Plum Crazy

The Pop Culture Grid 8/13/07

Gossip story that fascinates me the most: former NBA referee Tim Donaghy
Number of TVs I own: 1
I get nervous when I think about: driving
Favorite thing to chew: gum
In sushi places I always order: the sushi deluxe
Finish this song lyric: 'Scuse me while I kiss the sky

Only one of our sports stars, Paul Byrd of the Indians, could finish the Hendrix lyric.
Sports stars own a lot of TVs, with the exception of Stacey Dales of the WBNA's Sky. She owns 1.
Dales orders a well-rounded sushi meal consisting of tuna shashimi, the rainbow roll, ginger salad, and red wine. I'll have to try it.
Placido Palanco of the Tigers owns 32 TV sets or so he claims. He can't enough of the O.J. Simpson story, is afraid of snakes, chews gum, and orders the tuna roll.
Jason Kendall of the Cubs is a tobacco man and likes beer.

The Pop Culture Grid 8/6/07

Favorite quote: ". . . the readiness is all" (Hamlet)
My summer reading list consists of: Harry Potter
Best TV I watched last week: None
A way to a woman's heart is: Kindness and compassion
When I'm bored, I really like to: Read
Celeb I'm dying to hang out with: Paul O'Neill (the ex-Yankee, not the ex-Secretary of the Treasury)

Some select answers from sports stars:

Penny Taylor of the Phoenix Mercury of the WBNA is reading Harry Potter and says being sincere is the best way to a woman's heart.

Chad Billingsley of the Dodgers wants to hang with Nolan Ryan and doesn't have a favorite quote. Listening is the best way to a woman's heart. My wife agrees.

Jeff Cunningham of the NBA's Toronto Raptors answered some variation of David Beckham to all questions. My guess? He's goofing around.

Name That Tune 31

Can't help but give a hint of my own on this one. The actor who played Jonathan Kent in Superman starred in the movie that launched the song into the stratosphere.

Lyrics please:

Put your glad rags on and join me, hon

That's all you get. Anything more would give it away in a tick of the clock.

Remember, don't blurt, be subtle, leave a clue.

p.s. Bonus points if you can name the 1955 movie the song was used in. Leave a clue here, too.

And The Answer Is. . . 30

Same Old Lang Syne by Dan Fogelberg. Judy listens to 106.7, Lite FM, and we've heard the song a few times on the radio. I'm not a particular fan of his, but I do like the bittersweet melancholy of this song.

When I heard these lyrics - She said she saw me in the record stores/And that I must be doing well - something clicked, perhaps not for the first time, that the song is probably autobiographical. It is. In Fogelberg's own words:

In 1975 or 76 I was home in Peoria, Illinois visiting my family for Christmas. I went to a convenience store to pick up some whipping cream to make Irish coffees with, and quite unexpectedly ran into an old high school girlfriend. The rest of the song tells the story.

For more on Fogelberg, for the interested, go here. Just turn the volume down on your computer first.

Pop Culture Grid #4

More of how I fit in.

If I were James Bond I would. . . sorry, but I'm married
Favorite comfort food: mashed potatoes
Time your alarm clock goes off in the morning: it's not set
If Britney Spears called, I would. . . hang up the phone
Last movie you saw in the theaters: The Departed
Person you'd most like to see in the S.I. swimsuit edition: Heidi Klum. (What's that? She's in it often? Your point?)

Pop Culture Grid #3

How do I fit in?

News story I can't get enough of: Iraq
Last time you voted: earlier this month
One thing you refuse to eat: there are a lot of things I refuse to eat because of the Crohn's disease
Most expensive traffic ticket: never received a moving violation
Favorite dance craze: Yankees Stadium grounds crew doing the YMCA
Nothing annoys me more than. . . inconsiderate people

And The Answer Is. . . 29

Piece of pie (pumpkin, that is) this time around. Used the same tune last year and will probably use it again next year. Alice's Restaurant, the old Turkey Day staple.

Name That Tune 30

In the holiday spirit, name this tune:

We went to have ourselves a drink or two
But couldn't find an open bar
We bought a six-pack at the liquor store
And we drank it in her car

Remember, don't blurt, be subtle, leave a clue.

Name That Tune 29

A little Thanksgiving flavor for this installment. So many excellent lines to choose from. I opt for:

Obie looked at the seeing eye dog, and then at the twenty seven eight-by-ten color glossy pictures with circles and arrows and a paragraph on the back of each one, and looked at the seeing eye dog. And then at the twenty seven eight-by-ten color glossy pictures with circles and arrows and a paragraph on the back of each one. . .

Remember, don't blurt, be subtle, leave a clue.

Name That Movie #1

Different game this time around. Name the movie the following quote is from. (Lesley will know this one.)

Now, a staple of the superhero
mythology is, there's the superhero and there's the alter ego.

Batman is actually Bruce Wayne,
Spider-Man is actually Peter Parker.

When that character wakes up
in the morning, he's Peter Parker.

He has to put on a costume
to become Spider-Man.

And it is in that characteristic
Superman stands alone.

Superman didn't become Superman.

Superman was born Superman.

When Superman wakes up
in the morning, he's Superman.

His alter ego is Clark Kent.

His outfit with the big red "S" -
that's the blanket he was wrapped in
as a baby when the Kents found him.

Those are his clothes.

What Kent wears - the glasses,
the business suit - that's the costume.

That's the costume Superman wears
to blend in with us.

Clark Kent is how Superman views us.

And what are the characteristics
of Clark Kent?

He's weak...

...he's unsure of himself...

...he's a coward.

Clark Kent is Superman's critique
on the whole human race.

Remember, don't blurt, be subtle, leave a clue.

Pop Culture Grid #2

This week's installment of the Pop Culture Grid:

Favorite blonde: is Heidi Klum blond?
City where you'd most like to retire: Vancouver
Still own a VCR: yes
At Starbucks I always order. . . I never go to Starbucks
At 10 I wanted to be _______ when I grew up: a baseball player
Naomi Campbell is: a model

I Have A Northeastern Accent

No surprise there since I'm from New York.

via Solonor.

Name That Tune 28

Riddle me this:

And then there suddenly appeared before me
The only one my arms will ever hold
I heard somebody whisper please adore me
And when I looked the moon had turned to gold

Remember, don't blurt, be subtle, leave a clue.

And The Answer Is. . . 26 & 27

New goal: to post at least once per day. No promises, but I will try.

Let's start here: I forgot to post answers to the last two Name That Tune posts.

#26: Take It On The Run by REO Speedwagon. Hat tip to Solonor for an excellent clue and teaching me something I didn't know.

