DIG THIS WITH BILL MESNIK AND RICH BUCKLAND- THE SPLENDID BOHEMIANS

ARE THEY FOR REAL?
The Blues Brothers (Atlantic, 1978)

Look what you get to do if you’re a monstrously famous and beloved comic performer: you get to live out your soul man fantasies, backed by some of the greatest living musicians. You get to sell 3.5 million copies of your vanity-project album, and then, parlay your karaoke delusion into a couple of hit movies. 

I saw John Belushi in Lemmings at the Village Gate in 1973, doing his immortal Joe Cocker impression in the Woodstock parody: “Woodshuck - Three days of peace, love, and death”. When he fell on the floor, convulsing and salivating, he captivated my imagination, and I fell in love. When SNL happened two years later, followed by his indelible turn in Animal House, Belushi became a star for the entire world. The Blues Brothers were first incarnated on SNL as a kind of joke, but Dan Ackroyd and John Belushi’s commitment and obvious love of Soul and Blues were undeniable. Musical Director Paul Shaeffer put together the most deluxe ensemble to sell the illusion, and the conceit scored. 

The boys couldn’t really sing like their idols, but it was a sleight of hand trick, bolstered by their unbridled zest and style. As I listen to JB’s croaking throughout this recording, I’m reminded of the super nova of his career that shot up and imploded like the Challenger rocket. The hit Blues Brothers movie of 1980, directed by John Landis, got packed with so many musical idols (Ray Charles and Aretha, etc) that the boys musical shortcomings were easily covered up, and their comedic acting skills were always the point anyway.

For me, the most amazing cut on this album is Dan Ackroyd’s “Rubber Biscuit” , in which Elwood babbles like a psychedelic auctioneer with the most articulately rapid-fire mouth movements. That song was released as a single, and made it up to 37 on the Billboard chart.  

So, here’s my question: is this music? Is it comedy? Is it both? Is it real or is it Memorex?  

Tracklist:
Opening: I Can't Turn You Loose | 1:17
 |  | Hey Bartender | 2:46
 |  | Messin' With The Kid | 2:46
 |  | (I Got Everything I Need) Almost | 2:36
 |  | Rubber Biscuit | 2:41
 |  | Shot Gun Blues | 5:13
 |  | Groove Me | 3:32
 |  | I Don't Know | 4:07
 |  | Soul Man | 2:54
 |  | "B" Movie Box Car Blues | 3:57
 |  | Flip, Flop & Fly | 3:35
 |  | Closing: I Can't Turn You Loose

The "Soul Diva" Annette Snell died tragically young in a plane crash, and this glorious artifact testifies to her greatness. 

The man decides to try his hand at panhandling, which doesn’t go well, except that out of this failure he experiences a self-realization, and an inkling of his identity. 

7 Sales Strategy Secrets from an Expert Panhandler (from Google)

• Satisfy a compelling customer need. This is most important--for panhandlers or any business. ...
• Project the right image. ...
• Choose a tax-favored business. ...
• Location, location, location. ...
• Communicate a simple message. ...
• Keep overhead low. ...
• When you find something effective, keep doing it.

ELUSIVE GODDESS-  Mary Hopkin (Apple, 1971)

Mary Hopkin possesses one of the most achingly beautiful voices in creation. You wouldn’t be blamed, though, for only remembering her for the Paul McCartney produced debut single, “Those Were the Days” from 1968. That song was ubiquitous and sold a million and a half copies in the US alone. She and the cute Beatle followed it up with “Goodbye”, which also hit big. Then, this, her second album, produced by future husband Tony Visconti, was recorded. After, that… relative silence, until 18 years later with the release of 1989’s “Spirit”. She is quoted as saying that Earth Song Ocean Song was the album that she wanted to make, and so she refrained from scratching the Show Business itch, dedicating herself instead to raising her children. She made some appearances, and even starred in a BBC 1 TV series, but, mostly she took charge of her own choices, as opposed to being formed and manipulated by others. 

