But now everything has changed after today
And I don't know what to do
Oh, my youngest self, I miss you
Yes, I do"
Happy Halloween everyone! Not as many October posts as I hoped, but I couldn't miss writing on the main event of the season. The picture to the left is a flashback to a 2019 trip my wife and I took to Maine. We started by staying a few days near Acadia National Park and then jumped on the highway to head south on down to Portland to round out the week. When I saw that Bangor was right off the interstate I had to pay my respects to the man who's books and movie adaptations were a big part of my young adulthood and still today. This is the famous Stephen King house of course! The time we drove by, It Part 2 had just been released so the balloons were an extra special erie touch. Favorite movie adaptation? That's a tough one. I was a little behind, but during quarantine I watched 1979's Salem's Lot which was amazingly a TV mini series. Directed by Tobe Hooper of Texas Chainsaw fame (still my fav of the genre and still makes me want to take a shower after viewing) has some of the most iconic images of horror and it's influence can be seen heavily in another one of my favs..The Lost Boys. Definitely recommend if you missed this one.
Fav book, also a tough one. Today I'll go with Misery.
Ok enough about Mr. King, let's get to today's post. The first two entries earlier this month dealt with strangers, and mental illness. Why are people usually so afraid of horror movies? The death of course! Most of us don't like to broach the subject and sometimes have to pretend it's not going to happen. Perhaps it's part of the reason I love these films as it's a coping mechanism for the acknowledgment of an inevitable finale.
A band that does a fantastic job tackling the subject of death (between psychedelic songs about...well psychedelics)is The Flaming Lips. Singer Wayne Coyne is Willie Wonka personified. The master of ceremonies who brings the party and has a good heart....but a darker side sometimes emerges.
I had the pleasure of seeing the Lips a couple weeks ago here in Virginia and as usually it was a blast. Hard to leave a Flaming Lips show without a smile on you face and a tune stuck in your head. Before the show I hadn't listened to 2020's American Head album. If you remember, lots was going on that year so I missed a few things. The band played a few songs that night from the album that I enjoyed but the one below is one that hit me the hardest. Sometimes music takes multiple listens to grab you, but other times the magic hits you immediately and it's such a great feeling.
The timing was perfect for me to feel these feelings. A childhood friend was having a wedding celebration the following weekend and people I've known for over 30 plus years were coming to our town to celebrate. After the initial catchups, old stories and reminiscing began (especially after a few cocktails) the ball breaking, inside jokes and all around juvenile behavior took over the night. The whole experience was joyous, inspiring and bitter sweet. Bitter sweet since we don't all get to see each other every day like we used to and not sure when/if the same group will be able to come together again. Time will tell. Whether you're 75 or 25 I feel this song touches a nerve. Happy Halloween everyone. Thanks for reading.
Oh, I suppose we should do one more horror movie recommendation. Since we started with King, let's go with 1985's Silver Bullet. This stars the late great Corey Haim and Gary Busey. If you're unfamiliar, a werewolf is going around town killing townsfolk so Corey and Gary buddy up to find out who the killer is. Sounds like a Scooby Doo vibe but as a 7 year old this move was terrifying. Could it be the creepy town priest? Nah, who would think a priest would do anything bad? Till next time ghouls!
