Cavalcade of Food: Winter 2025 Window Displays

THAT album cover, which Kevin displays in today's video, was mighty damn risque in 1965, and put Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass on the map.  I well recall the straight boys all lost their minds over this Playboy-style photo.

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Your Head Trucker spends a lot of time revisiting past eras, so I can relate to Kevin's interests in old recipes, appliances, furniture, and decor.  And what a collection of stuff he has in his private museum up in Croswell, Michigan!  So many things we or our parents used to own, but which in the course of time have slipped out of our hands.  Certainly brings back memories.

I don't necessarily share all of Kevin's interests in these antiques, but I do admire his presevationist spirit - and am astonished at all the energy he puts into redoing these big window displays throughout the year.  The latest items all have to do with music from the late 50s and early 60s.  Enjoy.

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Groovin' with the Greeks

Ancient Greek rocker auditioning for Athenian Idol

Have you ever wondered what ancient Greek music sounded like?  I did - but we were told in Music Appreciation 101, which I took at only a slightly later point in history, that it was impossible to know because (1) they had no tape recorders back then, and (2) they couldn't be arsed to write down the scores.  So I gave up wondering and focused my mind on more pressing mysteries, like modern poetry and passing that damn algebra class.

But it is a true saying that in the unending cycles of Time, all things old are new again, eventually.  Point 1 above remains true, so far as present knowledge goes, but Point 2 apparently was misinformation.

For lo and behold, now comes an Oxford professor who believes - nay, asserts unequivocally - that here at the end of all the ages, he has unlocked the musical sounds of antiquity for us to enjoy.  And perhaps he has.  Here is a truly fascinating video he made recently that will give you an earful of ancient Greek chart-toppers:



I am no musician, so in my ignorance, I dare not presume to comment on the technical aspects of this rediscovered music. But no doubt it will soon be heard on American Top 40, and why not? Sounds no worse than the other stuff the younger generation dotes on these days. I can't wait till Ancient Greece: The Musical arrives on Broadway. With roller skates and laser lights, no doubt.

Rockin' out!

Apparently some kind of bagpipe player with a rather peculiar tether string

Won't you take me to Funky Town?

Party dude came home singing from the drinking contest, helped by his handy servant boy who holds up an empty wine jug for Papi to pee in.
I'm not making this up.

Old goat making his move on a handsome flute player -
"Here, let me teach you how to blow it."

My American Idol Picks

 Tonight your Head Trucker finally found the time to watch the top 24 contestants from this year's American Idol.

I'm not going to criticize anyone's singing, because having been married to a musician, I know firsthand how very much effort and preparation goes into just a single performance; and I think it's hateful to dismiss someone's work with a rude jab. For those of us who aren't professional musicians, it really all comes down to simple preference, not considered judgment, you know?

But I will tell you whom I did like. Although they all did a credible job, I wasn't too impressed with the women overall, and a few had voices I would find irritating the second time around. But Crystal Bowersox ("Long as I Can See the Light") struck me as being an earthy, soulful original, not in the cutesie cookie-cutter mold; and Paige Miles ("Walk Away") made me sit up and take notice with her powerful voice. Those two I'd like to hear more of.

I was more attracted to the men's side - gee, wonder why - and both Lee Dewyze ("Lips of an Angel") and Michael Lynche ("It's a Man's World") impressed me with their distinctive ear-candy voices. But Aaron Kelly ("My Girl") walked away with the show, in my opinion. He sounds a bit youngish, as you might expect of a 16-year-old. But OMG what a helluva voice that boy has: he sang right to my heart. I'm betting on him at least to be one of the final two, if not the winner of the whole shootin' match.

So who are you guys rooting for?

Sunday Drive: The Gifts I Have

And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.

And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?

Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

Everybody has a talent, big or small, weak or strong.

Use it, and be glad for what you can do, not what you can't.

Beau Soir

Seeing a Barbra Streisand CD offered by Joe.My.God for his "Swag Tuesday" giveaway somehow reminded me of her Classical Barbra album that I bought and enjoyed many years ago. I thought I'd share my favorite from that with you, a lovely piece to close out the evening.

Side note: One time in college I briefly dated a tenor, the darling of the music department, who starred in their productions at the college theater. One night I had him over to the house and played this album, thinking he would enjoy the classical pieces; but oh how he hooted and hollered and turned up his nose at that awful sound Barbra was making - oh that's terrible, she's not doing it right, he said, smirking and grinning like an ape. He did this with every single song on the album.

Which rather spoiled the evening for me.

At the end of that year, his degree completed, he went on to New York to have his big career. He never wrote or called. But it does give me a certain satisfaction to be able to report to you that after all these many years, everybody still knows and loves Barbra Streisand.

But nobody has ever heard of Jim B. again.

And so, my friends - good night.

Comedy Relief: Istanbul (Not Constantinople)

I gotta cold here, tripping out on cough meds and such, and feeling like crap warmed over. But this song always gives me a lift; it earned a gold record for Canadian group The Four Lads back in 1953. Maybe it will make you smile too.

