Return to Revolver

Tainted Love's too fast to dance to ...

"Return of the Beat Menace," Daniel Amos
"Return Post," The Bangles
"Reunion," Erasure
"Reunion," Stars
"Reunion of Friends," Phil Keaggy
"Revolution," Nina Simone
"Revolution 1," The Beatles
"Revolution 9," The Beatles
"Revolution in the Heart," Ed Harcourt
"The Revolution Starts Now," Steve Earle
"Revolver," The Donnas

Bonus essay questions:

1. "Return of the Beat Menace" is from the album Darn Floor - Big Bite, which takes its name from something Koko the gorilla said. Shown a videotape of an earthquake rocking a city, Koko signed "darn floor, big bite." What are the limits of language? Give two examples of things that are ineffable and/or inexpressible. (Be concrete.)

2. When I was in 11th grade, Cindy P. loved Erasure. And when I was in 11th grade, I loved Cindy P. I therefore own a copy of Wonderland. In 200 words or less, what does Vince Clarke have against guitars? (Be precise.)

3. Surfing YouTube for "Revolution 9" leads one to the fascinating funhouse world of Beatles backward-masking conspiracy theorists. Here, for example, is a video demonstrating how playing "I Am the Walrus" backward turns the phrase "Ho ho ho, hee hee hee, ha ha ha" into the hidden message "Ha ha ha, hee hee hee, ho ho ho." What other areas of interest draw such a cross-section of fundamentalist Christians and stoners? Do you see the potential for this kind of stoner/fundie cooperation in other fields? Is Paul dead? (Provide examples.)

4. Steve Earle played Bubbles' N.A. sponsor, "Walon," on The Wire. Was that cool or what? (Show your work.)

Comments

[Steve M.]

What?! No "Life Is a Rock (but the Radio Rolled Me)" by Reunion?

[Joshua]

"Is Paul dead?"

The Beatle or the Apostle? I'm pretty sure about the latter, but the former is still an open question. ;)

[Geds]

"Rescue Me," Unwritten Law
"Resignation Superman," Big Head Todd and the Monsters
"Respect," Train
"Rest of My Life," Unwritten Law
"Rest Stop," Matchbox 20
"Retarded Dis Figured Clown," Blue October
"Reunion," Collective Soul
"Revelations," Audioslave
"Revolver," Rage Against the Machine

[SchrodingersDuck]

"Return to Energiser" - Enter Shikari
"Rever's Edge" - Shinkichi Mitsumune (FLCL soundtrack)
"Revol" - Manic Street Preachers
"Revolution Calling" - The Fight
"Revolution Deathsquad" - DragonForce

[victoria]

"The Return of Jackie and Judy" - Tom Waits
"Reunion" - Indigo Girls
"Reunion Tour" - The Weakerthans
"Revelling" - Ani Difranco
"Reverence"- The Jesus And Mary Chain
"Revolution Rock" - The Clash

Someday, some wonderful day, Fred will fall in love with The Weakerthans...

[SchrodingersDuck]

What other areas of interest draw such a cross-section of fundamentalist Christians and stoners?

One of the leading modern theories about Revelation is that it was originally a mushroom trip of John of Patmos, so I'll have to say "interpreting meaningless hallucinations". Also, Chick Tracts.

Do you see the potential for this kind of stoner/fundie cooperation in other fields?

Judging by the quality of most fundamentalist Christian movies (the Thief in the Night series, Left Behind), they have a far greater bad movie tolerance than even Mike Nelson or Joel Hodgeson. Perhaps it's time for... Christian Science Theater 3000!

[Tonio]

What other areas of interest draw such a cross-section of fundamentalist Christians and stoners?

A better comparison may be Johnny Smith's mother in Stephen King's original "The Dead Zone" and her drift among extreme belief systems during Johnny's coma.

[Paul Bagosy]

"Return of the Mack" - Mark Morrison
"Reunited" - Peaches & Herb

-pb

[cjmr]

"Return to Pooh Corner" -- Kenny Loggins
"Return of the Uninvited Parade" -- from Sandra Boynton's Blue Moo album

[Ryan]

"The Return of the Giant Hogweed," Genesis
"The Return of the Son of Monster Magnet," Frank Zappa
"Return to Hot Chicken," Yo La Tengo
"Reverence," The Jesus & Mary Chain
"Revolution 1," The Beatles
"Revolution 9," The Beatles

[Jos]

"Remind Me" by Royksopp

[Dirigible]

In 200 words or less, what does Vince Clarke have against guitars? (Be precise.)

