Gotta Love Loudon!

 

Believe it or not, this song was written in 1986. It literally could have been written today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmZNrgWAEvM

Under Pressure by The Moon Loungers

I never heard of these guys before -- just found them about 10 minutes ago on Youtube! Enjoy.

Bethany Reichel vs. John Fogerty

Book your trip to the Kozmos! Just click below.

http://bit.ly/2Zq4i82

This is a picture of John Fogerty in 1967, when he was in the Army Reserves.

I would like to know Bethany Reichel's hat size. I would like to know how someone gets a head that big (and that brainless) all the way up her own ass.

How do these people become professional critics?

She 'writes' for something called "New Arena". They have one of those internet pop-ups that leads you through, say 25 screens, listing something. In this case, it is the 25 most over-rated bands of all time. 

One of them is Creedence Clearwater Revival. She's entitled to her opinion. If she doesn't like them, I don't care. 

However, here's what she writes; 

There are some bands that you just kind of don’t like, and there are bands that you absolutely cannot stand. Creedence Clearwater Revival falls on the extreme end of the second category for me. Let’s start with the obvious: John Fogerty’s horrific screech of a voice. For the life of me, I can’t see how anyone thinks this guy has a great voice. Then there’s their barely disguised anti-war politics that they seemed to slip into nearly every song of theirs. The biggest problem I have with CCR and their fans is that people try to lump them into the Southern Rock genre. They were from California. On countless occasions, Fogerty tried to fool us singing about riverboats and the bayou.

What's wrong with being against people killing each other -- and killing them at the insistence of our government? Would she prefer he had written PRO-WAR songs?

Per Mr. Fogerty;

 I was in the service during the Vietnam era. It was a very volatile time in America. The war was very unpopular with young people. And I have to admit, I was one of those young people protesting the war. I would do it again if there's another one like that.

As a very young person, I was right in the crosshairs, you might say, and I eventually got my draft notice, just like so many other folks. It actually says, just like in the movies, "Greetings from the President of the United States." I managed to get into an Army Reserve unit after receiving my draft notice and served my time.

Of course, there were other things I wanted to do, but we all have a duty and, if it's our time, then that's what we've got to do. I went through that like millions of other guys and then sadly watched the poor treatment of our veterans coming home, particularly from the Vietnam War.

That really upset me. I knew how all those guys felt because I've at least been drafted and was in the military even though I didn't go to the jungle. Most of the people, I dare say, they could've chosen something else. They wanted to do far more than be in a jungle in Vietnam.

It just seemed like we shamefully turned our backs on veterans. And that's when I started to get my hackles up, I guess. I said, "Now wait a minute." After my own service, when the war was still going, I would talk to other young people who were protesting and say, "You're looking at that soldier over there. Don't you realize he's 19? He's just like you. He likes the same stuff. He likes the music; he likes your clothes. He likes the radio station and the movies and TV shows. He's just like you. It's just that he got drafted and so we asked him to do that or else we'll put him in jail."

If you're going to protest, then protest to the people who are waging the war, not the people that are having to fight the war. I still feel that way. So it gave me a different perspective than some of my non-military friends.

I didn't start out in life to be a special charity guy or a do-gooder or anything. I just had certain feelings, especially having gone through the Vietnam era and watching the inadequate way our veterans were treated. Over time, I realized that this was something that was close to my heart. It was something I wanted to do something about.

So I contributed here and there and played at benefits and stuff like that. You get going on something like this, and it becomes easier and easier. You're trying to talk other people into seeing how easy this is. It's a cause that needs a lot of work, and here's a way you can help.

Finally, Fogerty has not tried to fool anyone about his origins. In the late 1960's being Californian was a much more respected pedigree than being from the south. A list of a few California artistes just off the top of my head; The Doors. Janice Joplin, Frank Zappa, the Byrds, Jefferson Airplane, Grateful Dead, Beach Boys, The Turtles, Love, the list goes on and on.

