Tosh Berman's Blog, page 123
April 29, 2020
April 29, 2020 (In The Year of the Trump Virus)
April 29, 2020 (In The Year of the Trump Virus)I need to walk more. When I do go out to walk, I see other people like me who are thinking of walking for the past few days, and then suddenly, they're out walking at the same time. When I see them, I across the sidewalk to the other side. The problems are, what one should do if two or more are walking toward your direction, and you can't avoid them. The only thing one can do is reverse the trend and go among the others in the same direction. So, my walk is only 1/2 block long, and I'm back in my living room, thinking about my walk, and being aware that strolling in one's neighborhood is a pleasant memory from the past. From Amoeba Music's website, I purchased The Doors' "Waiting for the Sun." I played it loudly, which made Lun*na closed her studio door. For the past two or three years, I have been criticizing The Doors to friends, enemies, and on various people's Facebook posts. A week ago, I had the urge to listen to the song "Love Street," which is a tune that was a favorite of mine when I first purchased this album in 1968. I was either 13 or 14 years old, and remember having a deep crush on a girl in Topanga Canyon, and whenever I played this song, I thought of her. Playing it now, I still have the memory of having a feeling for this girl, but for the life of me, I can't recall her name or face. My memory never forgets an emotion or a feeling, but people are like ghosts in my life. I was watching "Columbo" with Ross Martin playing a contemporary snobby art critic who is also a murderer. He had one put-down comment after another, but none of it was witty or wise. Still, I loved watching Martin dealing with Columbo, as the evidence piles up that he is the killer. I fell asleep before the show ended and woke up to another Columbo, where another killer is planning and executing a murder. In my sleepy mind, I couldn't figure out what happened to Ross Martin's art critic. Slowly, I realized that this is another episode of "Columbo," and immediately, I felt sad that I missed the past show. I could have just watched the previous shows' end, but I felt that would be cheating. Perhaps it was fate for me to miss the ending of that specific episode. - Tosh Berman.
April 28, 2020
April 28, 2020 (In the Year of the Trump Virus)
April 28, 2020 (In The Year of The Trump Virus) For Marc WeinsteinMentally I'm reaching the stars, but physically I'm hitting the basement. My legs are achy due that I have stopped my three-mile walks per day. If I listen closely, I can hear the left leg saying, "walk me, Master." The other leg is saying, "No Master, there is another episode of "Wanted: Dead or Alive" to watch. That is existentialism in a nutshell. I compiled a major playlist for our Nik Cohn episode of "Book Musik." Over two-hours long, it is the history of pop seen through the ears and eyes of Mr. Cohn but selected by yours truly. My co-host Kimley and I usually do this together, but due to the size and zillion choices one can make, it's easier if one person does it. Otherwise, we would be on the phone for hours saying 'Nah, or 'yeah.' The next book we will be doing is a book on The Kinks. We're looking forward to the next episode. Like a Zen Monk addicted to silence and space, I'm focusing on keeping myself busy. Even in the middle of the night, I find myself thinking about what I will do when I wake up. I'm excited at 3:45 AM, just tossing and turning in expectations of the next day. What disasters will arrive in our world? Sometimes I imagine myself as a prisoner. Oddly enough, I'm a restless soul. I like going out to record and book stores to reimagine a landscape of my choosing. Now, I don't have those types of choices, although I do spend a great deal of time thinking of being in a specific store.Also, in the middle of the night, I'm thinking about being in Amoeba on Sunset Boulevard. Although the last time I was there, it must have been about two months ago. Still, I can recall each department and section of the store. Usually, when I go to Amoeba, I like to check out the new, used vinyl that just came in, and then I go to the "A" section of vinyl to see if they have that rare Kevin Ayers album. They never do, but it's the adventure of maybe it will be there. Then in alphabetical order, I check out the entire 'rock' section, and that will take me into the back room. I go into the jazz section to see if they have any Andre Hodeir or Michel Legrand albums, and then work my way to the classical section. I see if they have any Glenn Gould or Erik Satie records, and if I fail (which I usually do), I then check out their 20th-century classical music section. Then comes my favorite section of the store, which is the oldies. For the life of me, I don't understand why Scott Walker is in their oldies section. I understand The Walker Brothers, but Scott's "Drift" in oldies?I end up in the foreign section, where I check out the French section, looking for later Jacques Dutronc recordings, which seems impossible. Then on the way to the exit, I look through Soundtracks, especially the Morricone section. If I time myself perfectly, I can leave the store, and get on the No. 2 bus back to Silver Lake. This is time well spent. Then I get out of bed.