#27: Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah. Elayne's clue was so subtle that I didn't even get it until Lesley clarified.

Name That Tune 27

Haven't done one of these since April Fool's Day. So in the vein of jokes, try this one on for size:

I went hiking with Joe Spivey
He developed poison ivy
You remember Leonard Skinner
He got ptomaine poisoning last night after dinner

Remember, don't blurt, be subtle, leave a clue.

Favorite Superhero?

Viewing Superman Returns leaves me pondering who my favorite superhero is. Is it Superman or Spidey? By a slim margin, I'll give the thumbs up to Spidey, since he's more of a real person than Superman - his real persona is Peter Parker, where Superman's is Superman (hat tip to Quentin Tarantino for that one) - and since I'm kind of like Peter Parker. Nerdy, smart, bookish.

Your turn to vote:

Me? I'm the Green Lantern

You are Green Lantern

Green Lantern 80% Spider-Man 70% Superman 60% Hulk 40% Robin 32% Supergirl 30% The Flash 30% Batman 25% Wonder Woman 20% Catwoman 20% Iron Man 20%

Hot-headed. You have strong will power and a good imagination.

I was hoping for Spidey. Came close but no cigar.

Anyone Know Where I Can Find Her Bustier?

Your results:
You are Wonder Woman

You are a beautiful princess
with great strength of character.

Click here to take the "Which Superhero are you?" quiz...

Via someone special.

Snakes On A Plane!

No, really. Well, snake on a plane, at any rate.

Name That Tune 26

For some odd reason, the following lyrics popped into my head the other day:

Heard it from a friend who
Heard it from a friend who
Heard it from another you been messin' around

Name that tune, but remember, don't blurt, be subtle, leave a clue.

And The Answer Is. . . 25

Like a Rolling Stone. Kudos to AC and Just John for their deep knowledge of Bob Dylan's career and their excellent clues. AC's was especially creative.

I've learned a lot about Dylan in recent weeks. I watched the DVD of No Direction Home recently, the Martin Scorsese documentary of Dylan's early career (through 1966), followed by D.A. Pennebaker's documentary of Dylan's 1965 tour of England, Don't Look Back.

Being a relatively baby (I was born in 1966), I only know Dylan as both an acoustic and electric singer. It wasn't until I watched No Direction Home that I learned there was such a backlash against Dylan for switching to electric. The exchange at the concert in Manchester revealed just how fans reviled him for allegedly betraying them by going commercial.

Personally, I don't see the big deal. As wonderful as Dylan's acoustic music is, artists are constantly evolving to stay fresh and current. Look at how U2's or Bruce Springsteen's music has changed over time. Does anyone revile U2 for getting away from their political message or the Boss for getting away from his rocker sound to a more mellow and introspective sound? Maybe some people aren't crazy about it, but I don't think anyone has branded them a Judas as the recently identified Keith Butler branded Dylan, whose electric music is as compelling as his acoustic music. In fact, Like a Rolling Stone was voted the number one rock song of all time by a group of industry insiders. I can't say whether I agree or disagree, but I do know it's my favorite Dylan song, one which drew the applause of the audience despite their overall feelings of betrayal.

Netflix Top 25

It's list time. Below are the top 25 movies on Netflix. Here's what you do with it if you choose to play along: Bold the ones you've seen and liked, strike through the ones you have no desire to see, underline the ones you've seen but don't like, italicize the ones you haven't seen but want to see, and do nothing to the ones you've never heard of. Although how I haven't heard of any of the top 25 movies in pop culture is beyond me. I must be on a different planet.

The Aviator
Million Dollar Baby
Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Hotel Rwanda
Mystic River
The Notebook
Ray
Sideways
Finding Neverland
Collateral
Hitch
National Treasure
The Terminal
Man on Fire
Spanglish
Ocean's Twelve
The Bourne Supremacy
The Manchurian Candidate
The Day After Tomorrow
I, Robot
Troy
Cold Mountain
Napoleon Dynamite
The Last Samurai

Name That Tune 25

I'm digging real deep (not song wise, for the song is most well known, but lyric wise) for this entry. The lyrics aren't actual lyrics from the song; instead they are an exchange between artist and audience in a live performance of the song. Curious to see if anyone knows the artist's history well enough to be able to peg the song based on the exchange.

Audience: Judas
Artist: I don't believe you. You're a liar. (Addressing the band) - Play it fucking loud.

Don't blurt, be subtle, leave a clue.

Whoops

Apparently, I have screwed up my trivia question on Steven Spielberg's directorial debut. I always thought the first full-length film he directed was the made-for-TV effort Duel starring Dennis Weaver. The clues people have left seem to point to another film: Firelight, a flick about a favorite subject of his: UFOs and aliens. Next time I do my research better.

Update: one of the clues references Firelight, the others reference The Sugarland Express. So this one failed on many fronts.

Movie Trivia

What was the first full-length movie that Steven Spielberg directed?

Remember, don't blurt, be subtle, leave a clue.

Top 10 Toys

Here's VH1's list of the Top 10 Toys of all time:

10. Wiffle Ball & Bat
9. Slinky
8. Yo-Yo
7. Star Wars Figure
6. Monopoly
5. Mr. Potato Head
4. G.I. Joe
3. LEGO
2. Barbie
1. Hula Hoop

You Predict

After perusing the last 90 toys, I have come up with a list of 10 which are missing but which seem like they ought to be on the overall list. So I'm going to let you, my 7 loyal readers, decide which toy you think will be the number 1 toy of all time.

BTW, I've thought about it some more, and I'm changing my own prediction. I'm going with Legos now.

My Prediction

VH1 is counting down the top 100 toys. This is kind of cool, so I might actually watch it. Well, TiVo it, which is kind of like watching it. Eventually.

The linked article gives you the last 90 toys. To find out the top 10, you must watch the special. But, I'm going to go out on a limb here with a prediction as to what will be the number 1 toy of all time.

What walks down stairs
Alone or in pairs
And makes a slinkety sound?
A spring, a spring, a marvelous thing!
Everyone knows it's Slinky!

It's Slinky! It's Slinky!
For fun, it's a wonderful toy.
It's Slinky! It's Slinky!
It's fun for a girl and a boy!

Let's see if I'm right.

And The Answer Is. . . 24

Baba O'Riley by The Who. Gahrie posted the incorrect name of the song, which prompted Lesley to post the correct name. This one was a total debacle. From now on, I post the rules in case there are any newbies like Gahrie.