Bethany, since you are obviously not very knowledgeable about musical history, maybe you should quit writing rock criticism. You could always take up writing pro-war songs and songs that insult the integrity of our veterans.

What A Wonderful World

I went for my walk today.
I saw;
a guy out on the lake in his boat fishing
a pair of goldfinches
two baby bunnies
a cardinal
Later, at home, I looked up from my computer, looked out the window and saw a hummingbird.
Where I live I always see lots of deer and barn swallows.

I don't care if it sounds corny -- It's a wonderful little gift to see these little creatures. I would feel sorry for anyone 'too cool' to appreciate such things.

Question;
I would assume barn swallows have been around since before barns. What were they called back then? Before their was architecture where did they nest?

The Lyin' King

I got a Facebook message from an old high school friend of mine. It requested that everyone who friends him should respond that they are going to do the right thing and "vote for Trump again this election." Assuming we all voted for Trump last election?
My response;"Please don't send me political messages. Thanks."
My real reaction;
You are one of two types of people --
A) A person who somehow has NO KNOWLEDGE of ANYTHING President Trump has done over the last four years.
OR
B) A person who somehow believes that there is a major left wing conspiracy lying about everything Trump has done to misrepresent Trump and destroy him.

There is a significant REPUBLICAN MOVEMENT to tell the TRUTH about Trump, so he will not get re-elected.

The Lincoln Project is a Republican organization running national anti-Trump ads as negative as any Democratic campaign has ever been. (Watch them on You-Tube)

Michael Steele, former Republican National Committee chairman wants you to vote for Biden

Nicole Wallace, former Communications Director for George W. Bush wants you to vote for Biden

Steve Schmidt, political campaign strategist for John McCain and Sarah Palin wants you to vote for Biden.

Do you honestly believe they are all part of a LEFTIST conspiracy?

One more thing -- To you devout Christians who support Trump because he is anti-abortion. If he had gotten that porn performer pregnant, do you believe she wouldn't have had an abortion? Do you believe she and Trump would have gotten married and raised the child in a good Christian home?  Are you insane?

I Am On the cover of a Monkees album!

Believe it or not, I Am On the cover of a Monkees album! I'm pictured right next to my favorite Monkee, Mike Nesmith -- just look under Mike's elbow -- that bald headed person is me!

Callin' Colin Better Sound Quality!

Callin' Colin -- Gotta Love Colin Blunstone!

Colin was the lead singer of the legendary British Invasion band The Zombies. Although I never heard his rendition of this song until the early 90's (I got it in a Best of Stiff Records box set), this video sure brings back memories of my college days. Enjoy.

The Partridge Family -- why has this never occurred to me before?

          The other day I was watching 'The Partridge Family'. The plot was that Keith needed $2 to go on a date, so he borrowed it from Danny and became his indentured slave servant for the rest of the episode. Eventually, Shirley made what was treated as an obvious suggestion -- "Why don't you do what teenagers do? GET A JOB!" Of course, this lead to Keith comically fouling up a series of jobs like plumbing, door to door sales and housecleaning.
           Why has this never occurred to me before? When Shirley asked, "Why don't you do what teenagers do? GET A JOB!" He should have said, "I have a job! I wrote our hit! I wrote our first album and now I'm writing our second album! We do a live concert every week! I'm our lead singer! I'm one of the major male sex symbols of the decade and it's only 1972! Dammit, I'm going over to Ruben Kinkaid's place and demand my two dollars!

Hey, I'm always cutting edge -- what will I riff on next time? Larry Storch? ' Love American Style'?  The awfulness of Elvis Presley movies? Stay tuned! And BUY my Kozmo of the Cosmos book at Amazon.com. Just search Kronlage! 

The Yin to yesterday's Yang.

If the Dog Trumpet video brought you down yesterday, here is its perfect anecdote. Er-- antidote.

New from Dog Trumpet!

I can't believe only 39 people have viewed the following video (as of this writing)! Since this video went up, even obscuro Boomerang Koozbane has gotten more hits than that! Reg and Pete deserve better than that. Enjoy the feel good song of 2020!

