(Note: this series was originally published elsewhere.)
Something in music: origin
One evening at a hot, trendy L.A. nightclub on a rare solo outing, yours truly found himself standing alone at the bar preparing to review the upcoming act. Before he had taken more than a few notes, however, he was bookended by a pair of vivacious vixens who insisted on engaging your rockin’ writer in cozy conversation. Strangely, the subject of “marriage” arose.
One of the young ladies noted that when a gal is about to get hitched, she needs “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.” Your provocative penman was immediately inspired. After all, those very same terms could be applied to music too: “Something old” or classic, “something new” or recently released, “something borrowed”, a cover, and “something blue”, a blues song or a song with “blue” in the title. The rest is history.
‘Something’ in Music 358
Something Old
Our “something old” this edition is the classic cut “Thirty-Three” originally recorded by the American alt-rock band The Smashing Pumpkins. The song was written by lead singer and guitarist Billy Corgan. It was also the second single off their 1996 disc, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness.
Something New
Our “something new” here is the track “Lighthouse (Original Mix)” mixed and produced by ZGus. According to his online profile, he “started to work with music programs” over a decade ago but was unsure that it was actually for him and thus didn’t take it seriously. In more recent years, he “has started producing more seriously but was unsure which genre was best…”
It would not be until “the summer of 2013” that he decided that “Drum & Bass and House Music” were what he actually loved to produce. With this track, he is “unveiling [his] hidden depths.” He hopes that this “synth track will capture your heart.”
ZGus added: “Sometimes when you are lost, you need some guidance which leads to the right path. It's like sailors need a lighthouse to find land. If you're looking for a beautiful track to help you on your journey, then look no further - ‘Lighthouse’ is perfect for that!” A lighthouse “has a unique way of bringing light to dark areas, and this track is no different. With a touch of magic, ‘Lighthouse’ will take you on a journey of discovery that you'll never forget.”
Something Borrowed
Our “something borrowed” for this edition is the song “Imagine” written by singer-songwriter/musician John Lennon for his 1971 platter of the same name. This slack key cover is by L.A.-based Canadian guitarist, composer, and producer Jim “Kimo” West. This instrumental adaptation was recorded at the luxury vacation resort Hale Na Manu in Kaua'i, Hawaii in 2019.
His cover appears on the 2023 disc Imagine by West, Montino Bourbon, and Joss Jaffe. If you’re in Southern California, and would like to see West perform live, you’re in luck! West will be performing at the 17th Annual Southern California Slack Key Festival on Sunday, January 14th, 2024 at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center in Redondo Beach at 2:00 p.m.
According to a recent e-mail, the line-up for this year’s festival will also include Kula'iwi, Hi'ikua, Jeff Peterson, Sean Parks, Namaka Cosma, Leokane Pryor, and Ken Emerson. This event is described as “one of the most acclaimed Hawaiian concerts to ever leave the islands,” and will take guests “on a Hawaiian musical journey showcasing Grammy-winning [slack key]https://www.dancingcat.com/section-1-history) guitarists, award-winning Hula Hālau, special guest performers and a free to the public Island Marketplace.”
The Island Marketplace will be open to the public from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. outside of the performing arts center. Visitors will be able to freely “browse a variety of island-themed gifts, home décor, accessories, apparel, Hawaiian food, authentic island-style shave ice, and outdoor entertainment.”
Reserved Festival Seating tickets are between $25.00 and $65.00 per person.
VIP Premium Festival Seating & Luau Reception tickets are $150.00 per person and include a meet and greet with the performers at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center on Saturday, January 13th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. It will also include “‘ono food, and giveaways.”
Parking for both events is free. For tickets and additional information, visit the official website.
Something Blue
Finally, our “something blue” this edition is the song “Kitchen Blues” written and recorded by the American punk rock band known as Cancerslug. The track is featured on the act’s album titled Full Term Abortions which dropped back in February 2022. If you’re hoping to hear the band perform live, you’re in luck!
Cancerslug is now on tour! Cancerslug will be performing on Sunday, February 11th, at Mrs. Olson’s Coffee Shop in Oxnard, California at 8:00 p.m. The show will also include performances by Psychotic Barnyard and other acts to be announced at a later date. Tickets are $15.00 presale and $20.00 at the door.
Did we mention your favorite “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”? If not, let us know. Don’t forget to send us your bride photos too!
(Images courtesy of Rock n Roll Bride and/or original owners)