It's More Fun if You Play With it.

Houston, 1978



If we were on a date right now, the conversation would eventually go something like this:

You: So what kind of music do you like?
Janine: There are two questions I hate in this world. One of them is "What nationality are you" and the other is the one you just asked. I could couldn't possibly answer that.
You: Okay then, give me an example of your favorite artists.

Here, you gain about five points for rewording a stupid question into something more viable and we then build upon your reattempt, with the end result being a descent conversation about music. You've been to five Killers shows, I'm not a fan, but whatever, it could still work. Then things get tricky.

Janine: I really must say, I have a thing for Parliament-Funkadelic.
You: I don't know who that is.

Now the date is over. It's not you, it's me...I have a problem with you not knowing who Parliament-Funkadelic is. They are one of the most influential bands of the funk period and I kind of need you to know that. The whole existence of Hip Hop has been built around their catalog, so funk me for dismissing you.

Choosing a performance by P-Funk ended up being harder than I thought. The problem is, they were (and still are) total performers. Music was not just about the music, it was about the presentation. You needed costumes, masks, props, and make up. For P-Funk though, this wasn't a gimmick; it was in addition to there down right kick ass music. I imagine in 1978 your $20 for a ticket was worth every penny.

I chose "Flash light" because it makes me dance. It doesn't matter where I am when I hear it, I dance. I can be in your car, in the aisle of Whole Foods, in the library...I don't care, I'm gettin funky. This performance in particular is soooo funky, I can barely watch it, let alone stand it. Seeing it tears me between awe, inspiration, and jealousy (I really would appreciate an occasion to dress like that). You can not possibly go out and see a performance like this today. Where has all the funk gone?

In order to highlight how great Funkadelic is, you now have the option of taking this blog one step further. If you ask my Mom about P-Funk, you will get the same response every time: "Maggot Brain is a trip" (this means it played one night in '75 while she dropped acid and she's never forgotten the experience). Maggot Brain, the song, is not only "a trip" but it's one of THE BEST guitar songs of all time. It's not so much funky...it's beauty. So I propose that if you haven't heard it, you obtain it and listen to it one night this week right before bed. It sounds best in the dark, when you're alone. You don't have to tell me about it when you do it either; it's more important that you just do it. It may change your life.

I stumbled across "The Name of the Band is The Talking Heads" album last week, then found this video "The Great Curve", and that was that. I've watched it three times and really, it's like having a seven minute orgasm every time...which pretty much ensures that I am going to keep watching it.

This show was recorded in Rome for the album in 1980, which is about a year after they released their second (and my favorite) album "More Songs About Buildings and Food". They were (I'm pretty sure) on their first world tour. I must say, I've always had a thing for Tina Weymouth, and this video should indicate why. I've been fantasizing about myself wearing that same outfit...so if you come across it, let me know.

I'm not sure who the dude on guitar is because Jerry Harrison is on the keyboard in this number, but who ever he is, he reminds me of how thankful I am for the whammy bar.

Besides the obvious just outright fantastic sound this song has (three guitars is better than one), it's the energy that really does it for me. David Bryne dancing like a stick figure, Tina Weymouth gettin funky on the speaker, unknown guitar player dude hopping around like Gumby, and back up vocal chick smiling cause she knows how good they sound. Most modern bands lack this live, which is why this performance makes it as my first post. On that same note, post punk bands do have a reputation in my book for giving high energy performances so maybe it's not so surprising.

I'm not really original and that's not the point. Has it already been done? Probably. But it hasn't been done by me...so there.

You'll either think this is a good idea or think that it's pretty geeky. Both are actually true so you have no basis for an argument. If you do want to argue though, you know where to find me. I'm pretty sure I can kick your ass.