The original version of “Pictures of Matchstick Men” was recorded by the English band Status Quo in 1968. It’s a great piece of 1960s psychedelic trash. American band Camper Van Beethoven made a great cover version in 1989. It’s an affectionate tribute to the weirdness and excesses of the era. Robert Christgau wrote that it “smirks cheerfully at hippie nostalgia”.
Month: March 2018
Using the presidential seal for profit
This is the ProPublica article on the Trump Organization ordering golf course tee markers with the presidential seal. Just another potential law violation. Sad!
Trump doesn’t care about consumer protection
You can’t make this up
Kellyanne Conway broke the rules but probably will not be punished for it
Kellyanne Conway has violated the Hatch Act but will probably not suffer any consequences. Sad!
EPA appointees work for outside clients
57% think Trump is a racist
A recent poll showed that 57% think that Trump is a racist. I agree.
However, Chris Cillizza makes the point that it might mean that people answer yes if they don’t like Trump.
This article notes that racism doesn’t make a big impact in historical rankings of presidents. Sad!
Drawing the line
I completely agree with this tweet. It is shameful that Cohn could still work for Trump after “very fine people” but quit over tariffs. It seems like Republicans in Congress are much more upset about Trump’s tariff ideas than his racism. Sad!
Covers: Think
“Think” was originally recorded by The “5” Royales. It is an excellent record but unusual only for Lowman Pauling’s guitar playing which was ahead of it’s time.
James Brown’s 1960 cover was revolutionary. He completely redoes the song in a much faster tempo.
Steve Cropper also covered it on his 2011 album Dedicated – A Tribute to the 5 Royales.
The “5” Royales are not nearly as well known as they should be. Two of their best songs, “Think” and Dedicated to the One I Love” are better known in cover versions. This comprehensive box set is very impressive.
Sad! 