My 1995 cover of the fabulous Robert Earl Keen classic. Very 1995.

It may not be one of my best songs, but I will defend it by saying it is one of the the better Hanukah/Christmas songs ever. That's because there are no good Hanukah/Christmas songs. And Harry Shearer every year sings it at his annual holiday shows.

Jesus Was a Dreidel Spinner -Listen Here.

It's the 17th and I have yet to buy any gifts. Am I in trouble?

A sort of love song about two sad coke heads from, say, 1981

Listen here: The Last Line. 

                       The Last Line

Far away,another time 
I was yours and you were mine
Intwined we spiraled down so far together

Smoke and mirrors and rolled up bills
we had it all and then more still
but it was not enough to last forever

It was the last line.
It was never as good as it felt as it burst for the first time. oh but how we tried
up to the last line.

Hopes and dreams and promises
we talked of real estate and kids.
we stayed in bed all day and half the night.
but blinded by the the disco ball
locked inside the bathroom stall
you yelled at me-you thought i lost the vial.

it was the last line.
You were never as sweet as you were when we we kissed for the first time. Oh but how we tried
up til the last line

searching for a speck of dust
just enough for both of us.
i knew our love was over
you couldn’t share

        (sobule/eaton)

It's from Underdog Victorious

I think the Artist might be my favorite movie of the year. First of all, I am a big silent movie buff. Secondly, I have seen some terrible movies. I was extremely curious where the movie was filmed. I recognized a few of the places, including  my neighborhood. Here's a list of the locations. 

I also loved the soundtrack, which included "Scene d'amour" from Hitchcock's "Vertigo" - click here for a Youtube of it. It  still creeps me out, but in a beautiful way.

From Silent Era: The top 100 silent movies

From Andrew Sullivan:  His take on Tim Tebow.

From BoingBoing: OWS and Law & O. Clang Clang

From Salon: Writers choose their favorite books of 2011

From the NYT: The next movie that I want to see

I am trying to update my blog at my local coffee shop/office. I'm having a hard time concentrating as the woman at the next table is really loudly talking about her new agent, her new TV pilot idea, and her favorite yoga class. I am thinking of recording her with my iphone. In fact, I will. I have had this idea forever of recording these kind of  (Annie Hall in LA) conversations and then putting them to music  - it would be my electronica record. Oh, she is now talking about how much better she feels now she is gluten-free. This song will be, "Woman on Larchmont Blvd,  Dec. 5th"

My Mom

Dec. 5th is also my mom's birthday. Here she is singing Nelly's "Hot in Herre" a few years back at Joe's Pub. Very silly

Safari History

As I was searching for this video on my browser history - I saw it earlier today - I thought of what a diverse and slightly odd history it was. It started off with a couple of NYT's articles, The Huffington Post (on how someone from Fox Business show thinks the Muppets are commies), Salon, a Youtube of Gypsy mandolin lessons, then 6 articles on Tim Tebow and the Broncos.

Tim Tebow

As a lifelong Denver fan, it's been a really fun and kind of bizaare. At first, I was so annoyed, still am, with the fanatic Tebowites, who feel if you question their lord and savior, you are anti -Christian and a "hater". I hate that "hater" thing, by the way. When did that become so trivialized and a part of pop culture vocabulary? I hope that and auto-tuning finally start to fade. Anyway, I am also not bothered anymore by his praying after touchdowns and thanking the lord, Jesus, before every interview. I just wish he didn't have that bothersome Focus on the Family connection. They are "haters". 

One thing I love about him is that he is messing with the sport's expert talking heads and conventional wisdom. He is playing "highschool offense" , in the words of one talking head. It's fun and unpredictable.The last 3 games have either been won in overtime or in the last few seconds, and on the road. The Broncos, who were abysmal and boring for the first 3rd of the sesson, have become the talk of the football nation. Of course, I wonder if I wasn't a Denver fan, if he would really irk me. Probably.

And, I can't believe I just wrote about football on my blog. Too revealing.

Jewish Tebow?

