#However i love dylans music and i got attached to this particular song so you can't blame me

[s-ccaam-era-crepe]

getting so happy that im shaking is like. really silly actually

[littlequeenies]

BEBE BUELL: MUSING ON MUSES AND OTHER FANS

📷BEBE BUELLJUNE 17, 2020

Before embarking on a musical career of her own, Bebe Buell was a much in-demand model but was most often seen as the second fiddle to the famous rock musicians she was dating. She, however, saw herself as the Muse to these musicians, inspiring and sharing ideas with them. Inevitably, the term “groupie” would arise. As she says, “I’m not opposed to ‘groupies,’ per se. I just don’t like being called a name or being tagged like a sheep to slaughter’. Bebe elaborates on this idea for PKM.

I remember the first time I saw a photograph of Oscar Wilde. I was five and it was Easter. We were at the Virginia Beach home of my mother’s friends, Poppy and Tilly, who were hosting a Sunday get together. We were dressed in our pastels and frills and the candy and food was flowing. It was an adult affair and, being the only child there, I wandered off to explore while the grown-ups enjoyed their martinis and snacks. I found myself in a living room study area and on the table was a big book filled with photos of poets, painters, sculptors and scholars. I was immediately drawn to an image of Oscar draped on a chair like a velvet throw! It stuck with me and when I got older I looked him up in the school library. At the age of twelve I read The Picture Of Dorian Gray, but my main interest was in Oscar Wilde, the man and his story. I felt an instant connection, just as I have with all the great inspirations in my life. In 1978, when I was living between NYC, Maine and LA, before finishing the year in London, I never missed one episode of Masterpiece Theatre and their 13 episodes of Lillie about the life of Lillie Langtry, played brilliantly by Francesca Annis. To my delight, it explored in great depth the relationship/friendship between Oscar and Lillie, and I became obsessed with knowing everything and anything I could about their dynamic. I was intrigued, too, by the descriptions of Mrs. Langtry in the press at that time in England and the U.S. She was often called a “Professional Beauty” or “The Jersey Lily” because she was born on Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands off the coast of Normandy. She was also one of the most featured women in advertising; her face was everywhere. She was the image for Pears Soap and the most respected painters of the day stood in line just to have a sitting with her. In 1877, she met Edward, Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, and became his first publicly acknowledged mistress.

One of my favorite quotes was attributed to her from her conversations with Wilde: “They saw me, those reckless seekers of beauty, and in a night I was famous.” This reminded me of the back room at Max’s Kansas City, the temple of cool when I arrived in New York during the era of everything! It was this platonic duo that introduced me to the role of the “Muse”—that is the Artist and the Muse. Throughout history and especially in the arts, there seems to always be a driving force that brings the flora. In the series Lillie, they emphasized how Oscar would repeat Lillie’s quips and observations in his writing. Their banter with one another fascinated me and I often envisioned myself as a “Patron of The Arts”, in a sense, as I’ve always promoted and sang the praises of those whose work I liked. I felt an affinity with that spirit—the gift of inspiring and sharing special ideas with an artist I admired. It wasn’t just music. I adored musing with photographers, writers, film directors and designers, too. Creative energies have always fed my soul. The first time I referenced the term “muse” was in a 1981 interview I did with the Emmy-winning writer Stephen Demorest for the edgy publication Oui. Its sister magazine in France was called Lui. Playboy had taken over ownership of Oui so it was a glossy, classy, European-style men’s delight, targeting a younger demographic. When Stephen approached me about the piece, he showed me a couple other interviews with “It Girls” that had been published.

One was with Patti D’Arbanville, the inspiration for some of Cat Stevens’ biggest hits. He even used her last name in one of the songs, “Lady D’Arbanville”. I knew Patti from the early 70s and, in fact, it was she who introduced me to Jimmy Page in 1973 on a night out dancing with her in NYC. It was a quick meeting, as I was eager to get home to my boyfriend at the time, Todd Rundgren. A year later, I would run into Mr. Page again and the rest is the stuff of rock tales.

I adored Patti so knowing that both she and Jerry Hall had done this particular interview sealed the deal. Like Patti Boyd, Jane Asher, Linda Eastman, Maureen Van Zandt, Sara Dylan, to name a few, the musical muse is the most often of the muses referenced. I recall how so many people wanted to know my viewpoints and opinions about the word “muse” and why I preferred it to the term “groupie”.

Even in Cameron Crowe’s Almost Famous, his beloved character Penny Lane’s first words on screen are, “We are not groupies. We inspire the music- we are bandaids!”. The film was Cameron’s love letter to women and how even at that time a stigma was attached to calling a woman a groupie; it was not necessarily a compliment. It was almost like a dismissive jab, on par with “she’s such a slut” or “whore”. Another scene in Almost Famous has all of the members of the fictitious band Stillwater squeezed onto a small plane that, they thought, was about to crash. Secrets were spilled and fingers were pointed. In one of the most moving moments, the William character defends Penny when she is described as “that groupie” by one of the band members. William nails it when he points out who and “what” she really is- a bright light and cherished fan. Someone who loved them all and for all the right reasons.

I feel that women have been unfairly branded and labeled without cause. I’ve often said that I’m not opposed to “groupies,” per se. I just don’t like being called a name or being tagged like a sheep to slaughter. Summing me up for the life I’ve lived, seen through someone else’s eyes or, worse, exaggerating the truth. I didn’t want those I’ve truly loved or the relationships I’ve had to be considered less sincere because of the visibility of my partner.

