Nappy You Hear!

Well, another year has come and gone.
We've seen quite a lot happen in the world...

...but it's always what's closest to home that you think about as the final hours of the year dwindle away.
I always like to break down the year by month, just to see what we can see, and, after examining 2009, I'd say it wasn't as bad as it could have been.

2009 In Review ~

April - Washington DC
May - Washington DC
August - PAUL! (Tulsa and Dallas)
September - Las Vegas!
October - Austin, Colorado Springs
November - Quincy is born!
December - We've survived all the festivities!, Colorado Springs/Wyoming

Well, weren't we busy this year?
How about a year in pictures? I thought you'd never ask!

Take a second to think about what you've done
during the year,
and what you hope to do during the next.
After that, read the Affirmation For 2010!
This, however, is not just the end of another year,
it's the end of a decade.
Everywhere I've been this month,
it's been all about decade in review.
I, however, am not going to do that to you.
You've seen how longwinded I can be about
a good cuppa, of course
I'm not going to subject you, harmless bystander,
to read about an entire decade
(that, and I haven't really paid much
attention, truth be told).
BUT... it has been a great decade, hasn't it?
Does it feel like ten years ago
folks were worrying about Y2K?
I knew kids who's parents were actually gathering
supplies for the big event... what a riot!
I've just said I'm not going to bother with
the entire decade, and I promise, I shan't.
We're moving on now.

Oh, and a small announcement...
please, feel free to blame my mother for what
you are about to read.
With my spiffy new headphones
(which, I'd like to mention, I'm madly in love with...
I named him Allan...
it only makes sense, my iPod's called Edgar
[and you can bet your sweet arse
that I call it Edgar, too!])
and my Beatles remasters in stereo
(she just couldn't resist getting
them for me for Christmas),
you'll be seeing quite a lot of
comparison with mono, stereo,
and my German direct needle drop versions
sprinkled in and around here for a while
(I'll warn you, I spent five hours
with the White Album on Monday).
Yes, blame my mother.

Anyway, Happy New Year, everybody!
May 2010 be even bigger, better,
and more awesometastic than 2009!

Gary Mimble!

As I explained in my Thanksgiving post, the Buford family always celebrates the holidays bass ackwards, so, in our little wheelhouses, today is Christmas! Hooray!
'Tis a splendid time of year, for it means that, two days from now, I can play Gary Lewis at full volume again! Even bigger hooray!
Until then...

May your lives be filled with sunshine,
May your every wish come true,
May you find that sweet fulfillment
In everything you do.
May your days be blessed with
The very, very best,
Both now, and the
Whole year through...
May all your days be happy
With a joy that never ends.
May peace and love surround you
At Christmastime, and
All the whole year through!

Now, let us all lift a glass, never look down, and enjoy what's left of this festive season!


And now, much to your delight, it's time for the final Beatles Christmas message (no, now isn't the time for hooray... you should be ashamed!)... we've danced all around 1966, The Christmas Pantomime!
Don't blame me when you end up singing "Everywhere It's Christmas!" into January...
so, sit back with your cup of egg nog (spiked, for your sake and mine!), and enjoy the Panto...


HAPPY CHRISTMAS!
WAR IS OVER, IF YOU WANT IT!

The Shortest Day!

It's officially winter! Yay! (Being excited for winter sounds a trifle odd, but you notice I have never acknowledged summer on this blog, and for a good reason [I'm not a fan of summer, wretched time of year]... or maybe you didn't, I can't account for your lack of attention to such a trivial detail.)
As a lover of the night, I always look forward to the winter solstice... you blink, and the sun's disappeared!
Unfortunately, it means the days get longer from here on out, but we'll enjoy it while we can!
To help you get in the wintry spirit, I've called upon my favorite music man... hit it, Paulie!

Isn't he adorable?
(You know, I've seen this video multiple times, and I never noticed he was in Leicester Square! Go figure.)

Let's keep this festivity up with another Beatles Christmas message! (I can hear the squeals of delight from here.)
Ricky the K's turning the dial to 1963 for this one, the very first fan club flexi-disc.
You'll notice, as compared with later messages, this one was very formal, very "establishment", if you will. (Either that, or they got better at reading from a script, I can't be sure.) Around the time EMI gave them master keys to Abbey Road (I think that was around '65 or so), they were allowed to do whatever they pleased, however they pleased, including the Christmas messages (although, they didn't have a key to the refrigerator in the canteen... apparently, they didn't trust them with the milk for their tea, but the entire recording studio was free game). If you go back and listen to the '64 recording, it's not as stuffy as this first crack at the whip, but, come '65, it started to turn into quite a silly affair.
From 1963, here they are...

We're Celebrating Our Paper Year!

Can you believe it's been exactly one year since this blog was first started? My congratulations if you've stuck it out this far.
In the last 365 days, much has happened on this little sliver of the virtual realm. (I know... you'd never have noticed it if I hadn't told you...)
Let's look at some stats...
Believe it or not, you've had to sift through 273 links to videos or songs; 30 of which are just of Paul McCartney, 15 John Lennon, 2 lonely George Harrison, and 35 are Beatles-related (11 remasters!)... and those are just of Beatles! If you're interested (I know I am), there are 25 songs that have nothing to do with the Fabs, 7 slide shows, 40 humorous pictures, 14 Graham Linehan-related posts. To further break down the videos, there are 18 IT Crowd, 11 Russell Brand, 23 Mighty Boosh, 11 Never Mind The Buzzcocks (I was surprised by that one), 9 Black Books, and a staggering 97 that didn't fit any category at all.
I'm hoping that, if anything, I've shed light on a few of my favorite British comedians, and good vintage music. After all, I'm having it put on my epitaph!
In a Mr. Gee-esque poem, I shall now attempt to sum up these last 167 posts... (how I miss that 90 minutes of lunacy each week!)