Last thought: I had this thought how funny it would be if someone did a takeoff and video of a Jewish version of Tebow. Instead of bowing down and praying (Tebowing) at the end zone after a TD , he would be davening (that rocking back in forth) like it was the Western Wall. He could have sidelocks dangling from his helmet?

Obnoxious Woman in Coffee Shop

She is still here. 

           an iphone video with some Super 8 app

“UNDER THE BRIDGE”

You got the message, yes they’re closing shop
And in two weeks you’ll be out of the job
So take the pencils and the paper clips
Cause that will be your only parting gift

Under the bridge you’ll find us waiting
Under the bridge we’ll sing a song
Under the bridge we’ll light the fire
Under the bridge come on

Then you got the notice, you have to leave your home
Down by the highway, at least your not alone
No one bought the record, no one will buy this song
But you can join the chorus
And we’ll all sing all along.

Under the bridge we’re all together
Under the bridge we understand
Under the bridge let’s pool our money 
Under the bridge come on

Gather round the barrel, we’ll drink the freshest wine
You might think your story’s bad, but let me tell you mine

Under the bridge we’ll all be waiting
Under the bridge we’ll start a band
Under the bridge we’ll light the fire
 Under the bridge, come on

Singing “happy days are here again
The sky is bright and clear again
So, Let's sing a song of cheer again”
Under The Bridge

You can listen here to the recording: here

Jill: I had just heard from another (former working musician) friend that had recently been fired from their job and was having a hell of time finding another. They were at the end of their rope – having to move back in with the parents. I joked that they had spent a ton of dough in the past trying to have some sort of homeless hipster look, but now they really were. In “Under the Bridge” I imagined an “Our Man Godfrey” hobo town filled with destitute artists, students, and working class stiffs banding together. I wrote this with my songwriting partner, Robin Eaton, and put it on a live fan-funded record with the fabulous John Doe (of X and Knitters fame). To all the good folks pitching tents at OWS, this one's for you. I support you, hope you keep warm this winter, and ask you to keep a spot open in your tent for me. You can get “A Day at the Pass “ on itunes or even better, on my website: jillsobule.com

John Doe: There would be no Day at the Pass record if it weren't for Under the Bridge ! Jill called me up & said, "I found a guitar & wrote a song w/ the tuning it was in". The poor guitar had no name, only 5 strings & I believe it was tuned to open F or C. She said the song was about people who lost their middle management jobs & are going to end up learning how to cook mulligan stew w/ their college degrees. Anyone can tell that it was a song that just popped out fully formed, all inspiration, I don't think she had to edit it at all. It's turned out to be very prophetic since there are Occupy camps all over the world these days. And the protests are not just about lost jobs, it's about how people have to learn to pull together, organize & try to fight against an unequal system that grown much worse over the last 5-7 years. Playing this song is always a joy & people get it immediately !

By the way, you can get this song on “A Day at the Pass “ on itunes, or even better…on this here  site

I  prepared a kind of serious song for the last day, but had several requests and demands to sing one of my dumbest, but timeliest numbers: " Women Whose Halloween Costume Is Just That They're Slutty". I originally wrote it for NPR's Bryant Park show. 

Listen Here. Here

Halloween was my favorite holiday but in these last few years
Something so terrible has filled me with fear.
It's not the razor in the apple; no I heard that never happened
No, it's something much worse

It's women whose Halloween costume is just that they're slutty
That's not a costume at all. What happened to Witches and monsters?
They left the Halloween Ball

Just putting kitten ears on your head is not creative. 
A skimpy black dress is not very scary--unless you're Ann Coulter
Stiletto heels are not that special unless worn by a man

I'm not a prude, but I'm not a fan....of

Women whose Halloween costume is just that they're slutty
That's not a costume at all. What happened to Witches and monsters?
They left the Halloween Ball

Okay, maybe if you play a dead prostitute from say Jack the ripper days or maybe a zombie whore from outer space. But the naughty devil outfit in lingerie? Well, that's...just not good
 

On Empire Boardwalk last Sunday, Jack Dempsey made an appearence. I was reminded of this picture that my mom had scanned. "Handsome Bill" Sobule is second to the left, and of course, the one with the big ass hands is the...Manassa Mauler. I would love to know who the guys behind him were, especially the with the newsboy hat who looks like he is nothing but trouble.

