An Aging Rock Critic's Reasons To Be Cheerful, Part 1

Until the Dow is back above 10,000 and/or there is peace in the Middle East, I hereby pledge to on some semi-occasional basis offer right here on Huffington Post some reasons to be cheerful during our current Depression. I use the word Depression here not in any technical economic sense, but more in the traditional, semi-literary Sylvia Plath sense. I use the word simply because I cannot stand to hear another individual utter the phrase "these economic times" -- words which themselves bum me out by sounding so fantastically portentous yet completely meaningless.

For the record, these "Reasons To Be Cheerful" are so named in honor of a wonderful song, "Reasons To Be Cheerful, Part 3" made famous by the late, great Ian Dury -- a wonderfully unique old punk who did not live long enough to see "these economic times -- and his brilliant band The Blockheads, who are now back playing together, itself another reason to be cheerful. Furthermore, in my nearly half-hearted effort to help usher in a new and more responsible, pay-as-you-go economic era, at least one of my reasons to be cheerful each week must be free, at least in theory.

1) You Can Finally See My Dinner With Jimi -- Does it reveal too much to say that the Turtles were the first band I ever loved sometime in the early mid-Seventies right before I discovered the Raspberries and somehow then the Beatles? Perhaps so. But it's taken years for some company to reveal this intriguing and charming rock & roll movie that somehow got lost in the pipeline. The song that first made me love the Turtles was "Happy Together," which struck me then as now as a perfectly constructed and performed pop masterpiece full of great romance and menace -- sort of like life itself. As a kid I had the good fortune to meet one of the song's writers Gary Bonner who was at the time running a health food store in Teaneck, New Jersey and, when I met him, busy scooping carob chips. Mr. Bonner could not have been nicer to me as he washed his hands of carob and signed some of my many, many Turtles' albums. This movie now finally released on DVD is based on Turtles lead singer Howard Kaylan's surprisingly clear memory of the band's trip to England in 1967 in the wake of that monster hit, and their meetings with John, Paul, George and Ringo, Graham Nash, Donovan and Jimi Hendrix, among others. Directed by Bill Fishman of Tapeheads fame, My Dinner With Jimi isn't perfect by any means, but it's fairly fascinating window into the stoned reality of Sixties rock world with a little My Dinner With Andre thrown into the mix, except this time it's Kaylan (played nicely by former Kramer Vs. Kramer kid Justin Henry) having an extended dinner conversation with Jimi Hendrix, a long iconic figure who actor and comedian Royal Watkins vividly and convincingly brings to life here -- itself something of a public service.

2) You Can Go To The Grammy Museum Like Me And Check Out "The Drop" -- If you love music, and live anywhere near Los Angeles, you really should check out The Grammy Museum which is a fantastic part of LA Live downtown. Sure, I'm biased having had the pleasure of working on the Grammys for years now, but I'm here to tell you this Museum is a great place to spend a few hours getting lost and maybe even found in all things musical. And starting this week, the Museum has kicked off a very cool new program called "The Drop" which seems like an excellent chance to watch a series of interesting artists discuss and perform material from their latest release. This week I already missed appearances by Nanci Griffith, Rhett Miller and Mandy Moore because of a non-stop series of elementary graduation events for my kids. At least where I live, elementary school graduation has somehow become the new medical school graduation -- only with more pomp, circumstance and swim parties. But I will not miss being downtown this coming Monday night to see "The Drop" with Marshall Crenshaw, another of my early pop rock heroes. Marshall has a brand new album called Jaggedland, and I can't hardly wait to go back to the Museum to hear Marshall discuss it with the Museum's Executive Director Robert Santelli and perform some songs for a few hundred of his closest friends. You can't miss me -- I'll be the loud bastard begging Marshall to play "Monday Morning Rock" or "Favorite Waste of Time."

3) You Can Spend More Time With Your Kids -- Okay, here is this week's theoretically free reason to be cheerful. Kids are great. They're funny. They're smart. And they don't talk too much about "these economic times" as a rule. They're also shorter than you -- at least until they eventually sprout up -- much like the Dow.

I'll be back to uplift you more later. In the meantime, let everyone know: what the hell are your "Reasons To Be Cheerful"?

Comments

[JGatsby]

That is so cool that My Dinner with Jimi is finally available. I can't wait to see it. I'm a big Turtles fan although I came to appreciate them via Frank Zappa. The line up of the Mothers of Invention with Flo and Eddie on lead vocals is my favorite. I have fond memories of listening to "Live at the Fillmore" where they have several songs mocking the life of rock stars and groupies finally leading up to "OK baby hear comes my hit single... with a bullet!... imagine me and you and you and me..." The contrast of Zappa's satirical lyrics leading up to their Turtles hit single has to be one of the all time classic live moments in rock history.

[nammy50]

A movie on the life of Ian Dury is in the works with Andy Serkis of LOTR Gollum fame playing Ian.