Through this year, we've...

Watched the suicidal teddy bear,
Heard some Remasters, too,
Steve Coogan was a pickle,
And we can talk like the Jews.
Brandon Walsh and Cheech
Hung the kiddies from a tree,
Camilla may be a chicken,
But at least she isn't Judy.
There were monkey hunts, and
Weetabix, the Frogs invaded Google,
Hauling Liquid Chicken,
IE8 almost fried our pea-sized noodles!
Graham Linehan has brightened
Many of our days,
Sweaty Goths, Sexy People,
And several other silly ways.
There were gollies, and fire,
And Boo Berry Crunch,
We're taking our vitamins,
And the Monkey Balls are done.
We're looking on the bright side,
(All of us but Robin Page),
The Fireman took over radio
While Paulie took the stage.
What else can I say,
But I'm glad you were here,
And to strap on your ears
For the next blogging year!

(Now, wasn't that fun?)
As I said, if you've hung around this far, both my thanks and congratulations go your way... now, go get your head examined, 'cause I've probably planted the seeds of insanity deep within your subconcious. And prepare yourself, 'cause this blog isn't going anywhere! It's staying put, bringing a smile to the two faces that read it.
Here's to bringing even MORE insanity to our cotton year!
Starting.......... NOW!

As you're well aware, the Christmas music season is a battle for me. I mean, how many versions of "Here Comes Santa Claus" can one person hear in a day? (I once heard The Little Drummer Boy thirteen times in one evening... really, it isn't an exaggeration, I've got witnesses.)
With that, we hear singers we wouldn't ordinarily (after all, I've usually got some kind of Gary Lewis something playing somewhere)... Josh Groban being one of them.
After seeing the following video, you'll think of Simon Amstell every time you hear the feller...

Now, when you hear his version of "O, Holy Night", you'll smile and think to yourself 'somewhere, Simon Amstell has the urge to climb atop Phil Jupitus and sing'... ahh, good times.

Apparently, I'm not the only person that has a hard time with all the fa-la-la-la-la-ing this time of year... just look at some of the names of these songs in today's ProjectPlaylist.com featured playlist! Some of them are rather funny, though, admittedly, I haven't listened to them (yet).
Take a break from Ho, Ho, Ho (or, if you're the young lass at Furr's, just Ho) with the Dave Clark Five!

Don't curse me when you're singing this next week... it's not my fault it's catchy!

With this long, drawn out post coming to it's natural conclusion, it's time for another Beatles fan club record! (It's the blog's anniversary, show some enthusiasm!)
We're going to the revolutionary 1967 for this one, titled Christmas Time Is Here Again!
Recorded almost three months after Brian Epstein's untimely death, and two months after the filming of the Magical Mystery Tour film, psychedelia was still flowing freely, as is evident by this flexi-disc.
Without further introduction, here is the fifth Christmas message, Christmas Time Is Here Again!...

Sketchy (Rusty) Santas...

I have to thank my sister for this link, and I also have to wonder why she hasn't posted this yet... although, admittedly, it's more fitting for my blog than it might be on Ginger's.
A familiar holiday scene would be all the little kiddies sitting on Santa's lap.
Well, ladies and germs, the fabulous blog, Sketchy Santas, embraces the best part of that holiday tradition... screaming children/creepy Santas... combined! (Has Graham Linehan been informed of this?)
I haven't seen this one on the site yet, but it's my favorite Santa picture... none other that Ol' Russ himself!
Give it a look, it'll put you right in a Christmassy mood.
So will this...


In other news, the Christmas Warden granted me pardon today, giving me an hour long public session of non-Christmas music! I danced like a topless puppy, basking in the glory of my Dave Clark Five collection.
I also played a little bit of this...

HAIL VENUS AND MARS!

With nothing left to add, it's time for another Beatles Christmas record! (Yes, I've got a healthy stockpile...)
In this installment, we're heading to 1965. General merriment from our favorite Scousers.
I can only imagine what the British fan club must've thought of the various versions of Yesterday, since the track was omitted from their "Help!" movie soundtrack, and, as far as I know, was never released as a single in the UK. They thought that a ballad on a Beatles record might hurt their image as rockers.
It was the only time that the US got a song that Britain didn't... it usually was the other way around, Capitol keeping several tracks from our flimsy records, while England got the whole thing. Lord knows why they did it that way, but it happened. They would even go so far as to start fadeouts early on US releases. Go figure.
Anyway... from 1965, here's The Beatles Third Christmas Record...

Thoughts Of John...

For the past twenty-nine years, December 8 has been remembered as a black day for mankind.
With four shots, the world was altered.
As humans, we feel the need to reflect upon tragedy, and this post is no different from those you may read today, or maybe some you've seen about this past week.
To me, this day has always been the reminder that John actually did die. It's very hard to believe, really. How can someone you hear on the radio, your iPod... who's influence has infiltrated the everyday... how do they die?
The answer: they don't.
Almost three decades later, there are still those of us who have decided to emulate his positive lifestyle... another seed planted in another human mind.
I've even seen it spark a chain reaction... if you are of a peaceful disposition, it'll rub off on people... and in that influence, there's a line drawn back to the life that was taken on this date.
Look even closer than just the average Joe the Plumber... his two sons have become productive, positive members of society, bringing more music to the world (I know I've been enjoying Sean's Friendly Fire, A Film in installments [not quite finished yet, but getting there!], and Julian has an EP out next week).
So, as you go about your business today, take a second to think about life. Your life, your family's lives, your neighbor's... doesn't matter. Just contemplate it for a second.
And, while you're at it, remember to Give Peace A Chance.


