Tonight Randall and I ventured out to the Den to see 60s British power folk duo Chad & Jeremy. My attendance of this show was merely to pay my respect to these two who had marginal success but nonetheless are noted musicians.
Immediately upon our arrival Randall asked “where’s the drum set”. When I explained drums just aren’t part of C&J’s show, he was clearly miffed. I suspect it was a long, boring night for Randall. The question is, what did I think?
THIS CONCERT CHANGED MY LIFE!
I expected poor musicianship and crackling vocals. What I heard was excellent guitar players, albeit acoustic, and near flawless vocals/harmonies. It began dull enough with an obscure song and then a cover. It kicked up about two thirds of the way through with a back-to-back shot of Yesterday’s Gone and Willow Weep for Me. Then, as if the heavens opened and God himself appeared, I had a religious experience.
It all began forty years ago while I was watching an episode of Batman. In this episode, Cat Woman, through the use of a special ray gun, stole the voices of Chad & Jeremy and held the British government hostage. This had a profound effect on me at the time because Cat Woman had stolen their voices in the middle of what was the most wonderful song I had ever heard. I was angry that I could not hear it all. Over the years my anger subsided and my emotional police had labeled the case of “The Shortened Song” as an unsolved mystery. Until tonight.
Jeremy introduced the song Distant Shores as stating that it was from an episode of Batman. The memories came rushing back and I listened, totally rapt in the song and completely mesmerized by the moment. I had finally received closure to a forty-year old wound that until tonight had remained unhealed. For this, I shall be forever indebted to Chad Stuart and Jeremy Clyde. The song, Distant Shores, transcends music and should be the Human Anthem.
Other notables were Summer Song and Rest In Peace. From start to finish, Chad & Jeremy were consummate entertainers. Their wit, musicianship and most importantly their vocals were a refreshing change to the typical “way past their prime” rock and roll shows that we see at the Den. While Randall would rather insert his genitalia into a sausage stuffer, I will go to every Chad & Jeremy show for as long as I am able. It meant that much to me. Contrary to the crowd’s reaction, which was comprised of a gaggle of motionless blue-hairs, this show rocked…it rocked my ass off.
I am Vick and tonight I am ass-less.
