Book Buzz:-->"It's Not Easy Bein' Me" by Rodney Dangerfield (2004)

"Take it where you find it...
Can't leave it alone.
You will find a purpose to carry it on.
Mainly when you find it...
Your heart will be strong about it."
Van Morrison

NO SPOILERS:
Memoirs are often a crap shoot. Too much watercolor starts to stink. And obvious writer agendas that all too often raise their ugly heads...create a nasty funk, as well.

But when you stumble on someone's memoirs that ring dead-on true, then you got yourself a pretty good read.

"It's Not Easy Bein' Me" is a terrific 288 page offering by Rodney Dangerfield that completely entertains from page one.

The numerous stories of Rodney's brushes with legendary entertainers is a blast to read. And the shoulders he has rubbed up against is nothing short of amazing. Johnny Carson, of course. But how 'bout Al Jolson! Jack Benny! Lenny Bruce!

And the younger comedians he befriended trying to break in to the business reads like a who's who. Robin Williams! Jim Carrey! Sam Kinison! And the list goes on and on...with funny and sometimes...poignant stories about all of them.

Rodney's hard luck everyman..."I don't get no respect" gimmick was a match made in heaven. But it wasn't daisies and balloons. Although Rodney keeps the reader from getting too close to his painful past...he does give us a pretty good glimpse of what it was like growing up. As well as trying to break in his act. And Rodney's descriptions of New York City in the days when nightclubs were the flavor of choice are fascinating.

Rodney tells of his encounters with presidents and mob guys. His health issues and marriage. And...as the book advertises...plenty of sex and drugs. To top it all...Rodney breaks up each story with one of his classsic jokes. And there are plenty.

Bottom line: You'll swear you hear Rodney's voice while reading the book.
Good Stuff!

Rodney On Johnny Carson Show

MoSkeet

AND ANOTHER THING:
I caught up with Van Morrison late in his career. So I heard his later stuff, first...and his earlier stuff, last. With this introduction in mind...the CD that has brought me the most pleasure...And one I find myself returning to when I need a Morrison fix...is the underrated...1978 offering..."Wavelength".

Perhaps it was because it was released at a time when punk and new wave were the mound of sound. But, for whatever the reason..."Wavelength" went quickly Gold...and then just as quickly disappeared.

Fortunately...time has been kind to this album...and it sounds as fresh and hot as ever...and...from beginning to end...the backing band cooks like a propane grill!

The soulful Van Morrison was flatout...no-frills...kool! And his "Wavelength" gem is a Must Own!

Van in '79 working the title track like a choo-choo train!

Casey

Van Morrison:-->"Take It Where You find It" (Wavelength) (1978) (Must Own)

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Interview:-- Joan Staley (Actress - Classic Movies & Television)

Image
  "Elvis,  do you really want me to slap you?"  ~ Joan Staley ~     So my friends and I were talking about first crushes. First tv and movie crushes.  For me, it was easy.  It was Alma. (Joan Staley)   I broke into the double-digit age of 10 in 1993.  That was the summer I discovered my favorite Don Knotts movie while flipping thru cable one Saturday morning... "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken." Everyone has seen it.  It was a funny haunted house story similar to an episode on Andy G. with a cast of familiar characters, trippy organ music, and the prettiest girl I had ever seen...Alma. She was beautiful alright.  I was love-stung so bad, I swear I could smell flowers coming out of the TV set.  And best of all, she was nice.  She didn't like the smart alec, the wise guy, or the show-off.  Alma was digging Luther (Don Knotts) and that just made her that much prettier.  And from then on... But unfortunately, time and puberty wouldn't let her wait
Read more

Interview:--> Terry Kirkman (The Association)

Image
"...Not only learned to think, but to care.  Not only learned to think, but to dare." ~ The Association ~  With one of the most bad-ass songs about the herb that no one was quite sure about, yet everyone understood...to the anti-war homage that was both beautiful and pointed... The Association . From gentle psych pop spinneries that tease the mind...to the lush vocal and instrumental arrangements that melt the heart... The Association. The Association were all of these and none of these. Lead by co-founder Terry Kirkman, it was never an "either/or" about the music.  No pigeonhole here.  It was simply "all" about the music.  And having at least 3 of the most radio-played songs in history...I'd say The Association were on to something. TERRY KIRKMAN INTERVIEW  01/26/2015 Casey Chambers:  In the summer of '67, The Association had the opportunity to perform at the iconic Monterey Pop Festival.  How cool was that? Terry Kirkma
Read more

Interview -- Henry Lee Summer (Singer/Songwriter)

Image
"I just always have played music.  For better   or worse, I banked my whole life on it." ~ Henry Lee Summer ~     It's strange how music lets you travel through time as if there truly was no time.  I played the shit out of this album growing up.  Nothing deep or complicated.  Nothing outta bounds.  Nothing to get hung about.  It's deceptively simple.  But here's the thing... Henry Lee Summer  is serving aces all over this heartland square. This is the 35th anniversary of Henry Lee Summer's self-titled album and this one falls under that sweet spot between raucous and chill.  It's a large cup of iced coffee with a nice soulful blend.  Not usually my type of go-to and yet this album easily fills a void I didn't know I had.  Let this spin be your own private Idaho.  " Check it out, Leroy!"   Henry Lee Summer... Go get you some. Henry Lee Summer Interview -- August 2023 Henry Lee Summer Casey Chambers:  Well, this is the 35th anniversary of you
Read more