I raise my teacup to you, John; thank you for all you've done, and thank you for all you do.

Blast From My Past...

Boredom is a terrible beast. It makes you do crazy things, like cello-taping your lips together, or drawing moustaches on the models in the Blair catalog.
Well, tonight, with the Christmas music blaring (it's not even the first week of December, and I'm already going mad... I NEED SOME DONOVAN, FOR GOD'S SAKE!), I decided to have fun with Google.
It started out innocently enough, until I decided I would look for one of those they-won't-have-THAT-in-a-thousand-years links.
As a wee naif, when the world was flat, Hanson was topping Billboard, and, God forbid, we'd only just stopped paying for Internet access by the minute (shock of shocks, we even had to use phone lines back then, boys and girls), TV Land also played more than Sanford And Son.
One of my favorite TV Land shows was, of course, The Brady Bunch (and that was only because I was never around when they played The Partridge Family... it probably came on when The Munsters were on Nick at Nite...).
On their website, they had something they called the Brady Slide-O-Matic, which I just went flippy for... it was a real riot, and I suggest you try it out sometime. Of course, you're saying to yourself, this was ten years or more ago, how would we find such a funsie?
Why, right HERE.
Although, looking at this fan remake of the original TV Land version, I see only one major difference... Bobby Brady is MISSING! At least they remembered Jan...
As I said, boredom is a bastard.

As I mentioned above, Christmas music is running rampant at Maniac Manner, and heaven knows how long I'll be able to hold out until I just snap and start blaring my copy of The Kinks Kronicles at full volume (oh, how I'm missing those Davies brothers!)...
In an effort to keep my sanity (stop laughing, Ginger Leigh!), I've been singing this song in my head for the past few days... I hope you enjoy the break from Jingle Bells and Ho, Ho, Ho...

Ahhh... this song does bring back memories... what a summer!

I feel an ending coming up, so it's now time for the Beatles Christmas Record! (YAY!)
We're turning Ricky The K's solid gold time machine all the way back to '68 for this gem, titled Christmas 1968 (how fitting). The first time the lads weren't together in studio to record a Christmas flexi-disc, though it results in a surprise guest (who is exactly who they say, cross me heart and hope to fly!)...

MEAT FREE MONDAY!

Well, apparently (as he's Paul McCartney, for cheese's sake), no one else COULD do better than that... that's why the lovely folks at Meat Free Monday have released the rocked out, extended, made of awesome version of Meat Free Monday (It's A Fun Day) on their website!
They suggest a donation (which I may also recommend), but, if you're a cheapskate (like me!), it isn't one of those have to things... and no, I don't feel guilty for just downloading it.

And... it's Thursday! Time for another For Whom The Bell Tells! After reading this week's installment, I feel compelled to share this photo with you...

(Don't ask...)

Seeing as this blog is coming to it's natural conclusion, it's time for another Beatles Christmas record! (Please, save some enthusiasm for Meat Free Monday.)
We're traveling back to the revolutionary 1967 for this track.
Originally spliced and used sporadically throughout the psychedelic Christmas record, this cut of Christmas Time (Is Here Again) features the spoken word wishes of merriment from the lads which weren't included on the original record.
Until the 1970 bootleg, The Beatles Christmas Album, a compilation of every Christmas flexi-disc, this had only been available as a special order item from the fan club.
This was also the last Christmas record where each member of the band was present at the same time to record, in case you were wondering.
So, sit back, and enjoy this little snippet!

Sundance And Ghostfacers, Featuring Chris Harrison...

As I've mentioned before, my sister got Mama and I to watch Supernatural (of course, we call it Sundance), one of her favorite shows.
At the end of the latest new episode, which aired a couple of weeks ago, they said that new installments resume on January 21... of course, this was two weeks ago, so I forgot if they said December or January (if you've noticed, I'm not so good with dates). Naturally, it was bothering me. I'm young, after all, I shouldn't be forgetting such simple things.
You can guess what happened next... off I run to the official Supernatural webpage. While I'm there, I notice that one of my favorite themes from the show, The Ghostfacer Team, has a little link on the site. Intrigued, I click the link, and discover a mini-Ghostfacer universe!
If you watch Sundance, I suggest you take a look at this little tidbit, as it's a real riot! (For those interested, they've even got a link to the HellHoundsLair.com... I told you it was a riot!)
YouTube didn't have much from my favorite Sundance episode, The Real Ghostbusters, so I'm going with another of my favorite clips... of course, embedding has been disabled by request, so click the link if interested.
Oh, and by the way, it starts up again in January.
Another of our shows revving their engine for 2010 would be The Bachelor... that's right, it's almost Chris Harrison season again! (January 4th... it'll be a scream, man, fab gear and that.)
Mark thy calendars, we'll waste our lives in front of the television together!

Well, since this post is drawing to it's natural conclusion, it's time for another of the Beatles Fan Club Christmas Messages! (I can hear your enthusiasm... really, don't strain yourself).
We're going all the way back to 1964 this time. You'll notice a marked difference in both the enthusiasm and camaraderie of the band... take a listen...

Proof That My Internet Should Be Revoked...

Since the Pictures, Poetry, Prose blog took a slight hiatus (what, you didn't know?), the only blog hitherto that I knew was similar was the One Minute Writer. Well, joy of joys, the OMW brought Seven Days, Seven Answers to my attention. They're relatively new, so I hope it turns into a permanent thing soon enough. Be sure to check them out, it looks like a real riot!