Certainly loving music or dating musicians is not derogatory. Isn’t it logical, then, that birds of a feather flock together? Like-minded tribes mate or unite because of chemistry? Rock boys and models have been drawn to each other since forever! In the Netflix series Hollywood, you find that sex and sexual favors were the core of the industry. Several of the movie stars everyone loved on screen had started out as rent boys or nude models to make ends meet. Who decides why someone can give a blow job to the “right” person and get a starring role in a movie and another blow job by an aspiring talent gets tossed into the trash can of regret.

Why, after having four children with Mick Jagger, a successful modeling career and now being Mrs. Rupert Murdoch, would anyone refer to Jerry Hall as a groupie? Or gold digger, another favorite term used to describe women who marry well. Or Marianne Faithfull, Anita Pallenberg or Winona Ryder, for heaven’s sake? These are the questions I’ve always had and one of the main reason why I have rejected the term groupie in the press. It’s not a personal attack on those who identify with the moniker. It’s my own rebellion against being labeled and frowned on for the relationships I’ve had.

I’ve taken this stand for a long time, even though it’s also caused some judgement and negativity towards me from other women. It’s almost as if they think I see myself as better than them. Or that I’m not being honest when I don’t just call myself a full-on groupie, and own it. My closest friends tell me it’s just jealousy but that doesn’t make it any less hurtful to have tales and lies circulated about you by people you barely know or those who don’t know me at all. Or to have relationships that lasted for years being reduced to a laundry list of “conquests.”

This is nothing new, of course. Catherine The Great‘s enemies within the Emperor’s Court turned on her and started rumors that she was a sex fiend who had intercourse with horses. That stuck with her throughout her life and even in the museums of Russia, the tale has echoed although it’s completely untrue. Cleopatra and Anne Boleyn were also targeted. Ruining reputations was the way people got their revenge in days of yore. Or in some cases, the reason why some lost their heads to the guillotine. Why is it that women who have power or beauty have been subjected to crazy accusations of sexual voracity or deviance? Eve takes the blame for the banishment from Eden and although she was supposedly created from Adam’s rib, she is seen as a temptress and Adam as her victim.

I believe every woman should identify by how she feels comfortable and for the work she does. I personally prefer to be known for what I do, my accomplishments, my career. However, dating a rock star or an actor should not merit a nasty quip or name calling fest. It becomes unbalanced when just because someone gets famous as, say, a model or an actress and then dates a rock star, that she should get called anything other than what she does to earn a living. I’m not sure “groupie” falls under the umbrella of job occupation. I’d file it under pastime, hobby, passion, or fetish.

The origins of the groupie started with nothing more than a desire to be close to the band—the guys who made the music. Or in some cases, the women. The term came into use in the mid-1960s as slang for women who liked to hang out with musicians. It’s fair to say that not all “groupies” are the same. There are many tiers and pecking orders when narrowing it down. Certainly not every girl who dreams of being with a rock star will waltz backstage and demand sex or give oral gratification. That’s the image I despise and wish would not tarnish the entire viewpoint to the outside world. Some of the girls on the scene want to take the word “groupie” back, to personify what it meant in the ‘60s and early ‘70s. It became something entirely different when the ‘80s rolled around. Bands born out of the LA scene liked a different kind of arm candy than the Rolling Stones or the Beatles. They preferred exotic dancers and porn stars, the girls du jour of the time. Just as music changes with each era, so do the kinds of women who pursue the bands. But, more importantly, what kind of women the bands seek out. One man’s status is another man’s yen.

And then there are those who look at being a groupie as a form of prostitution. I’ve never understood that one because most girls who live that lifestyle don’t charge money to be with their favorite rock god or even their crew. It’s a thrill to be with the band, but it seems the glamor that was once attached to that goal has changed. For me, it was a thrill to fight to say “I’m IN the band”… or even “I AM the band!”

When I was living with Todd, he produced one of the first all-female bands, Fanny. They were so great! June Millington could shred! I felt bewildered when I would hear snide remarks wondering if Todd was sleeping with one of them. I thought to myself that would have never been said or thought if they weren’t women.

The bottom line is preference. We all have a choice. And we all can be whatever we want. We can wear many hats. I see myself as a mother, wife, musician, singer, songwriter, writer, mentor, animal lover… many different things. What I do in my spare time is how I make my soul happy. Who I date is based on connections, fate and karma. We end up with who we’re meant to be with and the experiences we have are all meant to be. I’ve been with my husband Jim for twenty years now. Our 18th wedding anniversary is coming in August 2020. So, I’m writing this piece from the perspective of a wife, mother, working musician, writer and mentor. Not just a girl who had lots of suitors in her youth. Every single little thing is part of the journey.

The first time I saw a photo in Rolling Stone of what they called a “groupie”, I was 15 years old and in the 10th grade. It was 1969, and neither the image nor the word was at all something ugly to me. It just seemed exciting and cool. The girls were so outrageously dressed, and it reflected an almost innocent charm. I didn’t aspire to be a groupie but they seemed like they were the ones who made the guys in the band cool. They helped dress them, created make-up looks and spread the word all over town about how good they were. It didn’t seem to be so much about sex and backstage antics. Maybe I was too young to fully understand everything, especially from the pages of a magazine.

