Category: Music

Like Totally!

This segment on Marketplace discusses beauty products for women. Note that the conversation isn’t politicized, and no blame is placed on men for influencing women to want these products. *Whew!*

The expression “for sure” is used, and in the original broadcast both reporters say “totally,” but that’s edited out here. Which reinforces my impression that today’s speech patterns continue to reflect the influence of a Frank Zappa single, released 40 years ago.

It’s funny that, in contrast to the other girls, Zappa’s daughter (now 54 years old) was dressed like she was auditioning for a part in “Little House on the Prairie.” Sean Penn performed the male version of the twang that same year in Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

HELP, I’m Down!

“Strawberry Fields Forever/Penny Lane” is a 2-sided Beatles hit with both songs based upon childhood memories. But I think “Help!” and “I’m Down” can also been thought of as a single with both sides having related ideas.

Both songs are about feeling bad, but I think John’s is more heartfelt. It’s almost a follow-up to “I’m a Loser,” while Paul’s song seems more like the flip-side it is.

John’s sons were born to two different, and very different, mothers. They had different relationships with their father, and they have different memories of him, but with similar feelings.

https://youtu.be/Bh87SeH1y8g