Discography

“Dad has terrible taste in music.”
From Chapter 23 – Finally, Everything Went Swimmingly

We have rule that whoever is driving gets to choose the music – with one exception – when I’m driving. I think I have a delightful and eclectic Spotify list, which I took these tunes from. It became a soundtrack in my head as I wrote STJ.

“Should I Stay or Should I Go” – Who doesn’t like the Clash? Well maybe not 6:30 in the morning.
“I’ve Been Everywhere” – I really wish Johnny Cash recorded it in French.

“Istanbul (Not Constantinople)” – An idiotic song whether sung by the Four Lads or They Might Be Giants.  

Best danced along the Seine, after midnight.
“The Internationale” – Communism was an utter failure but it is a stirring anthem.
“Alvin & the Chipmunks Christmas Song” – A really idiotic song that makes “Istanbul (Not Constantinople)” look like a classic.
“La Marseillaise” – yet another stirring anthem – the Casablanca version of course – but better in French when you don’t know the violent lyrics:

L’étendart sanglant est levé – The bloody standard is raised
Entendez-vous dans vos campagnes – Get along in your campaigns
Mugir ces féroces soldats – Roar these fierce soldiers
Ils viennent jusque dans vos bras -They come right into your arms
Égorger vos fils et vos compagnes – Cut the throats of your sons and your companions
“Danny Boy” – Sentimental, corny – but if it doesn’t bring a tear to your eyes you have no heart.

“Jump” – Eddie Van Halen RIP. 

“Heroes” – Like a many things, it’s better in French.

“Heatwave” – In a bar, blaring from a juke box, on a rainy night, in 1970’s SoHo.

“Good Night” – As lullabies go, this is the sweetest one.

“La Bohemé”  – Charles Aznavour – Red wine, St. Agur bleu, crusty bread and a roaring fireplace.
The Sultry Sultana Sisters – this sister act never existed – but if it did their version of “Romania, Romania” would have been far superior to the Barry Sisters.

“Do Ya  Think I’m Sexy” – probably best not to attempt this when one is drunk.

“La Mer” – Charles Trenet was only a teenager  in the 1920’s and in no way amused the guests at the Villa America (Google that), but it seems like he should have been there.
“I’m Your Man” – You can always count on Leonard Cohen.

“Raisins and Almonds” – The second sweetest lullaby.

“Disco Inferno” – Or disco crap as we’d say but we danced to it anyway.
“London Calling” – You won’t find it as background music at the country club.
“Irish Rover” – Every novel needs an Irish drinking song, right? Sláinte!
“Coke is the Drink of Death Squads” – Thank you David Rovics!

“Exodus” – Who knew there were lyrics?

“Hatikvah” – Yet another anthem, though unlike the others no blood, revolution or tattered flags.
“Jerusalem of Gold” – An appropriate finale.

Note: In Chapter 9 there is a reference to Bram and Lior’s basement band, “Tref it Is!”  Fortunately the power went down at the Teen Canteen in Brighton Beach Baths that night in June, 1977 and it was never recorded. I do have the lyrics to their version of “Go Down Moses,” and they are just terrible…