Grateful Dead - Monkey And The Engineer

The Sorcerer's Apprentice, the Monkey and the Engineer. I love that theme.

Tori Amos--Girl

Tori's working on a musical!

Impressionist David Frye 1934 - 2011

"Whistle while you work, Nixon is a jerk, Eisenhower's got the power, whistle while you work!" This song is one of my earliest memories. It's hard to believe I actually remember when Eisenhower was President!

Anyway, with the impressionistic performances of David Frye, I began to understand why Nixon was a jerk. Not an ignoramus or a buffoon, to be sure, but certainly not someone you would want to buy a used car from.

We will miss you, David Frye.

George Harrison - It Don't Come Easy

A demo version with George singing, and he even throws in a "Hare Krishna!" George produced and co-wrote the song with Ringo.

1971.

Ringo Starr - It Don't Come Easy

No, it doesn't.

The Roots--You Got Me

Hard to believe that this record is over 10 years old.

John Lennon - Watching The Wheels

This song is really something I can identify with these days.

Tool--Third Eye

I went to see Tool when they toured in support of their 1996 album Ænima. That album has a 14-minute opus called "Third Eye". It's a great song, but not one you would expect a band to play live.

Tool opened with it.

Tori Amos--Hey Jupiter

"Thought we both could use a friend to run to..."

Nirvana--Lounge Act

There's a passing reference to Kurt Cobain in the amazing novel I'm reading, The Imperfectionists (Kindle edition on sale now for $5.00). News of Kurt's suicide is mentioned in passing in a haunting story about a woman who shuts out the real world so it won't spoil the newspaper, only she's lagged behind for decades. Her story is set in 2007, but she's stuck back in April of 1994, right at the death of grunge--not that Nirvana was ever grunge.

Moody Blues - Candle Of Life

This one is for Reverend Richard Warfield, pastoring the Psychedelic Church out in Wimberley, Texas.

Moody Blues - Never Comes The Day

It's live in Paris, 1970. They were very good in concert.

Pearl Jam--The Fixer

Are you a fixer? Is that a bad thing?

Jefferson Airplane - Coming Back To Me

"Coming Back To Me" is hauntingly beautiful. 1967.

State of the Union 2011 (Full Video)

If you missed it, here's last night's State of the Union speech in full.

Lissie--When I'm Alone

People of Philadelphia, tonight at 8:00 report to the First Unitarian Church - Sanctuary for musical goodness. Boston, New York, DC, you are in the path. See tour dates here.

She Keeps Bees--Gimmie

People of the United Kingdom, this band is playing shows in your land! Go to them and enjoy the sounds made on the stage. London, tomorrow! I think!

Fleetwood Mac--Dreams

"When the rain washes you clean you'll know..."

Rilo Kiley - Science Vs. Romance

The incredible Jenny Lewis

Here's another ditty for the Right Reverend Richard Warfield, pastor of the Psychedelic Church out in Wimberley, Texas.

Peter And Gordon - I Go To Pieces

I Will Follow Him

Little Peggy March had the big hit. Clark did it in French in something like 1959. Davis did her sweet country girl version subsequent to March. Is this the soul singing for God?

Skeeter Davis - The End Of The World

No lip synching. A classic.

Postal Service--Nothing Better (KCRW performance)

"I feel I must interject here,
You're getting carried away
Feeling sorry for yourself
With these revisions and gaps in history.
So let me help you remember,
I've made charts and graphs,
That should finally make it clear,
I've prepared a lecture on why I have to leave..."

Jack LaLanne 1914-2011

Jack LaLanne has always been one of my favorite television characters. No fitness buff myself, I admit to a deep admiration for LaLanne and his lifestyle. He ate a little fish but was mostly vegetarian. I also suspect that he was a man of deep character.

Jack LaLanne was 96.

Felix The Cat

Felix the Cat. Well, my heart never really went pitter-pat while watching his show, but it was one of my favorites. The old Professor never got what he wanted, did he?



There is some controversy over which version of the song introduced the show. It sounds like the same singer with or without echo or some other production trick. I know that this is a crucial detail we will probably never solve...

Hopey-Changey Sarah

Station Agent--you must see this. It is hysterical. And true.



And here's a classic you can play again and again.

Robert Turner--Hattie Carroll

Robert Turner from Black Rebel Motorcycle Club covers Dylan's "The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll."

Bob Marley - One Love

One of the greatest songs ever written.

U2 - One

I have never been a big fan of U2, but this song has a lot of heart.

Obama-Biden 2012!

Well, if we are going to kick off the weekend, Station Agent, let's start with some good news for the left. The pundits are not worried about Obama getting reelected.

Bjork--Hyperballad

A little Early Bjork to kick off the weekend.

Universal Soldier

I know that we all have to defend ourselves, but this is something to consider.

Mumford & Sons--White Blank Page

Thanks to my friend Jason for turning me on to these guys. Awesome.

