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November 12, 2007
Two great tastes that taste great together.
When I was small, I would bring my "Spirit of '76" GE transistor radio into bed so I could stay up late and soak up Americana.
Call-in programs, advice shows, sporting events -- any kind of conversation would do. I wasn't contented with absorbing the colloquialisms and regional accents. I was utterly fascinated by the world of adults and the way they spoke to each other.
There was one major benefit for an insomniac kid who had a radio jones in the 1970s -- I had a well-rounded musical education. I don't know many people who enjoy Hank Williams, Bette Midler, Gladys Knight and the Pips and David Bowie, but I do. Many years later as a sleepless adult in The Age of Napster, I was extremely happy to pick up where I left off.
One song I remember well from the old days is Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In) by The First Edition. To a seven-year-old, the song had crazy, nonsensical lyrics that paint a vivid picture, Seuss-style. As an adult, I have a slightly different take on it.
Imagine my delight when I came across a cover by Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, a stellar soul band that I hope to see perform live someday. Their version puts a much different spin on this bit of psychedelic bubble-gum pop and the video only adds to the fun:
(For the record, I would very much for there to be a Soul Train dance line at my memorial service.)
Posted by Your Protagonist at November 12, 2007 10:52 PM