Short Takes
October 7, 2010
So Many Reasons to Love Tim Gunn: Here’s Another
You’ve seen the news stories: gay teenagers, pushed by bullies, are killing themselves. In response, gays celebrated and not are making a series of videos on the theme of "It Gets Better." In our house, the female residents are addicted to "Project Runway," hosted by Tim Gunn. They admire him because, they say, he’s the only reality show host with a beating heart. And now there’s this….
October 5, 2010
Barack Obama on Bob Dylan at the White House
The President’s review: "Here’s what I love about Dylan: He was exactly as you’d expect he would be. He wouldn’t come to the rehearsal; usually, all these guys are practicing before the set in the evening. He didn’t want to take a picture with me; usually all the talent is dying to take a picture with me and Michelle before the show, but he didn’t show up to that. He came in and played ‘The Times They Are A-Changin.’ A beautiful rendition. The guy is so steeped in this stuff that he can just come up with some new arrangement, and the song sounds completely different. Finishes the song, steps off the stage — I’m sitting right in the front row — comes up, shakes my hand, sort of tips his head, gives me just a little grin, and then leaves. And that was it — then he left. That was our only interaction with him. And I thought: That’s how you want Bob Dylan, right? You don’t want him to be all cheesin’ and grinnin’ with you. You want him to be a little skeptical about the whole enterprise."
September 30, 2010
Primal Scream Time
Maybe it’s the elections, coming closer, closer, like the monster in a bad sci-fi movie, with media amplifying every stupefying footstep. Maybe it’s the weather. Whatever, I’m in the mood to punch stupid in the face. Or just crank the volume high for a classic from the Pleistocene — “Wild in the Streets,” by Garland Jeffreys.
September 29, 2010
A Song You’ll Never See on the Charts: ‘May I Suggest?’
Some of you may recall a wonderful video by the Poozies of “There’s Another Train.” (Click here to watch/listen.) The same friend who sent that instant generator of tears and gratitude has done it again. The group is Red Molly. The songwriter is Susan Werner. Nine bows to them all.September 27, 2010
Five Hour Energy: ‘Y’all d Think She Be Good To Me’
Play loud. Repeat as needed. C.C. Adcock.