DEA Vs. Marijuana Policy Project

The Drug Enforcement Administration goes well beyond its charter to enforce Draconian drug laws; it also battles citizens' organizations to change these laws. Could it be that the DEA has a vested--that is, monetary--interest to maintain the current laws? If you even need to think about this you just haven't been thinking at all! Follow the money, is what the Station Agent always says.

The latest target of the DEA is the Marijuana Policy Project, an organization dedicated to easing and ending all harsh marijuana policies at all levels of government in the US. The DEA claims that the MPP is deceptively advocating the legality of medical marijuana as a pretext for legalization of recreational use, but actually the MPP explicitly advocates both. Here is a link to the Marijuana Policy Project.

Regina Spektor--Music Box

Regina talks about her new live album/DVD here.

Time Again For TWS Crappo Awards!

Baby Doc as President of Haiti

That's right, folks, the intermittent TWS Crappo Awards Extravaganza is here again! For those who don't know, the Crappo Awards were named after my children's term for a really crappy person--a crappo.

Jean Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier, who became President of Haiti at the age of nineteen following the death of his father, President Francois Duvalier--one of the most ruthless and unprincipled dictators in modern history--was arrested yesterday upon his return to Haiti, claiming that he was only there to help with his country's restoration after the recent terrible earthquake. Baby Doc was immediately released, unfortunately, but the editors of The Walrus Speaks are hopeful that he will see justice for his crimes, which include murder and torture of dissidents by his (and his father's) infamous paramilitary organization, the Tonton Macoutes, that murdered 60,000 Haitians.

Turning to America, the newly elected Governor of Alabama Robert Bentley said this: "Anybody here today who has not accepted Jesus Christ as their savior, I'm telling you, you're not my brother and you're not my sister." I don't think any more has to be said about Bentley.

The Walrus Speaks is proud to present its prestigious Crappo award to these two nefarious individuals.

Rilo Kiley--With Arms Outstretched

"Don't fool yourself in thinking you're more than you are...
With your arms outstretched to me..."

Eminem - The Real Slim Shady

You can just tell this kid is going through an identity crisis...

My good friend the Right Reverend Richard Warfield, pastor of the Psychedelic Church out in Wimberley, Texas, has never heard "The Real Slim Shady." Therefore, 50% of his life has been wasted.

This one is for you, Dick.

Ricky Gervais Tries Something Different as Host of Golden Globes--Comedy

The reaction to Ricky Gervais' iconoclastic performance as Golden Globes host makes me wish I had watched it, or even been aware of it.

Where Have All The Flowers Gone?

I like how the end of the song is connected to the beginning. And it is, unfortunately, true.

Tofu - The Other White Meat

It never fails to amaze me how suggestions to lower your food bill seldom mention going vegetarian. I just read an article about saving at the supermarket, and it had not one inkling of the obvious truth--eating meat is very expensive! Our household's food bill is half of what we would be spending if we were carnivorous. Half! Just something to think about...

See the brain-dead article.

Now, read how you can save by going vegetarian.

Wilco--Jesus, Etc.

Yesterday I posted Norah Jones cover of this classic. Here's Wilco doing the original live and sounding amazing.

Cat Stevens - Morning Has Broken

Sometimes I just have to see the world this way.

Austin Powers Theme Music

Yeah baby, yeah!

Norah Jones--Jesus, Etc.

Norah Jones does a nice job with a song that no one could have improved upon.

Elliott Smith--Somebody That I Used to Know

If there's any doubts about Elliott Smith's greatness as a guitar player, listen to the finger pickin' on this beauty.

John Lennon--Isolation

Aquarium Drunkard posted Harry Nilsson's magnificent cover of John Lennon's "Isolation".

Check that out after you've refreshed yourself on the original right here:

President Obama's Speech in Tucson

A moving speech by the president.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Beatles LP Countdown - Abbey Road Medley

The Sun King? Is this a reference to Louis XIV? Did you know that Lennon had a low opinion of this section of Abbey Road? Don't try to translate what sounds like Italian, it's simply Lennon gibberish with a Latinate twist.

Tori Amos--Sugar

"Don't say morning's come..."

Lenny Kravitz - Stand By My Woman

These lyrics are very similar to Lennon's "Woman", which is a much better song. However, neither song says what "Stand By Your Man" by Tammy Wynette does, in reverse. Will someone please write this song? That lets a woman treat her man badly, and still get stood by?

Please?

Tori Amos--Precious Things

Tori with a band is a very special thing indeed.

Rilo Kiley - Hail To Whatever You Found In The Sunlight That Surrounds You

Samuel Barber - Adagio For Strings

I'll admit that I first heard this wonderful music in the Seinfeld scene where George Castanza's father, a cook in the US Army in Korea, served spoiled food, and men were vomiting uncontrollably. Even after that introduction, the beauty of Barber's vision remains.

With "Desiderata" thrown in.

Caitlin Rose--Own Side

Soothing pop country.

Rilo Kiley--Jenny, You're Barely Alive

"You're desperate in finding something else to please you
You've been searching your whole life
Something to mute, change, or just distract you
Something to put inside you to give the illusion of life
Cause you've always been barely alive."