Name That Tune 24

Name this one:

Out here in the fields
I fight for my meals
I get my back into my living
I don't need to fight
To prove I'm right
I don't need to be forgiven

You know the deal.

Update: Gahrie's clue sounds like a possible attempt to provide the title of the song. Not sure 100% because it's not actually the title of the song, but it's close. So to be clear: don't blurt, be subtle, leave a clue.

And The Answer Is. . . 23

Mrs. Robinson by Simon & Garfunkel.

The admonition to Mom that she better play this round is because she went to Forest Hills High School with them. Best clue was from Rick, whose "plastics" clue we all remember from The Graduate, the movie for which the song was written.

Top 5 iTunes Meme

Im home on a Wednesday afternoon doing odds and ends. Game plan is to crack open a good book in a few minutes. But while futzing around my computer I looked at my Top 25 Most Played on iTunes, which gave me an idea for a meme. What are the top 5 most played tunes in your iTune library and how many times have you played them? Here's mine:

Thunder Road - 48 times
Born to Run - 48 times
Back to Me by Kathleen Edwards - 44 times
Baba O'Riley - 39 times
Won't Get Fooled Again - 32 times

While I do love all these songs, especially the Springsteen tunes, the main reason I've played these so many times is because they're great to row to. Fast-paced and long. Makes the time go by much quicker.

Name That Tune 23

Look around you, all you see are sympathetic eyes.

Mom had better post a clue for this one. She knows why.

And The Answer Is. . . 22

Splish Splash. . .

I was taking a bath, long about a Saturday night.

From Bobby Darin. Hat tip to Lesley for her clever clue.

Something very cool about the song: Darin wrote it (co-wrote it actually) on a bet that he couldn't write a song that started with the words splish splash. Hah! He came up with one of the funnest rock and roll songs of all time and one of my favorite tunes. I am a huge Darin fan, though I've yet to see Kevin Spacey's hommage to him, Beyond the Sea. I shall post it on my Netflix queue.

Name That Tune 22

Psst, mack, can you name the following?

Bing bang, I saw the whole gang
Dancing on my living room rug, yeah!
Flip flop, they was doing the bop
All the teens had the dancin bug
There was Lollipop with-a Peggy Sue
Good Golly, Miss Molly was-a even there, too!

You know the rules.

And The Answer Is. . . 21

Ages since I posted the last installment of Name That Tune, and I remembered this morning that I never put up the answer. Better late than never. It's Suzie Q by CCR. Only one person got this one and that wasn't Lesley, who I thought would get it with ease. It's on her iPod.

Name That Tune 21

I was looking out my back door when the following came to me for the latest installment of Name That Tune:

Oh say that you'll be mine
Oh say that you'll be mine
Oh say that you'll be mine Baby all the time

Go ahead and name it. But remember not to blurt.

And The Answer Is. . . 19 & 20

No one had any problems recognizing the song featured in Name That Tune 19. The Thanksgiving Day must-play Alice's Resutarant Anti-Massacre Movement. It's pretty much a tradition in our family to play it every Thanksgiving. We've skipped some Thanskgivings, mind you, but play it more often than not. This year we listened to the revisted version, done 30 years after the original incident. He made some changes, including a riff on the 18-minute gap on the Watergate tapes (turns out Nixon had a copy of Alice's Restaurant in his record library and Arlo Guthrie got to wondering how many things in the world are exactly 18 minutes and 20 secods long), that are a riot.

Name That Tune 20 was tougher. Following up on Name That Tune 18, it was another Band song: Life is a Carnival. Since people got Up on Cripple Creek with no problems, I wanted to see how deep the knowledge of Band music went. Not as deep as I had thought.

Name That Tune 20

While you're chewing on Name That Tune 19, let's try this brain teaser that's keeping in spirit with Name That Tune 18:

Hey, buddy, would you like to buy a watch real cheap
Here on the street
I got six on each arm and two more round my feet

And whatever you do don't blurt.

Name That Tune 19

A special Thanksgiving Day version of Name That Tune:

[B]ut when we got to the police officer's station there was a third possibility that we hadn't even counted upon, and we was both immediately arrested. Handcuffed. And I said "Obie, I don't think I can pick up the garbage with these handcuffs on." He said, "Shut up, kid. Get in the back of the patrol car."

Remember. . . ah you know the rules.

And The Answer Is. . . 18

Up On Cripple Creek by The Band. The choice was inspired by my watching The Last Waltz, Martin Scorsese's film of the group's final concert on Thanksgiving 1976. I confess that I decided to have a little fun with this one. The clue left by Robbie R (that's defacto band leader Robbie Robertson for people not familiar with The Band's line-up) was actually left by me and references another Band song, The Shape I'm In.

When I put up the posting, I didn't know that much about the history of The Band, but after a little research, I learned that they were much more than Bob Dylan's back-up group before making a name for themselves. They started life as The Hawks, the back-up group for singer Ronnie Hawkins. They outgrew their partnership with Hawkins and eventually struck out on their own before teaming up with Dylan for his 1965-1966 concert that marked his shift from acoustic to electric music. That shift was not embraced by fans, who booed Dylan for "selling out" and felt The Hawks were a "corny" back-up group.

Ultimately, The Band decided to make its own music, beginning with 1968's Music From The Big Pink, a reference to the house they rented in Saugerties, New York. The album was a critical if not commercial success and marked their emergence as one of the premier groups of the time. It included my personal favorite The Weight. The Band was of such significance that they were able to command a star-studded line-up to accompany them in The Last Waltz. Aside from a reunion with Dylan, Neil Young, Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Muddy Waters, Ronnie Hawkins, and many more were featured in the sensational concert.

After the break-up, The Band reformed in the 1980s, sans Robbie Robertson, and continued to perform together up until the death of bass guitarist Rick Danko in 1999. They released three well-received albums in the 1990s, and just this year, Robbie Robertson released a 5-disc compendium of their work dating back to their days as The Hawks. Something that I plan on picking up as a Chanukah gift from some member of the family. (It's on my Amazon wish list as my number one choice.) I have always loved the music of The Band and can't wait to hear music from their other incarnations.

Name That Tune 18

Who can name the following?

When I get off of this mountain
You know where I want to go
Straight down the Mississippi river
To the Gulf of Mexico

As always, don't blurt. . . you know the rest

And the Answer Is. . . 17

The latest Name That Tune puzzler wasn't such a puzzle after all. Seems that there are several fans of modern punk rock reading this Blog. All of them identified the tune as Green Day's Basket Case. At least I think all did because I don't have enough Green Day knowledge to understand Dietz's clue. He will need to 'splain to me the reference. I liked AC's clue. Clever. Though I confess that I thought the album title Dookie referred to a joint. Obviously, I was thinking of a doobie.

