DIG THIS WITH BILL MESNIK AND RICH BUCKLAND- THE SPLENDID BOHEMIANS
My Fellow Americans, Life is actually just a microscopic, deluded moment in time, so let's cut to the freakin' chase. One look at our impending election debacle can solidify my case. It has been my contention since birth, that the answer to every difficulty we encounter on this sacred yet demented Stone, can be revealed with ultimate clarity through the ultra neurotic engagements of Music, Art, Literature, Film, Poetry and a good Pastrami sandwich. Why would any sane human spend so must time on a film set (Do you know how long you gotta wait until your 8 second deliverance of an edited beyond repair line gets a chance to become a professional embarrassment etched in time forever? ) or expend so much energy in a recording studio, piecing together another ode to a man or woman who could not care less how much love existed within your digestive tract? It's all about hymns and prayers and a quest for mercy and forgiveness and silence and faith. We were blessed with Charles Bukowski, Gene Chandler, Lenny Bruce, Mitch Ryder and a legion of creative explorers whose influences provided the air we breathe. So Let's Dance! This site shall explore the reaper, find a way to disarm the stench of injustice, discover some true loves and talk it all over before it's all over. So what's the worst that our desires could produce? Failure? So sue me. I'm going to require your assistance in making as much trouble for the grown-ups as possible. Let the record show that my childish heart yearns to disrupt the madness. Join me Ladies and Germs!
With Gratitude For Gena Rowlands, Nancy Sinatra, Jerry Quarry, Leo Gorcey, Arthur Alexander and Joey Heatherton, Your Splendid Bohemian, Rich Buckland.
DIG THIS WITH BILL MESNIK AND RICH BUCKLAND- THE SPLENDID BOHEMIANS
BILL MESNIK OF THE SPLENDID BOHEMIANS PRESENTS: THE SUNNY SIDE OF MY STREET - SONGS TO MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD - EPISODE #60: HAUNTED HOUSE by Jumpin’ Gene Simmons (Hi, 1964)
I love that the new home owner portrayed in this song squares off against a threatening demon, declaring:
“Ain’t no Ha’nt gonna run me off!”
This is one ballsy gentleman, Mr. Jumpin’ Gene Simmons. And, fittingly Mr. Chaim Witz of Kiss fame, (another ballsy guy), took his name in tribute to this man.
Morris Eugene Simmons (1937-2006) started his career in 1956, at Sun Records, and opened for Elvis Presley, but he hit pay dirt after leaving that label and landing at the fledgling company of Hi, where he made this recording, which peaked at #11 on the Billboard chart.
It’s simple, repetitive, and silly, but, man, does it cook! And, when he croons “I’ll be right here when the morning comes….” It’s a statement of unshakeable positivity, a guarantee by a man standing his ground against supernatural forces, and you just know that even if they have to end up living together, Gene ain’t gonna be the one leavin’.