My Next Car - Yeah Right

Well, I thought it was a big deal to drive a $127,000 Mercedes-Benz CL 550 for a week. That's nothing compared to the price of the new Porsche 918 Spyder.

If you want one, hurry, though--they're only making 918 copies over the next two years.

Here's Autoweek.com's take on this amazing machine.

The 918 Spyder is a gas-electric hybrid--you choose which fuel you use--a first for the brand.

Now, about that price. How about $845,000? Whew!

I actually am fond of the Boxster, currently Porsche's most "affordable" model. I drove one when they first came out in the late 1990s and loved the look, the feel, the shifter, the engine sound, the top-down cruising--everything, including the Guards Red paint. The Porsche I could afford now is that very car--a 1998 model!

Rain Songs as Spring Begins

With some pretty strong precipitation over the last few days, I'm thinking about some of my favorite rain-themed oldies.

Rain by the Beatles comes to mind first, with John's acerbic commentary and Paul's high bass part. Sweet pre-Pepper Fab Four.

Listen to the Rhythm of the Falling Rain.... by the Cascades--a pretty early sixties song of regret that still gets a lot of (oldies station) airplay.

How I Wish it Would Rain by the Temptations is the old story about how men aren't supposed to cry so to avoid cabin fever, the poor guy wishes it would rain so no one would see his tears when he goes outside.

Who'll Stop the Rain by Creedence Clearwater Revival. Long as he remembers the rain's been pouring down. With John Fogerty it's all symbolic too, of course. It was the late 1960's--nuff said.

The Rain, the Park and Other Things by the Cowsills is a soft psychedelic song by the talented but pop-oriented family group. I loved it, but the "I knew I knew I knew I knew" part was a little annoying.

Box of Rain by the Grateful Dead. I really like this song but don't really understand it. I heard that Phil Lesh wrote it for his dad. It's one of the rare Dead songs by Phil with him singing lead. This link goes to a much later live performance. Oh--I forgot--Happy Birthday Phil! (3/15).

Yellow Balloon by Yellow Balloon. I love this little 1967 pop hit by the mysterious one hit wonders. It contains "it's raining it's pouring" in the middle. With the vocal harmonies and meter changes, it sounds like Brian Wilson could have written and produced it.

There are many more. How about Don't Let the Rain Come Down by the Serendipity Singers? Group folk music at it's most poppy.

Not So Groovy--Acid Genius Owsley is Dead at 76

I remember LSD--I lived through the 1960's. Even if you never actually ingested any, "acid" affected the music you heard, from artists such as the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane and even the Beatles. It also was manifest in poster design and fueled much of the energy of the Haight Ashbury--for better and worse.

It worked its way into the literature of the time, too. Owsley supplied the fuel for Ken Kesey and his Merry Pranksters, featured in Tom Wolfe's 1968 book, The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test. If you're interested in more about drug literature, consult Flashback Books -- they're the experts.

Owsley Stanley was the Colonel Sanders of acid. He somehow got the recipe just right (and kept it to himself). You can read a lot more about him in the March 14, 2011 New York Times obituary.

There's something inglorious about his demise--in a car accident in the Australian bush country--but it's not surprising either.

I'm listening to my copy of the Dead's Anthem of the Sun in his memory right now.

Boogie Woogie Virtuoso Carl Sonny Leyland

My friend and Red Paint bandmate Tony and I were looking for a fun place to go for St. Patrick's Day--but were avoiding the likely hysteria of a real Irish pub. So, we ended up at Speisekammer, a fine German restaurant in the heart of Alameda last night. What a great time we had--because we got to hear the incredible Carl Sonny Leyland play the keys off a piano in a stunning and exciting performance. (Note: Photo is from a different show).

For the price of two fine German beers (on tap) in their own uniquely configured mugs, Tony and I heard Carl play and sing Scott Joplin rags, old blues numbers, stride piano in the Fats Waller style and even a couple of his original tunes. We sat close by, and before and between his two sets we got to chat with him. He's very friendly and low key--and looks very cool with his neatly coiffed pompadour, long sideburns and clear plastic glasses.

Carl, who lives in Southern California, makes occasasional visits up north, and plays not only solo, but also with a trio and even has a radio show. See his website for all the information, and some great YouTube clips.

Test Driving Life is about getting out and experiencing something new--musical, automotive and more. I only wish I had sampled some German cuisine while I was there. I'll return to Speisekammer again for dinner soon--and let you know about it!

St. Patrick's Day Miscellany

I knew St. Patrick's Day was coming because of all the green candy in Safeway, among other things. I realize that it is a religious holiday for some but here are a few things that I am celebrating today.

THE SAINT HIMSELF. Generally recognized as the Patron Saint of Ireland.

CARS: Choose one of six green wraps for your smart car to honor St. Patrick's Day!

MUSIC: Hear a live version of John Mayer singing St. Patrick's Day.

SPORTS: The Belfast Giants. This inspirational sports team plays ice hockey in a neutral arena for Catholics and Protestants to share. The fans, the team, and even the cheerleaders are made up of both Protestants and Catholics. I read about them in the March 21, 2011 issue of Sports Illustrated.

The Strangest Dream... of Peace on Earth

Last Night I Had the Strangest Dream... The song evokes the hope for peace in this word. It's one of those songs that leaves me aching and longing for a better world.

I most recently heard Simon & Garfunkel's version on SiriusXM Radio, which has been offering a special station featuring the duo (which, sadly, ends shortly).

What I didn't know until today was that it was written by Ed McCurdy, who was a very popular folk singer in the 1950's and 60's, and died almost exactly 11 years ago.

The song has been recorded in 76 languages and is the official theme song of the Peace Corps, among other things. The lyrics:


Last night I had the strangest dream
I'd ever dreamed before
I dreamed the world had all agreed
To put an end to war

I dreamed I saw a mighty room
The room was filled with men*
And the paper they were signing said
They'd never fight again

And when the paper was all signed
And a million copies made
They all joined hands and bowed their heads
And grateful pray'rs were prayed

And the people in the streets below
Were dancing 'round and 'round
While swords and guns and uniforms
Were scattered on the ground

Last night I had the strangest dream
I'd never dreamed before
I dreamed the world had all agreed
To put an end to war.

*Note: I saw a version that said "It was filled with women and men" for this line--probably an update--and more appropriate for today.

Joe Morello, Dave Brubeck Drummer, Dies at 82

Over the last several years I have gained more awareness of and enthusiasm for Jazz--a music form that surrounds us in America but about which I was fairly ignorant. I now have a stash of CDs and significant iPod space devoted to some high spots. And--I support my local Jazz FM station, KCSM, with a donation every year.

Dave Brubeck is definitely cool, and his longtime drummer, Joe Morello, could really make those skins dance. He now joins the legion of departed Jazz legends. The photo to the left is from 1962.

Take Five was a huge hit in 1959 on the album of the same name. It was in an unusual (Jazzy) 5/4 time, which made it stand out. With its energy and feeling of movement, it's been a favorite for movie and TV soundtracks.

Check out this story and video of Joe and the gang in a French filming of a fast rendition of the tune.