Name That Tune 17

It's been a long time since we've played Name That Tune. For version number 17, try this on for size:

Sometimes I give myself the creeps
Sometimes my mind plays tricks on me
It all keeps adding up
I think I'm cracking up
Am I just paranoid?
Or I'm just stoned?

Remember, don't blurt, be subtle, leave a clue.

Movie, TV, & Book Meme

Hey, I’ve come up with my first idea for a meme, and it’s a good one. List favorite movie series, books/authors, and TV series where you’ve seen or read every one and where you’ve missed some along the way. To qualify, there must be a minimum of three movies, books published, or seasons aired.

Favorite Movie Series Where I’ve Seen Every Movie
Harry Potter
Star Wars
Die Hard
Lord of the Rings
Scream
Lethal Weapon
Mad Max

Favorite Movie Series Where I’ve Missed Some Flicks
Superman
Batman
Indiana Jones
James Bond
The Terminator (missed T3)

Favorite Books/Authors Where I’ve Read Every One
Harry Potter
Lord of the Rings (only counts if you’ve read The Hobbit)
Sue Grafton
Tony Hillerman
Robert Crais
Michael Connelly

Favorite Books/Authors Where I’m Not Caught Up
Reginald Hill
Bruce Alexander
Patricia Cornwall
Walter Mosley

Favorite TV Series Where I’ve Seen Every Episode
The Wire
Six Feet Under
24
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Homicide

Favorite TV Series Where I’ve Missed A Few or A Lot
Seinfeld
The Rockford Files
Cheers (faithful during the first five seasons, not after)
Law & Order (watched until Michael Moriarty bailed)
The Twilight Zone
Angel

Damn Her

Lesley beat me to the punch with the latest meme. Mine was in process when I had to leave for softball this morning, giving Lesley her window of opportunity. Here for your consideration are the top 100 songs from 1984, the year I graduated high school, and my take on them.

1. When Doves Cry, Prince
2. What's Love Got To Do With It, Tina Turner
3. Say Say Say, Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson
4. Footloose, Kenny Loggins
5. Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now), Phil Collins
6. Jump, Van Halen
7. Hello, Lionel Richie
8. Owner Of A Lonely Heart, Yes
9. Ghostbusters, Ray Parker Jr.
10. Karma Chameleon, Culture Club
11. Missing You, John Waite
12. All Night Long (All Night), Lionel Richie
13. Let's Hear It For The Boy, Deniece Williams
14. Dancing In The Dark, Bruce Springsteen
15. Girls Just Want To Have Fun, Cyndi Lauper
16. <The Reflex, Duran Duran
17. Time After Time, Cyndi Lauper
18. Jump (For My Love), Pointer Sisters
19. Talking In Your Sleep, Romantics
20. Self Control, Laura Branigan
21. Let's Go Crazy, Prince and The Revolution
22. Say It Isn't So, Daryl Hall and John Oates
23. Hold Me Now, Thompson Twins
24. Joanna, Kool and The Gang
25. I Just Called To Say I Love You, Stevie Wonder
26. Somebody's Watching Me, Rockwell
27. Break My Stride, Matthew Wilder
28. 99 Luftballons, Nena
29. I Can Dream About You, Dan Hartman
30. The Glamorous Life, Sheila E.
31. Oh Sherrie, Steve Perry
32. Stuck On You, Lionel Richie
33. I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues, Elton John
34. She Bop, Cyndi Lauper
35. Borderline, Madonna
36. Sunglasses At Night, Corey Hart
37. Eyes Without A Face, Billy Idol
38. Here Comes The Rain Again, Eurythmics
39. Uptown Girl, Billy Joel
40. Sister Christian, Night Ranger
41. Drive, Cars
42. Twist Of Fate, Olivia Newton-John
43. Union Of The Snake, Duran Duran
44. The Heart Of Rock 'N' Roll, Huey Lewis and The News
45. Hard Habit To Break, Chicago
46. The Warrior, Scandal
47. If Ever You're In My Arms Again, Peabo Bryson
48. Automatic, Pointer Sisters
49. Let The Music Play, Shannon
50. To All The Girls I've Loved Before, Julio Iglesias and Willie Nelson
51. Caribbean Queen, Billy Ocean
52. That's All, Genesis
53. Running With The Night, Lionel Richie
54. Sad Songs (Say So Much), Elton John
55. I Want A New Drug, Huey Lewis and The News
56. Islands In The Stream, Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton
57. Love Is A Battlefield, Pat Benatar
58. Infatuation, Rod Stewart
59. Almost Paradise, Mike Reno and Ann Wilson
60. Legs, ZZ Top
61. State Of Shock, Jacksons
62. Love Somebody, Rick Springfield
63. Miss Me Blind, Culture Club
64. If This Is It, Huey Lewis and The News
65. You Might Think, Cars
66. Lucky Star, Madonna
67. Cover Me, Bruce Springsteen
68. Cum On Feel The Noize, Quiet Riot
69. Breakdance, Irene Cara
70. Adult Education, Daryl Hall and John Oates
71. They Don't Know, Tracy Ullman
72. An Innocent Man, Billy Joel
73. Cruel Summer, Bananarama
74. Dance Hall Days, Wang Chung
75. Give It Up, K.C.
76. I'm So Excited, Pointer Sisters
77. I Still Can't Get Over Loving You, Ray Parker Jr.
78. Thriller, Michael Jackson
79. Holiday, Madonna
80. Breakin'... There's No Stopping Us, Ollie And Jerry
81. Nobody Told Me, John Lennon
82. Church Of The Poison Mind, Culture Club
83. Think Of Laura, Christopher Cross
84. Time Will Reveal, Debarge
85. Wrapped Around Your Finger, Police
86. Pink Houses, John Cougar Mellencamp
87. Round And Round, Ratt
88. Head Over Heels, Go-Go's
89. The Longest Time, Billy Joel
90. Tonight, Kool and The Gang
91. Got A Hold On Me, Christine McVie
92. Dancing In The Sheets, Shalamar
93. Undercover Of The Night, Rolling Stones
94. On The Dark Side, John Cafferty and The Beaver Brown Band
95. New Moon On Monday, Duran Duran
96. Major Tom (Coming Home), Peter Schilling
97. Magic, Cars
98. When You Close Your Eyes, Night Ranger
99. Rock Me Tonite, Billy Squier
100. Yah Mo B There, James Ingram and Michael McDonald

Wow, I didn't like an awful lot of them.