- Tosh Berman
- Tosh Berman
April 28, 2020 (In the Year of the Trump Virus
April 28, 2020 (In The Year of The Trump Virus) For Marc Weinstein
Mentally I'm reaching the stars, but physically I'm hitting the basement. My legs are achy due that I have stopped my three-mile walks per day. If I listen closely, I can hear the left leg saying, "walk me, Master." The other leg is saying, "No Master, there is another episode of "Wanted: Dead or Alive" to watch. That is existentialism in a nutshell.
I compiled a major playlist for our Nik Cohn episode of "Book Musik." Over two-hours long, it is the history of pop seen through the ears and eyes of Mr. Cohn but selected by yours truly. My co-host Kimley and I usually do this together, but due to the size and zillion choices one can make, it's easier if one person does it. Otherwise, we would be on the phone for hours saying 'Nah, or 'yeah.' The next book we will be doing is a book on The Kinks. We're looking forward to the next episode.
Like a Zen Monk addicted to silence and space, I'm focusing on keeping myself busy. Even in the middle of the night, I find myself thinking about what I will do when I wake up. I'm excited at 3:45 AM, just tossing and turning in expectations of the next day. What disasters will arrive in our world? Sometimes I imagine myself as a prisoner. Oddly enough, I'm a restless soul. I like going out to record and book stores to reimagine a landscape of my choosing. Now, I don't have those types of choices, although I do spend a great deal of time thinking of being in a specific store.
Also, in the middle of the night, I'm thinking about being in Amoeba on Sunset Boulevard. Although the last time I was there, it must have been about two months ago. Still, I can recall each department and section of the store. Usually, when I go to Amoeba, I like to check out the new, used vinyl that just came in, and then I go to the "A" section of vinyl to see if they have that rare Kevin Ayers album. They never do, but it's the adventure of maybe it will be there. Then in alphabetical order, I check out the entire 'rock' section, and that will take me into the back room. I go into the jazz section to see if they have any Andre Hodeir or Michel Legrand albums, and then work my way to the classical section. I see if they have any Glenn Gould or Erik Satie records, and if I fail (which I usually do), I then check out their 20th-century classical music section. Then comes my favorite section of the store, which is the oldies. For the life of me, I don't understand why Scott Walker is in their oldies section. I understand The Walker Brothers, but Scott's "Drift" in oldies?
I end up in the foreign section, where I check out the French section, looking for later Jacques Dutronc recordings, which seems impossible. Then on the way to the exit, I look through Soundtracks, especially the Morricone section. If I time myself perfectly, I can leave the store, and get on the No. 2 bus back to Silver Lake. This is time well spent. Then I get out of bed.
- Tosh Berman
Mentally I'm reaching the stars, but physically I'm hitting the basement. My legs are achy due that I have stopped my three-mile walks per day. If I listen closely, I can hear the left leg saying, "walk me, Master." The other leg is saying, "No Master, there is another episode of "Wanted: Dead or Alive" to watch. That is existentialism in a nutshell.
I compiled a major playlist for our Nik Cohn episode of "Book Musik." Over two-hours long, it is the history of pop seen through the ears and eyes of Mr. Cohn but selected by yours truly. My co-host Kimley and I usually do this together, but due to the size and zillion choices one can make, it's easier if one person does it. Otherwise, we would be on the phone for hours saying 'Nah, or 'yeah.' The next book we will be doing is a book on The Kinks. We're looking forward to the next episode.
Like a Zen Monk addicted to silence and space, I'm focusing on keeping myself busy. Even in the middle of the night, I find myself thinking about what I will do when I wake up. I'm excited at 3:45 AM, just tossing and turning in expectations of the next day. What disasters will arrive in our world? Sometimes I imagine myself as a prisoner. Oddly enough, I'm a restless soul. I like going out to record and book stores to reimagine a landscape of my choosing. Now, I don't have those types of choices, although I do spend a great deal of time thinking of being in a specific store.
