Now, if I were feeling highly self-confident, I might represent with the ultimate country ubermensch, Jerry Reed's "Amos Moses." I'm guessing that it's swamp rats like Amos what has kept the death count as surprisingly low from Katrina as it has been so far. Knock on wood.
If I wanted to represent dramatic like, I might likely go for "Satisfied Mind," the classic original career making 1950s Porter Wagoner hit interpreted late career by Johnny Cash, used very effectively in Kill Bill.
If I were waxing philosophical, I might go for "Who's Gonna Feed Them Hogs?" by Tom T Hall. Most likely, the top philosophical Al pick might be Roger Miller's classic spiritual essay "You Can't Rollerskate in a Buffalo Herd." This has the bonus attraction now of reminding me of sister Blogcritic Miss Sadi, a very literary and all round charming and legitimizing presence in the melting pot of BC whom I know particularly favors this song.
But to be the most true to myself, I think I'ma have to go for Little Jimmy Dickens explanation of getting one's education "Out Behind the Barn." That's the song to tell the movie audience what kind of guy they're dealing with before the drama begins. Imagine ol' Al braying along "Passed each examiNAtion out behind the barn, but it almost made a wreck out of me." Man, that's some swinging stuff for the hep cats.
Or it would be a good song for a slandering Irishman to meditate on while thinking up more lies against my good name.
Anyway, what would be your theme song in the movie? What's the song playing on your radio at the start of the movie that tells us what kind person you are? Just one.
Article comments
— 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!