Six Feet Over

In about ten minutes from now, I will sit down and watch the final episode of Six Feet Under. I am not sure how I will feel when the episode is over. Usually, when the season ends for a show I regularly watch or the show ends all together, I feel an emptiness, like a friend has left. Chances are that I will feel the same way about Six Feet Under.

I have watched the show since it's inception and have never missed a single episode. While never my favorite show - that honor belongs to the dearly departed Dead Like Me and Street Time - it has been among my favorites for reasons that I am too tired to enumerate right now.

Yet, I haven't enjoyed this season. It has been too full of conflict, too melodramatic, too chaotic, and too depressing. The characters have became caricatures of themselves. Never a fan of Ruth or David, I have found them to be especially strident and loud this year. The writers have magnified their faults to an extreme, making them especially annoying and unlikable. Don't get me wrong, Francis Conroy and Michael Hall are outstanding in their roles, but the characters irk me more than ever.

I have watched more out of a grim curiosity to see the show through to the end than because I enjoy what I am watching. It is possible that I will feel relief more than anything else when the show is ended. I will know soon enough, for now the show is on in two minutes.

And The Answer Is. . . 16

I believe three weeks is sufficient time to give everyone a chance to figure out which song was featured in version sixteen of Name That Tune. The song, of course, is Monday, Monday by The Mamas and The Papas.

Name That Tune 16

Ok, after the hardness of the entry 15, let's go real easy this time. Name the following:

Every other day, every other day,
Every other day of the week is fine, yeah

You know the deal - don't blurt.

And the Answer Is. . . 15

Feels Like Rain. By the too obscure John Hiatt, it's a grinding blues-infused song that has the thick feel of humidity. I didn't expect anyone to get it off the lyrics alone. It was a sort of riddle - after all, I gave away the title in the headline to the post, said "Speaking of which" in reference to yesterday's rain, and gave a line that ended with hurricane, which both produces rain and rhymes with rain. Alas, as Lesley points out, Hiatt, while having an extremely dedicated following, isn't well known, to say the least. A shame given his talent.

That 80s Day

First I ponder about how I possibly could have liked Wake Me Up Before You Go Go. Then I seem to remember I also liked 99 Red Balloons and Walking on Sunshine. Now I also remember my answer to Boy George’s musical question. Yes, Boy, I did indeed want to hurt you for making such insipid music.

Your task of the day. Come up with five songs from the 1980s that you’re embarrassed to admit you like today. I’ve admitted to three so far. When memory dredges up some other monstrosities, I’ll append to the list.

Scrabble

Some clever word play from some anonymous soul with a fetish for the classic game.

DORMITORY:
When you rearrange the letters:
DIRTY ROOM

PRESBYTERIAN:
When you rearrange the letters:
BEST IN PRAYER

DESPERATION:
When you rearrange the letters:
A ROPE ENDS IT

GEORGE BUSH:
When you rearrange the letters:
HE BUGS GORE

THE MORSE CODE:
When you rearrange the letters:
HERE COME DOTS

SLOT MACHINES:
When you rearrange the letters:
CASH LOST IN ME

ANIMOSITY:
When you rearrange the letters:
IS NO AMITY

MOTHER-IN-LAW:
When you rearrange the letters:
WOMAN HITLER

SNOOZE ALARMS:
When you rearrange the letters:
ALAS! NO MORE Z 'S

A DECIMAL POINT:
When you rearrange the letters:
IM A DOT IN PLACE

THE EARTHQUAKES:
When you rearrange the letters:
THAT QUEER SHAKE

ELEVEN PLUS TWO:
When you rearrange the letters:
TWELVE PLUS ONE

AND FOR THE GRAND FINALE:

PRESIDENT CLINTON OF THE USA:
When you rearrange the letters
(With no letters left over and using each letter only once):
TO COPULATE HE FINDS INTERNS

Oh Well Duh

I didn't need a quiz to tell me this:

looks at the current world's population You must have a lot of frustration then.

What pisses you off?

Created by ptocheia

Name That Movie

Sticking with the AFI top 100 quotes theme, one of the quotes was the title of a sequel to the movie in which the quote appeared. Can you name that movie? I will give you a hint. The co-lead on the receiving end of the quote was on the receiving end of the quote that scored number three.

Space Opera

Awesome. Fantastic. Mind blowing. Star Wars the Musical!

Via Michele.

p.s. I don't want to hear a word - not a word - about the creator's campaign against Rupert Murdoch.

Listomatic

Ok, it's a blatant rip-off of Michele, and it's not even a list, but what's your most memorable movie? I'm not asking you to name your favorite movie or what you think is the best movie of all time. Simply, what is your seminal movie movement - the movie that took your breath away, still takes your breath away, and left an indelible mark. Got it?

Here's mine: Star Wars. I was 11 when it came out. It blew my mind. I had never seen anything like - nor had anyone for that matter - and have never experienced anything like it since then. The closest was Return of the King, which is my pick for best flick of all time, at least for best flick I've ever seen. Alas, I digress. When Luke and Leia were cornered on the Death Star and it looked like there was no escape, and Luke shoots his rope to the other side of the chasm and swoops across like Errol Flynn with Leia in his arms? It was pure magic. My seminal movie moment. How I wish I could watch it again with the wide-eyed wonder of an 11-year-old boy. Star Wars is a comic book come to life and exploding on the big screen.

And the Answer Is. . . 13 & 14

Lesley and BT, each with top-flight clues, pegged #13 easily. It's "Cherry Cherry" by Neil Diamond. One of many songs by him I like.

A bunch of people knew #14 was the Police song that deals with student-teacher fantasies: "Don't Stand So Close To Me." I don't know much of the history of this song, but I wonder if it's based on Sting's own experiences, since - correct me I'm wrong - he was a teacher at one point.

Name That Tune. . . 14

Now for the song I was originally planning on posting before hearing the fine song that's the subject of Name That Tune. . . 13.

Temptation, frustration
So bad it makes him cry

Remember, don't blurt, yada, yada, yada.

Name That Tune. . . 13

Yikes! Lesley is catching up to me with her version of the Name That Tune. Time to get booking. Inspired by a song now playing on the radio:

She got the way to groove me
She got the way to move me
She got the way to groove me

Lesley will get this one in a flash. She's a huge fan of the singer. As am I. Not ashamed to admit that.

And the Answer Is. . . 12

The force clearly wasn't with you on my latest version of Name That Tune. Either that or people didn't care. I prefer to think the former. Anyhoo, the answer is that fine parody of "Lola" by Weird Al, "Yoda." Inspired by Lesley posting an image of Alan Greenspan as a modern-day Yoda.

