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What a Beautiful Organ You Have

John Marks writes: "Here is a page with six free downloadable MP3 tracks that for one reason or another had to be left off my CD survey of the historical and significant pipe organs of Rhode Island I have mentioned a few times in my Fifth Element column.

"I think that the single most audiophile-friendly track will turn out to be Andrew Galuska’s Stravinsky-flavored improvisation—very dynamic, with sharp rhythms. But all the tracks are worth a listen.

"The page also has photos of a few of the organs on the CD (and two organs that were left off).

"The CD is on its way…

Practice in Front of a Bush

Captain Beefheart's rules for guitarists: "Wait until the moon is out, then go outside, eat a multi-grained bread and play your guitar to a bush. If the bush doesn't shake, eat another piece of bread."

No More Black Holes?

"'If you define the black hole as some place where you can lose objects, then there is no such thing because the black hole evaporates before anything is seen to fall in,' said [Case Western Reserve University physicist] Vachaspati."

Oooh-Wee Ratatouille!

"Seen the extra-long trailer for Ratatouille?" I asked Paul DiComo.

"Meh. No movie about a rat has ever been a hit."

"What about Steamboat Willie?"

"Mickey Mouse is not a rat. There's a difference."

"Sure, that's what they say now, but he sure wasn't cute in that movie."

"Still, a rat is a different critter entirely. And a rat cooking in the kitchen of a fancy restaurant—don't even get me started on all the ways that's wrong."

Paulie D is right—there's so much for Ratatouille to overcome, but the nine-minute preview is exciting, character-driven…

Keith Jarrett's Awesome Night at Carnegie

If Keith Jarrett weren’t such a magnificent pianist, it would be intolerable to watch him in concert. His screechy humming and moaning, his lizard leering and preening—in three decades of seeing him play, I’ve never managed, despite some effort, to find the charm in his theatrics. And yet, he usually has me from his first chord—so warm, rich, and intriguingly edgy—especially the past few years, as he’s tightened his rhapsodic tendencies while enriching his lyrical core.

And so it went at his Standards Trio concert tonight at Carnegie Hall—which lasted more than two hours, including three…

Death & Politics

I don't know about you, but I can't resist an essay that begins: "San Francisco is a city without graves. In 1900, the board of supervisors passed an ordinance prohibiting burials within the city limits. In 1912, the board announced its further intention to eliminate the city’s previously existing cemeteries, and in 1914 removal notices were sent to all burial sites, declaring them 'a public nuisance and a menace and detriment to the health and welfare of city dwellers.'"

Joseph Bottum kept me thinking all the way through.

Huckside Down

Huckleberry is the only cat we've ever owned who can be both crazed and stationary. It's a gift.

That Boy's Not Right

Bagheera, ever the lady, looks askance at Huck's antics.

Swarm

I was expecting to hear from so many more of you. But no matter: The band will grow in time.

The name of the band is Swarm.

It came to Jon Iverson quickly, quietly, and obviously. Plus: He had just finished reading a story about bees.

What's the Frequency, Kenneth?

It has only been a week, and I'm already having nightmares.

My dream begins with me sitting comfortably in my dirty but loved listening chair. Behind me is an empty fireplace. In front of me, two 10 foot tall loudspeakers materialize. I pace towards them slowly and cautiously. My hand sweeps against their rich dark mahogany finish.

I face my record collection. My hand pulls out Return to Forever's "Where Have I Known You Before." While not in a state of Rapid Eye Movement, I am often befuddled and amused by Corea's praise of L. Ron Hubbard on the record's backside. This…