Also, in the middle of the night, I'm thinking about being in Amoeba on Sunset Boulevard. Although the last time I was there, it must have been about two months ago. Still, I can recall each department and section of the store. Usually, when I go to Amoeba, I like to check out the new, used vinyl that just came in, and then I go to the "A" section of vinyl to see if they have that rare Kevin Ayers album. They never do, but it's the adventure of maybe it will be there. Then in alphabetical order, I check out the entire 'rock' section, and that will take me into the back room. I go into the jazz section to see if they have any Andre Hodeir or Michel Legrand albums, and then work my way to the classical section. I see if they have any Glenn Gould or Erik Satie records, and if I fail (which I usually do), I then check out their 20th-century classical music section. Then comes my favorite section of the store, which is the oldies. For the life of me, I don't understand why Scott Walker is in their oldies section. I understand The Walker Brothers, but Scott's "Drift" in oldies?
I end up in the foreign section, where I check out the French section, looking for later Jacques Dutronc recordings, which seems impossible. Then on the way to the exit, I look through Soundtracks, especially the Morricone section. If I time myself perfectly, I can leave the store, and get on the No. 2 bus back to Silver Lake. This is time well spent. Then I get out of bed.
- Tosh Berman
April 27, 2020
April 27, 2020 (In The Year of the Trump Virus)
April 27, 2020 (In the Year of the Trump Virus)
The one thing about Americans as a culture or society is that they are predictable. Their Achilles Heel is that they must feel independent from others. It's a culture that is based on the importance of "Me" than anything else. If you tell them not to go to the beach, for example, they will feel like a matter of pride, and human right, that they must crowd the coastline as a sign of their importance to themselves. Also, they are merely bored. Which I totally understand. They may live in a small compact structure, and also, there are the issues of them having children, dogs, all screaming to go outside somewhere, anywhere that is not in their restricted living area. Viruses are a mystery force. One cannot see it; therefore, one must suspect that it even exists. If it was space aliens hovering over Los Angeles, that is one thing, but can one be in fear of something that is not obvious to them? If the day is sunny and warm, it's very American to go out and play among fellow citizens. For me, I hate social gatherings. I prefer staying at home and working on writing and watching "Wanted: Dead or Alive" (starring Steve McQueen) on streaming services.
Twice a month, Kimley and I do a podcast "BOOK MUSIK," where we focus on one book on music per episode. We just finished reading Nik Cohn's "Awopbopaloobop Alopbamboom: The Golden Age of Rock." The book, written in 1968 by a then 22-year old pop music geek, is a masterful form of youth reflecting on the pop culture of the 1950s and 1960s. Cohn had the knack of praising an artist at the beginning of the paragraph, and by the end of that paragraph, he says they're shit. Every sentence he writes is argumentive but superbly written. Cohn and Ian Penman, I think, are my favorite prose stylists who write on music. Of course, I will probably change my mind next week.
My hobbies at home are watching early 1960s TV shows on streaming services, hating President Virus (that takes a great deal of time, a real time-waster), reading music books, memoirs, and playing records. What I find horrific is reading the daily death counts on the popular media and social platforms. It seems my entire generation, the baby boomers, are quickly dying off. That's a total drag. The Trump Virus has killed many, and also the aging of the bones and body are working hand-in-hand in eliminating the people I love or respect.
On the other hand, Lun*na and I put up a canvas covering to protect us from the direct sunlight when we sit out and have our wine around 6 in the evening. We're fortunate that we can spend the time to reflect on the world around us, and in such a manner of reasonable comfort. Have a great day. -Tosh Berman.
The one thing about Americans as a culture or society is that they are predictable. Their Achilles Heel is that they must feel independent from others. It's a culture that is based on the importance of "Me" than anything else. If you tell them not to go to the beach, for example, they will feel like a matter of pride, and human right, that they must crowd the coastline as a sign of their importance to themselves. Also, they are merely bored. Which I totally understand. They may live in a small compact structure, and also, there are the issues of them having children, dogs, all screaming to go outside somewhere, anywhere that is not in their restricted living area. Viruses are a mystery force. One cannot see it; therefore, one must suspect that it even exists. If it was space aliens hovering over Los Angeles, that is one thing, but can one be in fear of something that is not obvious to them? If the day is sunny and warm, it's very American to go out and play among fellow citizens. For me, I hate social gatherings. I prefer staying at home and working on writing and watching "Wanted: Dead or Alive" (starring Steve McQueen) on streaming services.
