They’re throwing a country costume party today over in #TheSaturdaySaloon, what with Halloween rapidly approaching. When I first heard about this masquerade, my mind immediately conjured words I never expected to think let alone type out for public ridicule:
Damn, I wish I hadn’t gotten rid of that Chris Gaines CD.
Gaines, some of you will recall, undoubtedly with a shudder to shake off queasy memories, was the momentary pop/rock alter ego of Garth Brooks, who planned to build a movie — repeat: a MOVIE — around the character (why oh why oh WHY wasn’t that made?!? imagine the memes) but who instead issued just one sad little album of bland forgettables. The biggest country phenomenon in at least a quarter-century had scaled a peak of popularity atop which one foolishly believes his fanbase will eagerly gobble down any musical morsel. Turns out they won’t.
But they *will* happily buy into a superstar’s wildest persona if it comes with excellent tunes attached.
Like Elton’s iconic Captain Fantastic.
Really wanna pull off that look some October.
I almost plunked down ‘Tumbleweed Connection’ for this pic, because it sets in motion Elton John & Bernie Taupin’s rock revisionism of the Old West. Then I remembered their (but principally Bernie’s) obsession with Americana courses through at least a dozen other EJ discs, above all this instant chart-topper from ’75, leading with its autobiographical tale of the titular titan and his pal the Brown Dirt Cowboy, in a song that should’ve been remade by some Nashvillian by now.
Also: that surreal cover, conceived by Alan Aldridge by way of Heironymous Bosch, still wows. Thought it was the coolest creation ever when it was brand new and I was 6. The included fold-out poster was quickly taped to my wall.
All manner of costume ideas are tucked into that array. Looks like one helluva party. Wouldn’t you agree, @audio.phool, @digg_d0ug, @karenvinylgirl and this week’s guest barkeep @pahlowmike?