In other news, the Christmas music season has officially started in Lunatic Mannor (as I type, this is the second time I've heard "Jingle, Jingle, Jingle" from Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer), and the Christmas tree and ornaments were unboxed this afternoon... yes, the holidays are upon us.
With all this talk of Santa, Frosty, and all their little friends, it gets me to thinking of this season of giving... what does it all mean?
For the answer, we turn to one of my favorite Christmas tunes... perhaps it will become a favorite of yours, too... be sure to listen all the way through, or it won't make much sense...


Ahh, Christmas, the season of tradition... well, I'd like to start a new tradition here on my bloggy blog. At the end of every post from now 'til Christmas Day, I'll be adding one of my favorite parts of the season, the Beatles fanclub records, saving my favorite for last (I'll leave you to guess which one that is).
Perhaps you're familiar with them, though most of you won't care, but we're going to give it a try, if that's alright with you (even if it isn't, it's my blog, you're the one torturing your brainbox with this drivel).
We're going to start with the lad's final Christmas greeting, more popularly known as "The Beatles Seventh Christmas Record". Recorded separately (as the group had effectively dissolved by the time this record was put together), and, if I recall, was pressed into the cardboard it was shipped on (therefore making any surviving recordings very rare), from 1969, here they are, in all their avant-garde glory...

Glovie's Blog Debut!

When I was little, I never realized that the Buford family holiday celebrations weren't actually on the right day. We've always had Thanksgiving on Wednesday, and Christmas on the 24th, so, naturally, I have always considered Buford Thanksgiving to be the real deal.
So, even if it's a day early for the rest of the nation, I wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving! Hopefully, you'll enjoy a fully-cooked turkey, drunken relatives (they're always the most fun), and an uncharred house at the end of it all.
Now, to celebrate the holiday, I've been keeping one of my favorite "from the vault" (OK, YouTube) specials just for this occasion, so sit back, and enjoy this incredible cooking lesson! Perhaps you'll put it to some use for your feast...

Aren't we all thankful for this man? I know I am.
In a bit of slightly Paul-related news, how does the Mighty Boosh figure into the Stella McCartney Christmas party? Find out...
And don't forget, instead of participating in Black Friday, why don't you support Buy Nothing Day instead?

In other news, can you believe that MIX 94.1 has already put up their Christmas music? (at our house, I always suggest that anyone who wants to live to see Christmas shouldn't play the music until Thanksgiving Day... oy gevalt, am I gonna get it tomorrow!)
Well, before the official kick-off to the Christmas Season (take that, Barack!), which, of course, is when Santa closes the Macy's Parade, let's enjoy a good old fashioned sing-along, I-haven't-heard-that-since... tune!

Loonies Like Me! (What A Shocker!)

If you haven't been keeping up with "For Whom The Bell Tells", then what are you doing with your life? How do you keep up with the most adorable human on our planet? I wouldn't know, because I wait anxiously for Mr. Bell to update this enchanting article each week.
Featured in this edition, Paul headlined the Children In Need's "Rock The Albert Hall" event, where this hilarious anecdote comes from (I couldn't resist sharing this one)...

Stepping minutes back in time pre-performance and there were almost scenes of violence in the backstage corridors. As Paul was called to the stage he needed to get rid of his throat lozenge so he placed it on a table where there were some other bits of rubbish and half drunk water bottles. When the backstage crew realised what Paul had done there was an immediate scrum to recover the, now iconic, throat sweet. Keep an eye on eBay in the coming weeks for the world’s most expensive Strepsil!

I'd have taken down a few production men to get to that!
(And you can bet your sweet arse I checked eBay... no soap... yet.)
Oh, folks just LOVE their Paulie!


SONG TIME!

(This was an epic event in Tulsa... feel the bass vibrate in your ribcage kind of awesomeness... oh, I love that man!)

That Bill Bailey... What A Guy!

You may have heard me speak of a feller called Bill Bailey in the past... no? Well, the rest of you have lives, after all. Do get acquainted with Mr. Bailey before we proceed.

Remember now? I thought you might.
Anyway... I am signed up for his email news alerts (isn't everyone? You should be, too!), and this came across the wire this morning...

Desperately Seeking Sophie

Bill recently received a piece of fan mail and request for a signed photo from an international fan called Sophie. As per the website’s instructions for such requests, Sophie sent 2 international reply coupons (well done, Sophie…you’d be surprised) to cover the reply postage for a 20g C5 envelope to Sophie’s country of residence. But without an address.

If you are this Sophie, who purchased 2 IRCs from a place called Ipswich in Queensland, Australia, please do get in touch. And to make sure that all the Sophies down under don’t jump on the bandwagon at once, would the real Sophie please tell us what was written on the back of the letter which s/he sent. A signed photo is in it for you!

Isn't he a nice bloke? Check out his website, it's a real scream!
In related news... what a riot! I only just discovered he has a Twitter account! Be sure to put that on your to-do list, too!

In no way related to the previous, did you catch Jimmy Fallon last night? In case you didn't, take a peep at this little ditty (we got the biggest kick out of this)...


I leave you now with a song, again, having nothing to do with Christmas...

You must forgive me, I recently got the Dark Horse Collection.

Plea For My Sanity (Which You Didn't Think I Had)...

My mother has just discovered the Sirius holiday channels.
God save us.
34 days to Christmas and the insanity has already begun.
Thank our lucky stars for iPod!
Now, here's a song that has nothing to do with Christmas in any way, shape, or form... let's brush the dust off our Billy Joel's Greatest Hits collection...

Colorful 1927...

