In the course of our ongoing discourses about proper Geometry and Theology, the Duke de Mondo flung me this mp3 across the electronic airwaves from his home in Ireland. Besides being Blogcritics beloved resident foul-mouthed Mick, the Duke is also widely reputed to be Osama bin Laden's homosexual lover. There is reputed video of the Duke and OBL sacrificing a goat to Satan, though it's somewhat blurry. Being the accomplished liar that he is (Did I mention that he's Irish?), I'm sure the Duke would vociferously deny all of this. Indeed, he might have an even bigger lie about me. Figures. Plus, he'd probably claim that the video isn't him, but rather Sasquatch, or perhaps ol' Slewfoot.
Anyway, the Duke flings me this computer mp3 thingy of this song as a prime example of what really kicks his ass. The Libertines "Can't Stand Me Now" strikes me broadly as Clash-like, with a message of frustration with yourself that I've been digging while rolling through the Indiana harvest fields thinking of stuff like what the hell is wrong with this Duke de Mondo guy anyway? Is he alright?
But what one song might I fling back across the water by way of magical leprachauns and such shite what the Duke could listen to while, say, raping and pillaging Dublin or eating his Lucky Charms, and thinking of his favorite red state radical?
Pay attention class, there's going to be a quiz.
To frame it more specifically, what would be the one song to represent you in the movie? Classic example, the first scene of Silence of the Lambs with the senator's daughter. She's famously driving down the road, totally motivated by Tom Petty's "American Girl." That's what kind of gal she was.
Much as I love me some Prince and Elvis Costello, to represent the real Al would probably require something pretty down home. "I'm No Communist" recorded by Grandpa Jones, contemporaneously begging to allowed to testify for HUAC in the 50s, that rates high. It was my campaign theme song last year.
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— go to most recent comments1 - Victor Plenty
Just one, huh? Tough call. It varies so much depending on my mood. Right now, for example, struggling with insomnia, I might be tempted to pick an uncharacteristically gloomy track.
A suitable compromise might be Weird Al Yankovic's "Bohemian Polka," which takes the bombastic lyrics of Queen and turns them completely on their ear by setting them to the sort of rhythm Lawrence Welk might have danced to.
Maybe the song that best reveals my character is one I just haven't heard yet.
2 - Baronius
not exactly what you asked, but:
I was once driving from DC to Virginia. On the right was the Jefferson Memorial, a few seconds later I was crossing the Potomac. The sky was flawlessly blue. On the radio, Cowboy Junkies' "Common Disaster" was playing: melancholy but with that persistent guitar. I realized that, if I were ever to get entangled in an international crisis, this was the opening sequence of the film about it.
3 - Marty Dodge
'Here I Go Again' Whitesnake
4 - Jones Violet
Easy.
'My Way', the Sid Vicious version.
5 - Al Barger
Now JV, you realize that was basically a suicide note.
6 - Jones Violet
And a damn good one, at that. Beats Hunter S. Thompson's by a landslide.
7 - Shark
Shark on a good day = "Big City" by Merle Haggard
Shark on a bad day = "The Torture Never Stops" by F. Zappa
Other Suggestions:
Big Al Barger = "He's a Lumberjack" by Monty Python
Big Al Barger [alternate] = Trouble (Ya Got Trouble) from "Music Man" by Meredith Wilson
Jones Violet = "Spank Me" by Madonna
-- to be continued --
8 - Al Barger
Sid singing "My Way" is pretty good, certainly better than "Love Will Tear Us Apart."
Actually Baronius, that was highly responsive, far more specific even than I had asked. You actually conjured up some idea of what the film would be about.
In best Monty Burns voice, ex-cellent!
9 - Al Barger
Shark, perhaps this is a whole separate post for you, playing music director for the Blogcritics film, casting theme songs for the major players.
The Monty Python seems not a particularly interesting choice for me, though. You can do better.
10 - Dave Nalle
I think I'll pick "Death or Glory" by The Clash. Make of that what you will.
Dave
11 - Natalie Davis
"I Hate Myself And I Want To Die"
12 - Shark
But Al, you must admit the "Trouble in River City..." IS PERFECT FOR YOU!
=====
Dave Nalle, sorry, but you're not allowed to pick ANY PUNK BAND'S SONGS. You are restricted to two artists:
Pat Boone and Rosemary Clooney.
Now sharpen your pencil and try again.
Thanks,
The Management
13 - Dave Nalle
That's discouraging, Natalie.
Dave
14 - Aaron, Duke De Mondo
Al, you ol' rogue! an there i thought my Bin Laden antics were under all sortsa Wraps.
let's see now. i think if i had a movie song for to pick, it would probably be a Libertines number. i dunno if it'd be Can't Stand Me Now, although i wouldn't complain. Maybe What A Waster ("What a waster, what a fuckin waster, you pissed all up the wall...")
Maybe "Orgasm Addict" by The Buzzcocks... this is very difficult.
or maybe one of my own critically-ignored tunes.
but for you, Al, i hear Eminem doin a cover of The Great Atomic Power by The Louvin Brothers.
15 - Shark
Dave Nalle = "When You Wish Upon a Star"
16 - Shark
Duke De Mondo on a good day = The Snake with Eyes of Garnet
Duke De Mondo on most days = "Why Does It Hurt When I Pee" by F. Zappa
17 - Dave Nalle
Ah, Duke. I considered several Buzzcocks songs for myself, but couldn't pick one.
Shark, I didn't know we were picking songs for other people. Ironically, your chocie for me is far more positive and far less critical than the one I picked for myself. Thanks. But if I were to pick a Disney song it would be "Once Upon a Dream" from Sleeping Beauty - I just love that song.
So now I guess I get to pick one for you, eh? I think I'll go with "Locomotive Breath" by Jethro Tull. Can't get more on target than that.
Dave
18 - Eric Berlin
"Ski Bunny" by Boss Hogg would be a truly kick ass theme song, but I could settle on something dreamily groovaceptic as The Doors' "Soul Kitchen," I suppose.
19 - Al Barger
Ah, now the Duke is showing some creative thought there what with the Eminem. That particular Louvin Bros record is in fact a big fave of mine. I'm not sure you've got in mind that Eminem of all folks is going to do to it, though. Sounds like it'd be a soundtrack for you to sacrifice goats to.
20 - Al Barger
Nalle parries and THRUSTS! Songs as weapons- sweet.
21 - Mark Sahm
Great post, Al. Nothing like a topic that preys on all bloggers' subconscious self-absorption!
Natalie, great Nirvana track!
As for myself, I will opt for either "Unsung" by Helmet, or "Army of Me" by Bjork. Luckily, none of you know me enough to pick one for me. Whew.
22 - DrPat
The soundtrack of my life alternates between Tango and Swing. "Stompin' at the Savoy" by Chick Webb and Lester Young, maybe, coupled in a tanda with "Pensalo Bien" by J. Visciglio and N. Lopez.
What joy! A perfect holiday,
Savoy, where we can glide and sway,
Savoy, let me stomp away with you...
[Trans. "Pensalo Bien"]
Think well before you take this step.
Because once you have taken it,
there may be no turning back....
23 - Eric Berlin
Agreed, Natalie -- that Nirvana track is a scorcher.
Let's hope that you think it applies to you in a metaphorical / ironic sense!
24 - Natalie Davis
Mr. Berlin, no irony is involved, but I swear that I don't have a gun. Yeah, the song is just awesome.
25 - Eric Berlin
I just have to say (anyone pick up the Monty Python: On Americans reference?)...
That there's some of the funniest stuff throughout this post/thread that I've seen on BC in a while.
No specifics.
Good show!