saturday 9: Ja-Da

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1) The lyrics tell us the melody is soothing. What calms you when you’re upset or anxious?

Beyond family? Music, but not the typical soothing music. Heavy metal…Metallica, KoRn, Rammstein. Something about the strong bass lines.

2) There was a lot going on in 1918 – like WWI and the Spanish flu pandemic – that left people upset and anxious. In those days, radio wasn’t yet a staple in American homes so people received their news through newspapers. Today with podcasts and 24 hour cable news and social media and other news outlets available, do you ever feel like taking a break from current events?

Pretty much 24///365. Just the sound of the Angry Mango’s voice is enough to make my blood pressure spike.

3) In addition to newspapers, magazines were a big deal in 1918. Women turned to publications like Ladies Home Journal and McCall’s for trends and tips about fashion and housekeeping. Do you have any printed magazines in your home now? 

Not many. Mostly crafting magazines.

4) Today schoolchildren often learn “Ja-Da” because it’s easy to sing and play. Was music part of your grade school curriculum?

Definitely. All the way through high school.

5) Composer Bob Carleton published more than 500 songs in his career. He had no songwriting partner, handling the words and lyrics himself. What’s your favorite song? Was it written by a single composer or a songwriting team?

I have a lot of favorite songs, but Nothing Else Matters probably tops the list. It was written by James Hetfield, the lead singer and rhythm guitarist. It wasn’t written to be released, just for himself. But drummer Lars Ulrich heard it and thought it should be on the album. The song is credited to both of them on the self-titled album, aka The Black Album.

6) Bob got his start in his hometown of St. Louis, playing piano in his parents’ saloon. When you think of St. Louis, what comes to mind?

BBQ!

7) In 1918, Americans were buying more cars and Studebakers were a familiar sight on the streets and highways. Today that name is mostly forgotten. Can you think of a brand that used to popular but has disappeared?

The VW Karmann Ghia. My mom had one similar to this one.

8) During WWI, Americans were familiar with “Meatless Days.” Back then we were encouraged to cut back on the consumption of meat as a patriotic gesture to help the American and Allied troops. Today “Meatless Monday” highlights health and the environment. Think about your diet. Do you try to eat more grains, fruits and vegetables?

I just try to eat what agrees with me. I had my gallbladder taken out a decade ago, and it still causes me issues.

9) Random question: Where did you get the shirt you are wearing right now?

Wicked Clothes. It’s one of many angry-at-the-state-of-the-world shirts I wear to piss off my not-so-liberal neighbors.