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 AKA Theopolis Wonderbread |
Howdy Kats and Kittens, As promised, I am trying to change this thing every now and again. Here is both. First of all, the sad news. It is with great sadness that I report the unfortunate passing of my father-in-law, Jerry Hackett. After a long bout with cancer, Jerry passed into the unknown quietly on May 20th. Kristie and I flew to Ohio (this is why the May 31st gig at O’Hara’s was cancelled) for the service and it wasn’t easy, folks. He will always be remembered for his warmth and wicked sense of humor…..and he really loved bluegrass music which of course made him cool in my book! In band-oriented news, after a short (long to me!) break the Funksters reconvened to blow the dust off the usually well-oiled machine. Some new tunes were hammered into shape, polished and readied for action. I like ‘em and I know you will too! Scott and I have been working feverishly trying to improve my guitar sound. I think it’s working but if you look to my side of the stage at any given moment and see me wearing the mad scientist scowl and doing a Mexican hat dance on some pedals…..STAND CLEAR! At this time I would like to begin a segment of these brain farts that hopefully will become a semi-regular thing. I’d like to call it…….. TEN THINGS THAT CURRENTLY MOISTEN MY MUFFIN Now let me start by saying it is impossible for me to compile a list like this. My moods change at least every few seconds but my wife will also tell you I’m good at beating something into the ground for months. Short example: When I heard that the new Led Zeppelin CD and DVD were coming out, I immediately went into the library (my collection is that huge……just ask anyone!) and started putting all the LPs in heavy rotation (yes, I’m a vinyl fanatic!). Kris can’t wait till I’m out of this phase! These aren’t necessarily in an order of importance. With that said, let’s begin. 1. DVD: Metropolis. The silent film from the 20’s. The new re-master looks fantastic for such an old film. 2. CD: HEM, Rabbit Songs. I can’t put this one down lately. Great female voice over acoustic instruments in a pastoral setting. Very mellow but it hangs in your head nicely. Kinda like a warm cup of coffee on a cold day. 3. BOOK: Hot Water Music by Charles Bukowski. Typical Bukowski. Lots of drinking and fucking. 4. LP: Charlie Byrd, Blues for Night People. This is a great late-night jazz/blues record. A jazz trio setting. Unfortunately, you can’t get it on CD…..yet. 5. DVD: Adaptation. I’m not normally a fan of Nicholas Cage but he turns in a good performance as a set of screenwriting twins. Weird and I like ‘em like that. 6. DVD: A Hard Day’s Night. There’s no way I wouldn’t put my all-time favorite movie on here. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve seen it and it’s still entertaining. A must! 7. DVD/CD: Led Zeppelin & How the West Was Won. If you don’t like Led Zep, you just don’t get it! The sheer whomp of John Bonham’s drums, the crackle and sputter of Jimmy Page’s guitar, Robert Plant’s Janis Joplinisms, and the secret weapon John Paul Jones’ twankin’ bass and tasty keys make me a puddle. 8. CD: The Shins, Oh, Inverted World. A pop band from New Mexico with a weird sense of melody and weirdo lyrics but they remind me of what I love about 60’s pop/beat/garagepunk/psychodelicatessens. 9. MAGAZINE: MOJO. Nary a month goes by without me chomping at the bit for the new MOJO. A superb UK mag about all things music. They’ve never steered me wrong on what I should really be listening to. 10. LP: Meet The Beatles. Another one you can’t get on CD. This is the first US Capitol album that sent the masses to the moon and back, Daddy-O! Starts with the huge sonic kaboom of I Wanna Hold Your Hand and keeps stompin’ till the automatic changer picks up the needle at the end of side two, at which time I promptly start it over again! Well, there you have it. If I influence anyone out there to pick up one of these things, my life’s work is completed. If anyone would like to shoot the poo about anything musical, pull me aside at a gig and bring it on! Thanks for reading. You’ve been swell! ~Funkabilly
Mike~
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