On my first trip to LA with Todd in 1973, when I finally did meet some real girls who liked to be called groupies, it still didn’t seem derogatory. I started to see how it was all just tossed together in some people’s minds. It’s a complex dance between an artist and his muse. None of it is something so vulgar or tainted as being only about sexual conquest. Maybe to some, it’s about that. But for me it was a series of fated encounters that have lasted throughout my life.

Some people see a groupie as a girl who will do anything, including have sex with a roadie, to get to the band. There is that element to the rock n’ roll lifestyle. But it’s not the entire package. Others see groupies as a vibe, the girls who are there when the band makes it, the girls that helped them make it, the on-the-road bestie, or the girls who get the bands drugs and food. Or even give them the clothes off their backs if the band is short a cool stage look. I often joke that that’s how wearing your lingerie out became a signature rock girl look- the band had taken her clothes to wear onstage!

I recall reading where Pamela Des Barres said she was still a virgin when she first discovered her teenage heart being drawn to rock boys. It felt sexual to her and it was also just youthful and sweet. Not a salacious sexual quest. More a desire to be near the music and the men who made it. That’s perhaps what one would define as a “classic groupie”. Or, in some circles, “fan” is the preferred analogy. I can relate to that myself as I knew when I was ten years old, I would hang out with Mick Jagger one day. I knew those were my people… my kind.

Pamela has made a career out of her life as a proud groupie. But certainly she has a right to claim the term because she helped invent it! She now calls it her “groupie heart” and that is something anyone who’s ever had a crush on someone or loved someone’s music so much that it altered your DNA can relate to. Hasn’t everyone felt that way? Every guy or gal who picks up a guitar or slings a mic stand had to have been dazzled by their inspiration or felt a need to pursue that for their own futures. So, my point is this- none of it is negative nor should one word hold so much power that when it’s flung at a woman, she’ll feel shamed or scorned.

When I started to get a bit of fame, the media seemed to want to call me anything but “groupie”. It was “Friend Of The Stars”, “Queen Of The Rock Chicks”, “Leggy Model”, “The Mother Of All Rock Chicks”, “It Girl”… so when the internet entered our lives, I began to see just how judgmental and downright mean people were about the women who hung out with the bands. It started to become something so dirty and taboo that I wanted no part of that term. It’s a thin line, a hard one to walk. Personally, I feel loving music and being attracted to musicians is as natural as doctors and nurses getting along. Humans are drawn to their soul tribe. Music, musicians and all art forms attract me. I’m the moth to that flame.

As an entertainer myself, it always hurt me when what I actually do for my job was ignored or not taken seriously because of the famous names I’ve been attached to. It’s so one-sided to only put that burden on women. It has been the norm for men to be patted on the back and admired for their taste in women and especially if they were able to appeal to many and have tons of sexual experiences. Even in the animal kingdom, the male peacock has the massive plume bloom to attract as many lovers as he can. A male lion can rule the pride with his sexual domination. A male celebrity only becomes more famous if he’s got a beautiful model or actress on his arm. Whereas a woman who’s dance card is busy or even full is often ridiculed or bashed. Branded with the scarlet letter of infamy.

It started to get under my skin when I saw myself defined only by who I’d dated or had close friendships with. It’s the luck of the draw. Some women who are in the public eye can date and marry a celeb several times and be embraced for it. They use it to further their already visible life. They are proud and exploit all their lovers as the playthings that they’ve become. Some have become famous by leaking a porno or being on a reality show. What was once a limited field has become wide open with lots of branches of thought and assumption. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy for me to fight for my image… my persona… my legacy. But I did fight. I turned down almost every request I was presented to be interviewed for groupie documentaries or sensationalized TV shows. Sometimes turning down large sums of money. But I wanted to work hard and felt if I worked hard enough one day I’d be thought of for what I did on a stage, in front of the lens of a camera, as a mother and at times even a manager, more than who I shared my life with. Dare I use the “R” word? I wanted RESPECT.

There’s lots of contrast in the definition of groupie or muse but what about “partners”… the duos who took the world by storm. Sonny & Cher, Karen & Richard Carpenter, Debbie Harry & Chris Stein, Jack & Meg White, Jane Birkin & Serge Gainsbourg, Stevie Nicks & Lindsey Buckingham, Annie Lennox & Dave Stewart, Kim Gordon & Thurston Moore, etc… Or Chrissie Hynde and Courtney Love, who both married musicians. There’s a kaleidoscope of ways women are seen. It all depends on how you are first perceived. The general public seem to hold on to how they first heard of you even if you go on to do many different things in your life. Marianne Faithfull is a perfect example of someone who has been able to transcend her detractors and carry on like the warrior she is. But it baffles my mind how anyone could call her or Anita Pallenberg anything but tastemakers and trendsetters. They were the women I would stare at for hours as a young girl. They fascinated me almost more than the guys they hung out with. Yet I still hear them sometimes referred to as groupies.

Like any entertainer, I have an overwhelming need to be loved and to give love and positive energy to others. That’s why I crave being onstage. The connection with the audience is almost like having the best sex in the world. Or at minimum, a great, soulful hug that sends sparks through your body. I’ve been doing this since 1980, in public anyway. This is my life… not the talented, special men I dated in my youth. That’s part of my story and I will never regret a single heartbreak nor will I ever regret loving to the point of forgetting myself and my own pursuits. But I want to be remembered for more than my dates or suitors. I gave birth to a child who grew up to become a superstar so the role of nurturer has followed me throughout my life. I’ve accepted the fact that my fate is to be a vessel for talent and to enrich those who possess it. It’s become who I am- all the parts and pieces of my karma rolled into one big bang! My artistic side occupies just as much space as my musing side- equal parts love and creative energy.

