Dig it.
There’s a club in London called the Troubadour. It was founded in the 1950’s and has played host to legendary musicians through the years. It’s also famous as a hangout for writers and artists and coffee-house poetry.
Finger snap.
Groovy.
Picture this. Stanley Kubrick had a favorite table at the Troubadour back in the early 60’s. He comes in, drinks espresso, takes in a poetry slam, and works on his screenplay for 2001: A Space Odyssey.
In 1968, his seminal film is released.
“Open the pod bay doors, HAL.”
“I’m sorry, Dave. I’m afraid I can’t do that.”
Far out.
Featured in the film was the music of Richard Strauss, specifically, Also Sprach Zarathustra, which, interestingly, is a tone poem. Look that up in your Funk and Wagnalls.
In 1972, the jazz musician Deodato put out his take on the classic, which was later featured in the Peter Sellers film, Being There.
“As long as the roots are not severed, all is well. And all will be well in the garden.”
Heavy man.
So for all you poets out there, put on your black turtleneck and beret, go back in time, and tap your toes to the groovy, jazzy, coffee-house, hipster version of Also Sprach Zarathustra by Deodato.
Dig it.
September 13, 2014 at 11:01 pm
I didn’t know you were so fluent in beatnik speak.
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September 13, 2014 at 11:22 pm
Maynard G. Krebs
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September 14, 2014 at 8:32 am
Used to play Thus Spake Zarathusta when I was a DJ at WKLC. I heard that it was inspired by the myth of Sisyphus.
I also remember Maynard G. Krebs. He was responsible, I think, for adding the expression “had a blast” into the vernacular.
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