December is the month of the phonograph record. I made that up. But it is. I'll be observing it all month at my mog and I encourage you to observe it with me. For the original post declaring December the month of the phonograph record, click here. Join the conversation!
I had been in Baghdad for two weeks.
It was Spring 1999.
I had no music.
When I was packing back in Chicago, I made a hasty decision to leave my walkman and cassettes behind. Hasty decisions are not always bad decisions, but they aren't always good decisions either.
A lot had happened in two weeks: I had been invited to Saddam Hussein's birthday party, I had seen a mother fall screaming over her dead child, and I had a hunch that my roommate was an American spy.
Through it all, I had just one song in my head. Actually, it was just one line of one song.
Uncle Vernon, Uncle Vernon, independent as a hog on ice.
I had to hear it. I had to hear it or I was going to go insane. I had to at least get one more line in my head.
I phoned home.
My girlfriend answered.
- I need some help.
- Are you okay?
The connection was scratchy and there was a delay.
- I'm okay. Are you near the record player?
- Yes.
- I need you to put a record on for me. Can you get the phone close to the speaker?
My Trusted MOGs
Hey, that's all amazing. I already claimed Ollabelle's post "story of the day" but I think you tie, at least.
My Trusted MOGs
I agree Mr. Spencer, this is a great post. What a story and oh boy, what a clip.
My Trusted MOGs
Yes, I can't agree more. Thank God for ipods and mp3's.
My Trusted MOGs
YES.
I love the idea of Tom Waits kind of sneaking up on you and pestering you in such an unlikely locale. Reminds me of Fishing with John.
Also, I forgot that you were invited to old boy's birthday bash. Not a lot of Moggers can say THAT.
My Trusted MOGs
That song was incredible!
My Trusted MOGs
It is an incredible performance. And it is an incredible song. I can't stop watching it.
My Trusted MOGs
I find that most Tom Waits songs have vivid images and will whisk you away to these incredibly odd places. That performance just grabs you and sticks your face in it. It's totally transfixing. Great find!
My Trusted MOGs
Great story, great song, fantastic clip, BUT....
I just wanted to commend you for having Kelley Stoltz as your Top Artist.
My Trusted MOGs
I went to Canada once.
My Trusted MOGs
Thank goodness for YouTube, otherwise we'd all be sadly lacking in Tom Waits video. This message will self-destruct. . .
My Trusted MOGs
That video makes me sad, only because I probably will never get a chance to see Tom live. A small fragment of hope lives on in me though...
I love you You Tube.
My Trusted MOGs
Wow, what a performance! I cant stop watching! Thanks for the post
My Trusted MOGs
It's wonderful being introduced finally to this original artist. Some of the best music is unclassifiable.