Name That Tune... TLSBV5

Yes boys and girls, it's that time again! For today's episode, we're going back to more of my typical musical style. I'll give you a hint. It's a punk rock song. But it's not from the 80s. Any fan of punk rock music should get this from the two words I'm going to give you. Perhaps the most recognizable two words in punk rockdom. Of course, if you don't like punk rock, you won't know this.

So punk rockers, name that tune in 2 words!

Right, now!

UPDATE: Okay, so apparently these are not the most recognizable words in punk rockdom, even if they are the two opening words to one of the most well-known punk rock songs ever. So to help you along, another clue:

I want to destroy passersby!

The Answer... TLSBV4

In a switch from 80's alternative, TLSBV4 brought us some metal from the 70s. It also got a lot more responses than TLSBV3. Yes, indeed, the song was "Paranoid" by Black Sabbath. It is one of only two Black Sabbath songs I'm really familiar with and like. I never was a metalhead. With the flat top and yellow hair I sported in college, Lesley was a punk rocker.

Name That Tune. . . 12

It's been ages since a Jon version of Name That Tune. Keeping in spirit with recent postings on the Blog, is the force with you on this entry?

Well, I left home just a week before
And I've never ever been a Jedi before
But Obi Wan, he set me straight, of course

The usual stern warning applies.

Name That Tune... TLSBV4

Okay, we're going for something less obscure today. And in a different genre than the last 3. So, can you Name That Tune in one sentence?

People think I'm insane because I am frowning all the time.

Go for it. Don't blurt. Be subtle.

UPDATE: People, this is not an obscure song, nor is it by an obscure band. Yet only John has guessed (correctly). I can only think I picked an obscure sentence from it. Let me see if you can name this tune in two sentences.

Can you help me occupy my brain?

The Answer... TLSBV3

Apparently I got too obscure in the last entry of Name That Tune... The Lesley Strikes Back Version. Only Anne even ventured an answer. It was, indeed, the right answer. The song was "Just Like Honey" by "The Jesus and Mary Chain". I expect all of you who knew "Ana Ng" and "Kiss Off" to now run right out, find yourselves a recording of both "Just Like Honey" and "Head On" by "The Jesus and Mary Chain", and listen to them! Hop to it. This is an astonishing gap in your 80s alternative musical knowledge.

Wonder Twin Powers, Activate!

Ha! My story on the theme of soup submitted in the comments section of 100 Words or Les Nessman was picked to be promoted to post! I will not repost it here, to make you click over to that fine blog to read it.

BTW, if you're not reading 100 Words or Les Nessman everyday, what's wrong with you?

Return of the Dorks

Check this out. Triumph the Insult Dog outside the Zegfield Theater before the premiere of Star Wars II. Freaking hysterical. Be warned it's about 10 minutes long.

Name That Tune... TLSBV3

Yes, America my 10 regular readers, it's time once again to delve into the annals of music that I listen to and play Name That Tune... The Lesley Strikes Back Version! I know you've all been anxiously awaiting another fun-filled episode, so I'll keep you waiting no longer.

I know my brother can't, but can the rest of you name this tune in 3 sentences?

I'll be your plastic toy.
I'll be your plastic toy.
For you.

As always, don't blurt. Be subtle.

The Answer...TLSBV2

Congratulations to all participants! 4 for 4 on the song "Kiss Off" by the Violent Femmes. It was, in fact, the 20th track on the Violent Femmes' "Viva Wisconsin" LP, as pointed out by ac. Rick gives us clues to the name of the band (although despite their name, they actually were men). Justin had a very clever clue referencing the band Kiss. And the Heretik gives us yet more lyrics from the song.

Name That Tune... TLSBV2

Yes, it's time for another round of music Lesley knows! How many of the rest of you can name this tune?

I hope you know that this will go down on your permanent record.

As always, do like the good book Dietz says - Be subtle.

List Day

In honor of list day at a small victory:

"Chick flicks” that I, a man, love:
• When Harry Met Sally
• Terms of Endearment
• An Officer and a Gentleman
• Pretty Woman
• Desperately Seeking Susan
• The Princess Bride
• Before Sunrise
• Before Sunset
• Kate & Leopold
• Fifty First Dates
• Legally Blond

“Guy” movies that I, a guy, do not like:
• Rambo
• Rocky II-V
• Blade Runner
• Star Wars I, II, and V
• Shane
• Sudden Impact
• The Fifth Element
• Rush Hour
• Beverly Hills Cop II
• Goodfellas
• Solaris

Movies that I, as a hardened, cynical, unfeeling, soulless person tend to break down in tears while watching:
• Terms of Endearment
• Schindler’s List
• The Killing Fields
• The Color of Paradise
• Life Is Beautiful
• Penny Serenade
• Brian’s Song

And the Answer Is. . . 11

Neil Young's Unknown Legend. It's off Harvest Moon, his 1992 "sequel" to Harvest.

The inspiration for using this song came from watching the webcast of Kathleen Edwards' live performance on KCRW radio. It was the last song she did. About to say whom the song was by, she pulled back at the last second and admonished the audience that they be would "in trouble" if they didn't know. Alas, I did recognize that it was a Neil Young song that I had heard in the past, but couldn't place until after Googling the lyrics.

BT had no such problems, leaving a cryptic clue:

Linda and Nicolette sound sweet singing with the Dreaming Man about Hank and Hendrix and Old King and other legends of the fall.

I don't know who Nicolette is (help here, BT), but Linda is Linda Ronstadt who sang back-up on Harvest and came back for this album. The other references are about songs on the album. The last is an outstanding reference to the song at hand plus the autumn-inspired title of the album.

Name That Tune. . . 11

Another one that Lesley won't get, unless she shocks the hell out of me. Do you know it?

Somewhere on a desert highway
She rides a Harley-Davidson
Her long blonde hair flyin' in the wind

And don't you be forgetting - don't blurt, be subtle, leave a clue.

And the Answer Is. . . 10

People. People. Only one clue, and I gave you the name of the song in the lyrics: "Jackie Wilson Said (I'm In Heaven)" by Van Morrison. A real simple tune that Van Morrison sounds like he had a blast singing. Like he sang it with a wink in his eye. By the way, in case you're wondering what Jackie Wilson said, he said, "It was Reet Petite."

And The Answer Is... TLSBV1

3 out of 4 ain't bad! Yes, the song was "Ana Ng" by They Might Be Giants. My favorite song by TMBG, and those are my favorite lyrics.