Things come full circle especially when I get approached after one of my shows by young girls that call me “High Priestress” or tell me that they are my “groupies”. When I hear the words “Bebe, Im your biggest groupie!”, my heart swells but I also like to immediately remind them that I do what I do onstage because of them. Because of the exchange being a performer gives to my being. It’s like fuel… hors d’oeuvres for the soul.

One morning in 2009, I got a call from an old industry friend who had landed at Interscope Records. I was awoken with, “Bebe, you’ve been touted in a song produced by Pharrell Williams called ‘Bebe Buell’ by a young band from Boston called Chester French.” I remember thinking “wow, that’s a nice compliment” because the gist of the song was that someone like me or Pamela Anderson Lee were the creme de la creme of rock-boy desire. There’s a clothing line called ‘Muse & Lyrics‘ that has a blouse/top called “The Bebe” and the brand ‘I’m With The Band’ has named their leopard scarfs and headbands the “Bebe”. There’s even a cocktail called “The Bebe Buell”.

But I think one of the coolest things was having Cameron Crowe name the lead singer in Stillwater Jeff Bebe. He gave me the original T-shirt that was used in the movie, too, and boy do I treasure it! Cameron sprinkled all kinds of little clues and messages throughout Almost Famous. I was especially touched by the Jeff Bebe nod because he knew how much I wanted to be a singer in a band. I remember him once saying to me that I should just go for it. At that point, people only knew me as a model and Todd Rundgren’s girlfriend. I hadn’t even done Playboy yet, so I was still trying to figure out who I was and how to do it. I finally did but it took me six more years to get in the studio and front a band!

It’s moving to be honored and it’s also nice to be appreciated by the younger generation of pop culture lovers. The first time my name was in a song, I was excited by it. My old friend G.E. Smith had a line on his solo album that was about coming to visit “Bebe and Liz”… he came over to my best friend Liz Derringer’s house to play it for us. We were elated… it was cool. I would never be so bold as to sit here and make a list of my lovers or the songs they wrote for me because it seems so long ago. I’d rather leave that up to the fans of the music to decipher and besides not all songs written for others are acknowledged as such. I’ve had several songs given to me as gifts or written to me in letters.

Sometimes the authors don’t admit it because their feelings change and they don’t want to upset their new love interest. Didn’t Bob Dylan write “Leopard Skin Pill Box Hat”, “Just Like A Woman”, “Fourth Time Around” and “Like A Rolling Stone” about Edie Sedgwick, only to later deny it? I know the feeling because it’s happened to me. So, at this point in my life, I just cherish the letters (yes, I still have them so one day when we’re all gone they will maybe solve the puzzles) and I respect and allow artistic license to have its day. It’s an artist’s prerogative to change their minds so I hold no hurt feelings. Music buffs are pretty smart anyway and they usually know the truth, so it matters little unless it’s blatant. The one topic that irks me is that I claimed This Year’s Model was about me. Well, that’s impossible because I didn’t meet and start to date Elvis Costello until he was well into Armed Forces. I was living with him in London when he recorded it in the fall of 1978. He included a couple of lyrics from songs on Armed Forces in letters to me but I can say with certainty that “Party Girl” wasn’t one of them. I guess it was the timing of the release that made people speculate I was the subject, but I wasn’t and never claimed to be. He didn’t even know me when he wrote those records. Why this is disputed has always been a mystery to me. The songs Mr. Costello sent me in letters were from later albums, starting with Get Happy. I will always wonder too why he would say something so false and perpetuate a rumor twenty years later in the liner notes of a re-issue.  Here’s to hoping it is finally put to rest. And even with the shame and pain I felt at the time, I feel no regret or ill will toward anyone. To me the truth is pretty obvious. Remember the story I told earlier about Catherine The Great? Revenge is often used when hearts are hurt, and it is very common in the entertainment industry.

In summing up my thoughts on the topic, I feel it’s time in our culture to appreciate the roles women have played in art since the beginning of time. Dali had his Gala, Picasso would hide the initials of his mistresses in his paintings and secretly tell them so they would know it was for them, Clapton immortalized his love and lust for Patti Boyd with the ultimate ode in “Layla” and John Lennon may have written the most beautiful love song of all for Yoko in “Woman”. Or was it Paul McCartney with “The Long And Winding Road” about Jane Asher or “Maybe I’m Amazed” about the spectacular Linda Eastman McCartney?

We can’t leave out the spirited and unique George Sand whose given name was Aurore Dupin. She was born in Paris on July 1, 1804 and adopted the name “George” because women couldn’t write professionally with the freedom of men in those days. She became one of the most popular writers in Europe during her lifetime- one of the most notable writers of the European Romantic era. She would wear male attire in public saying it was easier and more affordable than women’s garb. She was a confidant to Franz Liszt and lover and muse to Chopin. She would lie beneath the piano while Chopin composed, saying it sent the music through her entire body instead of just her ears.

Music is primal and it gets into our bloodstream. It’s easy to see why young girls get crushes on their idols and some even grow up to marry their dream man. But the days of defining women by their sexual desires or “conquests” should be on the wane. I never looked at the men I dated or loved as conquests. Humans aren’t territories to be battled over or ceded to. The human connection is divine. Each and every person we cross paths with is part of our magical life story.  So, whatever you identify yourself as is fine. That is your privilege and judgement should not follow even if the choices aren’t the norm. As Oscar Wilde said, “Be yourself. Everyone else is taken.”