So what do you have against synthesizers? Are guitars a requirement for all music?

[Amaryllis]

The Return - Alan Stivell
The Return of Spring - James Morrison
Revelation and Improvisation - Kings of Harmony

[[Original] Jeff]

In 200 words or less, what does Vince Clarke have against guitars?

He wanted to be part of the techno-trend. Just like Flock of Seagulls or Thompson Twins, guitar riffs were not part of that scene. Besides, not everyone can be Slash, Bo Diddley or George Thoroughlygood.

[JRoth]

Return the Gift Gang of Four
Return To Paradise Shirley Horn (Mark De Clive-Lowe Remix)
Revelator Gillian Welch
Revolution The Beatles
Revolution 1 The Beatles
Revolution 9 The Beatles
Revolution Blues Neil Young
The Revolution Starts Now Steve Earle
The Revolution Starts... Steve Earle
The Revolution Will Not Be Televised Gil Scott-Heron

[[Original] Jeff]

Erasure went on to tour with Cyndi Lauper, Deborah Harry, Margaret Cho and other artists, for the 2007 True Colors tour of the United States, a tour which benefited gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender freedoms and rights.

What do you have against LGBTs? [/snark]

[Tonio]

So what do you have against synthesizers? Are guitars a requirement for all music?

Guitars are simply more organic sounding, especially when used with tube amplifiers. (Valve amplifiers for the U.K. folks.) The classic B-3 Hammond organ also has that organic quality.

[Geds]

So what do you have against synthesizers? Are guitars a requirement for all music?

Automatic F. Guitars are not a requirement for all music, but synthesizers are an abomination unto the world unless used in a purely supporting role.

[Geds]

SDuck: Judging by the quality of most fundamentalist Christian movies (the Thief in the Night series, Left Behind), they have a far greater bad movie tolerance than even Mike Nelson or Joel Hodgeson.

Look up the movies Facing the Giants and Fireproof some time.

I watched Facing the Giants with a room full of thirteen year-old boys who could not believe how bad the acting was and cracked up at the completely wooden marriage that was supposed to represent good Christian marrying. Then I read the Dove Foundation's review, which called it the "Sleeper hit of the year," and praised it as a great leap forward in Christian movie making or something.

Fireproof is by the same people, stars Kirk Cameron and pretty much seems to be about how only good Christians can hold marriages together and the proper response to internet porn is to take a sledgehammer to your computer. Needless to say, it screams out for a drinking game. Or even CST3K.

[hapax]

Koko signed "darn floor, big bite." What are the limits of language?

Well, if it were Thursday, I'd go into a long tirade about how the whole Koko phenomenon was a stellar example of pseudo-scientific self-delusion.

But since we're all waiting for LB, I'll just sign "Dog Yellow Fine Nipple."

[Belisarius]

Someone's been reading "1066 and All That."

[cminus]

"Return To Sender," Jimmie's Chicken Shack
"Reunification Rainbow," Pochonbo Electronic Ensemble
"Reunion," Indigo Girls
"The Revenge Of Vera Gemini," Blue Oyster Cult
"Reverend Girl," The Verve Pipe
"Reviver Gene," Foil
"Revolution (B-Boy Anthem)," Zion I feat. VinRock
"Revolution Rock," The Clash
"Revolution Rock," Los Fabulosos Cadillacs
"The Revolution Will Be Streaming," Saxon Shore
"Revolver," Rage Against The Machine

Most recommended: either of the versions of "Revolution Rock". "The Revenge of Vera Gemini", featuring Patty Smythe, is very good for people who are interested in exploring the roots of goth metal, and inspired a late 70s Defenders villain.

At the other end, "Reunification Rainbow" is one of the most hilariously bad songs ever, and I can only imagine how much worse it would be if I knew Korean. (And how unfunny I'd find it if I ever had to listen to it while commuting in North Korea). It's available for free download at the website for the Pyongyang Metro, a fascinating webpage indeed.

