Yesterday evening, I informed Bede that Dan Zanes was my new non-romantic crush. I taped on our refrigerator a small photo of Dan Zanes wearing a green suit and a pink shirt. I like Dan Zanes' original songs, like "Thrift Shop" and "Moonlit Town." I like his interpretations of Leadbelly staples, such as "Grey Goose" and "Rock Island Line" (music samples available at the sites of the usual suspects).I like Dan Zanes' voice: it's a bit scratchy in a comfortable way. If Arlo Guthrie and Tom Petty took out most of the nasal twang out of their voices, but left a bit of the zing, they might sound like Dan Zanes. But don't take my word for it. Listen for yourselves:
Video links
All Around the Kitchen
Jump Up
Polly-Wolly Doodle
As a side-note: I'm a particular fan of "All Around the Kitchen" because I can play it using only one chord. My uncle points out that there are a few more chords than the one I demonstrated during the East Coast visit, but seriously, all you need is one chord, plus lots of enthusiasm for jumping up and down, making your arms into trees, walking and wobbling your knees, all while strumming that one chord.
Other things I like about Dan Zanes:
His bed-head hair
His friends (who help out on many of the songs)
His fashion sense
His inclusion of chords and lyrics on his albums
His taste in music
His crinkly eyes
Really, what's not to like? I know that there is some fear from the fans that commercial success from television appearances will make Dan Zanes too popular and we'll have to fight for concert tickets. Fortunately, Dan Zanes is not The Wiggles. His music is targeted for children, but enjoyable for all ages. I listen to Dan Zanes even when Lucia isn't around.
In case you're still not convinced, here's a recent article about Dan Zanes in the Village Voice. It looks as if I just missed him in New York. So it goes.
What a cutie!
Hem hem.
8 comments:
I just like saying "Dan Zanes." Also, saying "the wiggles" is a HUGE turn-on for me.
Can I also express my attraction for the hair and green striped shirt? YUM!
I dated Arlo Guthrie's grandson for what seems like a nanosecond. He was MULTI-talented, and I miss him, and wish I could get back in contact. He is an amazing person.
WOW.
He is cute in an "I want to take you home and fix your hair and put a real suit on you" sorta way. I'll have to listen to his songs when I get home-no speakers at work :(
Glad your back!
Nonny: Since having a child, I've grown more appreciative of color combinations and patterns that on appearance, seem to clash (i.e. striped trousers and crayon-print shirt) but have an overall togetherness about them. DZ's outfits are the sort that Lucia would feel totally at home wearing.
Lady K When I hear the word "Wiggles,"I think of earthworms. We have different associations.:) You dated Arlo Guthrie's grandson, eh? Whee! Did you know he was Guthrie's grandson before you went out on the date?
Oh, I am completely indebted to you forever!!! I saw the video for "All Around the Kitchen" on the Disney Channel, and I've been trying to figure out who he was for WEEKS!
thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou
I just bought three of the CDs! :o)
Aww, he is a cutie. I, too, like the bedhead look. It's nice to know that SOME people are able to get away with it...why not us ladies? Glad you're back from vacation! Missed you, much.
i hope this doesn't put a taint on him, but i've known about dan zanes since martha stewart did an article on him in November, 2001. It was an article about how his family invites his Brooklyn neighbors over to join them for Thanksgiving dinner. There are some beautiful photographs. I followed up (as a dutiful children's librarian) and found one of his CD's and have been purchasing them for my libraries ever since. But they often get misshelved with the board books.
Blogger ate my earlier comments. Grrr. At any rate...
Noodle: I am so glad that a blog post of mine helped you find the music for which you were looking. It's a real ego-boost for this lowly little librarian.
Friday: I think the bedhead look is not for everyone. Though really, look at all of those hair-bands of the '80s. Bed-head galore!
Nonny: I do not begrudge Dan Zanes any press, and will not hold the Martha Stewart article against him. I guess Martha Stewart can like good music too.:) I'm sure the Thanksgiving Party was a lot of fun.
Hey! I've got the bed-head look AND a guitar. Why hasn't Dan Zanes asked me to guest-star on his new album? I think my style would be right up the alley of the Rocket Ship Revue.
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