Twice a month, Kimley and I do a podcast "BOOK MUSIK," where we focus on one book on music per episode. We just finished reading Nik Cohn's "Awopbopaloobop Alopbamboom: The Golden Age of Rock." The book, written in 1968 by a then 22-year old pop music geek, is a masterful form of youth reflecting on the pop culture of the 1950s and 1960s. Cohn had the knack of praising an artist at the beginning of the paragraph, and by the end of that paragraph, he says they're shit. Every sentence he writes is argumentive but superbly written. Cohn and Ian Penman, I think, are my favorite prose stylists who write on music. Of course, I will probably change my mind next week.
My hobbies at home are watching early 1960s TV shows on streaming services, hating President Virus (that takes a great deal of time, a real time-waster), reading music books, memoirs, and playing records. What I find horrific is reading the daily death counts on the popular media and social platforms. It seems my entire generation, the baby boomers, are quickly dying off. That's a total drag. The Trump Virus has killed many, and also the aging of the bones and body are working hand-in-hand in eliminating the people I love or respect.
On the other hand, Lun*na and I put up a canvas covering to protect us from the direct sunlight when we sit out and have our wine around 6 in the evening. We're fortunate that we can spend the time to reflect on the world around us, and in such a manner of reasonable comfort. Have a great day. -Tosh Berman.
April 26, 2020 (In The Year of the Trump Virus)
April 26, 2020 (In the Year of the Trump Virus)
Naturally, I reflect regularly, and now in Lockdown mode, I resonate with great intensity. I do have a regular schedule at home. I wake up around 6:30 in the morning, when the dawn is breaking. I have become sensitive to the natural sunrise and sundown, which seems to be changing much faster lately. When I read my calendar for something that was last week, it seems a lifetime away, yet in the present, the day goes quickly.
I'm fortunate to have a job. I may be one of the few individuals on this planet that got a job during the Trump Virus lockdown. I'm co-writing a film script for a French producer/art dealer, and the work keeps me occupied and not always think about the dangerous situation that we are all in at the moment. When I do focus on the outside world (meaning outside my home), I shutter. Still, getting food through Instacart, although expensive, is pretty consistent now, compared to a few weeks ago, where one wasn't sure if they can get food delivered to one's home. My wife and I pretty much stay indoors, except recently I do go in the backyard and sit in the shade to read. It's hard to believe that a week ago, it was chilly, but now it is in the 90s, and one wonders how is that even possible?
President Virus puts me in a rage, and I hate the fact that I hate him so much. I don't have a gun, and the reason why I don't have a weapon is that if I see him walking down the street, I will shoot him. That is not a good position in life. Nor healthy. So, I focus on my work. I do keep myself informed on what's happening politically, as well as any current information regarding the Trump Virus.
Being in a lockup for me is not that difficult. I do miss the social interactions of seeing people, even the occasional chit-chat with a Lyft driver, but what I miss the most are libraries, books, and record stores. I tend to go to shops not only to purchase a book or music but also to unload my mind for an hour or so, by just looking at a bookshelf or record store racks. Time-to-time I like making the noise at 8 pm, but after two or more weeks of that, it is becoming a chore. Still, this is nothing compared to the people who are working now in saving lives, serving food either in stores or restaurants, and drivers who are still maintaining bus schedules and Lyft drivers. I'm not here to complain but to enjoy life. - Tosh Berman
Naturally, I reflect regularly, and now in Lockdown mode, I resonate with great intensity. I do have a regular schedule at home. I wake up around 6:30 in the morning, when the dawn is breaking. I have become sensitive to the natural sunrise and sundown, which seems to be changing much faster lately. When I read my calendar for something that was last week, it seems a lifetime away, yet in the present, the day goes quickly.
I'm fortunate to have a job. I may be one of the few individuals on this planet that got a job during the Trump Virus lockdown. I'm co-writing a film script for a French producer/art dealer, and the work keeps me occupied and not always think about the dangerous situation that we are all in at the moment. When I do focus on the outside world (meaning outside my home), I shutter. Still, getting food through Instacart, although expensive, is pretty consistent now, compared to a few weeks ago, where one wasn't sure if they can get food delivered to one's home. My wife and I pretty much stay indoors, except recently I do go in the backyard and sit in the shade to read. It's hard to believe that a week ago, it was chilly, but now it is in the 90s, and one wonders how is that even possible?
President Virus puts me in a rage, and I hate the fact that I hate him so much. I don't have a gun, and the reason why I don't have a weapon is that if I see him walking down the street, I will shoot him. That is not a good position in life. Nor healthy. So, I focus on my work. I do keep myself informed on what's happening politically, as well as any current information regarding the Trump Virus.