Keith Richards Reveals He’s Quit Smoking Cigarettes

Gee, and not a moment too soon!

Sample 'Kozmo of the Cosmos' on Kindle for under a buck!

Sample 'Kozmo of the Cosmos' on Kindle for under a buck!  http://bit.ly/2Zq4i82

Despite the Orange Elephant in the Room 2019 - It Was A Very Good Year

Despite the Orange Elephant in the Room;

2019 – It Was a Very Good Year

Introduction;

When they recorded this in 1965, The Turtles were only 18 years old, reminiscing about ‘When I was 21” – I still love this – especially the harpsichord.

As usual, joyful silliness from Spike Jones and his boys.

          This year I was remiss in my duties as a blogger. There were LOTS of missed occasions for writing …

Part One

          My alter ego Bob Kronlage (what a preposterous pen name!) published ‘his’ first book, “KOZMOLOGY: The Complete ‘KOZMO OF THE COSMOS’” on Amazon.com on January 21^st. It’s still available! It’s 230 8 ½ by 11 pages, contains around 660 comic strips, and it’s only $15!

Part Two

          It was a great year for concerts. I saw perhaps my favorite singer / songwriter Loudon Wainwright III, in concert for the third time. He opened for eclectic folk rockers The David Bromberg Band, who I saw for the second time.

          Loudon has been writing painfully honest songs for over 50 years now. As I mentioned in an earlier piece on this blog, his songs expertly contrast the comic and the tragic to constantly varying degrees. From laugh out loud trenchant satire to eye moistening confessionals about his failure at personal relationships, the guy really puts you through the emotional ringer in his live appearances. He also happens to be a great singer and guitarist. After the power of his acoustic solo performance it was actually hard to imagine that David Bromberg, even with the advantage of a whole band and rock ‘n’ roll instruments would not be a disappointment by comparison.

Both were equally great, though.

          David Bromberg has been on the folk scene since 1962. He has a wonderfully distinctive singing voice and is a proficient multi-instrumentalist. He particularly shines as a blues guitarist. The David Bromberg Band combine rock, blues in all its forms, honky-tonk country, old time fiddle tunes, pop music classics and bluegrass, all performed with truly awesome virtuosity from all its band members, on both acoustic and electric instruments. Their acapella rendition of (of all things) Carol King’s “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” was an especially pleasant surprise.   

Part Three

          I saw three bucket list concerts.

          The Monkees’ Mike Nesmith was my favorite rock star when I was in kindergarten and he remains one of my favorite musicians to this day. (While it’s nebulous to claim that anyone in music was truly the first person to do something, it’s unarguable that Nesmith is a pop culture pioneer. His songs introduced The Beatles-era audience to country-rock songwriting as early as the Monkees 1966 debut album. His uncompromising demand for artistic control in his career has established him as a roll model for musical entrepreneurs and auteurs.  He invented the music video as we know it today -- as an artform and a promotional tool. Okay, so, the double-breasted stocking cap never caught on as a fashion statement – hey, you can’t win ‘em all.) For decades, while the others toured the oldies circuit as The Monkees, Nesmith preferred to not dwell on the subject of his former band, and he almost never gave live performances as a solo artist. In my early twenties I became resigned to the fact that I would never get to see him in concert.

          A few years ago, following the death of Davy Jones, Nes did a brief tour with Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork, but I wasn’t able to catch any of those shows. In 2018, with Tork too ill to appear, the tour was “The Monkees present The Mike & Micky Show”. Maddeningly, again, the logistics were wrong for me to get to any of the shows. It had to be cancelled mid-tour, when Nesmith became ill and needed quadruple bypass surgery.