So the story is that my grandfather worked as a barker in the circus with Jack before he became the  world champ. Or, that he was his sparing partner? I don't really know the story. Maybe my brother, mom, or some other family member can chime in. I do know that they were both from Colorado. My father did use to tell me how all the neighborhood kids would be so impressed when Dempsey would come the house to visit.

  I finally recorded the song I did for the Freedom From Fear Awards. I actually have a couple different versions. On this one, I am playing my fake 6 - string bango (the guitjo), and am accompanied by the oh so soothing vocals of Sam Sparro. I heard a couple of tracks from his new unreleased album, by the way, and they are swell. Also, on trumpet is Jesse Blum from punk lefty trouble makers, Outernational

Next week I will post a band version with Dave the Bass Player and drums.

     Listen here:  here

      When they say, "we want our America back", our America back, our America back.

     When they say, " we want our America back", well what the f%#k do they mean?

     Remember the garden of Eden? Before eve hung out with that snake?

     You could walk down the streets not worry bout thieves, all the kids could go trick or treating. 

     Then those foreigners started coming in like the Germans in 1790

     Then the Irish arrived, the potato blight.The neighborhood started changing

     Life was better, we lived right, life had a paler shade of white , when they sing

     "We want our America Back"

     Before there was Ellis island, and that statue we got from the French

     That whore's still alerting, with strangers she's flirting, inviting them into our beds

     The guineas, the coolies, the wetbacks The reds, the Jews, now those terrorists

     And who let in the woman who looks after my kid and the one who is cleaning my mess?

     Life was so righteous, life was so clean. Send em all back including me

     Before the gays had their agenda, before the slaves were free

     Before that man from Kenya took the presidency

    When they say, "we want our America back, our America back, our America back"

     When they say, "we want our America back", well what the f%#k do they mean?

It's the High Holidays! And being a secular Jew from Denver (the Unitarians of the tribe), my history and knowledge of the New Year is somewhat lacking. Do I make a list of things I want to do your change - like the regular people's New Year? I know there is Shofer to be blown and honey and apples to be eaten. 

This a perfect time to get my Jew back on. In fact, I actually have already started. I have been trying to write the music for... Yentl (the play, not the Babs movie). There  are many references in the play that I don't completely get, so, I have reached out and had extensive email exchanges with a fan who also happens to be the smartest Rabbi in West Virginia. I have also been in contact with some amazing folks in the Jewish transgender community. I'm not sure, but I think if Yentl was here today, she would be taking hormones and hanging with Chaz. 

A big Shana Tova to ya'll

Don't ask me how it happened, but here I am singing Supertition two weeks ago with Slash, Duff and Gilby (G n R ) and Wayne Kramer ( MC5). I know, it makes no sense. All I know is that I have never, nor will ever again sing in front of such an amazing "house band". I finally really do get the whole Guns N' Roses thing. 

I debated on posting this video as I am more than a bit self- conscious. First of all, I never sing without a guitar. I didn't know what to do with my hands!  Also, singing a Stevie cover. I so wished for a day that I had thicker and a little more soulful vocal chords. I kind of felt like I was Judy Collins singing it. Thirdly, I was so excited that I was jumping and dancing like a spaz.

Lastly, It was for Road Recovery, an amazing organization that works with young addicts.  Wayne asked, last minute, if I wanted to participate, and how could I say no? 

I feel like an outline
Where the middle part is missing
And the moonlight is kissing
The details away
I feel like a cliffnote
To a novel no one can read
And I feel like such a phony
Like I got 'em all deceived
And I feel like a punch line
Nobody gets
I bet that you're laughing
And shaking your head

I sold my soul
And nothing happened
Yeah nothing happened
When I sold my soul

I feel like an outline
To a picture you started to paint
Now the sunlight is fading
The colors away

How's it feel to have insides
Something to hold I wish I could touch you
How could I know

When I sold my soul
And Nothing Happened
Yeah Nothing Happened
When I sold my soul
Just a big black hole
And Nothing Happened
And I bet you're laughin'
'Cause I sold my soul

Once in a while, I hear something being played in the backround of a coffee shop or store, and it seems somewhat familiar. Then after a few seconds, I realize that it is...me. Today, I heard "Sold My Soul". What's so odd is that the song is probably one of the least known songs in my catalog. I still can't figure out why or how it came through the speakers. I hadn't heard or thought about the song in ages. But as I was straining to listen to the lyrics -it was way backround - I remembered the feeling and incident that initiated the writing. I think this might have been my personal "Is it All There Is". I was, for sure, in a darker state of mind back then, and also could not get enough of lonely sounding pedal steel. 

