Short Cuts: Quick (non-medicinal) Mood Lifters...

 

Redartz:  Hi gang! Today, here in the US, there's something going on that will occupy most folks' attention. Can't quite recall it but I'm sure it'll come to me. Anyway, it seems appropriate to keep things quick and light here this go-round. Therefore, it's just a single question, one whose answers may be helpful to us all from time to time. 

 When you are looking for a brief diversion, mood improvement, or just something to make you smile, what comic title / music/ anything do you turn to?

My remedy for a pick-me-up is an issue of DC's Sheldon Mayer classic, "Sugar and Spike". Those two torrid tots never fail to evoke a smile and a chuckle. Just wonderful light-hearted, charming fun. If no comics are within reach, I'll fire up the tablet and play anything by the B-52's. There's simply no way you can hear that group and not perk up noticeably. Perk up, and probably break out in embarrasing Dad Dancing movements...

 Ok, like I said, quick and light.  So what lifts your spirits in a  pinch?

Chew the Fat: Ideally Interesting Inquiries, Musically Motivated...

 

 Redartz:  Hello once again! Last week we posed a few questions about comics. We got some great responses, so we're going to go one more round. This time, the subject is music. Otherwise, it's the same concept as last week; just a brief friendly survey to wrap your head around...

 

1.  What was the first record you ever bought?

2.  What is the most recent example of music you've purchased or downloaded?

3.  Which musical artist, and which recording, would you say has affected /influenced/inspired you the most?

4.   How did your particular musical tastes evolve; i.e. music class in school, a musical friend or relation,  or perhaps just personal exploration?

5.   We're all going on a road trip. We have to choose one Sirius XM pop music channel. Your pick is: 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's or Contemporary? 

 

And since you're no doubt awaiting my responses, here they are: 

1.  First record I ever bought was the 45 rpm disc of Vicki Lawrence's "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia"; spring of 1973. Maybe the first time I spent my allowance on something besides comics or trading cards...

2.  Most recent musical addition is the lp of Carly Simon's 1976 album "Another Passenger", which I converted and loaded onto my trusty tablet.

3.  Most influential artist is a group; the Beatles. No question about it. As for recording, that's a tough call. But one song which always moves me, and speaks deeply to me, is Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come".  

4.   My family was always playing music, so the influences were everywhere; especially in terms of classical music and Broadway tunes. And my grandmother gave me a bit of advice which has always held true: she said she could always tell a good piece of music because it would send chills down her spine. The best music does just that.

5.  For a road trip- probably the 80's channel. Great music and great variety.

 

Now then, you've all 'paid your quarter', so now 'make your selections'!

Short Cuts: A Little Musical Mashup...

Redartz:  Okay, today we have a sort-of 3-in-1 discussion. Let me explain...

The other day I was listening to a playlist on my tablet, a very eclectic one I might add. One song that came up was  "Heartless" by Heart. It suddenly struck me as somewhat amusing that a song with that title would be performed by a group with that particular name; call it ironic, call it oddity, call it a "nudge, nudge, wink, wink" from the artists. Anyway, I got to thinking, what other song titles become amusing when paired with the performer's name? Another one that quickly came to mind was "Who Are You?, by the Who. A busy work day prevented me from coming up with more, and that's where you come in. 

Today, we'll play a little musical wordplay game (hence the triple category discussion above). What song titles can you link to a performer in order to make it ironic, punny, amusing, self-contradictory? And for our exercise, you aren't limited to songs and the specific artists who performed them. You are free to pull any song title and join it to any musical artist. For instance, I submit a one-hit wonder group from 1975,  (known for "Magic"): performing an Alan Parsons hit, gives you Pilot, "Eye in the Sky".  Get it? Granted, not the greatest example; but you can do better. Have at it, crew...