*Closing side note* As I was finishing this essay, I was doodling with a People magazine crossword puzzle and one of the clues was “GROUPIE”. Guess what the answer was… “FAN”. The timing was uncanny!

[girlsgerms]

Picks of December 2019

Hello! Here are some of my music, movie, and other art picks of the final month of the decade! This year I’ve really been getting into 90s rock, permanent wave, slowcore, and punk rock. This month especially I’ve been interested in the music of the 70s and 90s acoustic songs. It’s been really cool seeing my taste in things progress to where they are now and I’m excited to see what else I find in the new year! Without further or do, here’s what I’ve been vibing with this month. :)

Music:

1. Gut Feeling/(Slap Your Mammy) - DEVO

After rewatching the movie 20th Century Women for the first time in many months, I had a resurgence of my love for the Talking Heads, Black Flag, and the Buzzcocks, and a newfound love for DEVO. My dad when I first got into the Talking Heads at the tender age of about 12 or 13 told me about this band called DEVO. He saw them live for the first time when he was about 17 or 18. Anyways, I’ve grown up with them in a sense but never really paid attention to the work they did. I’m glad I finally decided to give a listen to their debut album “Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are DEVO!” It’s led me down a rabbit hole of discovering new music and the culture of the 70s (which I’ve come to hold close to my heart). This song has become a sort of anthem for me. I’ve spent countless hours listening to it on loop and having dance parties with myself. The intro comes in subtly leaving you excited for what is to come. After an astounding 2 minutes of heavy drums, keys and a guitar riff that will remain in your head for days, the lyrics come in heavy “Something about the way you taste, makes me want to clear my throat” making it impossible to resist the urge to jump up and down shouting along with the band. Truly a great song would definitely recommend.

Other DEVO songs I recommend: Uncontrollable Urge and Jurisdiction of Love

2. St. Ides Heaven - Elliott Smith

There really isn’t much to say that hasn’t already been said about Elliott Smith. In my opinion, he is one of the greatest songwriters of all time. His haunting lyrics on this song, in particular, have stuck with me this month and this is yet another song I’ve had playing on repeat lately. It is simple in production and instrumentation but I think that’s what makes it beautiful.

Other Elliott Smith Songs I recommend: Whatever (Folk song in C), Miss Misery, Happiness/The Gondola Man, I Don’t Think I’m Ever Gonna Figure it Out, and Condor Ave

3. Halah - Mazzy Star

The music of Mazzy Star/ Hope Sandoval has really been there for me this year. There’s not much to say other than this song is beautiful beyond compare. It is the first track off of my favorite Mazzy Star project, She Hangs Brightly. I would definitely recommend this song and band to everyone.

Other Mazzy Star songs I recommend: Blue Flower, Fade Into You, and Rose Blood

4. Pop Queen - Noise Addict

This is an acoustic ballad by 90′s Australian indie rock band, Noise Addict. I haven’t done too much research on the band but from what I know, they were a group of thirteen-year-olds led by lead singer/songwriter Ben Lee. This song, in particular, Pop Queen, is a cute, very raw and very unproduced single with simple yet enticing and creative lyrics. It was the lyrics of their songs that really got me attached to the band. There are many references to other bands I enjoy like the pixies and pavement in their songs as well as what it feels like to be a teenager, something I can relate to as of this moment in time. (I’ve only listened to this ep, Young & Jaded, but I expect to like most of their other songs as well.)

Other Noise Addict songs I recommend: Wish I was Him

5. Beechwood Park - The Zombies

The Zombies are yet another band my dad loves. I remember him buying Zombies CDs when I was younger so back in September I decided to check them out. I fell instantly in love with their album, Begin Here. This month I decided to make playlists dedicated to my favorite songs from the decades 1960s-1990s. While searching through my library of saved songs I came across this beauty. I hadn’t listened to this song in probably about a year so I decided to listen to it again and it was probably one of the best decisions I’ve made this month. The zombies make these incredible psychedelic songs and I think Beechwood park is now my new favorite. I definitely recommend this song to everyone. (Especially when you’re driving late at night, this song feels extra special)

Other Zombies songs I recommend: She’s Not There, The Way I Feel Inside, and Going Out of My Head

6. Like Dylan in the Movies - Belle & Sebastian

https://youtu.be/3Sf4B8aercg

A friend of mine back in September introduced me to the band, Belle & Sebastian. This month, I was lucky enough to get two of their albums, The Boy With the Arab Strap and If You’re Feeling Sinister, on vinyl. I quickly fell back in love with Like Dylan in the Movies and it’s become a new favorite. 

Other Belle & Sebastian songs I recommend: She’s Losing it, Is it Wicked Not to Care, Get Me Away from Here, I’m Dying, and The Boy Done Wrong Again

7. Androgynous Mind - Sonic Youth

https://youtu.be/FvpbB8g0e64

Now, I’m not about to sit here and tell you that this song is any good. In fact, it’s really just Thurston Moore screaming “hey hey it’s okay” over and over again, but I’ve come to really enjoy listening to it. I truly believe Sonic Youth is a band for everybody. Their entire body of work is extremely diverse, experimental, and different. If you don’t like one song keep exploring their discography and you’ll probably find something you’ll enjoy eventually. For me personally, I love their albums EVOL, Daydream Nation, and Sister the most. Back to Androgynous Mind, however, this is a punchy punk tune that really gets you in the mood to bang your head. If you’re into noise rock/punk and just like music that makes you want to move, this song is for you. However, if you’re more into pop-y music, maybe skip this song.