This is indeed a definitive folk music showcase, lovingly produced by Visconti, with covers by Cat Stevens, Ralph McTell (Streets of London), and string arrangements by the majestic Richard Hewson (of Beatles’ and Nick Drake fame). It is an obscure gem by one of England’s finest folk muses. 

Mary Hopkin was victimized by her massive early success. “Those were the Days” was an anomalous monster pop hit for the 18 year old, unrepeatable and out of sync with its own times. Mary’s hope of establishing a respected recording career after that was akin to Henry Winkler’s struggles to escape the popular effect of being The Fonz. He did it eventually, with Bill Hader’s BARRY, but it took over 40 years of trying. 

Put the Welsh goddess Mary Hopkin on the roster of the greatest British female folk vocalists like Sandy Denny, Jacqui McShee, Shirley Collins, Anne Briggs, June Tabor, and Maddy Prior. Discover and enjoy.

Tracklist:

  International 
 There's Got To Be More | 
 Silver Birch | 
How Come The Sun | 
Earth Song | 
 Martha | 
 Streets Of London | 
The Wind | 
Water, Paper & Clay | 
Ocean Song

In honor of the documentary THE VENTURES: STARS ON GUITARS, currently running on Amazon Prime, Bill and Rich are reposting their tribute to the instrumental group that promoted surf music and Mosrite guitars around the world, recorded over 200 albums, and out-sold the Beatles in Japan 2 to 1.  (which only goes to show, once again, that your faithful correspondents, The Splendid Bohemians, have their arthritic fingers on the racing pulse of cultural relevance). 

This doc is also a moving tribute to maternal love:  Don Wilson's mom, Josie, gave the group their name, produced their first single, and made sure their early records got played.  Shows you what great things can happen for a fellow when his mom decides to support her son's passion.

“Motherlove” is the uncontested alpha of the North Hollywood encampment; They are an inspirational motivator who sees every person as valuable, and this shared vision helps lift the entire camp.

The Man is immediately smitten by Motherlove’s charisma, and falls under their spell. 

The HUD brochure asks: Why do some people choose encampments over the shelter system? One reason: a desire for Autonomy and Privacy. 

In contrast, Motherlove leads beneficently, and the residents follow gladly. People can go and come as they please; they are independent. But, they willingly submit for the good of the group because they know whatever benefits the group, profits each individual.  

It's a triple play - no, not "Tinkers to Evers to Chance-" but, a spectacular combo nonetheless:  Dion (The Wanderer), Jay Black of Jay and the Americans (Cara Mia), and Bobby Rydell (Wild One). 

Bill and Rich, The Splendid Bohemians, present these titans  to you for three cautionary, yet inspiring examples  of late-career, Show Biz road warriors. They may have been bloodied, but they were unbowed, and stood in the ring until the final bell tolled.  Dion remains, the last man standing, but our Bronx Bomber still shines on brightly like a bluesy diamond.  

John Lennon and Yoko Ono gave this gift to the world, and it has become a perennial. Merry Christmas, and God Bless Us, Everyone! 

Hear the whole sordid story of the oddest pairing in Christmas music history! Der Bingle didn't know who The Thin White Duke was, and Bowie was not a fan of Bing's. And, yet here they are...

 In his dreams the bereft man is visited by the spirit of his departed pet, who’s disappearance was never solved. 

From the book of symbols:

Dogs never desert their masters, apt cause for them to be regarded in diverse mythologies and religions as accompanying their masters even unto death and as guides in the afterlife. 

In nearly every world mythology, our constant companion the dog has come to be associated with our other constant companion, death…The leash we hold on the dog links us to the energies of life and death. How we manipulate the leash says everything about how we are going to experience the ambivalent nature of the dog’s death realm. The dog is keenly sensitive to its master’s love or abuse.