I have already professed a love of old film footage/photos, and, if it's not immediately apparent, I have an ongoing love affair with the United Kingdom.
So, when Graham Linehan posted this video, I knew I had to put it here for you to see...
It's color (or 'colour', whichever you prefer) footage of 1927 London. Looks like the only thing that's changed are the styles and advertisements!

Very interesting...

In other news, if you're interested, I have recently discovered that Sean Lennon has a Twitter account... his insights are simply delightful, I suggest you give it a looksie.
Also, since it's prudent (I don't think I've ever said that in my life...), have a look (though, I would suggest you keep the volume off... you can thank me later) at Yoko and Sean on Jimmy Fallon last week.

It's amazing how like his daddy he is...

Stuart Bell Needs Billions Of Hugs...

This entire post will be to slobber upon the ground Paul's press office sits on.
They are starting something on the official Paul site (check out the site in general, it's full of goodies... and while you're there, don't forget to sign up for meyesight)... they're calling it, For Whom The Bell Tells, giving weekly updates as to what our favorite adorable genius is up to.
I don't know that anything like this has been released officially since Linda passed. She started Club Sandwich (originally the Wings Fun Club) during the busy Wings heyday, and it continued up to her death in '98.
I just hope his 'people' keep up with it as diligently as Linda did... if that happens, we'll have an awesome record of his recent work.
PAUL SONG TIME! (It's my favorite part of the day!)

Even when he's being experimental... GOD I love that man!

Remember, Remember...

November 5 is just an ordinary day for the US of A, but hop across the pond, and as the British sun sets, the effigies come a'blazing... you guessed it, it's Guy Fawkes Night (or Bonfire night, depending on how technical you want to get)!
I spent quite a while last night trying to find a video of someone reciting the famous Guy Fawkes rhyme, but to no avail... that is, until I found this...

Vintage kitsch shines again.

Although, this one tickled my fancy, too...


So, as I'm American, instead of Happy Bonfire Night, instead I'm going to say Happy Glad-We-Aren't-Britain Day!

And now... a song!

Oscar, You Wrinkly Rocker...

I just love technology... it helps you keep up with foreign interests. Unfortunately, in my case, it's all for mindless drivel, such as you are about to experience.
On Russell Brand's blog, they've posted the link to a lovely little article on Ol' Russ at the MITs, honoring friend and fellow comedian Jonathan Ross. Also in attendance, "wrinkly rocker" Noel Gallagher.
Why am I telling you this? The following story was just hilarious to me.
As I was chortling at some of the photos (number eight of twenty, specifically), my mother asks what I find amusing, so I proceed to show her, pointing out that Mr. Gallagher has a bit of the Maxwell Sheffield going (he is the "wrinkly rocker", after all). She looks at him and says "he looks like that guy on telly!"
What guy on telly, you may ask? Castiel, an angel on Supernatural (we call him Oscar, though).
I had to do the comparison...


You tell me...
Because this...


...and this...

...are just so similar!

In other news, if you're looking for a fun creative writing accelerator, the Story Generator may just be for you. Give it a try, it could be a lot of fun!

And The Family Was Shocked...

It's that time of year again... you know, where somebody's sold your name to everybody's monkey, and they start sending you holiday catalogs. Personally, I love it, but I've always enjoyed the silliest things in life (string cheese is a good example). The latest batch came in the post today, the Sportsman's Guide among them (did you even know something like that existed?). As I flicked through the pages, I saw something that piqued my interest, the Shocking Liar lie detector.
I didn't find it interesting for it's intended purpose, but that, during my late-night YouTube escapades, I had recently seen Ricky Gervais have a whale of a time with one on UK channel T4 (he was promoting his new film, The Invention of Lying).
As I'm looking at the picture, thinking back to that clip, I see that the catalog says "Product Video Online!"... you can guess what happened.
The video from the catalog isn't NEARLY as funny as the one with Ricky Gervais...

He's got such an infectious laugh, hasn't he?
If you enjoyed that, I suggest you check out his blog... it's updated often with little snippets of oddities, and updates on his latest projects.

It's ELECTRIFYING!


Am I the only human alive that gets the collywobbles whenever a musical is even mentioned?
Let's clear the palette...

Don't you feel better now? I know I do!

The Veil Is Thinnest Tonight!

It's that time of year again, folks!
Kids are coming to your door to ask for candy that you spent your hard-earned money on, yet their parents won't let them eat (my dad always made us wait so long, Tom Turkey was making an eleventh hour appeal to PETA)...


...time to scare the living bejeebers out of people...

(Don't you just LOVE a good, hearty laugh at someone else?)

...and time to MONSTER MASH!


Now, if you've decided to do what I do on Halloween (turn all the lights off, lock the dogs in the house, and wait for the small children to go to bed), kick back with that candy (what, the kids don't need it!), and enjoy a slide show!

The Great Knicker Debacle...

Maybe you've seen it, maybe you haven't, but it's hilarious anyway.
With the release of The Twilight Saga: New Moon rapidly approaching, some girls, more than ever, would kill for the opportunity to have Edward Cullen in their pants... now, it can be a reality (for these two schmucks, anyway)!
I sense a trend coming on...
If you've ever been a superfan of something, anything, you may want to check out some of the posts on that site (come on, hasn't everyone had a fangirl moment, or several, like this? No? Moving on...).

In other news, did you know there's a form of Do It Yourself Acupuncture? Don't ask how I found out, it would just take too long to explain.

In even MORE news (and I have to warn you, this contains Paul), if you haven't heard his new song (for the latest holiday film, "Everybody's Fine"), I suggest you listen to it while it's still available on YouTube... it's very Chaos And Creation (it sounds like it could almost have been a single for that album), so if you're particularly fond of Chaos and Creation (or even if you aren't), it's a masterpiece, check it out...