Rilo Kiley--We'll Never Sleep

"...and how long will we last
before we go insane?"

Jenny Lewis--You Are What You Love (Live)

"I'm in love with illusions so saw me in half,
I'm in love with tricks,
So pull another rabbit out of your hat."

Rilo Kiley--Science vs. Romance

"Used to believe in a lot more
now I just see straight ahead..."

Rilo Kiley - Silver Lining

Jennifer Diane Lewis is 35 today. The Station Agent and I will celebrate.

Rilo Kiley - The Absence Of God

This is one of Jennifer Lewis' most beautiful compositions. The Walrus Speaks salutes her on her 35th birthday.

Rilo Kiley - A Better Son/Daughter

See that woman petrified under the covers? That's Jenny Lewis. See the knocking at the door? That's her Mom. I think we've all been there.

Happy Birthday, Jennifer Diane Lewis.

Rilo Kiley At Austin City Limits

Between 2004's More Adventurous and 2007's Under the Blacklight, RK played Austin City Limits. This is an amazing set, which includes the definitive versions of the yet to be released songs "I Love L.A." and "Pull Me in Tighter".

We are continuing our Jenny Lewis extravaganza on her 35th birthday here at The Walrus Speaks.

Rilo Kiley on Austin City Limits from sam on Vimeo.

Rilo Kiley - Portions For Foxes

First of all, let me say that I think Ms. Lewis is very definitely good news! Now what do you think she is eating in this picture? I would bet the farm it's a vegeburger! Lewis is a vegetarian. So if you are going to be a portion for Jenny, you are plant based. Why do you think she chose a dude named Johnathan Rice for her portion?

Rilo Kiley - Paint's Peeling

Continuing our Jenny Lewis extravaganza here on KTWS Walrus Radio, HAPPY 35TH BIRTHDAY JENNY!

Happy Birthday Jennifer Diane Lewis!

That's right, Jenny Lewis and Rilo Kiley people. Jenny is 35 today. Many happy returns from The Walrus Speaks! The Station Agent and I will be celebrating at his luxurious apartment in beautiful Gainesville, Florida, with a live DJ and refreshments.

"All The Good That Won't Come Out" is the very first Rilo Kiley or Jenny Lewis track I ever heard. As soon as I heard Jenny sing "let's get together and talk about the modern age" I knew a new musical life had begun for me.

Happy 35th, Jenny.

Postal Service--Such Great Heights

Hard to believe this is already eight years old.

Postal Service Interview Surfaces

Found this on the boards at RiloKiley.Net. It's from 2003. I could really use a new Postal Service record right about now.

Pink Floyd--Time

Roger Waters is doing The Wall live. Here's his recent conversation with Conan. Conan gets him to do the line, "How can have any pudding, if you don't eat your meat."

Here's an old live clip of the rest of Floyd doing "Time," because that song is stuck in my head.

Paul McCartney Asks India To Declare One Day A Year Vegetarian Day

There are so many vegetarians in India already that an officially declared national vegetarian day should not be a problem.

McCartney became a vegetarian about forty-five years or so, not thirty. But he slipped back into his former ways until his marriage to Linda, and the two of them became staunch vegetarians for ethical reasons. Harrison was a vegetarian for ethical and religious reasons, Lennon flirted with it off and on, and Ringo Starr has become a vegetarian for health reasons.

Read the article.

And here's another one--Why Macca Won't Touch A Big Mac (or a McDonald's Sad Meal).

Bruce Springsteen--Born to Run

Helping you through your workday, we're WKTS.

Stunning Image of the Andromeda Galaxy

Via Bad Astronomy.

Pearl Jam--Crazy Mary

A lovely song written by the great Victoria Williams.

The Walrus Speaks officially endorses the Obama-Biden ticket in 2012. Unless Jesus Christ himself comes again and changes his citizenship from Israeli to American (and Congress changes the rule on this), I'm voting for Barry.

John Lennon--Stand By Me

Some people will believe anything.

David O'Doherty--My Beefs

David O'Doherty will only take so much.

Dave Matthews--Ants Marching

I love this guy's first two albums. Then it all went horribly wrong. Still, digging up these gems reminds me of the good old Dave days.

Jane's Addiction--Three Days

True hunting is over.
No herds to follow.
Without game, men prey on each other.
The family weakens by the bite we swallow...

Andrea Bocelli - Con Te Partiro

See here, I don't know anything about opera, or even if this is opera. And I'll admit I heard it first on The Sopranos, as background music to one of Tony's amorous adventures. But wherever it comes from, Bocelli is a great singer and this is great music.

Jackie DeShannon - What The World Needs Now

I love this. She is telling God what is needed, just in case God wanted to know.

Toto Cotugno - L'Italiano

A very happy 2011 to all from The Walrus Speaks.

Beatles LP Countdown _ You Never Give Me Your Money

I'm editing a non-academic book for who knows how much pay-not very much. And it's not what I really want to be doing. But at least this petty jobber won't be getting the sack!