         In March of this year, I finally got to see “The Mike and Micky Show” at the Mystic Lake Casino near Minneapolis Minnesota. Nesmith was resplendent in basic black, with black, silver sequined slippers. He read his lyrics off an I-pad connected to his mic, but that was fine. Even though his songs are founded in basic country music, his lyrics can be incredibly complex;

“Startled eyes that sometimes see
Phantasmagoric splendor
Pirouette down palsied paths
With pennies for the vendor”

--Daily Nightly

          The show was two hours long, with each guy doing half the songs. Micky, who originally sang most of The Monkees hits, sang all their hits in this concert, and lots of other favorites. During The Monkees’ career, Micky sang lead on several Nesmith compositions, and I think he did all of them in this show: ie: “Mary, Mary”, “The Girl I Knew Somewhere”. Mike did all his best-known songs, as well as what the young hipsters call ‘deep cuts’. He also reveled in a long, sumptuous rendition of his solo hit “Joanne”, complete with the falsetto vocal hooks, delivered impeccably.

Here’s the complete list of what they played;

Set 1

Good Clean Fun

Last Train to Clarksville

Sunny Girlfriend

Mary, Mary

You Told Me

For Pete's Sake

The Door Into Summer

You Just May Be the One

A Little Bit Me, a Little Bit You

The Girl I Knew Somewhere

Birth of an Accidental Hipster

St. Matthew

Porpoise Song (Theme From "Head")

Circle Sky

Pleasant Valley Sunday

Till Then  (Video of the recently deceased Peter Tork playing jazz on an f-hole guitar and singing the poignant Mills Brother’s hit.)

Set 2

Papa Gene's Blues

Randy Scouse Git

Tapioca Tundra

I'll Spend My Life With You

Joanne

Me & Magdelena

Take a Giant Step

Auntie's Municipal Court

Goin' Down

Sweet Young Thing

(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone

Daydream Believer

What Am I Doin' Hangin' 'round?

Encore:

Listen to the Band

I'm a Believer

          Although he rarely speaks of his old band, Nesmith clearly performed passionately. Interestingly, he really seemed to get into singing backup on “Steppin’ Stone” and “I’m A Believer”. You could read the look on his face – “Try to tell me we didn’t have great songs!” 

          This wasn’t technically the best concert I’ve ever seen, but it IS my all-time favorite concert.

Part Four

           On the Friday morning before Labor Day, I was digging through stacks of CDs on the floor of my music room, looking for something to play on my way to work. I ran across a CD I’d compiled by Squeeze. “Squeeze. I haven’t listened to them for a while.” While driving to work I was reveling in how great Squeeze was. “I would LOVE to see them in concert!” “Why don’t they ever come to the states?” I was a little depressed ‘knowing’ I would never see them in concert. I got in about five minutes before the start of work and snuck into their web site. They were performing in my favorite theater the next night! What are the odds? I own around 6000 CDs* by hundreds of bands. Amazing I just happened to pick them out on the day I really needed to. I got a ticket in the mostly packed theater. I was able to take a road trip overnight to Chicago – perfect for the three day weekend.

          In person they were much punchier and more hard rockin’ than on their (already great) albums. It seems Glenn Tilbrook’s lead guitar playing has been suppressed on their records, but he played lots of great rockin’ solos in concert. He still has his eternally youthful voice.  Tilbrook and Chris Difford are such great songwriters they are actually sick of being called ‘the Lennon and McCartney of the 80’s’. Must be rough!

*Remember, ‘No one listens to CDs anymore’ – so don’t rob me!

Part Five

Mystery Science Theater 3000 Live

           There are more bad movies than there are stars in the heavens. I was able to hitch a ride on The S.O.L. (The Satelite of Love!) with Joel Robinson, Tom Servo and Crow, to examine one of them -- “Circus of Horrors” in all it’s excruciatingly excruciating detail,

          Joel Hodgson was the only actor from the original show performing. He was accompanied by four other performers – two women who played the mad scientists, and two men who pupeteered Tom & Crow.

         The performance was hilarious – easily as funny as the best episodes of the TV show. Thanks to MST3K’s wackily tacky, homemade approach, the stage show was a reasonable approximation of the TV program.

