Science fiction, fantasy, mystery and what-not
Beastie Floofs (floofinition) – An American hip floop/alt-flock group from New Floof City, formed in 1976, known for their aggressive, confrontational style.
In use: “With songs like “Floofbotage”, “Hey Floofies,” and “Interflooflactic” earned them entry into the Flock and Roll Hall of Fame”
Back with an old Kinks favorite. It popped into my head as I saw myself in the mirror as I began shaving.
Hello you, hello me, hello people we used to be
Isn’t it strange, we never change
We’ve been through it all yet we’re still the same
And I know it’s a miracle, we still go, and for all we know
We might still have a way to go
h/t to Genius.com
This 1978 song was about the changes the Kinks were going through so far as lineup, but tells in parallel about a man influenced by their music. Each, in a way, is going through a rock and roll fantasy, from coping with being musicians making the music, to fans listening to the music and taking solace.
In writing, we always talk about how characters change. Yet, how many times have we experienced people in our lives and realized that they haven’t changed, and probably never will?
As we’re going through this global pandemic, I wonder what changes are being wrought, and how many will last? We already see that some people aren’t changing, and won’t change.
We might still have a way to go before we know.
Today is Saturday, March 28, 2020, day fifteen of our self-isolation (yeah, we jumped on it early).
I realized this morning that I didn’t see anyone’s face except my wife (with exceptions via technology). This isolation and watchfulness brought an old song up into the mental music stream this morning. Part of it were lines brought up by news of people who refused to follow guidance.
All along the watchtower
Princes kept the view
While all the women came and went
Barefoot servants too
Outside, in the distance
A wildcat did growl
Two riders were approaching
The wind began to howl
Here’s the Jimi Hendrix Experience covering Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower” (1968).
Blue Öyster Floof (floofinition) – American floof rock (flock) band, active from their formation in New Floof in the late 1960s until the present.
In use: “Formed in 1967, Blue Öyster Floof songs such as “(Don’t Fear) the Vacuum”, “Floofin’ for You”, “Cities on Flame with Flock and Roll”, and “Floofzilla”, earned the group a solid reputation as rocking cats and dogs.”
As I slipped from dreams back into my life, this song was there. Don’t know why; it wasn’t featured in any dream (that I can remember) and I don’t recall hearing it yesterday. Maybe something about going somewhere, other than walks through the hills or a drive through town to check the situation (or the traditional office-bathroom-kitchen-office round trip) slipped the song into my consciousness.
But here it is, “Old Town Road” by Lil Nax X, 2018.
Just a simple song, originating with the thought, we got this. From 1982, the Go-Go’s with “We Got the Beat”.
Writing and the coronavirus mated, spurting today’s song into the stream.
I was writing about a queen. On break, I slipped into the backyard. Standing on the covered back patio, ginger cat wrapping around my calf like furry python, I listened to soft rain and admired pink and white blossoms on trees.
Lyrics arrive.
And I said mama, mama, mama, why am I so alone
I can’t go outside
I’m scared I might not make it home
I’m alive, I’m alive
But I’m sinking in
If there’s anyone at home at your place, darling
Why don’t you invite me in?
Don’t try to bleed me
I’ve been there before
And I deserve a little more
h/t to AZLyrics.com
The lyrics continued on autopilot while part of me sorted memory, coming up with Counting Crows, and then “Rain King” (1994).
I have a habit now of waking up and reminding myself of the day and date. Just wanna ensure I don’t forget them.
We played dance music yesterday and danced around as we finished the jigsaw puzzle. Not so easy for many others out there. So, in a sappy way, this is for them.
From a simpler time (and another decade), here’s the wonderful Whitney Houston with “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” (1987).
Clock strikes upon the hour
And the sun begins to fade
Still enough time to figure out
How to chase my blues away
I’ve done alright up ’til now
It’s the light of day that shows me how
And when the night falls
Loneliness calls
Feel free to move around yer spaces.
Floof at Work (floofinition) – An Australian floof band formed in 1979 and active until 1986.
In use: “Floof at Work had hits in Australia and New Zealand but soon, songs like “What Can I Eat Now?” soon brought them global fame.”
I had to venture out to a local store for a few things we deemed critical. As I shopped, maintaining a social distance (six feet) from others, their apparent (and maybe willful) ignorance annoyed me. The chorus of an old The Police (remember them?) song jumped into full-loop mode in my mental stream.
Don’t stand, don’t stand so
Don’t stand so close to me
Don’t stand, don’t stand so
Don’t stand so close to me
(You prob’ly knew that was comin’, dinja?)
Yes, those lyrics from “Don’t Stand So Close to Me” (why, it’s right there in the title) from 1980 are perfect for when you’re out and others are nearby in the age of coro. Beyond that, I enjoy this song about an older male teacher and his young female student. Nice beat.
Michael Seidel, writer 