Great post, thanks.

[Aramingo]

Well, I'm surpised nobody mentioned what, IMHO, is one of THE great Dylan covers, It Ain't Me Babe. That aside, "Happy Together" was on the charts when I was in my first "steady" relationship. It was "our" song. Although it seems we weren't alone.

[joelaf]

Any thread, anywhere that exposes people to Ian Dury ( Sir Ian) is alright by me. One Love, to last a lifetime

[David Wild - Huffpost Blogger]

How do you feel about the current reunion?

[joelaf]

It'llnever be the same without Ian, but....... as long as Charlie and Norman are there, it will rock

[RobinLandseadel]

PS: Let's hear it for "Battle of the Bands" [the album that produced "Elenore" & a cover of the Byrds ultra early "You Showed Me"] featuring the immortal "I'm Chief Kamanawanalea (We're the Royal Macadamia Nuts)."

[David Wild - Huffpost Blogger]

Robin -- LOVE "Battle Of The Band" -- a concept album with a concept that works, and great songs too! It's like "Sgt. Pepper" but funnier. Thanks for mentioning -- and did you see Howard Kaylan himself commenting below. That was a nice surprise.

Which reminds me -- remember the song "Goodbye Surprise"?

[RobinLandseadel]

When I think of the Turtles, I think of my Mom playing [and singing along with] the LP "Just Another Band From LA", featuring Flo & Eddie singing "Billy the Mountain" & "Eddie are You Kidding?" :

"I'm coming over shortly,
because I am a portly.
You promised you could fit me
in a fifty dollar suit [Hey!]"

Reason to be cheerful #4: My mom just turned 75.

[David Wild - Huffpost Blogger]

And congrats on your mom's birthday.
Just lost my dad this year, so trust me when I say, treasure every one of her many birthdays to come

[Gil Asakawa]

As a retired rockcrit who was both cynical and a lover of fluffy pop, I was always a big Turtles fan. Hell, I was a big Turtles fan when I was just a week kid. "Elenore," "Happy Together," "It Ain't Me Babe," "She'd Rather Be with Me," and the seldom-mentioned lovelies, "You Don't Have to Walk in the Rain" and "You Showed Me" all defined the late '60s for me as much as the news images of anti-war demonstrations, Black Panthers, the moon walk and Woodstock (which were, remember, within a few weeks of each other). Great stuff. And when I was in college in the mid-'70s, Flo & Eddie's gorgeous "Keep It Warm" from their "Moving Targets" album was a staple of my "Crossroads West" radio show on WPIR, Pratt Institiute Radio. Thanks to them, and to you, Mr. David-I'm-­younger-th­an-The-Dea­n's-genera­tion-Wild rock critic. Nice piece, nostalgic and moderne both. I'd like to see a list of your power-pop faves next....

[David Wild - Huffpost Blogger]

Thanks so much, Gil -- "Keep It Warm" is a fixture on my iPod and in my heart. I will work on that power pop list too.

[Gil Asakawa]

I kind agot cranking on my lost ion Facebook as replies to some comments ... after I snagged "gil,asakawa" as my username.

[learntofly]

Loved the story about Gary Bonner. The Turtles are a great group - and kind of addictive to listen to. Agreed, Kids change your life for the better. Taking my boy to the beach tomorrow - packing lots of sunscreen and twizzlers. I need to mix a few CD's for the car - Any suggestions?

[David Wild - Huffpost Blogger]

Because of your screen name any Foo Fighters, maybe a little Tom Petty -- my kids LOVE "Highway Companion" for any road trip, a little Beach Boys never hurts, or "Tusk" by Fleetwood Mac, or for that matter why not any Turtles. And check out the stunning of the man who's post is down below -- the great Howard Kaylan.

Or if you want to check out a really bright young talent -- check out Diane Birch whose new album "Bible Belt" reminds me of young Laura Nyro or Carole King in full "Tapestry" bloom, but the kids like it too.

Have fun, fun, fun.

[learntofly]

Thanks David! So sorry, I must be half blind to not notice Howard Kaylan's post below. Great Turtles' DVD, perfect for the summer!

[Deborah Frost]

Never mind the "aging" adjective, most of the rock critics I've ever encountered, shared a page with and even occasionally enjoyed the pleasure of reading, were OLD the moment they were BORN. What concerns me is the cheerful portion of the program. If you need to provide reasons to be cheerful, it's time to start selling (or better yet) giving away ice cream. Preferably outside a public playground.