Other Sonic Youth songs I recommend: Schizophrenia, Shadow of a Doubt, Teen Age Riot, The Diamond Sea - Radio Edit, and Incinerate

Movies & TV:

This month I was lucky enough to see quite a few movies that stuck with me.

1. Honey Boy (2019)

Let me tell you, I was really, really looking forward to this movie. Over the summer I watched every Shia LaBeouf movie I could get my hands on. He became one of my favorite actors and I loved learning more about his story. Noah Jupe portrayed a young version of Shia under the name “Otis.” He stole the show. His acting in this movie was absolutely incredible and I’m now a huge fan. Overall this movie was shot beautifully and extremely well written. A new favorite

Other Shia LaBeouf movies I recommend: American Honey and Holes 

2. 20th Century Women (2016)

I watched this movie for the first time around the time it was initially released. This is the movie that introduced me to the work of Elle Fanning, Greta Gerwing and Annette Benning. Three incredible women whose work I admire very much. The story is about a young boy named Jamie growing up in the year 1970s. We see him go through the struggles of growing up without a father, falling in love, and just, in general, being a teenager. It is a very powerful movie that I connected to instantly upon watching it for the first time. It was recently added to Netflix so I decided to watch it again and once more I’ve become obsessed. 10/10 would recommend.

3. Bojack Horseman (2014-present)

To be completely honest, I wasn’t expecting to like this show, let alone binge all 6 seasons in a span of 2 weeks. Another good friend of mine recommended it to me and I’m very glad I trusted her judgment. This show was unexpectedly deep and tackled subjects I didn’t think any tv show would ever cover. As someone who struggles with anxiety and depression, I found comfort in Bojack’s character and his struggles with mental health and life problems. This is show is very important and I’m very excited for the series finale to be released.

Alright! That’s it for this month, this year, and this decade! I’ll be sure to write up some more things in January. I think I’m planning on making two posts a month of what I’m listening to and watching. This was fun.

[pinupspace-blog]

