Chew the Fat: A New Year's Exercise in Optimism!

 

Redartz:  Well, here we are again; marking the transition from one  year to another. We all know what kind of year we've just been through. And, the times that lie ahead are uncertain. Nevertheless, it's always a bit easier to face the unknown if you are shielded by a sense  of optimism. Here at BitBA we like to keep things positive, and in this spirit, our goal this week is to nurture that positivity! How, you may ask? Well, with the help of a few contemplation-inducing questions. Aaaaaaand, here we go...

 1.  Looking back at this past year, name at least one good thing you've taken from it. Could be societal, could be personal, could be anything. 

For me, I gained another grandson this past year! Also, after driving my notorious red bomb for the past ten years, I finally got a better set of wheels. Actually, it's red too, but what else would you expect from ol' Red? 

2.  Looking ahead to the coming year, name at least one thing you hope to see/ experience / accomplish. 

Personally, I hope to resume some travel, and get out a bit. Particularly hoping to rejoin some of you at the Chicago comic con this spring, if it's in the cards. 

3.   Thinking back to the years of our youth, name a year that sticks with you as being a notably good one. Then share what made it a memorable one...

My pick is 1975. I started high school that year, attended my first real comic convention, and started painting. Plus there were an awful lot of fine comics published that year, imho.

4.  Name something you've watched or read this year that really impressed.you. 

As we had some extra 'around the house' time this year, my wife and I watched some older classic films. One that we watched, for the first time in my case: "How the West Was Won", a Cinerama epic from 1962. And epic it was; what a cast. Anytime James Stewart makes an appearance, it's bound to be worth a look. Plus John Wayne, Henry Fonda, Gregory Peck and more? Imagine that budget in today's dollars...

5.  Gratitude is helpful in maintaining optimism. What Christmas gifts were you graced with this year?

I received numerous very nice gifts; our youngest son gave my wife and I a Nintendo Switch system! And my wife gave me a book of interest: "John Romita, and All that Jazz". Which just goes to show how well she knows her husband's taste in comics.

 Don't know about you, but I feel better already. So help us all out, and share your answers to these queries. And, to each of you, best wishes for your health and happiness in 2021, and beyond!

 

 

Short Cuts: "Giant BitBA Holiday Grab Bag"

 

Redartz:  Ah, here we are; Christmas week. Another year coming rapidly to a close, and what a year it has been. We're all bound to be a  bit preoccupied this week, so in the spirit of Marvel's classic Bronze age "Holiday Grab Bag" Treasuries, BitBA simply offers up a selection of holiday sounds and images; hopefully to bring a little smile or two. Feel free to share any thoughts, memories, wishes, or whatever comes to mind. To all of you, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Peaceful Kwanzaa, Festive Festivus, and heartfelt best wishes. And thanks for  being part of the BibBA community, whether you're a commenter or reader. You all make it fun. Now please excuse me; I've gotta go set out some cookies...

 

 

Chew the Fat: Weaknesses, Temptations and Vulnerabilities; Ours and Theirs...

 

Redartz:  This afternoon I was wrapping some Christmas presents. So what does that have to do with our topic? Well, for an artist / professional picture framer, my gift wrapping skills leave much to be desired. I can execute a painting or drawing with some success, but I can't fold gift wrap neatly around a box to save my life. Which got me to thinking, just what are my various weaknesses and vulnerabilities? 

 Everyone knows about Superman and Kryptonite, or Green Lantern and the color yellow (which always seemed a bit too convenient for his foes). 

 

Marvel heroes also have their failings and vulnerabilities, perhaps  less obvious but still extant. Where would Peter Parker be without crippling guilt? So there are some obvious examples. You can guess where this is headed.

What other vulnerabilities can you think of in the comics world? They might be physical, or mental, or magical (again, Superman- if someone came up with magic Kryptonite he'd be truly sunk). After all, its' those chinks in the armor that make a hero heroic, after all- without risk, there's not really any sacrifice.

Ah, but what about us? As this is the Holiday Season, we all are surrounded by temptations, distractions, and challenges even more than we normally face during the year. So as we consider our four color friends' weaknesses, let's consider ours as well. 

As for me, I mentioned my wrapping difficulties. Certainly not a crippling affliction, but it provides annual amusement and frustration for my wife ("How can you not wrap a present neatly?!?" ). By the way, I tried to use just about every available form of punctuation in that last sentence...

You just saw another of my weaknesses- a tendency to wander off point mentally. Which seems to be getting worse as the years go by. Focus, Red, focus. So what else 'gets' to me? I'm notoriously tempted by sweets, chocolate will draw me like the moth to a bug light. Which, returning to the Holiday theme, becomes very challenging indeed. And all those Christmas cookies; Santa is lucky if I leave him any at all. 

