EPISODE 9 / Black Helicopters / Fanny / Drinking Age
Of Sound and Fury: The Music Behind the Madness
In previous stories, I detailed two methods of constructing audio/visual compositions for the live performances during my residency at Pianos. “We Will Rock You” was created solely using clips with its associated audio—video as sound source, editor as composer. “A Night In NYC” was constructed in a similar manner but expanded on the concept and added a narrative element by adding drum loops, live bass, and footage. The footage gave the piece a sense of story, a visual elegance, and opened up a palette of possibilities for future video content.
The third method of construction builds on the previous two examples but this time the audio/visual collages find a home on original the grassy knoll album tracks. Tracks edited and repurposed—they are heard, seen, and experienced in a completely new way.
The video for “Black Helicopters,” the lead track on the 1996 release Positive, is an excellent example of this third method of construction. The footage was taken in lower Manhattan just months after 9/11. The subliminal tension-filled footage along with David Crosby’s unpopular “grassy knoll” rant from The Byrd’s 1967 Monterey International Pop Festival performance is a multi-media cocktail for conspiracy theorists. But all this being said, the video simply rocks.
SOMETHING OLD
FANNY / Last Night I Had A Dream / 1973
Fanny, one of the pioneering all-female rock bands of the early 1970s, delivered a memorable performance of Randy Newman's "Last Night I Had a Dream" on The Midnight Special on April 13, 1973. This appearance showcased their exceptional musicianship and stage presence, solidifying their place in rock history.
The lineup for this performance featured the original members: June Millington (guitar, vocals), Jean Millington (bass, vocals), Nickey Barclay (keyboards, vocals), and Alice de Buhr (drums, vocals). Their rendition of "Last Night I Had a Dream," the opening track from their 1973 album Mother's Pride, was noted for its dynamic energy and tight harmonies. The album itself was produced by Todd Rundgren and marked the last recording with the original lineup .
SOMETHING NEW
CAMERON WINTER / Drinking Age / 2024
Cameron Winter, known as the frontman of the Brooklyn-based band Geese, made his solo live debut with the song “Drinking Age” on December 6, 2024, at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn. This performance was part of Geese Fest and coincided with the release of his debut solo album, Heavy Metal.
“Drinking Age” served as the encore for the evening and marked a significant stylistic departure from Geese’s energetic, guitar-driven sound. Winter’s solo work embraces a more introspective and minimalist approach, characterized by piano-led arrangements and subtle horn accompaniments.
The song delves into themes of existential uncertainty and self-reflection. In the track, Winter sings, “Today I met who I’m gonna be / From now on / And he’s a piece of shit,” encapsulating the album’s exploration of personal identity and the human condition.
FROM THE ARCHIVE:
WOW! THAT SHIRT IS COOL · CLICK IT TO GET IT
Man, thank you so much for this great newsletter. I know it is a ton of work to create but you kicked my ass this morning watching Nickey play that piano! I'm intrigued by Mr. Winter as well but was in a Fanny kind of mood this AM. Your ability to find these rare clips is just amazing.
I also love the memory of the pianos gig too. Excited to see and hear what you do next!