80 greatest compositions and interesting facts about them

Songs for all time, songs that sound in each of us. 1. Smells Like Teen Spirit, Nirvana Because of the manner of Kurt Cobain carelessly pronounce words, at first the radio stations did not want to twist this song. "We can not twist it, we do not understand what he is singing" ... 2. Bohemian Rhapsody, Queen The author of this legendary song is none other than Freddie Mercury. The song is unique in that it consists of six different in style parts - an introduction, a ballad, a guitar solo, an opera, hard rock and code. 3. Billie Jean, Michael Jackson The song tells about the real situation that happened with Michael Jackson: a mentally ill woman, a fan of Michaelka tied to him claiming that he was the father of her son. 4. Hotel California, The Eagles The song tells about a seductive, at first glance hotel, from which you can not escape. Some believe that under the "hotel, which can not be abandoned" Eagles meant Hollywood. 5. Yesterday, The Beatles According to Paul McCartney, the melody of the song came down to him. While recording this song, Paul McCartney participated in the work - he played acoustic guitar, and a string quartet, for which George Martin and McCartney composed the part. 6. Imagine, John Lennon The song of John Lennon, in which he described his views on what the world should be like. The song was rehearsed by many famous performers, including Elton John, Queen, David Bowie. 7. Stairway to Heaven, Led Zeppelin The song of British rock band Led Zeppelin, was born in 1970, when her authors - vocalist Robert Plant and guitarist Jimmy Page rested in a Welsh cottage after the fifth American tour ... 8. Every Breath You Take, The Police The song was invented by Sting, then when his marriage collapsed. That's why Sting is always very surprised by something someone finds this song positive. He insists that she is about unrequited love, jealousy and insanity at the loss of a loved one ... 9. Smoke on the Water, Deep Purple The song describes the real events that occurred when Deep Purple came to the Swiss town of Montreux to record a new album ... 10. (I Can not Get No) Satisfaction, The Rolling Stones The song was created by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Jagger himself comments on the song: "Thanks to this song, the real Rolling Stones were born, those that are now. If before it we were just another rock band, then after its creation we became a monster band. She has a very catchy name. Original guitar losers ... " 11. Kashmir, Led Zeppelin At the time the song was created, none of the group Led Zeppelin was in Kashmir. The song was written after visiting the Sahara desert ... 12. Comfortably Numb, Pink Floyd The music for this song was written by Gilmour, and the words were composed by Waters. this is one of three songs from the album "The Wall" when the song was created by Waters and Gilmore together. 13. Dream On, Aerosmith Steve Tyler worked on this song for 6 years, and only when the producer took the band seriously he managed to bring her to mind along with the rest of the musicians. The song entered the first album of Aerosmith. 14. Hey Jude, The Beatles The song was written by Paul McCartney and dedicated to her son John Lennon, who was very upset with the divorce of his parents. 15. Paint It Black, The Rolling Stones Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. In the writing of the reef, Brian Jones helped. 16. Back in Black, AC / DC During the work on the self-titled album, vocalist Bon Scott died. In memory of him, the album cover was made completely black. 17. Dancing Queen, ABBA The visiting card of the Swedish ABBA group and one of the best songs of the 70's. 18. Strawberry Fields Forever, The Beatles "Strawberry Fields" - this is the name of the orphanage of the Salvation Army, not far from the place where Lennon lived on the outskirts of Liverpool in his childhood. Lennon loved the parties that were mowed every summer on the "Strawberry Fields" ... 19. Light My Fire, The Doors The only song from the first album of the American rock band The Doors, written not by Jim Morrison, but by Robbie Krieger. As Krieger relates, the next evening, Morrison instructed each member of the band to write a song because of a lack of material ... 20. The House of the Rising Sun, The Animals The song takes place in New Orleans, in the House of the Rising Sun. Some people think that this house is a prison, others are a public house ... 21. Tears in Heaven, Eric Clapton A rock ballad was written by Eric Clapton when Clapton's 4-year-old son died falling out of a skyscraper window. The ballad is included in the soundtrack to the movie "Kaif". 22. Johnny B. Goode, Chuck Berry The song tells of an illiterate but talented village boy, who charmed everyone with his guitar playing. 23. Stayin 'Alive, The Bee Gees The song was recorded especially for the cult disco film "Saturday Night Fever". This song brought Bee Gees world popularity. 24. Anarchy in the UK, Sex Pistols The lyrics are bold enough, full of protest and calling for anarchy. 25. Whole Lotta Love, Led Zeppelin One of the most famous songs is Led Zeppelin. Guitar riff invented Paige. Words decided to borrow from Willie Dixon's song "You Need Love". 26. No Woman No Cry, Bob Marley The Bob Marley's reggae-not only hit the list of the best songs compiled by the Rolling Stone magazine, and is also the best Jamaican song written since 1962. 27. November Rain, Guns N 'Roses According to the version narrated by the leader and vocalist of Guns N 'Roses, Axl Rose, no one wanted to take part in the work on this song ... 28. Your Song, Elton John Elton John believes that from the time of "Your Song" he did not write a love song, better than this one. The song traces the mixture of jazz and folk styles - the piano together with an acoustic guitar, supplemented by string accompaniment. 29. A Whiter Shade of Pale, Procol Harum Group leader Gary Brooker says that the song was composed under the influence of classics and jazz, which he constantly listened to at the time. The song has a mystical text and ballad psychedelic music. 30. Paranoid, Black Sabbath As the drummer Bill Ward tells, the song originated completely spontaneously ... 31. Losing My Religion, R.E.M. The song that brought R.E.M. world fame. In South American slang, the phrase "losing my religion" means "I'm losing patience." 32. I Will Survive, Gloria Gaynor A song about a man from whom the love of his life has gone. But despite this, he will live. The song is often used as a hymn for HIV-infected people. 33. Personal Jesus, Depeche Mode To promote this single recorded in Milan, we used the original spin-off spins. In the sections of private announcements appeared the advertisement "Your own personal Jesus", to which the phone number was attached, by calling which you could hear this song. 34. Purple Haze, The Jimi Hendrix Experience The song was inspired by a dream in which he walked under the water and was lost in a purple mist, but was saved by faith in Jesus. 35. Knockin 'on Heaven's Door, Bob Dylan Cover version of the song "Knockin 'on Heaven" in the performance of the band Selig is the soundtrack to the film of the same name. 36. Hound Dog, Elvis Presley For the first time the song was performed by American blues singer Willie Mae Thornton, but she became popular thanks to Presley. 37. Jailhouse Rock, Elvis Presley The song "Jailhouse Rock" was released simultaneously with the film "Prison Rock" in which Presley participates. The song is included in the soundtrack to the film. 38. Good Vibrations, The Beach Boys The song "Good Vibrations" was recorded in a completely new technique for that time: the final mix was collected from the fragments recorded in four different studios. The cost of recording was about 50 thousand dollars ... 39. The Locomotion, Little Eva A popular dance hit, written by Carol King and Jerry Goffin for his nanny Eva Boyd, who sang it under the pseudonym Little Eve. 40. California Dreamin ', The Mamas And The Papas In this song the solo on alto flute sounds, really an amazing thing for pop music. 