Monday, April 28, 2008

Music Monday - "Everybody's Talking" - Harry Nilsson




For other tales of musical adventure, please visit Soccer Mom in Denial.

I spoke yesterday of trying to simplify. I'm also finding, as I pare down, that all my senses are getting keener, and I don't need as much.

As much entertainment, as many things, as many sensations, as many tastes, as much music, as many conversations, as much stimulation.

And this is leading me to enjoy silence more than I ever have. Yes, I still have music at times throughout my day, and I'll never turn down a loving conversation with family or friends. I am finding, however, that random social interaction just doesn't have that same thrill that it used to, and I found myself on Sunday thinking of this gem from the late 60s.

I had no idea that it was Harry Nilsson who sang it, and I was delighted, because I am a HUGE Harry Nilsson fan. I played Nilsson Schmilsson so much as a child that the grooves wore out, and The Point was my very favorite movie for years. I was too young for Midnight Cowboy so my main memories of "Everybody" were Nilsson's "Wahs" at the end of each chorus.

Again, with no youtube presence, I have to leave you with this link. Check it out - it's hysterical, because much as this is a brilliant song, Harry Nilsson is not, I repeat not, the cool cat/disco dancer he believes he is in this clip from The Beat Club. Check out the moves, especially during the choruses. It will wake you up giggling. I promise.

27 comments:

Marianne Arkins said...

Okay... yep... he was a hep cat.

LOL...

Jen said...

It's a wonderful song, and he is absolutely a genius songwriter, but MAN, poor guy!

janey jay said...

Great song. Hysterical video clip.

And you're inspiring me with all your talk of streamlining and simplifying... might be time for a change.

Jen said...

Jane, the video even had my DS laughing, and he doesn't even know the background.

I can't quite convey here how much simplifying has helped me in so many ways.

Becky said...

Oh man, did that bring back memories! I was a freshman in college in 1969, and I think Midnight Cowboy was the first "R" rated movie I had ever seen. Poor Harry...someone should have told him about the dancing.

Korie said...

Simplicity is a good thing. I wish we could simplify even more around here, although we have a bit in the past few weeks.

Jen said...

Funny, Becky, I think that was my first R movie, too, although I saw it a few years later.

Lilac, it's just been an ongoing process.

glamah16 said...

I revel in the silence. Maybe thats why I turned to blogging. At heart I'm a social person , but just being out there irritates my senses. I'd rather write, read, and just hang with my simple CS.Now I just wish i could simplify oher aspects of my life.

Wholly Burble said...

Harry really shouldn't perform without sitting at a piano--he really was no doubt out of his element when they made him sing his song sans the piano. I can remember the times they took John Denver's guitar away from him and made him sing with just a mike--It wasn't pretty. He and Harry could be twins for awkward performing moments LOL.

I'm all for simplifying. I truly want to stay on my present writing roll--but to do so means letting many other things GO. And really I would like to see much of my "time" returned to me!

Jen said...

You know, Courtney, I am RIGHT there with you on all of that!

WB, it seems like your life has been about a lot of changes, lately. And you're right - if there are certain things you really want to do, you have to let others take a back seat.

Momisodes said...

Ugh, I really need to simplify things in my life.

Love that song! LOL at the dancing :)

Dru said...

love the song but the steps..too funny.

Jen said...

Sandy and Dru, I couldn't agree with both of you more. And those pants! Poor, poor guy...

Unknown said...

I was always fond of his song "You're breakin' my heart, you're tearin' it apart so f**k you." Vastly underrated song and artist!

Jen said...

Actually, Greg, that's what I really loved about Nilsson - his outrageousness. And he really had extraordinary range as a songwriter.

anno said...

Too funny! Definitely not his venue, though.

Sai Hijara - Ferraris said...

So enjoyed both the song and the video!!! Have a nice week!

Luisa Perkins said...

AWESOME video. Snicker. I've loved that song since I was about three.

I also am finding strength in silence. In the car I often will drive with no musical accompaniment just so I can hear myself think (assuming there are no kids in the car).

And I cannot write with music on. I don't know how other people do that.

Jen said...

That's what I thought, Anno. I love the song, but that video...

Glad you enjoyed them, Mariposa!

I can't write to music either, Luisa, unless I'm using it specifically for an exercise

Sister Sassy said...

I'm about to simplify most everything right out of my living room.

That was a fun clip..I like his pants... I missed why you can't do youtube?

If you're seeking silence, you might want to skip mine blog today since I have 4 different clips that are loud and funny and just not very simple. :)

Jen said...

LOL, Sassy - you KNOW I have to go over there now! And yes, those pants are just the best fashion statement, are they not?

soccer mom in denial said...

You know The Point? I LOVED The Point. I feel like I'm the only one who knew it.

Oh, I'm so glad I know you.

Jen said...

SMID - so you loved The Point and RWAV??? Hooray!!!

Flower Child said...

I saw Midnight Cowboy - they sure don't make movies like that anymore. I love the Nilsson song - but I'm not sure how exactly it fits with the film. Very odd combo.

Jen said...

You know, Flower Child, maybe we should do a joint post on great movie soundtracks and the movies they do (or don't) go with! I'm thinking of our Purple Rain discussion, too.

Goofball said...

Great song. I don't know the text. the funny thing about growing up in a non-english song is that you hear songs when growing up and having no idea what they are about. And I still hardly ever listen to lyrics somehow...just the music;

And this music, aaah this music is great. My parents used to play it when I was little. My dad had a lot of tapes recorded with much of love and time. When we had guests over, he played these. So when hearing this I see a set table with candles on, the fireplace on, napkins and appetizer glasses on the little table...I hear the food sissling in the kitchen, I am wearing nice clothes.
...and I feel the anticipation of a nice evening with guests.

painted maypole said...

that is a good song.

i am longing for simplifying, too. i am really bad at actually doing it.