h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

You probably already know this, but it was written for Timothy Leary's (failed) California gubernatorial campaign against Reagan in 1969.

I'm not a *huge* fan of Leary, but I find him fascinating (I am, however, a huge fan of his crazy buddy Robert Anton Wilson).

It's also one of the few Beatles songs I really like. I don't *hate* the Beatles, I just think they're *really* over-hyped and overrated.

Anyhoo...

Acrually...I *didn't* know that. But I do now.

I kinda know what you mean by 'over-hyped and overrated> ( don't tell JEllen)...And yet, and yet...

When I was smokin' up in Xtiania with the Norwegians, the bar (well...more of a shack with beer, chess and backgammon) was playing really Cheezy Norwegian folk-pop. Think 'Birdie Song.' The gorgeous Norsk/Inuit lassie was really into it. My new soul mate Anders and I...less so.

Eventually - after waaaaay too long - they put The Beatles on instead. I said to them:
'You know...I'm from Liverpool, so I guess this counts as Folk Music to me. My mum used to go see The Beatles at The Cavern at lunchtime when she was a nurse. You gotta admit...my Folk Music beats your Folk Music.

Then, a couple of weeks ago, Beeb4 ran a Beatles season. Great stuff!

So I Limewired an all-killa-no-filla mega giant compilation of all the good stuff. No 'Octopus's Garden'. No 'When I'm Sixty Four' or 'Yellow Submarine'. No 'Sergeant ing Pepper's Lonely ing Hearts Club Band'. And yesterdat I played it in the car. Loud. *Stunning* stuff! I'd always thought that 'Come Together' was my favourite song. (or maybe 'Get Back'). But then...

Download 'Helter Skelter'. Listen to it. What year does it sound like it was written in? I978-9, I'd say. And it *definitely* sounds like a certain Detroit band I know you like.

Oh, yes, I've heard "Helter Skelter" and like that tune, too. (That tune and the fact that I'm a fan of R Polanski are responsible for my fascination with anything related to the Manson Family.)

I also like "Glass Onion". There are a few others but can't think of 'em right now... I just got up from a nap, an unusual occurrence for me, and I'm still groggy.

Back from spring 2003 through the end of 2004, I worked at a graduation apparel/ academic regalia manufacturer, as a sales rep (started as an order entry temp). Between that place and my bus stop was a cool, eclectic little shop that specialized in funky handicrafts from all around the world, especially Mexico. They used to sell really neat handbags, and I've bought several of them. A friend bought me one from the same place, because it was such a cool concept. It was the album cover from Sgt Pepper's (both sides) with guitar knobs attaching the handle at either side. I had it hanging in my closet, unused, for ages, and then sent it to JEllen a while back and she loved it.

Now there's a thing. An ex-colleague is the father of the drummer in Travis. Before they got big, they traded under the name 'The Glass Onion'.

I'm not a fan of Travis - but because of the relationship I've followed their career from the start. In the first big interview I read in Q Magazine they said:
'Drummer Neil cites his earliest influence as his father's extensive record collection. When he was young he wanted to be Levon Helm from The Band.'

How is that?