Sweet Belinda, of all that is good and cheezy, I LOVE that man!

Black And... WTF?

What's black and white, and weird all over? Why, this new treasure (via Graham Linehan, of course), Black And WTF!
It's like somebody gave me free reign as guest editor for an edition of my favorite publication, Reminisce Magazine... which means you should be very afraid!

In other news, did you know that The Song That Never Ends has a Wikipedia page?
If you are unfamiliar, or would just like a sing-along...

You are allowed to hate me now.

In even MORE news, have you SEEN the teaser for Paul's Good Evening, NYC? If this doesn't make you want to buy it, I don't know what will...


Oh, what the hell, let's throw in a song! Been singing this one for a few weeks now (damn you, Beatles-A-Rama, with your catchy title, your fun facts, and your impeccably good taste in music!)...

Oh, I love that man!

Oy Gevalt! 43 Goes Yiddish, Too!

Who here remembers Yiddish With Dick And Jane?
If you thought that was a riot, then you'll just LOVE Yiddish With George And Laura!

What will they think of next?


Moving swiftly along, I have discovered another of Graham Linehan's hidden treasures, Everything Is Terrible!
This is my personal favorite so far...


In other unrelated news, does anybody else remember Judy? She's apparently got a deranged American cousin living in Colorado. Who knew?

Remaster Me Home...

It's been a wonderful week, but it's always nice to be back home... the extra long drive back meant... you guessed it, more Beatles Remasters!
We shall be dealing with "A Hard Day's Night", "Help!", "Let It Be", "Rubber Soul", "Sgt. Pepper's...", and the "Yellow Submarine" EP.
Just a few comments, since there are so many... "Help!" was everything I expected from these remasters. The vocals are together, yet separate, as well as the guitars, the electric instruments have been amplified, and the backing vocals are right up front where they can be heard. Just fab gear and all that.
"Let It Be", one of the stereo only albums, is another goodie... since Phil Spector had to, in essence, piece that album together from whatever unreleased "Get Back Sessions" he had, there's quite a bit of studio banter and jamming ("Dig It" being a good example, although it isn't the often-bootlegged four minute full jam). All that's been amplified... what you used to be able to barely hear is now loud and clear, as it should be.
Well, one of their songs is worth more than a thousand of my words, so let's get cracking! How about going in alphabetical order?
First up this evening, from the soundtrack to their first film (my personal favorite, but not the guy's), "A Hard Day's Night", it's one of those lost treasures, "Tell Me Why"...


Up next, another from a film soundtrack, this time it's the title track to "Help!"...


From the "Phil Spector Album" (that's what I call it), here's "Two Of Us" (listen to how they've moved John's vocal and rhythm guitar to be as loud as Paul's lead)...


From "Revolver, Part One" (that's what George called Rubber Soul), here's another lost gem, and, I believe, the first time John used a song to push his message (Brian usually kept John on a tight leash when it came to such things), it's "The Word"...


Prepare yourself to finally fully "smell the sawdust", it's Sgt. Pepper's "Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite" (the inspiration poster is here, if you've never seen it)...


Lastly, from the Yellow Submarine soundtrack, recorded during the Pepper sessions, it's George's "Only A Northern Song"...


Listening to these remasters is kind of like this...

Turn Right On Willow Valley...

Well, we are no longer in Lamar, although we shall remember out time there fondly.
There was the statue, the hotel, the housing development where every street was named the same thing. As we drove through it, I thought of this...

Lamar, we shall remember you fondly!
Now, yesterday and today, we've been in the Colorado Springs area, and it's been lovely. Helen Hunt Falls is still beautiful this time of year (there was even a little bit of snow on the ground!), and The Leprechaun Shoppe has always been a favorite stop (besides, we needed more decaf Barry's!)
Why do I mention these things to you? Well, from Lamar to Colorado Springs, I got to listen to more Beatles Remasters! (Hey, I heard that groan of agony!)
On the chopping block tonight, the Mono Masters, and Abbey Road.
Abbey Road, Let It Be, and Past Masters (it's like Mono Masters, but in stereo, meaning that the singles recorded in stereo are included here) are the only stereo releases I have, and I was chomping at the bit to get hold of one, and compare it to mono (that, and I had to see if that wave effect was just my imagination, or if it was actually there. It was, of course, my imagination). It's not as bad as I thought it would be, but I don't know that I'd want the other albums in stereo. To know that you have the Holy Grail in Beatledom (mono, of course) makes you rather fond of what you've got.
The Abbey Road Medley just about blew my Beatle boots off (yes, I actually wear Beatle boots, and was at the time), and I suggest that, if you're a fan, you pick up a copy.
With Mono Masters, I was gobsmacked. As a public service, I'm half tempted to burn several copies of this and just pass them out to people who would appreciate them (stocking stuffers! Christmas is only two months away!). To hear such intricate details that were covered up for over forty years is mind blowing. You think you know "The Inner Light"? Guess again. What about the "Paperback Writer/Rain" single? You've never even heard them before. It's an interesting story about that single, which I won't bore you with here (stop cheering!), but here's the Wikipedia link if you care to do some extra curricular reading.
Enough twaddle, let's get to some music, a'ready!
First up, one of Paul's late-60's rockers... from Abbey Road, it's "Oh! Darling"

Did you forgive him for something that never happened? I did.

Before we start this song, I think it would be a good idea if you washed your hands, since you'll have to shove your eyeballs back into your skull after you hear it.
Prepare yourself, it's "Paperback Writer"!