Aaaand, I always seem  to cram too much of everything into too little time, usually to the detriment of all of it.. Bet some of you can say the same there.  And so as to avoid cramming too much verbiage here, I'll turn the platform over to you now. What is your 'kryptonite', as it were? While thinking of comic heroes and their chinks, try to consider your own. What about you brings a knowing smile and eye roll from your 'significant other'? We're all breathlessly waiting to hear...

Oh, and at the risk of appearing self-indulgent, here is an example of one of my paintings, ink and watercolor.. My thanks for your indulgence...

 

Two Questions: "Music with Stories, and Stories with Music"

 

Redartz:  Music and stories (particularly comics), two of my favorite things. And most, if not all, of you would say the same, no doubt. Which brings us to this week's twin  questions:

1.  What are your favorite ' story songs'? 

I love story songs, As in songs that tell a tale, or carry a narrative, to some extent anyway. I'd have been quite comfortable back in the days of wandering minstrels, singing ballads touting the exploits of various heroes and heroines. Of course, there have been plenty of story songs within our lifetimes, even if no lute-bearing minstrel performed them. Two of those high on my list:

Men at Work, "Dr. Heckyll and Mr. Jive"

 

 

Vicki Lawrence, "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia"

2. What musically-themed comics (or novels) have you enjoyed? 

Other than reading several musical biographies, I can't off hand think of any novels, but there have been numerous comics inspired by or adapting musical themes that caught my fancy. A couple: 

Doctor Strange 32, in which Roger Stern culls a character from Gary Wright's 1976 classic tune.

 Then there's "Bop"; an anthology published by Kitchen Sink in 1982. Filled with a variety of musical stories, from such creators as Marc Hempel, Trina Robbins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Harvey Pekar and Alex Toth. Unfortunately it only appeared once, and promptly vanished from the comics horizon...

Now, as usual, the baton passes to you. What story songs kept your ear cocked to the radio; and what musical literature added melody to your reading?

 

 

Sound and the Fury: New Wave Faves, US Edition...

 

Redartz:  A couple of years ago we did a post in which we discussed our favorite  New Wave acts from the UK. We concluded with a promise to look at the US contingent. Never let it be said that we don't follow up on things, even if it takes us awhile!  

The late 70's and early 80's were rich times musically, with the surging presence of new sounds from new performers; a wide variety of approaches all encompassed beneath the umbrella term of
"New Wave". Much of that arose from the wondrous environs of the UK. But the USA
 was not to be left out, as these bands (and the others which you all will be naming) can attest . This discussion isn't really about the 'best', as obviously that is a relative and subjective judgement. This post we're dealing with our favorites; and here are three of mine.

 

Talking Heads

Probably the first 'New Wave' band I came to enjoy was Talking Heads. I was at first slow to jump on the bandwagon, still hanging on to my standard pop tastes. But the persuasive efforts of some art school friends, and this song, broke the ice for me. Shortly I was incurably hooked, hunting for any 'alternative' act I could find. And one of the first was the album from which this song came, "More Songs About Buildings and Food". I loved that lp, and every subsequent offering from David Byrne and Co. And that includes the excellent "Tom Tom Club". But anyway, here's the tune that started it all for me.

"Take Me to the River"

Devo

Next on my personal list of US New Wave faves is Devo. At first, I found their offerings to be rather weird. Too weird for my tastes. However, once my eyes (and more specifically, ears) were opened a bit, the Spudboys' brand of strangeness was irresistable. Although I didn't purchase any Devo records until "Whip It" hit big, I then made up for lost time. Within a short time I picked up all their previous lps, and was sure to grab the new ones that followed. Here's one great track from "Oh No! It's Devo!"

"Explosions"

The Go-Go's

Much as I loved the above two groups, I never had the pleasure of seeing them live. On the other hand, I had the pleasure of seeing these girls live not once, not twice but three times! Once at a small club in Indianapolis. Once as the opening act for the Police. And once as headliners themselves (at Purdue University, I believe our friend Charlie Horse 47 was there too). 

The Go-Go's output may have been smaller than many other acts, but the sheer fun they exuded made up for that. One great aspect of the 'New Wave' was a return to 'fun'. And that perfectly describes this group's music. And what's more fun than this cut from the group's second album?

"Vacation"

Okay, there's my three picks. There were many many others, but these three acts had a place close to my heart and mind. What acts from the American New Wave set your blood to pumping?