Incidentally, I was at the '64 World's Fair. But I wasn't all alone. I was with my mom. I was one of those small girls that the eighty dolls were yelling about. Very small, in fact. Under the age of 2.

Name That Tune... The Lesley Strikes Back Version 1 (TLSBV1)

I always knew my brother and I had way different taste in music, but I didn't realize how different until he started this game. I'm 3 for 10. Not only am I 3 for 10, but even after the songs are identified, I've never heard of half of them. So on to the songs I know!

"When I was driving once, I saw this painted on a bridge:
'I don't want the world. I just want your half.'"

Go to it! The usual applies.

Name That Tune. . . 10

The song in our current installment of Name That Tune pays homage to the singer of the previous installment, soul master Jackie Wilson. I know BT can name the following. Can you?

I'm in heaven, I'm in heaven
I'm in heaven, when you smile
When you smile, when you smile
When you smile.

Same admonishment as always.

And the Answer Is. . . 9

"Reet Petite," Jackie Wilson's first solo release. Charting at 62 in the U.S. and 6 in the UK (I guess Brits have more sophisticated taste in music), it introduced the world at large to this R&B legend, who later scored with such hits as "Lonely Teardrops" and "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher." His version, not Rita Coolidge's, is the definitive cut of the latter.

Any number of R&B artists probably are better known and achieved greater popularity than Wilson, but he was the standard bearer for all the acts that followed. His songs are a pure blast to listen to, to a large extent for their smoking rhythm but much more for his huge voice. More critically, Motown wouldn't have been Motown without him. Berry Gordy co-wrote several of Wilson's songs and used the proceeds to help launch his Hitsville USA Studios.

While BT left another excellent clue, no comment on it yet, for it references the song that will be the basis for the next installment of Name That Tune.

Update: I can now FTP to the Blog. Here is Reet Petite for your listening pleasure or displeasure. (Link will self-destruct in 48 hours or on Wednesday evening.)

Name That Tune. . . 9

Let's step into the Wayback Machine with Mr. Peabody and Sherman and jump back to the 1950s for one of rock's groundbreaking musicians:

Well, she's so fine, fine, fine, she's so fine, f- f- fine,
she's so fi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yine, she's so fine, fine, fine.
She's really sweet, the finest girl you ever wanna meet.

Don't blurt, be subtle, leave a clue. And extra credit to anyone whose clue mentions the name of the artist and his song that references this artist and song.

And the Answer Is. . . 8

"What If I Came Knocking" by John Mellencamp. It's a relatively but not ocean deep cut off Human Wheels, one of those rare CDs that is strong from the beginning to the end. BT scored again, pegging it straight off. AC and Rick nailed it as well. The other song title that's mentioned in the lyrics is "Tumbling Dice," which is a Stones song, not a Mellencamp song, as I wrongly pointed out. Whoops! However, who can tell me which Mellencamp song is for sure referenced on another track on Human Wheels?

Name That Tune. . . 8

I'm digging deep this time to test BT, who has so far shown an impressive depth of musical knowledge. If you can get this one and leave a clue of the same subtlety as before, my hat will truly be off. BTW, the truly observant or knowledgable fans of this artist will recognize the name of one his songs in the lyrics.

So if you hear some knocking
On your window tonight
You can bet that it's probably me.
But let it be known
That we're just a pair of tumbling dice
And the outcome of these crap shoots
Is hard to see.

Game on - and remember, don't blurt, be subtle, leave a clue.

And the Answer Is. . . 7

Barry McGuire's visceral 1960s protest song "Eve of Destruction." The first time I remember hearing this song was on the TV show The Greatest American Hero in the episode "Operation: Spoil Sport." Don't ask me what the episode is about, as I have absolutely no recollection. The song, on the other hand, left an indelible mark with its energy, passion, and anger. Both the lyrics and the rage in McGuire's voice are truly powerful, even for someone who was a little Ron Reagan Jr. at the time. Going to show that I have always been a pinko commie liberal at heart.

Hat tip again to BT for the excellent reference to "Creeque Alley" by the Moms & Pops. I had no idea that the song referenced McGuire or The Byrds' lead Roger McGuinn (nee Jim McGuinn). See here.

Name That Tune. . . 7

Keeping in the same vein as the fifth entry, which featured Neil Young's "Keep on Rocking in the Free World," another political tune, albeit from the 1960s:

Think of all the hate there is in Red China
Then take a look around to Selma, Alabama
You may leave here for 4 days in space
But when you return, it’s the same old place
The poundin’ of the drums, the pride and disgrace
You can bury your dead, but don’t leave a trace
Hate your next-door neighbor, but don’t forget to say grace

Don't blurt, be subtle, leave a clue.

Awesome

Live action Nintendo from Redfined. Absolutely brilliant.

Via the "surprisingly addictive" a small victory.

And the Answer Is. . . 6

The answer is. . . "Thing Called Love," the John Hiatt tune that launched Bonnie Raitt's comeback fifteen years ago. At a concert recently, Hiatt jokingly chided "that little red head" for leaving a verse out, but expressed gratitude for royalties that helped put his kids through college.

BT truly got into the spirit of the "subtle clue" admonition with the clue, "Mandolin Rain Road Tested Companion" as a reference to Bonnie Raitt. In plain English: Raitt did a live gig with Bruce Hornsby, joining other artists, and has a live album called "Road Tested." Freak's clue references Raitt's father, the famous Broadway musical actor, John Raitt.

Name That Tune. . . 6

After the ease of the last installment of Name That Tune, I am curious to see whether people can easily recognize my current selection. The song helped to launch the comeback of "that little red head" back in 1989 and was penned originally by a favorite artist of mine. IMHO, his version is the definitive one, better capturing the spirit of the tune.

Don't have to humble yourself to me
I ain't your judge or king
And baby, you know you ain't no Queen of Sheba
And we may not even have our own dignity, no
This could be just a prideful thing
But baby, we can choose you know,
we ain't no amoebas

Don't blurt, be subtle, leave a clue.

And the Answer Is. . . 5

"Keep on Rocking in the Free World" was our fifth and easily recognized installment of Name That Tune. There are several Neil Young fans among the regular readers of the Blog.

I chose the song because it seems as apt in today's Bush administration as it was when it was recorded during the first Bush's campaign. Director Michael Moore feels the same way, using it in Farenheit 9/11, as Rick pointed out in his clue.

In case you haven't heard, Young is recovering from a procedure to repair a brain aneurysm. All the best, Neil, for a speedy and full recovery.