          ­­­­­­­Joel kicked things off playing electric guitar and leading the audience in a sing along of the show’s theme song. Stage center, there was the movie screen relatively high up, with a proscenium arch under it, where the performers acted out the between-movie-segment skits. There was a little table to the side, where Joel and the ‘bots sat to heckle the film. (They didn’t make silhouettes on the screen, but that was a very minor difference from the TV shows.) Between movie segments and skits, the movie screen showed videos of Cambot racing through the numbered doorways, just like on the TV show. They even added a little history to the proceedings –throughout the evening they showed all the different ‘doorway’ segments from the show’s history, labeled with the era in which they were used.

          I saw the show in Dubuque. A few nights before, they were in Davenport, showing a different movie. I would have loved to have seen it both nights, but after all the bullshit charges that get added on the internet by the ticket sellers, it would have cost $100 per night! Had a couple more of the original cast members been there I would have spent it. Oh well. I guess bucket list items are meant to be a once in a lifetime experience.

          Finally! Push the button Frank!

            

          

         

Slow News Day?

After embracing her gray hair, Rosie O'Donnell is ready for another hair change!*

The 57-year-old actress and comedian stepped out with a new pixie haircut at the opening night of the revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Oklahoma!" musical in New York City on Sunday.

Her short crop is ready for spring, highlighting her salt-and-pepper hair and clear-framed glasses. But it’s not the first time she has cut her hair short or gone gray.

O’Donnell explained in a TODAY interview that her role the show “SMILF” helped her embrace her gray locks.

“(Show creator) Frankie (Shaw) said, 'Can you grow your gray out? And, I thought, 'How hard could it be? It takes years … We had to put in streaks,’” she said.

In January, O’Donnell said she wasn’t sure if she would keep her hair gray, as some of her children were protesting her new look. "Well, I don't know. I have five kids and three of them are voting (to) go back. Three of them say, 'You look way too old,'" she revealed. **

* Okay, this is the sentence in the entire history of the English language least deserving of an exclamation point. The former sentence least deserving; "Finally available, Herb Alpert's Greatest Hits -- digitally remastered!"

** WOW! HOW REVEALING! 

Gotta Love That Pig-O-Phonic Sound! Roochie Toochie

Stan Laurel 100 years & a day ago

          100 years and a day ago, Stan Laurel performed in person at the Majestic Theatre in Dubuque Iowa for the first of four days. He performed with his common law wife, Mae.
           Even though he would not form his legendary partnership with Oliver Hardy for almost another 10 years, the promotional article in the perdurable* Dubuque newspaper The Telegraph Herald, described him as a ‘former screen star’.  According to the article, at that point he had ‘featured’ in 12 films for the Pathe company. He would not start his famous association with Hal Roach Studios until 1923.
          Laurel and his wife performed ’18 karat comedy antics and burlesque dramatics’ in a comedy skit called ‘With No Mother to Guide Them’.
          Also on the bill were;
          Rosalie Asher, a singer and monologist who billed herself as ‘The little bundle of joy’.
          The Reckless Duo, ‘two splendid specimens of young manhood, (who) perform sensational head balancing, and feats of strength, and also go in for some flying trapeze thrillers.”
          And, ‘Last but not least, … Lolotte, the mammoth Russian bear, that glides about on roller skates and performs any number of laughable antics.’ 
          Stan was born Arthur Stanley Jefferson, June 16, 1890 in Ulverston, Lancashire, England. He was married four times, and was sued by a fifth woman claiming to be his common law wife. Mae’s major contribution to his legend is that she suggested he adopt the stage name Laurel, after the thing Roman Emperors wore. Her name was Mae Charlotte Dahlburg Cuthbert – she was an Australian dancer.             
*The Telegraph Herald continues to be published, literally to this very day.

Kozmo of the Cosmos by Bob Kronlage 02/21/19

Goodbye, Peter Tork

Peter Halsten Thorkelson (February 13, 1942 – February 21, 2019), better known as Peter Tork, was an American musician and actor, best known as a singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist with The Monkees.

 

KOZMO of the Cosmos by Bob Kronlage 021719