Being in a lockup for me is not that difficult. I do miss the social interactions of seeing people, even the occasional chit-chat with a Lyft driver, but what I miss the most are libraries, books, and record stores. I tend to go to shops not only to purchase a book or music but also to unload my mind for an hour or so, by just looking at a bookshelf or record store racks. Time-to-time I like making the noise at 8 pm, but after two or more weeks of that, it is becoming a chore. Still, this is nothing compared to the people who are working now in saving lives, serving food either in stores or restaurants, and drivers who are still maintaining bus schedules and Lyft drivers. I'm not here to complain but to enjoy life. - Tosh Berman
April 26, 2020
"Erin Reads Things To You" - Erin reads TOSH
"Erin Reads Things To You” which is a great series, and Erin chooses to read an excerpt (very brief) from my book TOSH. And she got the glasses and wine right! - Tosh Berman
April 20, 2020
Amoeba Music Needs our Help
One can tell from reading my blog that I'm a mega-fan of Amoeba Music. Their Hollywood location is a magnet for my attention and physical well being. I have purchased much but also treated this store as a museum. Due to the Trump Virus, Amoeba needs financial help in paying bills. Please donate if you can, or at the very least, purchase their music through their website. Click on "Amoeba Music Needs Help link down below, and contribute. Merci, Tosh
Amoeba Music Needs Help
April 15, 2020
BOOK MUSIK No. 20 - David Bowie's Diamond Dogs (33 1/3) by Glenn Hendler
Book Musik 020 – David Bowie’s Diamond Dogs (33 1/3) by Glenn HendlerPosted on April 15, 2020 by Book Musik
Tosh and Kimley discuss David Bowie’s Diamond Dogs by Glenn Hendler from the 33 1/3 series. Diamond Dogs is frequently considered one of Bowie’s best albums by critics and fans alike. It’s an album that was stitched together from the detritus of a failed 1984 project and his reading of William Burroughs’ Wild Boys which impelled Bowie to use the cut-up technique in his lyric writing. Bowie’s cryptic lyrics are ripe for the kind of OCD examination that the 33 1/3 series allows. And given our current virus-laden era of social distancing and big brother-like policies emanating from the powers that be worldwide, this feels like an album for our time.Theme music: “Behind Our Efforts, Let There Be Found Our Efforts” by LG17
Tosh and Kimley discuss David Bowie’s Diamond Dogs by Glenn Hendler from the 33 1/3 series. Diamond Dogs is frequently considered one of Bowie’s best albums by critics and fans alike. It’s an album that was stitched together from the detritus of a failed 1984 project and his reading of William Burroughs’ Wild Boys which impelled Bowie to use the cut-up technique in his lyric writing. Bowie’s cryptic lyrics are ripe for the kind of OCD examination that the 33 1/3 series allows. And given our current virus-laden era of social distancing and big brother-like policies emanating from the powers that be worldwide, this feels like an album for our time.Theme music: “Behind Our Efforts, Let There Be Found Our Efforts” by LG17April 14, 2020
Our store in downtown Los Angeles’ arts district is locat...
Our store in downtown Los Angeles’ arts district is located in Hauser & Wirth’s gallery complex. We have a sizable selection of books on artists represented by the gallery. Like most bookstores worldwide, with our inventory frozen, I am reaching out to our regular visitors, and introducing the store to a larger community, by highlighting part of this selection. It’s part of the store’s ever-evolving inventory that includes books I consider of interest, that address the shifts in current culture. I hope to see my regulars, and new visitors, when it is safe for us to meet. I miss my store terribly and all of you. Be safe. My kindest.
--Lacy Soto, Director Artbook @ Hauser & Wirth LA Bookstore
Please shop at our store Here: Artbook at Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles
April 12, 2020
President Virus (Trump) Plans to Veto Bill for Funding the United States Post Office
My father, Wallace Berman, is known for making postcards and then sending them to people. They were or is "Mail Art" in its truest definition. My dad liked to send quick messages to friends, but always on a card that he made and designed by himself. They were never meant to be exhibited in galleries or museums, but now they are often in museum collections. Nevertheless, the reason I'm bringing this up, is that President Virus plans to veto a bill that will give much-needed funds to the United States Post Office. I would think stamp collectors and mail art fans would find this horrifying. Stop President Virus. - Tosh Berman