May the Force Be With You

Star Wars fans are already queuing on Hollywood Blvd, though apparently at the wrong theater, in anticipation of the May 19th release of the latest and last entry in the saga. I will admit the trailer does look awesome, but after the debacle that was the last two movies, I'm in no rush to check it out. How about you? What are your plans for seeing it?

And the Answer Is. . . 4

Whoops, forgot to post the answer to our last installment of Name that Tune. Both Lesley and AC pegged it: Don't You Forget About Me by Simple Minds, the theme song to John Hughes' The Breakfast Club. I can always watch the movie when it rolls around on TV, pick up anywhere in the story. Maybe a bit hackneyed, but still a good statement on the different cliques and people we experience in high school and the real world for that matter. Molly Ringwald may have been the princess in the movie, but it's Ally Sheedy who always does it for me, even before they pretty her up at the end. Something in the way she bites her lip and in her attitude.

Name That Tune. . . 5

The latest entry in Name That Tune brings you a song by one of the masters of rock and roll. Can you name the following?

We got a thousand points of light
For the homeless man
We got a kinder, gentler,
Machine gun hand
We got department stores and toilet paper
Got styrofoam boxes for the ozone layer
Got a man of the people, says keep hope alive
Got fuel to burn, got roads to drive

Remember - don't blurt, be subtle, leave a clue.

Name That Tune. . . 4

Speaking of music from the 1980s, though not necessarily “crap”, we flashback to a song from one of the decade’s most popular movies:

Will you recognize me?
Call my name or walk on by
Rain keeps falling, rain keeps falling
Down, down, down, down

Don't blurt, be subtle, leave a clue.

And the Answer Is. . . 3

The third installment of Name That Tune was indeed absurdly easy for members of the family: "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off" from the Astaire-Rogers film "Shall We Dance." Penned by the Gershwin Brothers, the song itself may not be familiar to everyone, but I'm sure some of the lyrics are. It's where the lines "You say either and I say either," "You say neither and I say neither," "You like potato and I like potahto," and "You like tomato and I like tomahto" come from. (The alternate pronounciations of both either and neither are used in the song: First ee-ther and knee-ther, then eye-ther and nye-ther.)

I myself have never seen "Shall We Dance" and am not sure that I've even heard Fred Astaire sing "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off." The version I have is by Ella Fitzgerald. Either (or is that either?) way you slice it, the song is 'S Wonderful.

The Best. . . Cup of Joe

Only Randy had an opinon about the best french fries. How about the best cup of coffee? Personally, I can't offer an opinion, not being a coffee drinker, but from Starbucks to Seattle's Best Coffee to your local deli to Gevalia, what gets your taste buds going?

Name That Tune. . . 3

The first two installments of Name That Tune were absurdly easy. Not so this one. I am going way, way back, plucking a song from a 1937 film starring the greatest song-and-dance team in Hollywood history. My parents and probably Lesley are sure to know this one. The rest of you? We'll see.

Things have come to a pretty pass
Our romance is growing flat
For you like this and the other
While I go for this and that
Goodness knows what the end will be
Oh, I don’t know where I’m at
It looks as if we two will never be one
Something must be done

And the Answer Is. . . 2

Our second installment of Name that Tune stumped no one. Not that I expected it to.

Tune #1:

As the radio plays
Roy Orbison singing for the lonely
Hey that’s me and I want you only

Bruce Springsteen's "Thunder Road," as much a poem as it is a song. It wasn't until I was a year or so away from college that I got into Springsteen. Around the time he released Born in the USA. Before then, I was quite conservative politically, a mini Ronald Reagan in the making. Hard to believe I know, but ask my family. Then I got hooked on Springsteen, and his music truly played a part in my becoming the person I am today. When I realized how much his anti-establishment message and his songs of the everyman not sharing in the American dream resonated with me, I knew that my conservative politics were a simply a way to rebel against my liberal parents. I still remember the conversation with my parents when I shared this realization with them. It was a cool moment for all of us. We all saw how much I had grown to be able to take such stock of myself and to admit to being a different person than I thought I was. I really don't need to listen to the Bruce v. Bob match-up next week on WFUV radio to answer the question which artist resonates more with me. It's quite remarkable to think that a musical artist can have such a profound impact on your life.

Tune #2:

Yes, I wish that for just one time
You could stand inside my shoes
You'd know what a drag it is
To see you

Everyone knew this one: "Positively Fourth Street" by Bob Dylan. No story behind this song, except that it’s my favorite Dylan song. Those lines are not only the greatest musical put down ever, but they’re one of the best put downs period. I always smile when I hear them. (Kudos to Lesley for a great clue.)

The Best. . . 1

Let's try a new feature here, focusing on the best of something. We'll begin with the best fast food french fries. Take your pick from any fast food restaurant of your choosing. For me, it's Ranch 1 by a mile. Don't get me wrong, McDonald's fries have this wonderful salty taste going for them, but oh that seasoning on Ranch 1 fries and the golden crispiness. My mouth is all a tingle just thinking about it.

Name That Tune. . . 2

In honor of the heavyweight match-up on WFUV next week, this edition of Name That Tune features two sets of lyrics, one from each artist. Obviously, knowing the artists in advance greatly simplifies things, so the next time around, I'll make it harder.

The first selection is from my favorite song ever. The song is such poetry that it pains me to select only a snippet from it, feeling like I'm doing it injustice, but the following lyrics are my favorite from the song.

As the radio plays
Roy Orbison singing for the lonely
Hey that's me and I want you only

Next up is the best musical put down ever. Hands down.

Yes, I wish that for just one time
You could stand inside my shoes
You'd know what a drag it is
To see you

Don't blurt, be subtle, leave a clue.

And the Answer Is. . . 1

Lesley, Dietz, and Rick all correctly guessed the answer to the first Name That Tune puzzle: Lola, the gender bender song by The Kinks. John points out an interesting fact about the song I never knew. No, not that Lola is a transvestite, but that the line "cherry cola" was substituted for "Coca-Cola" in Britain because of the commercial reference.

Name That Tune. . . 1

My Mangled Movie Plots was a bust, but in the interest in getting a game going along the lines of Dietz' Name That, I am trying Name That Tune. Song lyrics from a song of familiar or unfamiliar vintage. Your task: identify the song and the artist.

The first entry is of very familiar vintage and should be a piece of cake for anyone who's listened to the radio in the last 40 years:

Well we drank champagne and danced all night
Under electric candlelight
She picked me up and sat me on her knee
And said dear boy won't you come home with me

Remember, in the immortal words of Dietz, "Don't blurt, be subtle, leave a clue."