Volume 9 – #10 – October 2006

So, I was thinking. First you’re born. Then you start growing up and probably attend school for a few years. Eventually, you have to decide what to do with your life. Will you play it safe or take chances? What will guide your decisions? Fear? Curiosity? Religion? Will your approach be methodical or haphazard? Will you allow the circumstances around you control what you become? Will it be a life of greed or service? A combination? Service with a safety net, perhaps? So far, I think my life has been primarily about me. Early on I realized that sinking into creative endeavors was a great escape. It was always fun. The most exciting thing I could have in front of me was a blank piece of paper. While the paper is blank, anything is possible. At that point, it’s an unfinished masterpiece. None-the-less, I think choosing to escape into creativity is, ultimately, a selfish thing. At the same time, I ponder my purpose on this planet almost constantly. Did I stumble into my purpose, selfish as it is? And if, as it appears, I can make a living “doing my thing” in the land of the free, am I not living the American Dream? Is it okay that most of us in the United States are looking out for #1? I mean, that’s what it’s all about in a capitalistic society, right? Competition is built into our system more pervasively than any other in the world. We’re justified in our self-centeredness. Which means it’s dog eat dog until we become rats on a sinking ship. Does anyone else feel like something’s about to collapse? It’s so hard to relax in this kind of environment. Succeed! Win! Be on top! It’s like we’re driven, everyday, to outdo yesterday. A it appears, based on what I see on TV, that all of us “normal” people are capable of doing unbelievably heinous things without warning. I predicted for years, with tongue-in-cheek, that the United States and possibly the whole world is headed for “The Great Humbling.” I didn’t know how it would manifest itself and I didn’t see it as retribution for rampant sin (you know, a mad God thing). It seemed more like something would happen on a large scale to restore balance. These days, I’m pretty sure that most humans will be shocked if catastrophic events suddenly stop happening. The solution to all of this, of course, is polka. But you already know that.

Speaking of self-centered creativity, Kurt Schwitters, the German artist credited with making the very first collage of all time, must have suffered from some obsessive/compulsive/ hoarding disorder. He saved his urine, even. But we’re so glad he did, otherwise he probably wouldn’t have been intrigued by the idea of gluing together two pieces of trash he picked up on the street. And, I don’t think we would have decoupage, or any number of crafty things you can do with pieces of trash, unless somebody had been willing to see the beauty in the arrangement of discarded things. I guess Kurt Schwitters was one of the first people to explore the value of recycling. Anyway, as a tribute to all the craft stores that will open in the future, I’ve started saving my urine. Care to join me.

There’s a “flea market” style store a few blocks from Brave Combo World Headquarters that sells knight armor and giant swords and other medieval weaponry. As the days get shorter and cooler, my mind obviously wanders to dressing like a knight in full armor and walking around town. Maybe I could sit on the courthouse lawn and spin tales about bravery and debauchery to the frightened little children that usually run and play there. I could ask them what they want for Christmas, sing them a little song about making love to fair maidens in the forest and roll around on the grass like a toppled stack of tin cans. Then I could tell them about the joy of eating fake meat products.

Denton’s coolest corner (Fry Street and Hickory) is really about to be dismantled. I mentioned a few months ago that this could happen. Well, the Mr. Chopsticks (legendary Pan-Asian eatery) building is now empty and waiting to be razed. There’s an ongoing attempt to have a dialogue with the Houston developer who bought the land, concerning some of the really old structures that have historic value, but it’s not looking good. Now is the time to visit the area and reminisce, ex-Dentonites. Make your pilgrimage ASAP, though. On the other hand, take your time. There will probably be some great sales at the new Walgreen’s (or equivalent) that’s destined to occupy the corner soon. Wow! Three packages of M & M’s for a dollar. Screw historic buildings!

Speaking of important Denton history and lore, Charles “Tex” Watson’s middle name is Denton. He attended North Texas State University, now the University of North Texas, which is located in Denton. And, I believe he was captured in Denton after leading the massacre of Sharon Tate and friends, as Charles Manson’s right hand man. In fact, it seems he lived on Fry street. I understand he’s been “saved” and is involved in a prison ministry. Need I say more?

What am I listening to these days, you ask? My ears have been busier than usual this year for some reason. There are sounds I just can’t get enough of, like old recordings of the Haitian pop group, Tabou Combo or the Balkan music of Boris Kouac and Ladaaba Orchestra. My friend, Wim, from Houston gave me a CD of traditional music from the Netherlands and I’m playing three or four songs from that collection over and over. Folk music from Scandinavia is getting a lot of play, as are rough mixes from a few of my own seriously overdue projects. I’ve listened to “The Rocket Man,” (not Elton John’s song), by the 60’s Swedish answer to the Venture’s, The Spotnicks, about 1000 times. It’s a surf version of a familiar traditional Russian folk song. As well, I’m digging “Moonlight Shadows” by the 60’s British answer to the Ventures, The Shadows. I really like Melanie C’s (former Spice Girl) old disco hit, “I Turn To You” and every CD by Three Leg Torso (Eastern European sort of) and Hermanos Rosario (Dominican Meringue). Of course, lots of polka music is always close at hand. George Suhon, from Pittsburgh, has released some great Slovenian-style recordings. Have you gone to Youtube.com and entered “polka music” yet? Check it out. Also, check out “cats attacking printers.” Nothing says “world-wide web,” like Youtube. Mentos and Diet Coke are already beyond yesterday. What an entertainment Smorgasbord we have in front of us now, anytime we want. Viva 2006!

We, Brave Combo, were returning to Denton from a show at the Continental Club in Austin recently and stopped at one of our regular places. On this night it was a 7-11 in Hillsboro, Texas. As we were leaving, a friendly young dog followed Alan to the van and we decided, after realizing he had no home in the immediate area, to bring him to Denton with us. He’s been named Banjo, is living in a foster capacity at Jeffrey’s house for the time being, but we need to find him a permanent home. Jeff can’t keep him much longer. He’s a beautiful Australian Shepherd mix, with a characteristically perky personality. He’s very loving and doesn’t bark much. Did you catch that last part? He doesn’t bark much and is always ready to do something fun with a friend. Anyway, we highly recommend the little fellow. He’s very good-natured and would love to have the opportunity live at your house. He’s been neutered and is up on all vaccinations and is ready to go. Free delivery in the DFW area and free admission to any public BC show for a year come with the deal. You can check him out at Petfinders.com and contact us at office@brave.com, if you’re interested. (Banjo found a home less than a week after this message was posted. Thanks to everyone that inquired.)

Well, the holiday season is quickly moving into view. As the time revs up and everyone becomes even more preoccupied, don’t forget to consider the polka mindset, which goes something like this, “Yeah, life sucks. My job and family are killing me. I’m under extreme stress. Traffic has never been this bad. Let ‘s polka!” That’s it. Period.