Last night I watched another of the music videotapes I made years ago. It was easy to pinpoint the period, as Jay Leno introduced Tom Jones as ushering in 1999 with a performance of It’s Not Unusual. Most of the two hours consisted of performances from PBS’ Sessions at West 54th Street, highlighted by four songs by the wonderful Brian Setzer Orchestra. Pat Matheny made an appearance, playing a four-in-one string instrument, which was fascinating, although it did nothing for me musically. The segment that was the most fun was Bobby Darin lampooning and being interrupted by Jimmy Durante, a live bit in which the old pro flubbed a line and ad-libbed a joke about it that got a big laugh. Sarah MacLachlan did Adia flawlessly on Late Night with David Letterman. The out-of-the-mainstream P.J.Harvey made two appearances, both riveting. Elvis Costello teamed with Burt Bacharach, trying to establish new standards which so far have failed to generate lasting enthusiasm. I loved Garbage’s performance of Special on Letterman. Front-woman Shirley Manson is surely that. I’ve always respected John Mellenkamp and his band, and they were at their best doing Rain on the Scarecrow on Sessions. David Byrne was his quirky self performing I Love America. He would soon become the host of the show. Only three of the spots were disappointing: Bette Midler, who I enjoy when she is being outrageous rather than conventional; the Cowboy Junkies, whose selection missed the melancholy, moody poignancy they usually hit; and Beck, who exhibited none of the oddball charm that made him unique. Of course, there has never been an artist, however successful, that hasn’t had an off moment or night. As for a highlight, I choose Wynona Judd’s take on the old Dionne Warwick ballad, Anyone Who Had a Heart, from a Burt Bacharach tribute. Click on Skip Ad to go right to the song. Enjoy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vf1XkbawMJs
Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds and Sammy Sosa are now eligible for the Hall of Fame, the first Steroid Class, as a headline at Yahoo called them. Although my respect for all three has evaporated, I think the issue should not be a factor. No one knows how many other players escaped detection. The Commissioner and team owners looked away, silently encouraging usage as the game was recovering from its last players strike. There may come a day when the ultimate enabler, Bud Selig, is elected to the Hall. As big a doofus as he appears, MLB has experienced an impressive boom during his tenure. There is also talk that Marvin Miller, who was so instrumental in empowering the players' union and who just passed away, should be enshrined. Anyone who enjoys paying current ticket prices would agree.
Also from the world of sports: The PGA has banned the belly putter, the long shaft referred to by many as "the broom." Oddly, no one has kept statistics as to whether it provides an advantage. My guess is that it doesn't, that it's a wash at best. Only three of the last 48 majors has been won by someone who used one. It's been in use for at least 20 years.
My thanks to the cranky old woman who purchased a large print book, my only sale of the day, and to Marie, who donated several videotapes, DVDs and CDs, and to the elderly woman who donated ten paperbacks, several of which are by the ever popular Mary Higgins Clark.
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