The best known usage of the theremin is in “Good Vibrations” by the Beach Boys. It’s also used in the score for the film Ed Wood.
By the way, Dust to Digital issues great music.
Month: July 2021
Great Instagram post on Smiley Lewis
This is a fine post about Smiley Lewis by Dimestoreradio,
It’s a shame that Lewis’s records are best known in cover versions:
Blue Monday and I Hear You Knocking – Fats Domino
One Night (of Sin) – Elvis Presley (with more wholesome lyrics)
At least nobody else (that I know of) did anything with “Shame Shame Shame”.
Covers: We Can Work It Out
Covers: Jambalaya (On the Bayou)
“Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” is a Hank Williams song from 1952. There are lots of covers including one in Spanish and one with a 7 year old playng accordian. Try the Blue Ridge Rangers (John Fogerty) and Professor Longhair (which has Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown on fiddle) versions.
Covers: I’m Movin’ On (Hank Snow song)
“I’m Movin’ On” was originally a 1950 country record by Hank Snow. The 1959 cover by Ray Charles is amazing. It starts with railroad sound effects – whistles by the saxes and train sound effects by the drummer before it starts with lyrics about moving on by riding a train. It was recorded in his last session for Atlantic. I recall reading somewhere that it could be interpreted as his message to the label.
Another unique cover is the version by Professor Longhair. It’s not one of my favorite of his great recordings but like Charles, he reimagines the song in a version far from the original.
A list of covers from the great site Second Hand Songs.
My view on Maryland gerrymandering
I live in Maryland where Democrats used gerrymandering to increase their margin in the House of Representatives from 6-2 to 7-1. This was done the last time congressional districts were drawn.
I oppose gerrymandering. However, I don’t want Democrats to disarm unilaterally which is what would happen if they made Maryland fair. If they want to go for 8-0, I would support that now. Republicans have made it clear they support gerrymandering. They won’t vote for laws that would eliminate biased maps. The US Supreme Court has also made it clear they won’t stop states from gerrymandering.
It’s a shame it has come to this but I blame the Republican Party.
Red state/Blue state divide on vaccinations
The highest rates are in states that voted for Biden. Trump and his party’s ignorance and lies has suppressed the totals in states that voted for him. I guess they don’t care if their supporters die of Covid as long as they don’t have to get vaccinated or wear masks. The Trump cult is so selfish. They only care about them, not what would benefit everyone.
COVID-19 resurging in these US hotspots (msn.com)
COVID-19 cases are spiking in the U.S., CDC warns (msn.com)
That’s what happens in areas with low vaccination rates – they’re vulnerable
I saw the Kinks three times
11/10/72 Washington and Jefferson College, Washington, PA
Opening act was Lindesfarne. The show was similar to the live record on Everbody’s in Show-biz (1972).
11/25/74 Stanley Theatre, Pittsburgh, PA
Here’s the setlist. The focus was on Preservation. The Kinks had a large touring company in that era.
May 10, 1993 Hammerjack’s Baltimore, MD
Here’s a review of a 1993 show. By that point, they were back down to a five-piece band and played songs from their entire 30 year history.
This chart lists band members for their history.
Sad! 