As an aside, a big thank you goes out to my lovely sister for the sweet birthday wishes (both on her blog, and Facebook)... even from 300 miles away, you manage to make me feel loved on my "special day", so thanks, kiddo!
And a happy birthday to May Pang as well! I suggest you pick up her latest book, Instamatic Karma, it's full of gear photos from John's "Lost Weekend".

You've Never Heard The Beatles Like This Before...

Lamar is interesting in the mere fact that it isn't interesting at all. It's like we traded Dumas for it's long lost sibling, but won out in the end, since there's a real lake about twenty miles up the road.
I'm not here to bore you about my location, though (don't think I didn't know you wanted to applaud!), instead, I'm going to bore you with our Beatles Mono Remasters!
I have only listened to three albums thus far (the self titled "The Beatles", AKA, The White Album, Revolver, and the Magical Mystery Tour LP), but I'm forming opinions as I go along.
So far, I'd say they're about 95% better than what's been on the market since the original vinyl releases (on the white market, anyway). Saturated with golden three-part harmonies, which have been dusted off and brought forward, and bold bass lines from the infamous McCartney Hofner (I thought I was going to get a black eye from "Back In The USSR"!), you'll hear small orchestral details you never knew existed.
You can also hear when a double track lead vocal is happening, showing the different personalities and vocal styles of the singer (John, for example, was a staunch perfectionist, very rarely will you be able to tell it was two takes, while Paul becomes intoxicated with the melody, singing however he feels like singing). Or, for example, at the end of "I'm So Tired", the supposed mumbling at the end is actually quite clear, as well as the infamous "I buried Paul/cranberry sauce" at the end of "Strawberry Fields Forever"... it actually does sound like cranberry sauce now, but it's still fun to reminisce about the good ol' Paul Is Dead theories.
As for the other 5%, I notice that when the lead vocals haven't been layered, they seem to fall into the backing vocal's recently vacated spot (sort of like a wave effect... take a Dramamine), getting lost in the shuffle of electricity, only occasionally sticking you in the Half-Nelson I've come to expect from such songs as "Yer Blues", "Everybody's Got Something To Hide Except For Me And My Monkey", and "While My Guitar Gently Weeps", just to name a few (although, Eric Clapton's stellar guitar solos on the aforementioned Harrison classic somehow sound even better than ever). Something I find annoying is the fade-outs at the end of the songs seems to happen a little sooner than I'm used to, particularly on "Helter Skelter" (the original mono mix had nearly three minutes of electric kerfuffle), meaning no "blisters on my fingers".
More critiquing may follow, as I've only listened to each of the three said albums once, and I've got several more funsies to go.
In the meantime, I'll leave you with the songs I thought benefited from the remastering process... how about one from each album?
From Revolver, here's "Tomorrow Never Knows"...


Next up, from Magical Mystery Tour, the autobiographical psychedelic anthem, "Strawberry Fields Forever" (listen for "cranberry sauce"!)...


For the last one, I suggest you turn the volume up as loud as it will go, and put on some earphones, 'cause you'll just have to go back and listen to it again if you don't. Be warned, this is the second-best version of this song I've ever heard, and am likely to hear ever again in my life (since the first, obviously, was in Tulsa)... from The White Album, here's Helter Skelter...


Did you get goosebumps? I did.
In honor of the original mono mix... wish you were here!

He's The Chief And We Are Hailing...

I get a thrill of excitement when I walk into a museum and hear this tune...


As you may have guessed, we spent a few days down in the Hill Country, where we had oodles of fun... a small rundown (sorry, no pictures. Oh sure, pretend you're upset, I'll wait).
We went back to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library and Museum while down in Austin. My, it's changed in nine years! So has the LBJ National Historic Park, AKA, The Texas White House. Now that Lady Bird's crossed over, the house is open for tours, which was a total blast (only the office, informal living room, dining room, and kitchen are open thus far). When Mama, Ginger and I went nine years ago, we went on a little bus tour, and the only time we were allowed out of the bus was at the barn, where the President's saddle, branding iron, cattle prod, boots, et al were displayed. Well, this time, it was a self guided automobile tour (and the aforementioned tack are no longer there, I'm sorry to say). We walked along the Pedernales River in front of the house, and around his property in various other places. You leave with a better appreciation of the man after strolling about his ranch, it was a wonderful experience.
Mama and I always like to play along Congress Avenue while we're in the Capitol City (which was the clue in the previous post), and before we knew it, it was already time to come home!
Along the way, we stopped off at the Fredericksburg Trade Days, and no trip to Fredericksburg is complete without a detour at Rustlin' Rob's (their blackberry preserves are to die for!).

No time to rest, because tomorrow afternoon, we're headed off on another adventure!
We're going to Colorado State's entertainment capitol, Lamar!
Wish us luck!
And now, I leave you with this song, in honor of President Johnson...

Paul, Twitter, And "Where In The World?"...

I have waxed on about Twitter in more than one post here. Not only at how incredibly fascinating it can be (while making you ask why you care what so-and-such is doing), but how utterly confusing it can be, too.
Well, now I have nothing negative to say... if Paul's people are OK with updating his brand-spanky-new, verified Twitter account, I'm good with that, too.
PAUL TIME!

Oh, I love that man!

In other news, I'm blogging from a new locale tonight... do you want to know where we are?
Are you nodding? Is your head going up and down? Good, then I'll tell you.
Let's just say, I'll be here tomorrow afternoon.
Pictures may follow, you never know.
Oh, one more video before I go...

Television Will Turn Your Brain To Jelly...

TCM runs what they call Silent Sunday Nights at 11 o'clock each week, and, from time to time, I like to tune in. My favorite ever Silent Movie Sunday was the twelve week Judex special.

