ECLECTICA 1: STRANGE SOUNDS compiled July 1998 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, by Paul Estin, This is the first compilation mix I’ve made since I got a CD writer for my PC. I’ve long enjoyed making cassette tape mixes, and I hope to make many CD mixes in the future, now that I can produce digital quality! So, what is eclectica? Well, whenever I’m asked what sort of music I listen to, I tend to be at a loss for an answer, or else I reply, “Um... eclectic.” One dictionary defines “eclectic” as follows: 1. eclec.tic \e-'klek-tik, i-\ \-ti-k(*-)le-\ aj [Gk eklektikos, fr. eklegein to select, fr. ex + legein] to gather 1: selecting what appears to be best in various doctrines, methods, or styles 2: composed of elements drawn from various sources - eclec.ti.cal.ly av 2. eclectic n : one who uses an eclectic method or approach I do enjoy a great variety of music, with extensive collections in rock, folk, and classical. However, I have a particular soft spot for songs that are funny, or at least unusual, but (unlike some of the novelty songs featured on Dr. Demento) are also energetic and bear repeated listening. Sometimes the songs are original, other times they are covers of other musicians’ music but performed in a unique style. So, for the sake of these collections, I consider Eclectica to be songs that are sufficiently fun/funny/funky/unusual that I tend to want friends to listen to them-- but that are also sufficiently energetic and of high musical quality that they are worth hearing multiple times-- all placed in a pleasing sequence of thematic and musical segues. There. That about covers it. Onward to the first group of songs! Sound Strange An appropriate start to an eclectic mix, this is a tune by the Edmonton, Alberta band Captain Tractor, from their album “Land.” I was introduced to this band by Jennie Dailey-O’Cain and Iain O’Cain, Ann Arborites displaced to Edmonton. Do Something Different Another song that sums up my approach. Brave Combo is a “nuclear polka” band, according to Jim Koncz, who first demonstrated their music to me. Welcome to the Jungle Once In A Lifetime Big Daddy is a band that reproduces songs from the ‘80s and ‘90s (mostly), but in a variety of musical styles popular in the 1950s. These are two of my favorite songs by them, mutated versions of songs by Guns ‘N’ Roses and Talking Heads, both off Big Daddy’s “Cutting Their Own Groove” album. Thanks to James Kushner and Nova Myhill for my introduction to Big Daddy. Under The Sea Segue here, linking the songs preceding (by musical genre) and following (by Disney theme). But also a fun song in its own right, from possibly Disney’s best musical ever, “The Little Mermaid.” See My Vest A hysterical parody of Disney’s “Be Our Guest,” from “The Simpsons.” U Decide If I’m not mistaken, Sun 60 is the only warm-up band I’ve ever liked. They opened for Material Issue at a Chicago concert in the early ‘90s, and absolutely rocked. This is a fun, quirky, peppy song I like a lot. Powerhouse The Carl Stalling Project is a re-release of music from classic Warner Brothers cartoons, directed by the late great Carl Stalling. I get an odd reaction to listening to the music without the sound effects, context, and visuals behind it—it’s evocative, but I’m not sure of what. This track is the first half of “Powerhouse and Other Cuts from the Early ‘50s.” (I’ll Love You) Till the End of the World Musical riff segue. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds are certainly an odd band, well at home on an Eclectica mix. This one’s from the soundtrack to Wim Wender’s “Until the End of the World.” Industrial Disease A classic from Dire Straits. This one reminds me of a joke: “How many University of Michigan social work students does it take to screw in a light bulb? They don’t... they just hold seminars on Coping With Darkness.” Barbie Girl A slightly different take on Mattel’s famous doll. Thanks to Robyn and Sylvia Rissell for showing me this one. Though I still think Aqua’s “Ken” sounds like the scariest Eurotrash dude ever. Abi Gesund Alas, the only song I have from the Klezmer Conservatory Band—but it’s a good one. I heard this energetic Yiddisher jazz band at one of the First Night ’95 (New Year’s Eve) concerts in Boston. Jeopardy Theme This is a popular musical riff, but it needed lyrics. Folksinger extraordinaire Christine Lavin supplied them. Conjunction Junction Back in college, I suggested to some friends of mine in a band that they do a speed metal cover of this Schoolhouse Rock song. Then the bassist broke his arm. Alas, I was ahead of my time. But this version’s pretty good too. The Amendment Song Staying with the same theme... or a Simpsons parody thereof. Be Careful What You Eat One of many fine songs from Animaniacs. Johnny Saucepan Sticking with the food theme, a fun little number by Moxy Früvous, another Canadian group Jennie and Iain introduced me to. King of Spain Probably Moxy Früvous’s best-known song. Weird and fun. From their album “Bargainville.” Send’ Em Back Continuing the “immigrant” theme, a fun song by The Foremen, a now- demised (snif!) political folksinging group based in L.A. Thanks to James and Nova for introducing me to them. Most of their stuff, alas, is too politically timely to age well, but this one’s an exception. Wait for the punchline. Wakko’s America More about the U.S., and another song clearly influenced by Tom Lehrer. New York City What would an eclectic mix be without They Might Be Giants? This is, for them, a straightforward fun pop piece, but it’s one I like a lot. For Science This one, on the other hand, is bizarre. Weird Science Obvious segue here. An extremely danceable song by Oingo Boingo. Goodbye Goodbye Same band, wrapping up this collection... Closing Theme ... plus one little extra. ABOUT THE COVER: Drawn by yours truly, freehand from various sources. Clockwise from top right: Bart Simpson (“The Simpsons”); the USA with “send ‘em back” arrows, (Johnny) saucepan, and NYC; the Captain Tractor logo, plate of food (be careful what you eat), Sebastian (“The Little Mermaid”) pondering science, Bugs Bunny (“Bugs Bunny On Broadway”), Wakko Warner (“Animaniacs”), and conjunctions.