Bud bites

Merry Spineless Holidays

It must be a sign of some cultural meltdown that the Christmas holidays cannot be be openly celebrated. It is supposed to be Christ's birthday, isn't it? The richest irony for me--a completely lapsed Anglican--is that while we try to smother any reference to Christ, or any ritual denoting Christianity, Canadians have an official multicult policy of encouraging every known religion to celebrate their holy days and sacred rituals. The Melanesian Cargo Cult gets more official respect than Christianity in this country. While I am not a believer, I fully understand that Christianity and its European expression are indelibly etched into our history. And that ethos has created a wonderful land. One has only to look at the countries that embrace Christianity to see the difference in cultural, political, and economic progress compared to the other religion-based societies.

I do not expect the Muslims to tone down their al Eid Fitr or even make an attempt to be inclusive. The same with the Hindus and Jews. It is preposterous that the majority religion of this country should allow itself to be cowed so easily. Perhaps the handwriting was writ large when Chretien forbide the Christian clergy to mention anything distinctly Christian at the Swiss Air crash memorial in or near Halifax; even though the majority of the victims were themselves Christians. Of course, It doesn't help that so many of the Christian segments are more concerned with left-wing social issues, than with spiritual matters. It was with great glee that I read that the folks who gave Boston their Christmas tree wanted it back. They found out that the Boston City Council wanted to name it a "holiday tree". After the American networks picked up on that story, the council backed down. It is now officially a "Christmas tree" again. Would that all Canadians had the guts to stand up to these politically correct tyrants. Merry Christmas.

© Bud Talkinghorn



Some geezer rock'n'roll nuggets that made it to CD's

"Roger McGuinn: Born to Rock and Roll"

This is a complilation of his solo work after he left The Byrds. While he was with that band he was the main creative force--what Jerry Garcia was to The Grateful Dead. His version of Tom Petty's "American Girl", with Tom Scott on sax pushing the song into overdrive is worth the price of admission alone.

"Gregg Allman: Laid Back"

If you thought that the deaths of brother Duane and bassist Berry Oakley ended the music, you were wrong. Gregg rolls out behind a stellar band. Deep swamp music, with a concluding "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" that will make you want to join the Pentecostal church or the visit with the congregation.

"Crown of Thorns"--Randy Scruggs and Friends

Randy is the son of Earl, so you would expect hardcore bluegrass music. However, he marshals a fine band and special guests to pump out everything from blues, to country, to rock. The one true blugrass tune, "Lonesome Ruben", features Earl on banjo and the incomparable Jerry Douglas on dobro. He ends with a pretty guitar solo of Joanie Mitchell's "Both Sides Now".

"Tribute to Gram"--Various artists

The tribute was organized by Emily-Lou Harris, Gram Parson's old lover. Gram, himself, was an extremely talented singer and songwriter, who flamed out at 27 through an overdose. Harris has such musical creds that she could corral the disparate likes of Peter Tosh, Chrissy Hynd and Steve Earle to sing the songs. Quality songs sung by quality people.

"Slide Rule"--Jerry Douglas

When God Clapton set up the roster of great guitar players to join him at the Guitar Festival he expressly asked Jerry to come. Douglas has won so many Grammy Awards for his slide dobro work that as one Nashville guitar ace said, "Ain't no point in going to these damn awards, Jerry just going to win again anyway." Especially tasty fills were evident in his backing of Allison Krauss on "Have You Met My Baby?". [I have heard this one--enjoyable. NJC]

© Bud Talkinghorn

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