Consumer warning: May stick to your brain, requiring surgical removal.

Lovelight: Unchained Melody

The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness. . . .

Freedom. That was a major theme in the President's Inaugural Address this week, and so the beautiful Unchained Melody seems a fitting choice for this Sunday night's music. For freedom means unchained . . . .

Yeah, I know, all the couples in this video are straight; but I'm presenting it anyway, in honor of our new President and First Lady, both of whom are self-avowed, openly practicing heterosexuals. I have no problem with that, I'm not prejudiced - why, some of my best friends are into that lifestyle, doesn't bother me a bit; and isn't it great to live in a country where everybody can be who they really are, and love whomever they please?

You may remember the Righteous Brothers' famous version of this, which is a favorite of mine. But here is the band Heart doing a live version that is out of this world. I had this on an LP back in the day, and I played the wires off of it. Hope you're sitting down when you listen to it, boys, because it's a thriller. When the incomparable Ann Wilson hits those high notes, I still get shivers going right down my spine.

This past week has been a real thriller too, something I'll never forget. Once more the old, old song goes out across meadow, prairie, and mountain, and freedom rings clear and true in the hearts of Americans. So from Texas, good night and God bless to all my buddies across the nation and around the world. Enjoy.

Afternoon Drive: A Bright, Sunshiny Day

I think I can make it now, the pain is gone,

All of the bad feelings have disappeared,

Here is that rainbow I've been praying for,

It's gonna be a bright, bright sunshiny day.

The roommate and I were discussing last night - how suddenly good it feels now to be alive and living in America. It's the same earth and sky when I look out my window; but there really is a new vibration in the air, a subtle thing that tickles the back of your neck, something thrilling and joyous and free. Something that makes you want to run outside, throw your hat up in the air, and shout whoopee!

A feeling we haven't felt for a long, long time. But now a new day is here, a change has come, and it's great to be an American once more. Thanks be to God.

So it's no surprise that Johnny Nash's big hit has been playing in the back of my mind all week long. Think you'll like it too. What a week it's been, have a great weekend, y'all.

Last Dance

The Obamas strike me as being realists, not romantics. You know, the early-to-bed, early-to-rise type, putting nose to the grindstone and homework before playtime. And for goodness' sake, they've been married for years and have two school-age children. Hardly a fairytale prince and princess; but tonight they gave a good-enough imitation as the President danced "with the one who brung me" at each of the nine inaugural balls they visited briefly, each time to the tune of "At Last."

Said Barack about Michelle: "She does everything I do, only backwards and in high heels." A gallant compliment, a lovely evening; a wonderful beginning.

In time, our romance with the new President will wear off too and be replaced by something less illusory and more practical, workable, clear-sighted, grounded. As with every successful marriage. I know that, and maybe you do too.

But this is a night for dancing - and dreaming. So let us enjoy love's ardours while they last. How often do we get the chance?

And your Head Trucker is turning in uncharacteristically early here, at the end of this long, joyous, historic day. I'm whipped boys, all wrung out; got to hit the hay now. Tomorrow, like the man said, we go to work to change America, and the world. So from away out on the Texas prairie, good night and God bless.

Update, 1/22: Found a video of Beyonce channeling Etta James and serenading the Obamas - who look as sweetly lovey-dovey as any young couple at the senior prom - at the Neighborhood Ball, their first dance of the evening. What a memory they made for us there.

And despite the Vice-President's protest that he can't dance, the Bidens didn't look too shabby, either.

Live Blogging the Inaugural Concert

I don't have satellite, but just discovered you can see it online at http://www.hbo.com/weareone/webcast/index.html.

Texas Time - CST

3:55 - Joe.My.God. is reporting that gay bishop Gene Robinson's invocation was not televised by HBO. (I didn't catch the first part of the concert, so I wouldn't have known.) Also that the guys in the red ties were indeed the DC Gay Men's Chorus, but were not announced on stage nor were they identified on screen. Right. Well, we have our work still to do here in America, don't we boys?

3:35 - In case you missed it, HBO will replay tonight at 7 Eastern and again at 11:30 EST. Go to http://www.hbo.com/weareone/ for details.

3:30 - End titles rolling on the screen, the Obamas start working through the people on stage, handshakes and hugs. A long shot: a big crowd on stage, all colors bunched together. Like America. Lincoln Memorial looks dark in the gathering dusk, wonder why they don't have it lit up brightly, that would have been my inclination. Well, a very nice concert and the beginning of what will culminate, to our great joy and relief, at noon on Tuesday. God bless America, what a long dark and gloomy time we have waited for this CHANGE to get here.

3:27 - Beyonce singing "America the Beautiful." Crowd singing along. All the performers coming back on stage, all the choirs, a color guard. "America, we are one" she closes it with.

