Ladies and gentlemen, Mein Damen und Herren, mesdames et messieurs, welcome to the Weimar years of the American republic! Bankruptcy, unemployment, class resentment, wars and rumors of war—what better time for a little light entertainment! So here's a motley, magpie cabaret show for your viewing and listening pleasure. First, a sprightly opening number from our master and mistress of ceremonies, something that captures the essence of, the, the—oh, what's the word I'm looking for? The spirit of the age, something like that. Take it away, kids!
Wasn't that delightful? Edifying and entertaining. We're all feeling just a little richer after that, too, aren't we? And since cabaret is nothing if it's not topical, let's range a little further afield for our next number, with a few words from Randy Newman.
Zeitgeist! That's the word I was trying to think of earlier, and a handy word it is, too! And who knows the zeitgeist better than Tom Waits? But which zeit is he singing about the geist of?
Looking for something a little more ragged, a little more...raw? Our next artiste is so salt of the earth, he can't even afford a haircut! And my goodness, what's he so angry about? Ladies and gentlemen, Mein Damen und Herren, Mr. James McMurtry.
My! That was bracing, wasn't it? And since one bad turn deserves another, perhaps we can squeeze in just a bit more gloom and doom from the tomb from our next performer—you know him, you love him—Mr. Richard Thompson.
Oh dear, ladies and gentlemen, I fear I've abused your indulgence; I can see some of you are restless, some of you are already heading for the exits—please remember to tip your waitresses before you go!—but may I beg your patience for one more song? I'd hate to send you out into the night thinking dark thoughts, so let's bring back Mr. Newman for a charming finale. We can always count on him for a smile.
Ah, I think we all feel better now. I know I do. Good night, guten nacht, bonsoir! Come again soon!
RSS Feed