Volume 7 – #6 – June 2004

Well, as they say, “life goes on,” one month at a time. I guess there are moments when that statement is particularly poignant. Early last month, my father died. About three weeks later, our oldest dog, Dolly, died. May sucked. But, as they say, “life goes on.” Armed with the memories of my loved ones, I trudge forward in this crazy vehicle known as Brave Combo. What are we? Where do we fit? Where do we not fit? I often wonder how it is that we can go just about anywhere in the country and book a gig and people will come out; sometimes only a few and sometimes a lot. We’re rarely on the radio. We make it into ROLLING STONE only about once a decade. We’re certainly not a household name. And if we ever appeared on the TONIGHT SHOW, the sound of audience confusion would be louder than the obligatory applause. Yet, there is substantial BC awareness out there and it seems to be growing. It’s amazing, actually. I’m blown away everyday at how much opportunity we have to explore and learn. Maybe that’s why we’re all here; to explore as much as possible and learn as much as possible. You know, if life can’t be fun, at least make it interesting. That’s why I try to catch as many television infomercials as I can, while we’re on the road. They’re so interesting and informative, especially if you watch the same ones night after night. I wish someone would pay for Brave Combo to have a nightly infomercial. It would be super entertaining every time you watch. Plus, we would really stress the info part. We could encourage the viewers to sing along with a bouncing ball or something and after they had seen the show about 100 times, maybe they would know the lyrics by memory. We could show videos of us having picnics on asteroids and meeting historical figures. It would have to be exactly the same every night, so we couldn’t refer to any specific current events. Therefore, we would just always emphasize how times are good and everyone has plenty of money, so they should order our stuff. And by stuff, I mean….well, it’s limitless. We could sell Brave Combo tractors and ice packs and lipstick and pet food bowls that play Brave Combo songs when you put food in them. This way Fido gets to hear our music while he eats. We could also sell “how to sell real estate” books and conduct personal growth seminars. We could teach the viewer how to successfully abandon old values and move forward without fear, but also, without a clue. The Brave Combo way takes guts and ignorance; a potentially terrible combination, but one that works for us. We could sell boxes of locally grown fruit and vegetables. Five minutes of the infomercial could be called, “The Brave Combo Fresh Produce Stand.” We could sell Brave Combo video games and DVDs about the making of the games. In one game Brave Combo would be happy clouds that have the potential to turn into tornado-producing thunderstorms. The idea of the game would be to appease us (by giving us gifts and smiling at us) and then to try to get out of our way if we get cranky. We could also sell a DVD about the making of the infomercial, but would probably steer clear of the sex-oriented stuff. That’s just not the image we want to project. But, perhaps we could be a little sneaky, like Janet Jackson. We could sell music to kiss by and include an instruction booklet full of helpful hints. But I guess this is just a silly dream. We could never afford to throw away that kind of money. I’ll try to start being a little more realistic. I’m not good at realistic. I’ve always been told, “Carl, you’re too optimistic and too naïve.”

Speaking of not being realistic, conceptualizing a 25th Anniversary Album has been difficult. Should we release a Brave Combo’s biggest polka hits CD or a multi-style retrospective or make it half old, but significant tracks/half rare, previously-unreleased gems or an album of brand new material, celebrating 25 years of existence, played by the current Brave Combo. That last concept would be the most involved and time-consuming. So, of course, that’s what we decided to do. We’re squeezing recording sessions in between tour dates. I’m so glad that my work is also my recreation. Otherwise, I would never have any recreation.

My mother, Emma, decided to move into a minimally-assisted-living retirement home with her dog, Maggie. She’s going to give it a few months before selling the house, just in case dormitory apartment living doesn’t suit her. But, so far, things are cool. The place is very nice. The food is good. The grounds are lush and immaculate. And she bought a bunch of new furniture. There will be regular activities like sumo wrestling and plaster volcano-making classes. And, best of all, hardly any vampires live there.

So, my fellow humans, as our latest spaceship approaches Saturn and we prepare for even more knowledge, let’s take a minute and ponder the things we already know. Observe the subtle things around you and get plenty of rest, but not too much. Have a nice tomorrow and attend the Brave Combo show of your choice.