1. What Jeopardy category would you totally dominate?
rock and roll. If only there was a rock and roll jeopardy, I would run the world, seriously. The sad part is, they did have one, years ago. Jeff Probst was the host, long before Survivor. Problem with that was, it was only for celebs. There are clips online, its fun to watch. To soothe myself, I play the rock category on Quizup on my phone. It is super addictive, and they have every category you can imagine. I kill at Simpsons, and I am top in all of Colorado for rock trivia. I am in the 30’s for nationwide, but crawling up every day. Come find me and play some games online. My screen name is ‘Baron von Lono’, and my avatar is a pic of Dali (but of course)
If you can beat me in rock trivia, I will buy you lunch. What’s my secret? Well, I learned from the ancients and elders, like the band Mister Mister. Carry a ladle, my brother. Carry a ladle indeed.
2. What cover song do you enjoy more than the original?
Good and thoughtful question, I am impressed. I would have to say Jimi Hendrix version of ‘All Along the Watchtower’ is easily one. Strangely, that was Jimi’s biggest charting hit ever. Bob Dylan (who wrote the song) like Jimi’s arrangement so much he changed the way he played it going forward to match Jimi’s version.
I am hoping and assuming you have heard Johnny Cash’s later work with Rick Rubin. He did some AMAZING covers, and truly made them his own: Hurt, rusty cage, one. Lesse… what else. Janis’ version of Bobby McGee. That is a Kris Kristofferson song. Some other sad trivia about that is Janis never saw its success. She died before the album came out that it was on.
Zac Brown band does a really great ‘Jolene’, which is Ray Lamontagne. Quite a the departure for a country boy, and song that turned me on to ZBB.
Here is a fun one. Walk off the Earth does a bitchin cover (and bitchin video) of Lorde’s ‘Royals‘. All of their videos are super cool and innovative.
I will close with this awesome and unlikely pairing. Willie Nelson covering Pearl Jam.
I could also tell you about the Grateful Dead covering Metallica. However, you are just not ready for that yet. But its real and it exists.
3. What song, movie, game, etc. has a surprisingly dark message when you really look closer at it?
ooh, another thoughtful question. I am quite tickled with today’s line of interrogation. This is truly my expertise. There are a bunch. Born in the USA has such a booming and hopeful chorus. The song is incredibly dark. Reads mostly like a suicide note if you just look at the lyrics. Here, go do.
Of course there is the Police with Every Breath you Take, but you already knew that one.
How about Today from Smashing Pumpkins? Billy says he wrote that as a suicide note after fighting with writers block for some time, and a huge deadline approaching for him to deliver his big commercial breakthrough album (which became the masterpiece ‘Siamese Dream’).
There are, of course, tons. All great music is written from sadness and heartbreak.
4. What is the best, most creative music video you have seen?
That would have to go to the Beastie Boys ‘Sabotage’ video. I can’t think of a better one.
5. What’s your theme song?
this one, I think
I am Correct 