[Howard Kaylan]

Hello David,
and thank you so much for your apprciation of My Dinner With Jimi...the little film that was, for me, a labor of love. There are so many VH-1 type biopix out there that I didn't want to write a 3-act: first they find success, then they discover drugs and, in act three, overcome their habits to take on the world. I sincerely hope that my bleary-eyed perspective translates well into this millenium's download mentality, but even if it doesn't, all it takes is one guy like you who "gets it" and wishes, for one brief 90 minute period, to be a fly on the wall achieving rock success in the 1960s.
Thank you, my friend, for the famous David Wild bump. You are a hero.
Check out photos at www.mydinnerwithjimi.com

[David Wild - Huffpost Blogger]

Thank you Sir Howard.
I will always proud to call myself a lifelong Turtlehead -- less pot, more munchies.
You are in my non-humble opinion one of the greatest singers of all-time, and now quite a promising moviemaker too.
Justin Henry was wonderful, but I must confess I might have cast Brad Pitt or Denzel Washington in your part.

[sonicjohnson]

I have one really great reason to be cheerful. I am moving from ireland to america in a month to start a business venture. san francisco to be precise. If you're reading this you're likely to be american so you should be cheerful for getting to live in such an incredible country.

I was watching the colbert report this week and became jealous of americans. it was joyous to see the solidarity between him and the troops. then obama came on and ordered the general to shave colbert's head, it was such a grand moment. and it struck me that this is not a depression at all. this is the beginning of a golden era. sure money is tight at the moment but we can still have a great time on a budget.

be grateful, this is a wonderful new beginning for america. its cool to be american again!

[David Wild - Huffpost Blogger]

Welcome sonicjohnson, we'll leave the lights on for you.

[learntofly]

Welcome sonic!

[RobinSeattle]

I remember Flo and Eddie's old KMET weekend show in the early 1970's. They also Mc'd a few stadium concerts I went to in the 1970's. And I liked the Turtles, too.

Marshall Crenshaw was completely overrated. He had one good song, "Someday, Someway" and that's it. If you want underrated, look at The Rubinoos. Hell, I enjoyed the Rezillos more than Crenshaw.

I still have all the old Raspberries LPs. Those power chords in "Go Al the Way" are crunchy sonic goodness.

I would have liked to see James Brown do a cover of "Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick." Would have been comedy gold and funkier than Bootsy's running shoes.

[joelaf]

Sir Ian was a charmer, and "Hit Me with..." was one of his greats. There is a youtube video of James Brown and Robert Palmer doing "I feel Good"

[Milash]

Ok, now I'm going to be singing "She'd Rather Be With Me" in my all afternoon! Yay!

Some girls love to run around
Love to handle everything they see
But my girl has more fun around
And you know she'd rather be with

Me-oh-my, (me-oh-my) lucky guy is what I am
Tell you why you'll understand
She don't fly although she can

Some boys (some boys) love to run around
They don't think about the things they do
But this boy (this boy) wants to settle down
And you know he'd rather be with you

Me-oh-my, lucky guy is what I am
Tell you why you'll understand
She don't fly although she can

Ba ba ba ba ba-da ba
Ba ba ba ba ba-da ba
Ba ba ba ba ba-da ba
Ba ba ba ba ba-da ba

Some girls (some girls) love to run around
Love to handle everything they see
My girl (my girl) has more fun around
And you know she'd rather be with
Ya, she'd rather be with
You know she'd rather be with me

Ba ba ba ba, ba ba ba
You know she'd rather be with me...

[David Wild - Huffpost Blogger]

And don't get me started with "You Baby."

[rabb046]

Even though I was late, I'm cheerful that I caught Rhett Miller's set at the Museum.
I'm a heterosexual male but damn, he's dreamy!
The museum's performance space is great and people actually pay attention.
Where else does that happen in L.A except maybe Largo?

[David Wild - Huffpost Blogger]

I heard he was great -- and yes, dreamy.
There are still tickets for Marshall Crenshaw at the Museum on Monday-- now Marshall may be less dreamy than Rhett, but he's another great songwriter worth hearing speak and sing at such a close distance.

[UnderMind]

Wow, Marshall Crenshaw! I saw him at some bar in Harrisburg, PA, in '81 or '82. I was crazy about a song he had out at the time. Of course the girl I was there with (we were dancing barefoot in front of the stage) left with one of the bouncers. I'm still mad about that, but I'll never forget that show. Hey, maybe I'll write a song about that night ...

As for lifting our spirits, keep up the good work. We need all the help we can get.

[kathy001]

1. Seeing "My Dinner with Jimi" will keep me cheerful for most of the summer.

2. I live in Dallas, so I'll just have to eat my heart out.

3. No kids of my own. But, as a 50-something who often wonders how in the heck I got this old, I find that spending time at the neighbor's and having their teenagers ask to borrow all my old albums and tapes can put the spring right back in my step. Kids who think you were sooooo lucky to grow up in the glory days of the Beatles, the Stones and the Turtles! are fantastic.

Thanks for the cheer, David. It really hit the spot!

[David Wild - Huffpost Blogger]

Thanks so much for kathy001. You have reinforced my desire to make this a continuing series of posts!