[Em]

Return - HMB
Return - Siouxie and the Banshees
The Return - Sol Invictus (x2)
Return (Coming Home) - The Cruxshadows
The Return of Nothing - Lycia
Return of Shoes - Prolapse
The Return of the Evil One - Leather Strip
Return the Gift - Gang of Four
Return to Burn - Black Heart Procession
Revcolution Medley - Revolting Cocks
...Revelation - HMB
Revelation Big Sur - Red House Painters
Revenge - London After Midnight
Revenge of the Selfish Shellfish - Tony Wakeford and Stephen Stapleton
The Revenge of Vera Gemini - Blue Oyster Cult
Reverberation (Doubt) - The Jesus and Mary Chain
Reverberation (Doubt) - ZZ Top
Reverant Mr. Black - Kingston Trio
Reverie - Cranes
Revolting Cocks Au Lait - Revolting Cocks
Revoltnika! (Live) - Digital Poodle
Revolution - The Beatles
Revolution - Disastrid
Revolution 9 - The Beatles
Revolution of Love - Gitane Demone

Extra Credit:
When I was in 11th grade, Cindy P. loved Erasure. And when I was in 11th grade, I loved Cindy P. I therefore own a copy of Wonderland. In 200 words or less, what does Vince Clarke have against guitars? (Be precise.)

Because until you develop the appropriate calluses, guitars hurt your fingers. Whereas you can compose on the synth to your heart's content and then program the thing.

[DylanW]

I'm going to look pretty lame with this one:

"Rescue," Newsboys
"Return," Phil Joel
"Revolution," Jars of Clay

[DylanW]

... I meant I would look lame in terms of the music. But it would also appear that I will look lame for failing at alphabetical ordering, too.

[Jessica]

Koko signed "darn floor, big bite." What are the limits of language?

Since someone else already mentioned LGBT, albeit in relation to the Erasure question and not the language question, I'll say this-- a trans person trying to explain gender dysphoria is a perfect example of something ineffable. You get responses such as "I'm a woman in a man's body" but this is not even the half of it, and is almost misleading. It's just that there isn't really a better way to explain it for most lay people to understand.

[Me]

Rescued - Jack's Mannequin
Reverie - Megan McCauley
Revolution - Authority Zero
Revolution - Jim Sturgess
Revolution - Nevada Tan
Revolution Action - ATR

[Michele my bell-flower]

DylanW: But it would also appear that I will look lame for failing at alphabetical ordering, too.

Um? *confused* the last time I looked, STV was proper alphabetical order....

[DylanW]

Um? *confused* the last time I looked, STV was proper alphabetical order....
But S comes before T, so technically my first item shouldn't fit between Return and Revolver.

... yes, I am a rules lawyer.

[Geds]

Do you see the potential for this kind of stoner/fundie cooperation in other fields? Is Paul dead?

Essay option three gets funnier every time I read it.

[cjmr's husband]

stoner/fundie cooperation

Six out of eleven long-haired friends of Jesus in a chartreuse microbus approve.

[Geds]

Six out of eleven long-haired friends of Jesus in a chartreuse microbus approve.

As does the Rubber Duck. Pig Pen will need some convincing, though. We should lay the hammer down.

[Sniffnoy]

What are the limits of language? Give two examples of things that are ineffable and/or inexpressible. (Be concrete.)

Be concrete? Aw, that rules out undefinable objects...

[Michele my bell-flower]

DylanW: But S comes before T, so technically my first item shouldn't fit between Return and Revolver.

*light bulb* Aaaaah! I get it now!

[Michele my bell-flower]

cjmr's husband: Six out of eleven long-haired friends of Jesus in a chartreuse microbus approve.

What, the Young Ones?

[Michele my bell-flower]

full disclosure: I only ever saw the last episode of the Young Ones, which is probably why your comment brought that to mind.

Either that, or my brain has just gone on vacation without me....

[Cowboy Diva]

Six out of eleven long-haired friends of Jesus in a chartreuse microbus approve.

FURTHUR

[cjmr's husband]

I've never seen the Young Ones; Geds wins.

