There are innumerable Americana songs with Chinese themes. Perhaps more about China than all the other Asian countries combined. Maybe it's because the stereotypical riff of Chinese music sounds so much like the cha cha progression. Or maybe it's every musician's irresistible urge to give a Hank Aaron swing at a gong that makes them back into a Chinese sounding song. Sure I could make up more justifications for tonight's show but it'll be the same -
Saturday midnight to Sunday 3am "music you've never heard by musicians you've never heard of...." Collectors music without the pedantic of provenance recitations. Enjoying all the non-hits on the drive time shift (in the South China Sea's time zone).
And if you miss the show, it'll be posted for streaming on http://www.prx.org/pieces/90129-synthetic-chinese-music
On tonight's show you'll hear song lyrics that are beyond absurd such as;
"Macaroni, shoelaces, giddy-up mousey, piece of cheese"
"I'm gonna pack a spoon cause I can't eat with chop sticks"
"Meet her down on Jesus Street, watch her walk on tiny feet, she ain't got no yo yo, we go slow slow"
"I learn to speak Korean in Japan" (what?)
Fats Domino singing "with the help of the missile everything is going to be alright" ... in Korea (WHAT?)
and the North Korean version of "Surfing USA" where "Surfing" is replaced with a rhyming lyric that needed bleeping out but has better appeal to the locals of this decidedly non-surfing country. Really cuts down on the band's airplay in the US too but what the hell, when was the last time a North Korean band toured?
Comments
Am I your FIRST?
I love your show, but I don't always stay up late enough to be able to listen. Love the theme tonight. Who'd a thunk it? Eight hours of two minute songs with a theme like this? Groovy, man. You and Charlie Chan.
Arianna
New Orleans, LA
"Don't turn off that radio show"
Actually, I have to go to bed now, but I'll listen to the rest when the streaming archive is available. Esp. loved "Bamboo Rock 'n' Roll" and the song about finding romance in the Chinese restaurant. I always enjoy your show, I usually tune in for at least a little while. Happy New Year!