The song is on "Happy Town", which was my follow up to the self-titled album that had the "Kissed a Girl" song on it. ""Happy Town" was. I think, a response to my being percieved as a novelty act to some. I was going to record a serious depressing record this time. .Or maybe, it was during an annoying relationship. 

I actually can relate to the song this afternoon, as I am a bit under the weather, and worried if the project that I am working so hard on at the moment will have it's day.  But, one difference between today and when I wrote the song (almost 15 years ago ) is that I know that maybe after two Advil, or some sleep, I just might have a whole different attitude. Getting older is great.

Even if you believe in the death penalty, the woops and hollers for  Governor Perry's stats at the GOP debate was a tad goulish and knuckleheaded. Don't you think?

So here is a song I wrote a few years ago about Texas and it's proud record.

Listen here: You Better Not Kill in Texas

Oh, that's Steve Earle on the BVs.

If you're upset at your loved ones
Or you're just mad at mankind
Or you just need some money
Or the great horned one gave you a sign
Well, you can go to Ohio
Certainly go to Brentwood
But do yourself a favor
Don't end up in Fort Worth 

You better not kill in Texas
Whatever you do
You better not kill in the lone star state
They just love to kill you

Even if you had a bad childhood
Or your daddy messed with you at night
Even if you're real sorry
Even if you're pretty or white
Even if you say you love Jesus
Or the doctor says you're real sick
Well, you can get off in Boulder Colorado
But they'll fry your ass in Lubbock

You better not kill in Texas
Whatever you do
You better not kill in the lone star state
They just love to kill you
 

We still don't know where she is. 

Listen here: Where is Bobbie Gentry?

It's off the California Years record - for anyone who wants to be in the know.

I love the little guitar she is holding in the picture. What do you think it is?

I need a new cover song. It must be: a good song; maybe one that you are a little timid to admit you love; and one that you would never expect a folky female singer-songwriter type to sing.

Any suggestions?

I had a request to post Houdini's Box from...a long time ago. Listen...HERE

I wrote this ditty after spending time at a Starbucks in the Castro. I was confused why I was the only one that did not have a lot of body hair. I learned later that I was at "The Bearbucks".

As a goof, I did a video with Margaret Cho, who also wrote a rather x-rated rap. The real stars, however, are the sweet and sweaty Bears. 

I can't believe that I have just been posting my sillier songs. I promise that the next ones will be of a more serious and morose nature.

Check out the devil horns above his head. We posed perfectly in front of the  sconce.

  In 2009, I sang at the Wall Street Journal's "All Things D conference". I was asked if I would write a song for Rupert  as well- as you know, I write those quirky last minute topical songs. Also, I was asked to be...nice. Hmmm, a quirky song about Rupert that's nice. That is a toughie. How do I maintain my ethics and, at the same time, not get the friend who hired me fired? 

So this is what I came up: Check out the end of the video where I make him sing along.

Rupert and Me

Rupert, I met you last year
At this conference
Do you remember me?

Rupert, they took our picture
You gave me a warm hug
It was really disconcerting

I've never been a big fan
The op-ed of the Wall Street Journal
I can't stand

But that night, Rupert
You were the man.

Rupert, you took me back to your room
Showed me your iPod
You love Olivia Newton-John

We drank Foster's
We got so pissed
You told me your secret
That you voted for Obama

You said you've got a secret plan
You hired Glenn Beck to ruin the Republicans

Oh, Rupert
You are the man.

I have to say Rupert was a really good sport. He was very nice to me. I don't think his assistant liked me though.

My personal favorite part of the song, I must admit,  is his obsession with Olivia Newton -John.

