did pretty well with it. Ditching the pens from my shirt pocket, pulling the cuffs on my pants down to cover the (mismatched) socks. Putting on a jacket. But I couldn't perform a miracle. So I still had my five o'clock shadow. And I didn't completely fix the top of my pants, so the belt and waistline combo still look funky after the transition. But the point was made.
For that line about "...a pig like that you don't eat all at once," I was given freedom to pick whatever punchline I wanted. From any joke. I actually was tempted to go with "I don't know about the ones on the sides, but the one in the middle is Willie Nelson," which is one of my favorites. But the joke is overtly sexual. Still, I was tempted to go with it. Absent the context of the joke, the punchline isn't dirty at all. If anyone complained, I could plead ignorance. "Hey, you're the one with the dirty mind," I could argue, as if the punchline was some kind of Rorschach test. In the end I decided on a punchline from a nonsexual joke.
A few of my friends from work were at the meeting. Two of them knew in advance that I would be part of the lunchtime entertainment. A third, who was seated with them, didn't know in advance. Afterwards, I loved hearing about how his jaw dropped when he realized that it was me onstage.
Oh, for the record, I dress better than that when I'm at work.
Ethan and I have been feeling withdrawal symptoms since Keith's cinema history class has been on hiatus. I still have to write about the last thing he showed, The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes. But that's neither here nor there.
Anyway, to deal with the withdrawal, we decided to host a movie night. After consultation with Keith and Joe (from the class), we settled on the Hammer classic, These Are the Damned (1963). We have a copy on DVD as part of a small box set of six Hammer films. I am not familiar with this, but Ethan assures me that it must be good, since it's a Hammer Film. The trailer makes it look good.
Anyway, we're doing this at 4:00 on Monday, which is Boxing Day. Maybe we should be showing a boxing movie instead? And before y'all email to explain that Boxing Day has nothing to do with the sport, I know. It's just a bad joke.
