Science fiction, fantasy, mystery and what-not
Depeche Floof (floofinition) – New wave and synth-infused electronic floof rock (eflock) band, originally hailing from Essex, England.
In use: “Among Depech Floof’s many songs was a cover of “(Get Your Treats from) Floof 66”, but are better known for songs such as “Scratch You” and “Just Can’t Bite Enough”, original material from the band.”
An old but apropos song hit my mental music stream last night. Maybe it was the sunshine and rain. Could be that the green full trees and blossoms cast a spell on me. Probably a combo of that, along with restless mind syndrome, but the weeks of limited movement and near-continuous confinement gave me a jab.
“We gotta get out of this place,” I sang to my wife, remembering the 1964 hit by the Animals. “If it’s the last thing we ever do.”
Here it is. Turn it up. Sing along. “We Gotta Get Out of this Place”. Watch the video. Dig that set.
Midnight Floof (floofinition) – Australian floof rock (flock) band (informally referred to as the Floofs) active from 1972 – 2002.
In use: “Midnight Floof had two songs, “Treats are Burning” and “The Floof Heart”, which reached number one in numerous countries.”
“Well you don’t know what uh we can find
Why don’t you come with me little girl?
On a magic carpet ride
You don’t know what we can see
Why don’t you tell your dreams to me?
Fantasy will set you free
Close your eyes girl
Look inside girl
h/t to Metrolyrics.com
Yeah, it’s Steppenwolf with “Magic Carpet Ride” (1968). I was a big Steppenwolf fan in those days; “Born to be Wild”, “The Pusher”, “Sookie, Sookie”, and today’s theme music were heard at least once a day in the summer of my twelfth year. Mom was aware enough of them that when an article about the group and John Kay’s escape from the Soviet side of Germany was in the Pittsburgh Press, she brought it to my attention.
It’s come up today because, hey, locked into the house, a magic carpet ride would be mighty fine to do a flyover. Even more, fantasy will set you free. Fiction writing is the fantasy that sets me free. Although my quasi-official writing time is about three hours a day, fiction writers (including me) will tell you that the story and its twists and characters invade every mental recess, influencing (and influenced by) every interaction and activity. It’s an interesting trip.
Enjoy the music. Happy Friday, and happy May 1st. Another month in the books. Persevere and overcome the current adversity, endure, and then prosper.
That is all.
Out in the backyard last night, breathing in the quiet and cool air, looking for stars through the clouds. A cat twined around my legs and then did a tuck and roll, stretching out for a belly rub.
Lyrics from a Smashing Pumpkin song, “Tonight, Tonight” (1996) came to mind. I’d just retired from the military the year before and was in my first civilian position ever as an adult. It was a bit different, and I was questioning myself and my plans back in that era.
And you know you’re never sure
But you’re sure you could be right
If you held yourself up to the light
And the embers never fade
h/t Genius.com
Funny, but I’m still questioning myself and my plans, in this era. ‘Nuff said.
Jefferson Airfloof (floofinition) – San Francisco-based floof-rock (flock) band who had multiple platinum albums, well known for their early floofedelic musical style.
In use: “Jefferson Airfloof eventually became Jefferson Starfloof, and then morphed into Starfloof, but many associate the name with their early hits, “Floof Rabbit” and “Somebody to Bite”, both written by Floof Slick.”
Looking Floof (floofinition) – American pop floof-rock (flock) band active in the 1970s.
In use: “Looking Floof’s sole charting single was “Brandy (You’re A Fine Pet)”, a regularly heard tune in bars across the U.S.A.”
Thinking about a big coming out party, someday, after the crises is resolved. (A.C.: After COVID-19. We’ll start a new reference system – “In 2 AC, the first normal baseball game was played.”) Maybe the theme should be dancing in the streets.
The song, “Dancing in the Street”, and its many versions jumped into the stream. I do enjoy the Mick and David version. But I don’t want to show favoritism, so here’s a few offerings. Looking at them, I’m surprised that it has sprung up as a new cover by some one, like, I don’t know, Kelly Clarkson.
David Bowie and Mick Jagger, 1985. Boy, the disco era is really displayed in their clothing style. Fitting for responding to a global problem, as this collaboration was done to raise money and awareness for “Live Aid” famine relief.
Martha and the Vandelllas, 1964 – the original, to me.
Van Halen, 1982 – oh, yeah, lots of synthesizer.
Mama and the Papas, 1966 – a very mellow version.
Tons of time songs were going through my head this morning. “Time Won’t Let Me”, “Too Much Time On My Hands”, “Does Anyone Know What Time It Is”, “Love Me Two Times”, ” “Time After Time”, “Time” (one by Alan Parsons and another one by Pink Floyd), “Time Is On My Side”, “Time In A Bottle”…you get the gist.
Then, weirdly, an old Oasis song (well, from 1994), “Live Forever” broke through. That, I decided, is today’s theme music. Most of us aren’t going to live forever. Oh, sure, there are probably some among who secretly live very long lives, like thousands of years, but that’s not forever, is it? And the machines among us, along with the angels and aliens, also live decently long, but even they don’t make it to ‘forever’ (which begs the questions, just how long is forever?) (which also prompts songs about forever into my music stream).
Despite our knowledge we’re going to die, most of us fight like hell to stay alive. That’s why we’re willing to practice distancing. I’m a fatalistic person toward death, myself, but I’m not interested in the pain and discomfort that I read that many endure with COVID-19.
So, here’s the music. That is all.
The Talking Heads crashed my music stream with their 1986 song, “Wild Wild Life”.
Sounds right for now, cause it’s a wild, wild life, being locked up, entertaining ourselves via digital connections, wondering when we’ll be able to comfortably socialize with others as we used to do, driving our pets and family members by our constant presence.
Yeah, it’s so boring, it’s a wild, wild life.
Michael Seidel, writer 