Saturday, January 09, 2010

Five Random Songs

Places to go and things to do today, so this will be short. Gaslight's building sets over at Hallowell City Hall this morning, so join us if you've got some time and a hammer.

1. "Werewolves of London," Warren Zevon. Still sharp, still funny. When I moved to Los Angeles, I had to drink a pina colada at Trader Vic's just because of this song; I saw several men whose hair was perfect, but no one who looked like a werewolf. Then again, you can't always tell.

2. "Shut Up and Kiss Me," Mary Chapin Carpenter. I used to see her live performances at every opportunity, when I lived in Washington. It's been too long since I've seen her in concert.

3. "So Quiet in Here," Van Morrison. This CD (Enlightenment) was part of the soundtrack for my move to Los Angeles in 1999, but I haven't listened to it in ages. Time to pull it out again.

4. "Goldberg Variations, Variation 28 a Deux Claviers," Pius Cheung. The Goldberg Variations arranged for solo marimba, which is beautiful and magical. A gift from my friend Gary; thanks!

5. "Big Time," Peter Gabriel. Wow, several songs this morning I haven't thought about in a very long time; in fact, iTunes tells me I haven't listened to this song since December 2008. I have a vivid memory of hearing this song in a Washington, DC bar called Club Soda, sometime around 1987. That bar is long gone, but I think the sign's still there — Claire, can you confirm this?

6 comments:

Kieran Shea said...

I recall seeing ZZevon at the Bayou when there still was a Bayou in Georgetown and not the Death Star Condo Office Plex that's there now. He eventually play WOL not before commenting on people shouting out PLAY WEREWOLVES! Something along the fact that every artist dreads becoming an oldies act. Then he said one of the funniest things I've ever heard a performer say (although I'll have to tell you in person someday as it's a tad blue for the blog). Stay groovy....

Claire said...

I'm pretty sure it is, I feel like I have passed that sign many times. Is it in Cleveland Park?

Ellen Clair Lamb said...

Yes, Club Soda used to be in Cleveland Park, more or less across the street from the Uptown Theater. It's pretty close to your neighborhood.

Kieran, I was probably at that show — I saw Zevon at the Bayou at least once — but do not remember what he said! You can tell me next time we meet up . . . I will be in DC for a couple of weeks later this month.

Kieran Shea said...

Bayou was at the bottom of Wisc. on K under the Whitehurst Freeway. Let me know when you're in DC. Cool.

Ellen Clair Lamb said...

Oh, I remember the Bayou well; I lived within walking distance when I was in college. Saw Zevon there at least once, and was at the Too Much Joy show there that they recorded for the "Live at Leeds" album. I just don't remember what WZ said at that show. . .

Sue Lin said...

Loved the comment on drinks at Trader Vic's in LA. One of my friends in Hawaii (from the Hill & Knowlton pr days)is Vicki Bergeron - daughter of Trader Vic! She has been married to popular singer Jimmy Borges for a while now.