Wes Phillips

The groaning board—love that frilly cuff sticking up on the stripped carcass.

The perfect bird—before.

No, not Bachman Turner Overdrive, but the Boston Typewriter Orchestra. Leroy Anderson eat your heart out.

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Then thank heaven we've had giants like Charlie Parker walk among us. OTOH, we've also had Buddy Rich, so maybe things even out.

I don't know how this got past me, but Lyrita has just released 37 CD reissues of classic LPs.

Over at Locust St., the blog has been featuring an ongoing series called "100 Years (in Ten Jumps)." It's good stuff, but I'm particularly in awe of the entry "1976," which links such disparate artists as Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band, Anthony Braxton, The Wild Tchoupitoulas, and The Ramones.

Judging from the number of times I've been sent this animated short, it must be the most viral thing on YouTube lately. I can see why: It's great story-telling and it thrills me while leaving a smile on my face and a lump in my throat.