Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Just what your brain needs: a vacation

Things seem a little too "real" lately. I think I know what my brain needs. My brain needs a vacation. My brain needs some Wesley Willis. I first discovered Wesley Willis in high school. I don't remember when, but my buddy Russ had some of his CDs. Days like today I could really use some of Wesley's harmony joyride music.



Watch out for a vampire bird also known as a vampire bat. They killed Wesley Willis you know.

During the doldrums of winter, you need to be vigilant against Chicken Cows



Artist's rendition of a chicken cow



Thinking about Chickencows always puts my life in perspective. Hey, at least I didn't get stabbed in the ass by that thing. I guess it is a good day after all.

Do you ever hear voices in your head? You are not alone, my friend.



I know exactly what he's talking about. Why can't my brain just shut up?

The best review of Wesley Willis' music from Amazon:

wesley willis is a true american poet whose writings are a painful summation of the harshness and banality of modern American Life. In undeniable kafka-esque fashion, wesley strips away the artifice through writings which reflect the bureaucratic nature of our destroyed emotions. His songs are brilliant parodies, not only of life, but also of the pop song structure itself. "Rush Hour" is a shining moment for Wes, featuring some his best songs ever, in my opinion. "King of Fire" "Creep Show" "Electric Eel" and "Electra 225" are some of the highlights here. I've had an admiration for this artist for quite awhile. Wes' combination of banality, harsh observation, and completely open honesty is refreshing in the extreme. Escape from over-produced pop fluff, buy Willis, and discover that some artists can rattle off nonsense with sheer brillance, thus making them genius. This also seems to be Willis' most spiritual album..

+1 for using the term Kafka-esque!

I once saw the late Wesley Willis in concert. I will tell you about that another time. But for anyone reading this who is discovering Wesley Willis for the first time his music comes in 4 categories:
1. Profanity. This is either what the demons in his head are saying, or what he says back.
2. Music. This is about music that he likes or concerts he attended.
3. Flights of fancy. This is pure imaginative genius. Imagining chicken cows, beating up superheros, or watching Santa steal a car.
4. Autobiography. These are songs about his life. Dealing with schizophrenia, flying in planes, etc.

My favorite are the last 2 categories.

1 comment:

  1. R.I.P. Wesley Willis. I've loved this guy's music for years and years. The perfect soundtrack for a mental vacation.

    PS you are on my list for one of those 'Bromantic Interlude' guest mixes, dude.

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