Ellen rolls another rounder. Two quick stories: got hired into Bell Labs sight unseen through a headhunter, when the manager met me at the entrance, hair down to my arse, his expression was memorable. He became my staunch ally for the next two decades.
Went into a highbrow steak restaurant with my work buddy for dinner wearing my tattered hillbilly hat (trademark). When I asked the host if hats are allowed, he replied, "not that one".
You'd think dress and hair codes aren't still happening, but they are -- and continue to maintain the distinction between those who are 'in' and the out-group.
It's a song that will probably always be relevant -- even now, 50+ years later -- sad to say.
Good point. Depends on who's deciding what's in and out.
Maybe it's those who don't see the distinctions at all, like Forrest Gump, or those who don't care what someone looks or smells like, like our furry friends, who are the lucky ones.
Your description of the signs makes me think of Mojo Nixon's cover of "This Land Is Your Land" which starts normal and then becomes a vision of mojo-world: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERXgL9hLuzQ
That's an excellent connection with his cover, and in particular the verse about encountering private property signs there to stop 'you and me' even though this is your land and my land.
I only wish they had managed to have more hits than what they had- their greatest hits album has some amazing things on it. But they only hit the top 40 with "Signs" and its follow-up, "Absolutely Right".
I guess they had some hits as The Staccatos in Canada, but it does seem unfortunate that they didn't have more hits as the Five Man Electrical Band. I'll have to listen to their greatest hits album. You have to wonder if their label was just not terribly on the ball, as they almost missed getting a hit with "Signs".
Ha! That would be a fun one, and I'd love to know myself. But I'm afraid people would shoot the messenger if their views of their idols crumbled, which I'm guessing would happen with quite a few of these musicians. (Looking at Neil too.)
Ellen rolls another rounder. Two quick stories: got hired into Bell Labs sight unseen through a headhunter, when the manager met me at the entrance, hair down to my arse, his expression was memorable. He became my staunch ally for the next two decades.
Went into a highbrow steak restaurant with my work buddy for dinner wearing my tattered hillbilly hat (trademark). When I asked the host if hats are allowed, he replied, "not that one".
Remnants from the time, and the power of music.
You'd think dress and hair codes aren't still happening, but they are -- and continue to maintain the distinction between those who are 'in' and the out-group.
It's a song that will probably always be relevant -- even now, 50+ years later -- sad to say.
Glad your boss was your ally!
Strangely, the “in’s” who frown at the “out’s” are the ones who should be pitied since they are “out” of the ones who are actually “in”.
Good point. Depends on who's deciding what's in and out.
Maybe it's those who don't see the distinctions at all, like Forrest Gump, or those who don't care what someone looks or smells like, like our furry friends, who are the lucky ones.
And if we all smelled bad, none of us would smell bad.
Right!
Nice. Fun song, I hope you're feeling better.
Your description of the signs makes me think of Mojo Nixon's cover of "This Land Is Your Land" which starts normal and then becomes a vision of mojo-world: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERXgL9hLuzQ
Feeling much better, thanks.
That's an excellent connection with his cover, and in particular the verse about encountering private property signs there to stop 'you and me' even though this is your land and my land.
Yeah, he emphasizes that line nicely.
A still very relevant tune...
Yep, have to agree. It's both comic fodder and a tragedy that it continues in different and more inventive forms.
I only wish they had managed to have more hits than what they had- their greatest hits album has some amazing things on it. But they only hit the top 40 with "Signs" and its follow-up, "Absolutely Right".
I guess they had some hits as The Staccatos in Canada, but it does seem unfortunate that they didn't have more hits as the Five Man Electrical Band. I'll have to listen to their greatest hits album. You have to wonder if their label was just not terribly on the ball, as they almost missed getting a hit with "Signs".
I loved this song and it came out around the same time as Jonathan Edwards' Sunshine, another protest song.
Oh yes, I love "Sunshine" too -- must add it to my honorable mention list!
You’re going to have to do a column sometime about what happened to these protesting young musicians as they got older. Looking at you Neil.
Ha! That would be a fun one, and I'd love to know myself. But I'm afraid people would shoot the messenger if their views of their idols crumbled, which I'm guessing would happen with quite a few of these musicians. (Looking at Neil too.)
Most people wouldn’t really want the truth about their idols.