Well, at this very moment (yes, it was that important that I share it with you) they're playing The Unholy Three... why do I mention this to you? Let's just say that there's a murderous midget in it. (Yes, I know, I'm going to rot in hell... you laughed, see you there!)
The highlight for me was when "Tweedledee", AKA Little Willie (see, this just keeps getting better) gets picked up by the scruff of the neck and stashed in the back of a car (it looked more like a milk wagon, actually). Unfortunately, I couldn't find that clip. Instead, I found this one to share with you (and it won't let me embed it, isn't that a gas?)...

In other news, if you aren't following Noel Fielding on Never Mind The Buzzcocks, then you are MISSING OUT.


ALSO... if you can catch a rerun of The Graham Norton show on BBC America, you'll spend a fascinating hour with Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, and Ricky Gervais (you want to see it now, don't you?)...

It's Johnny's Birthday!

I've missed quite a lot of things I had every intention of making a blog post about (Banned Books Week, Talk Like A Pirate Day, Edgar Allen Poe's deathday, just to name a few), but I sure wasn't going to miss this one!
When this day rolls around, I like to take a few minutes to remember a truly enigmatic man (no, not John O'Hurley).
On this date, in 1940, during a German air raid on Liverpool, wee little John Winston Ono Lennon was born (and quickly stashed under a hospital bed for safekeeping).



Let's take the opportunity to enjoy his art...

...his music...


...and his unique sense of humor...


And now, a small autobiography...

About The Awful
I was bored on the 9th of Octover 1940 when, I believe, the Nasties were still booming us led by Madalf Heatlump (Who only had one). Anyway they didn't get me. I attended to varicous schools in Liddypol. And still didn't pass - much to my Aunties supplies. As a member of the most publified Beatles my and (P, G, and R's) records might seem funnier to some of you than this book, but as far as I'm conceived this correction of short writty is the most wonderfoul larf I've ever ready.
God help and breed you all.

Happy 69th, Darlin'!

Steve Coogan = Pickle?

It is September (even if it is the last day of the month... bunny-bunny, everybody!... or is it rabbit-rabbit?), yet Lowe's has their Christmas section up and running strong, while all they have for Halloween is an end-cap by the bug spray. Yes, it's a disturbing thing, but not nearly as disturbing as the Singing Christmas Pickle! Are you wondering what it sings?
Is it just me, or does this creepy bit of Christmas decor resemble Steve Coogan?


As a comical aside, I belonged to this club for the whole whopping year it was in existence. (What did I do with my life before I blogged?)

In other (more interesting) news, this season of Never Mind The Buzzcocks is going to be genius (even without our beloved Simon Amstell)!

Paul McCartney, Donovan, And... Windows 7 Launch Parties?

Let's do the fun stuff first...
I found this last night and went absolutely nuts for it.
Two of my favorite musicians of all time, Paulie and Donovan, jamming in studio (this really makes me wish I could run Bit Torrent!)... so sit back and enjoy the next fifteen minutes of melodic bliss (and studio banter!).



Oh, and have you heard about this? Let's hope it's true, there wasn't anything released for the US Tour back in '05 (why didn't that happen, MPL?), so a Summer Live '09 album would be gear fab and that.

Moving along (not too soon for you, eh?), have you seen this?

October 22 is going to ROCK.
(In case you didn't know, October 22 is when Windows 7 is being released...)

Oh, parties... what a riot!

It's OFFICIALLY Autumn!

Well, it won't be "official" until later on this afternoon, but close enough for government work.
I got my Better Homes and Gardens magazine this morning... Chinese Maple leaves with festive gourds and things of that nature are on the cover (I look forward to devouring the issue later on today), bringing to mind pumpkin-y treats with that special blend of spices that linger on the palette, long sleeves and chilly evenings with a good book. For the first time in months, I got to experience the joys of sleeping with the window open, waking up to the mild sunshine filtering in and a refreshingly cool breeze tickling your face (and warm puppies under the covers, too!).
Yes, I'm a sucker for autumn. I love it, and never in my life has this season brought any bittersweet feeling for the departure of summer... I can't wait to see the back of it!
So, until next year, Summer... get out, get out, get the HELL out!


Since this entire post is to celebrate the glorious changing of seasons, I thought I'd share one of my favorite sounds of autumn...

A WEEK?!?

I'm back from holiday!

Where did I go? I'll give you a clue... as we were stuck in traffic, we watched this show across the street.


This was the fourth time I've been to Vegas, and I only just realized that time doesn't exist on The Strip the same way it does every where else on the planet... you just keep doing things until your hotel calls you one night and tells you to get out.
That being said, you can see that some things have scaled back quite a bit
(thanks, sucky economy!), including one of my favorite things in the whole world, Cirque Du Soleil's LOVE... but we still had a good time!
If you don't feel like being trapped in a web of holiday slides with boring captions, please skip down past the slideshow.

In other news, much has happened since we left...
Russell Brand was on
The View, AND Jimmy Fallon
(watch, you might wet yourself), and,
somewhere along the way,
it turned into Autumn!
It's my favorite time of year, and as I speak (type?)
we're sitting with all the windows open,
enjoying all that life can offer.
I think it's CELEBRATORY SONG TIME!


ALSO...
Today, September 21, is Peace Day!
It's always prudent to
THINK PEACE,
ACT PEACE,
and IMAGINE PEACE (thank you, Yoko),
but it's nice to know there's a special day for it,
isn't there?
You know, like Thanksgiving!
If you feel so inclined,
celebrate by sending wishes to
Yoko's Wish Tree,
which will then be forwarded to
the Imagine Peace Tower in Iceland
for John's birthday, October 9...
after you've done that,
watch this video,
it'll give you the collywobbles in a good way.