3:23 - Some really old guy I should recognize but don't, singing "This Land Is Your Land" flanked by Springsteen - that other guy was somebody else, this is The Boss - and some really woofy guitarist with dark hair and stache. Red and blue sweatered choir singing behind them, crowd all singing along. The Obamas are singing too. Nobody is minding the cold. OMG just realized - the guy I first thought was Springsteen must have been John Mellenkamp. Jeeezus.

3:20 - "Asking you to come together as one people so we can carry forward the legacy of our founding fathers." Obama returns to his seat, crowd thunders their applause. Chant: O-BA-MA, O-BA-MA, O-BA-MA.

3:18 - Talking about bringing everbody together, black white native American Latino Asian, straight and GAY. Boys, that's really something for these old ears to hear.

3:11 - An honor guard from the five services marches to center stage. Some park-ranger looking guy brings out a bald eagle named Challenger, perched on his arm. Another ranger, another eagle, named Mr. Lincoln. All these folks leave, and Obama walks to the podium. Crowd goes wild. Your Head Trucker chokes up a little.

3:07 - U2 segues into another song I've never heard. Got a good beat though, you could dance to it. Sort of. Great camera cut to Obama, looking happy, confident, approving - and cold. Hope the secret service thought to fit him out with those little chemical heat packs in his gloves and boots that the hunters wear in cold weather. A few shots of the crowd, all bundled up but happily bouncing to the music, making the peace sign with their fingers.

3:03 - Now U2 is performing "In the Name of Love" which I've never heard. Guess they are doing okay with it, good crowd response. I'm just old enough to still feel a slight, small shock way in the back of my mind at the idea of a rock band performing at an important national event. And I waited all through that long, long campaign season to hear somebody play "Happy Days Are Here Again" - but nobody did. I'm amazed.

2:54 - Another Lincoln quote by a Somebody, and then another Somebody quoting Faulkner's Nobel speech: "the poet's voice helps man endure and prevail." Now two people named Usher and Shakira are singing an old Stevie Wonder song. Nice that they let some young unknown singers have a part in the festivities, probly will help their careers. Wait. OMG there at the organ - it's Stevie Wonder himself! God he's looking old . . . . Great to see him here though. Jeez, lookit them long, long dreadlocks, looks great on him, very cool.

2:48 - Now he's segued again into "We Shall Be Free" which I blogged about last week. Lyrics are very appropriate to the day, in this pro-tolerance anthem. God he's looking old. And he's younger than me!

2:46 - Now, just as inexplicably, Garth has segued into "Shout!" backed by a big chorus in red and blue sweaters. Garth has written and sung some good songs in his career, but I can't stand to watch him on stage; he always seems so gimmicky somehow - the guy from the feed store who somehow found his way on stage and is hamming it up.

2:44 - Garth Brooks just came out, singing "American Pie." I like the song, but seems a strange choice. The only thing particularly "American" about it is the title. Go figure. But the crowd seems to love it, waving and cheering.

2:38 - Tiger Woods talked about growing up in a military family and the sacrifices made by those who dedicate their lives to serving their country; introduced the USNA Glee Club, backing Renee Fleming singing "You'll Never Walk Alone," a lovely, lovely song.

2:33 - Will.i.am and Sheryl Crow are singing "Let's Get Together." Okay, but not a tune I recognize. God it looks cold up there - a gray, overcast day. Brrr. The Inaugural party with the Obamas and Bidens seems to be sitting in a glassed-around area at the foot of the steps of the Memorial; jeez, hope they got some heaters blowing down there.

2:25 - Queen Latifah (she's gay, right?) introduced a clip of Marian Anderson singing "My Country 'Tis of Thee"; now Josh Groban has come on stage to finish the song. Joined by Heather Headley, whoever that is. Nice arrangement and singing with feeling. Backed by a huge all-male chorus in black suits, white shirts, red ties. There's a couple of woofy-looking guys in there. A gay men's chorus?

2:20 - Some old anonymous looking guy is singing "Little Pink Houses." Wait. No. OMG, that can't be Springsteen!?!?!????? Jeezus, are we all really that damn old?

2:16 - James Taylor sang "Shower the people you love with love/Show them the way that you feel/Things are gonna work out fine if you only will . . . " Means a lot to someone of my generation to see James Taylor up there. He's got 4 backup singers, probably all Somebody to the younger generation, but I don't recognize them.

2:12 - Tom Hanks (God he looks old - and he's my age) just delivered a series of Lincoln quotes to Aaron Copeland's "Portrait of Lincoln" by the Marine Band. My favorite:

As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master. This expresses my idea of democracy. Whatever differs from this, to the extent of the difference, is no democracy.

Afternoon Drive: Don't Tell Me Who to Love

Out singer/songwriter Ray Boltz has posted a free download of his newest tune on his blog, and it's one I think all you Truckers are gonna love. I sure do.

So crank it up and let's head on out of town now. Y'all have a good one.

(Honk to Joe.My.God)

Yes We Can

No comment from your Head Trucker. For some reason, I can't see to type at the moment.

More great videos at David Mixner's site.