Fun stuff I read today:

The Shocking True Tale  Of The Mad Genius who Invented Sea - Monkeys

Michele Bachmann's First Dude.

 And he talks just like Corky from Waiting For Guffman

Am I Using The Exclamation Mark Too Much!?

Crazy- ass nutter conspiracy article on Weiner's wife as secret Muslim Brotherhood member and lesbian lover to Hillary

Music I am listening to now as I am typing:

I am usually not a top 1 Billboard charts listener, but I am kinda loving  the new Jill Scott record. It is so nice to hear an R &B or pop record without the usual cookie cutter production with the over -the-top auto-tune. And it's interesting that the top 2 records ( Jill and Bon Iver) do not have top ten singles. I have $20 left on an Itunes gift card. What should I buy?

Yesterday's useless but great Ipad purchases:

Accordeon and Video Time Machine

                                                   my West Village neighbor's cat at last year's Pride

I have played three weddings in my lifetime. The first was for my brother's first marriage. The second, for my friend Gary, ended up being a bit of a challenge. The nut-job Rabbi, last minute, decided he didn't like the song that the bride had chosen for me to sing. A battle ensued, the wedding started two hours late, and and  all the bridesmaids mascara and makeup had melted off by the time the processional music began. It was outdoors and 90 degrees. 

My third wedding singer job was for Julia Sweeney and her husband Michael. They  asked for my song "Lucky in Love" right after that kiss and following applause.

Here it is: "Lucky in Love"

By the way, the priest at Julia's wedding was none other than Don Novello aka Father Guido Sarducci. It was fantastic.

I have never thought of myself as a wedding singer. First of all, I don't know that song from "Officer and a Gentleman" or "Celebrate Good Times". Secondly, it somehow feels... beneath me? But that is bullshit. If someone asks you to play a song for what they feel is the most important event of their life, you should feel honored. Right? 

So...after watching, on TV, the crowds of "the gays" and their supporters celebrating in front of the Stonewall, I decided that I am...now available. And I'm available for both "the straights" and "the gays" Heck, I'll even play for, what is  the most ridiculous of the anti-gay marriage arguments - you and your 7 wives.

Just don't ask me to play that song from Titanic.

 When They Say We Want Our America Back....? 

Watch here for a live video from the Netroots Nation : HERE

I was very thrilled to attend and play at  my first Netroots Nation conference earlier this month.  As a news and political blog junkie, it was fab to meet, in real flesh and blood, my fav bloggers. I had no idea what most of them looked like. I introduced myself to Dave Neiwert from Crooks and Liars (he had on his name tag) and told him I was a big fangirl. The thing I really love about Crooks and Liars is that for every couple of political rants or stories, they include  a really good music video or song - serves as a kind of palate cleanser. I have always hoped that one day one of my songs would make it.  Well, finally it happened.  

I was asked to write an original song for the last session of the conference, which featured the winners of the Freedom From Fear Award - "a new national award that honors 15 ordinary people who have committed extraordinary acts of courage on behalf of immigrants and refugees-individuals who have taken a risk, set an example, and inspired others to awareness or action. The award honors unsung heroes who are not professional advocates."
   By the way, check out the story of the four DREAM students who walked from Miami to DC.

While trying to come up with an idea for the song, I came across a quote from Benjamin Franklin regarding those pesky  German immigrants.  Again, here's the song: When They Say They Want Our America Back...?  I am going to polish some of the lyrics and record it sometime this week. Anyone have any good ideas for a video?

Also playing that evening was one of  my new favorite bands - Outernational. I got to sit in with them for a rousing (I was aroused) cover of Woody Guthrie's Deportees. Check out their recorded version with Tom Morello

But...the best part of the weekend was the strange mix of folks at the hotel

Like I said, I am a political blog junkie. I also force myself to read the most hardcore right-wing ones. So how great and weird was it that there was a right-wing conference going on at the very same time at my hotel. Within an hour, I brushed past both Sen. Al Franklin and Michele Malkin. You could definitely tell who was going to which conference by their hair and outfits. I must say, the right-wingers were a bit neater in appearance - lots of suits, ties and no sideburns.