Thursday, November 8, 2012

Dear Irony, I Am Not Amused





My buddy Whattawino sent this video to me with the subject line "You'll Like This," knowing I am a mostly Hall and not so much Oates fan.

Five seconds in I began to feel the transformation of my body from mild-mannered blogger into the "Incredible Hipster Basher." But, it stopped and suddenly I realized I couldn't look away, though I did peek over my shoulders to see if anyone was looking at me smiling.

Then, something happened and it was all over. Any feelings of joy were immediately squashed. I couldn't do it. I could not give a "thumbs up" to this performance. Sorry, Whatta.

Can you guess the moment where I caved?

15 comments:

Jerry Lee said...

The kazoo. Otherwise, a good video.

Unknown said...

Definitely the kazoo, but I'm kinda willing to give the pass only because there's only so many instruments you can mimic a sax solo on while driving.

buzzbabyjesus said...

It has to be the kazoo. I'm not a Hall & Oates fan, so I have no loyalty in regards to their recordings. I watched the whole thing, and admit to being impressed with their arrangement. They made a lot with a little. I didn't see any irony, or hipster tongue in cheek, either. Obviously they love the song and considered this to be a straight forward tribute. I'll give them the kazoo.

Sal Nunziato said...

Yes, the kazoo. I did like it up until that point. Clever and musical.

"there's only so many instruments you can mimic a sax solo on while driving


HEH

Ken J Xenozar said...

Oh come on. Sure the kazoo is not perfect, but they are driving in a VAN. Which, beyond some clear safety concerns, is not amenable to pulling in a studio sax player.
You make do with what you have. And when it feels right, you smile. Good music makes the world a better place, and I suspect these folks know they made it just a little better.
I am a fan of Hall and Oates early stuff. And this is a great example of what is there in the music when you strip away some of the 1970's production.

Sal Nunziato said...

I fully admit to being somewhat harsh towards the hipster community and allowing my aversions to stand in the way of what is simply supposed to be fun.

I'll work on it if they will.

:)

whattawino said...

This band gets it!...They are nailing this tune. The
musicians are playing so nonchalantly that it'll sneak right past you how good they are. Nicki's voice is right
on the money too, as are the harmonies. There is a series of these guys doing songs in the van. Pretty much all good for a fun listen. I thought the kazoo was actually kinda clever given the constraints of the "rolling studio". OK, this is my exit!

steve simels said...

Gee Sal, I'm usually a lot crankier than you, and I think this is an unalloyed delight.

Sal Nunziato said...

Well as I wrote in the post I was enjoying it until the kazoo, and I also admitted my prejudice taking over.

I've been wrong before.

I'll have some soup and a nap, and I'll go in again.

Dave said...

I've been checking out Nicki Bluhm's "on the road" videos for quite a while, Sal, and I do think you have her wrong. I haven't found a single instance of her not taking a song seriously. Check out her "Easy": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyA_g4oPt6Y

Compare these videos to the Beach Boys' take on "The Times They Are-a-Changing" on Party!

Sal Nunziato said...

Apologies to Whattawino, to Nicki Bluhm, her band, and my readers.

Thank you Dave for the "Easy" video.

Pretty awesome.

Removing the crankypants.

See you soon.

Dave said...

You know what I like about you Sal, you are opinionated, but you also have an open heart and perhaps more important for this site, open ears.

Paul in Brentwood said...

As a left coast fan of Nicki's, I think the van shots are just simple fun. Her records are wonderful. She's holding a hometown Christmas show and inviting the whole audience after to go caroling in the neighborhood!

Anonymous said...

I a huge fan of Hall and Oates - but over the years Ive heard this song too many times and would probably be happy not to hear it again. This version rekindled my love for the tune....until that damn kazoo - killed it stone dead. I agree with Sal. I'd love to hear this version again...sans kazoo please...

Albert said...

I'm not a big fan of this song...low on my H/O list....and I cringe at "hey kids look at us on youtube"...but this ensemble is terrific....and that girl is awesome...and I like their take on Stealers Wheel....and the kazoo is forgivable...oh and that girl is awesome....