Greg Mitchell's Blog, page 156

Warren Hearts Mary

This happened: Zevon sings Ave Maria.

Christmas Massacre, 100 Years Ago Tonight

Our folk genius, Woody Guthrie, with the "1913 Massacre" at the miner's Christmas ball, based on tragic true event--100 years ago tonight (read all about it, and two films, here).

Still the Greatest Song on This Subject

It might sound like a Christmas song, but actually a protest song -- about a penis transplant.  Ahead of its time (so to speak), from the Kinks, who did soundtrack for obscure 1971 movie, Percy (when I interviewed Ray Davies).

Hallelujah--Leonard for Christmas

Few could imagine that Leonard Cohen--the Jewish Buddhist--once did "Silent Night" live, with Jennifer Warnes.

Santa Bob

This happened: Dylan reading "The Night Before Christmas."  And yes, like David Bowie, he has done "Little Drummer Boy."  And finally, Jimmy Fallon does Dylan doing "Jingle Bells, Batman Smells."

Speech of the Year

Perhaps you've forgotten about longtime Member of Parliament (and two-time Best Actress Oscar winner) Glenda Jackson refusing to join in tributes to Margaret Thatcher last April.  "Thatcherism reeked and is still reeking."  Imagine a Congress member here speaking the truth about Reagan.

J.C.: Woody Approve?

Let's think of him like this, this time around.   U2 does Woody Guthrie's "Jesus Christ."   Below that, rare version with Woody live, additional lyrics.  The "re-distributing" Jesus: "You must take all your goods/and divide them with the poor."

Beethoven and the "Right" Stuff

I've certainly had my differences with Rich Lowry, longtime editor of the National Review, over the years, but happy to link to his new piece at the magazine's site hailing Beethoven's Ninth.  He even mentions the new film on the Ninth that I've co-produced.  Naturally he emphasizes that part of the "Ode to Joy," and Schiller's poem, that extols The Creator, but our film focuses on the political and cultural.  Still, welcome aboard, Rich.   He does mention the key "brotherhood" aspect.

Bernstein, Beethoven and the Berlin Wall, At Christmas

In 1989,  Leonard Bernstein conducted a massive orchestra and international chorus (including kids)  doing Beethoven's Ninth in Berlin at Christmas to mark the tearing down of the Berlin Wall just outside, as Berliners went wild--with the lyrics changed from "Ode to Joy" to "Ode to Freedom."  It was aired live on TV in Germany and around the globe.   It's featured in the new Kerry Candaele film on the Ninth, which I co-produced (for more info and trailer).  Also featured in the film: Billy Bragg.   Here's a clip from the Lenny concert:

Oh, Little Wall of Bethlehem

Banksy's Christmas card.   It's been around awhile but always goes viral again.  Here's background on his other art on the Israel-Palestinian fracture.