The Machine’s Pump Volume 28 – #11 – November 2025

Okay, everyone, it’s time again for my monthly opportunity to express some opinions and share a few facts via my sorta newsletter, THE MACHINE’S PUMP. I really don’t post much at all, except for what you’re reading now, although I think things all the time which I would probably post if I were inclined to expose more of my brilliantly clever ideas and conclusions. But who needs yet another human being revealing his or her inner self, publicly, on a regular basis? Everyone is a know-it-all to some degree, and one’s likelihood to transcend to any kind of new level of awareness ultimately depends on the dialogue you have with yourself, anyway. That’s where your God lives. Why make spiritual guidance come from an external source? That seems lazy and somewhat unimaginative. We create our own personal prisons. We build our own walls, which confine us, through fear or lack of curiosity or just a self-centered desire to avoid responsibility. Earth is full of all kinds of people, and many are clamoring for that brass ring or that gold ring or that brass ring, cheaply painted gold; to be powerful or so rich that anything on the planet is conveniently available to enjoy or possess. Because that’s the point, right, to become extremely influential and/or wealthy or as close as possible? I mean, we have to live with our pitiful selves. Speaking of bitcoin, I don’t really understand it, but I think it’s probably a perfect affliction for the 21st century.

Although there is still much to worry about, when it comes to the actions of the folks in charge of “running (or ruining)” our poor country, it is interesting to finally see significant, perhaps irreversible, cracks forming in their armor. And their little dictator-lite suddenly seems pathetically lost; just a crunchy shell, filled with nothing but some sort of sticky ego nougat. Sad! Enough about that.

Speaking of a sticky ego nougat, I’ve been obsessed recently with how large the universe is and am working on a salsa medley of “The Martian Hop” (1963 pop hit by the Ran-dells) and “Across the Universe,” by The Beatles. Here’s a rough idea about how “The Martin Hop” might sound, salsa-style. It will probably have vocals. I bought the 45 (rpm single) of “The Martin Hop” when it was a hit and loved it. I know nothing about the Ran-dells, the creators of the masterpiece, but I certainly hope they’ve all had great lives. I liked that movie, THE ANGRY RED PLANET, too. I believe it was in theaters about the same time “The Martian Hop” was on the radio.

NEW WAVE. Brave Combo kicked the 2025 Oktoberfest Season to the curb a few weeks ago, but I still have this groovy hardstyle euro-EDM sound seriously stuck in my head. It’s perfect for Brave Combo.

Most people consider polka to be an archaic form of music, locked in a traditional box. Even those who currently embrace it whole-heartedly probably have a lot of nostalgia attached to it. This gives polka a big hunk of its strength, yet also contributes greatly to its weakness. But I sense a growing interest in polka as a musical form, away from the festivals AND as a musical statement. Its aural assault power can be shocking, if one is caught off guard. Bands like The Dreadnoughts prove my point and I think their perfect polka-meets-punk aesthetic could have far-reaching impact. This track from their great new album, POLKA PIT, is an example. Check it out!

No more Brave Combo gigs this year, but I am stupidly busy, wrapping up two long-overdue projects: The new Tiny Tim tracks (8 months behind schedule) and the new album with Jad Fair and Lisa Cameron (4-5 months behind schedule). So, since it’s imperative that you hear my work, please keep your fingers crossed that I finish these two projects ASAP, so you can finally start enjoying them! This is for your own good.

It’s becoming increasingly important that we all know what kitsch is and can recognize it.

Well, it’s 4:45 in the morning and I have another big day starting in about seven hours, filled with love, fun and animals. Mainly animals! Good night to one and all!