41. Gimme Shelter, The Rolling Stones According to Jagger, the song is dedicated to the war in Vietnam. However, there is another version. Allegedly the author of the song is Keith Richards. And the song was born at the time when his girlfriend Anita Pallenberg starred with Mick Jagger in Performance ... 42. All Along the Watchtower, Jimi Hendrix Bob Dylan's song. But the popular version was the cover version performed by Hendrix. Dylan himself is very positive about Hendrix's version and prefers to play his version at concerts. 43. My Generation, The Who The third single of the Who band. The author of the song, Pete Townsend, says that the song "My Generation" was conceived as a song about finding a place in society. 44. Fortunate Son, Creedence Clearwater Revival This song was very popular during the Vietnam War. It was used in soundtracks for several films and games about the fighting in Vietnam. 45. Sunshine of Your Love, Cream A distinctive feature of the song is the guitar-bass riff and the beautiful solo of Eric Clapton. 46. ​​Heartbreak Hotel, Elvis Presley In the song "The Hotel of Broken Hearts", Presley sings of solitude, about that feeling of love goes away ... And you are left alone in a hotel of broken hearts, where there are many, many rooms with the same as you. 47. Like a Rolling Stone, Bob Dylan The single released by Dylan, lasted three months on the US chart and reached the second line, after the Beatle song "Help!" 48. Blue Suede Shoes, Carl Perkins Thanks to a great dance beat, clean and energetic guitar and mockingly serious lyrics, the song became a legend in the history of rock and roll. 49. London Calling, The Clash The song expresses Strummer's concern with the events in the world, in particular the accident at the nuclear power plant on Three Mile Island, which happened in 1979. 50. I Got You (I Feel Good), James Brown A song about how great it is when, the one you love next to you. The song is characterized by a typical 12-chord sequence for the blues, as well as cries of excitement and cries. 51. Heroes, David Bowie A song about lovers who secretly meet at the Berlin Wall with a threat to life. On the cover of the disc, the title of the song is quoted to emphasize the pathos meaning of the word "Hero" in this case. 52. School's Out, Alice Cooper As Cooper tells, he was inspired by the answer to the question "What are the three most important moments in your life that you consider the most significant?" 53. I Wanna Be Sedated, The Ramones The most famous song of the American punk band Ramones. 54. Be Bop A Lula, Gene Vincent The song was recorded in the record company Capitol Records, they were looking for a worthy competitor to Elvis Presley ... 55. Born to Be Wild, SteppenWolf The single "Born to Be Wild" recorded by the group Steppenwolf became a biker anthem and the first song in which the phrase "heavy metal" was pronounced. That's why sometimes this song is called heavy metal, it is believed that it gave the name to the genre of rock music. 56. Layla, Derek and the Dominos The reason for the creation of the song was the love of Clapton to the wife of his friend George Harrison. However, the name of the song was inspired by the eastern legend "Leila and Majnun", which Clapton was told by his friend Ian Dallas. 57. What'd I Say, Ray Charles Released in 1959, the song Ray Charles laid the foundation for a new style of music - soul. Some radio stations refused to play this song, because they considered Ray's voice to be very erotic. 58. I Put a Spell on You, Screamin 'Jay Hawkins Initially, the song was conceived as a blues ballad. But after the producer watered the whole team, it turned out this is the version. 59. That'll Be the Day, Buddy Holly and The Crickets Holly advocated overcoming racial boundaries, and won the love of a "black" audience, despite the fact that in the group of The Crickets all participants were white. 60. Blowin 'in the Wind, Bob Dylan "Many knowledgeable people are trying to convince me that there is an answer to my question, but I refuse to believe it. I still maintain that only the wind knows the answer. " 61. Bridge over Troubled Water, Simon and Garfunkel The fifth and last album of the duo Simon and Garfunkel. As in all the songs of the band, the Bridge Over Troubled Water harmoniously blended three styles - philosophical texts of the folk genre, electric rock guitars and vocal parts in the gospel style - the church choir. 62. La Bamba, Ritchie Valens The folk song is best known for the performance of American singer and guitarist Richie Walesa. 63. I Walk the Line, Johnny Cash Johnny Cash is a famous American singer, songwriter in the country style. The single "I Walk the Line" brought Cachu national fame. 64. Be My Baby, The Ronettes The American maiden band The Ronettes, became famous thanks to producer Phil Spector, who gave them the image of bad girls in tight skirts with brightly-eyed eyes. 65. All I Have to Do Is Dream, The Everly Brothers The single, written by a married couple Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, made the band "The Everly Brothers" famous. 66. Lust for Life, Iggy Pop For the musical part of the song answered David Bowie. The song is performed on an ukulele, ukupele. "Lust for Life" is used in the soundtrack to the film "On the Needle". 67. California Love, Dr. Dre and 2Pac Tupac Amaru, under the pseudonym 2Pac, recorded his most successful track in honor of returning from prison, where he served a one-year term. 68. Born to Run, Bruce Springsteen The song is written in the first person, in the style of a love letter to a girl named Wendy. 69. She's Not There, The Zombies Beginning musicians won the competition "The Herts Beat Contest", the main prize of which was a contract with the recording studio "Decca" ... 70. Paranoid Android, Radiohead The name of the song is taken from the name of Marvin, the character of the book "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy." 71. I'm Waiting for the Man, The Velvet Underground A song from the first Velvet Underground album and one of the most popular of their songs. Also one of the most significant songs about drugs. 72. Me and Bobby McGee, Janis Joplin Janice recorded the song a few days before her death. And, despite the fact that the song was rehearsed by many performers, she is associated with Joplin. 73. Gloria, Them The song written by Van Morrison and released on the album of Them became later a kind of rock standard ... 74. Dancing Barefoot, Patti Smith The song, written by Patty Smith and Ivan Croll, is dedicated to such women as Jeanne Ebutern, the civil wife Amedeo Modigliani, and the like. 75. Somebody to Love, Jefferson Airplane The song is sung from the second person and raises the theme of loneliness. Noticeably the influence of rock 'n' roll is an energetic record with a psychedelic guitar part and a tangible influence of folk rock. 76. The Dock of the Bay, Otis Redding Otis Redding, a classic of soul music, died in a plane crash at the age of 26. 77. Love Will Tear Us Apart, Joy Division The music for this song was shot by the guys from the group Joy Division themselves, so it clearly shows production errors. The song was used in the soundtrack for the film Donnie Darko. 78. Earth Angel, The Penguins The song in the genre du-wup was first released by The Penguins. After that, a lot of cover versions were recorded, but the magazine ROLING STONE selected the version of The Penguins and placed it at 151 position. 79. The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, The Band The song of the Canadian rock musician, Robbie Robertson, which he recorded together with his group tells about the last days of the US Civil War and its completion. 80. Like a Prayer, Madonna The self-titled album of the singer became one of the most scandalous in the history of music. In it, Madonna sings about her deceased mother, a difficult relationship with her father, unsuccessful marriage. Read the full article