[J Neo Marvin]

Return Of Shoes - Prolapse - The Italian Flag
The Revival Of Cruelty - Mecca Normal - The Eagle And The Poodle
Revival Reggae - Toots & The Maytals - Monkey Man/From The Roots (most exuberant scat-singing of all time, bar none)
Revolution - Toots & The Maytals - In The Dark (more Toots...a moving performance with ambiguous lyrics rivaling Lennon's song by the same name--is he singing "START the revolution" or "STOP the revolution"?)
Revolution - The Beatles - Past Masters Vol. 2
Revolution 1 - The Beatles - The Beatles
Revolution 9 - The Beatles - The Beatles
Revolution 9 - Neil Cowley Trio - Mojo Presents The White Album Recovered (this is an amazing track on an otherwise blah collection of White Album covers: a jazz piano trio interprets Revolution 9...and in a very abstract way, they capture it, plus, it's actually catchy!)
The Revolution Will Not Be Televised - Gil Scott-Heron - Pieces Of A Man
Revolutionary Spy - Noh Mercy - Earcom 3 (obscure San Francisco female vocal/drums punk duo)

[Geds]

What, the Young Ones?

Sorry. Not so much.

[J Neo Marvin]

Somebody else here remembers Prolapse! One of the great forgotten bands of the 90s, I reckon.

[Eric b]

Paul is dead? That's was a hoax, right?

[Reverend Ref]

Wouldn't playing "I Am the Walrus" backward turn the phrase into " Ah ah ah, eeh eeh eeh, oh oh oh"?

Just wondering ...

[J Neo Marvin]

Paul is dead? That's was a hoax, right?

I'm under express orders not to make any more Paul of Tarsus vs. Paul of Liverpool jokes, but I will say that 39 years later Paul McCartney stands a 50-50 chance of outliving all the other Beatles. So much for that old hoax.

[J Neo Marvin]

Do you see the potential for this kind of stoner/fundie cooperation in other fields?

Throw in a little Black Power and you basically have Rastafarianism in a nutshell.

[spluffer]

Return Of The Grievous Angel - Gram Parsons
Return Of The Son Of Shut Up 'n Play Yer Guitar - Frank Zappa
Return Of the Spiders - Alice Cooper
Return The Gift - Gang Of Four
Return to Me - Hank Snow
Return To The End - The Asexuals
Rev It Up & Go - The Stray Cats
Revenge - David Allan Coe
Reverb 1000 [Live] - Man or Astro-man?
Reverends Ride - The Lombego Surfers
Revival - The Allman Brothers Band
Revolution - Thompson Twins
Revolution, Pt. 2 - fIREHOSE

I was turned on to The Wire by Fred here. Thank you very much. When Walon made his first appearance, I said "Wow, Steve Earle!" Then I had to explain to my girlfriend that, in the absence of scripted lines, Steve Earle as a recovering junkie might not technically be considered acting.

[Jeff]

I'll just sign "Dog Yellow Fine Nipple."

Is that a Sarah Palin reference? Sexist!

====================

I will say that 39 years later Paul McCartney stands a 50-50 chance of outliving all the other Beatles.

Ringo's been married to Barbara "Hottie" Bach for 27 years (!!!!) He's been leading a well-respected group of musicians on tour for a few years now. Pual is lumpy, been in and out of "relationships" for a while. It would please me greatly to see Starr outlive McCartney.

On the other hand, if Starr does go first, the Beatles would have died in order of talent...

[Indiana Joe]

"Return Of The Jedi", National Philharmonic Orchestra, John Williams
"The Return Of The King", Howard Shore, The Lord of the Rings
"The Return Of The Red Baron", The Royal Guardsmen
"Return Post", The Bangles
"Return To Tencton", Alien Nation Soundtrack
"Revenge", Braveheart Soundtrack
"Revenge Is Sweet", Billy Joel
"Revenge!", Spoon
"Reverie, Op. 3, 'Villa D'Este'", Billy Joel

For some reason my musical tastes feel oddly pedestrian and silly now.

[Dash]

"What does Vince Clarke have against guitars?" This is a question that mankind has been asking itself since the beginning of time, for it is a very important question, and it is important for us as human beings to understand the answer. [thirty-nine, forty, forty-one, forty-two. Whew! only 158 words to go.]

[Cowboy Diva]

Indy Joe,
How can you say that? You've got Snoopy's theme song on that list! By Floridian poseurs, no less. Who could ask for anything more?