Auld Lang Syne

While I do enjoy a cup of cheer every now and again I am still puzzled at what "Should old acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind" really means in this day and age. I think Billy Crystal summed it up best in his rant in When Harry Met Sally but why in the world would I want to digress and get into that sentimental crap here?

One more day after this one for 2010, and even La Cosa Nostra takes New Year's Eve off, "So Here I Go, Once Again, Here I Go".

2010 was not the best of the best for Fat Clemenza and an extended Christmas respite in Nashvegas was no exception. But I did have my spirits lifted upon my return to the Gump and receipt of the greatest Chritsmas gift of the year(s): a collection of the best of the best from a certain LITG compadre and fellow pool shark from days past in Championship City (for those of you in Wahoo, NE that would be Tuscaloosa, AL).

Those of you of the same fortune as I to be in possession of this gem will understand. For those not, tough jelly beans and apologies to the publisher for he will be burning more copies.

"Perhaps the greatest album ever made" - Rolling Stone

The opener from Rare Earth - Get Ready is superlative and reminds me of an album Gallette's at Two from another renowned underground publisher. A Little Less Conversation by The King follows, then Can I Change My Mind from Tyrone Davis and the glory days of a beer soaked jukebox. The Grass Roots' Sooner or Later will have one doing their "Larry Stevens" impression from WHHY announcing the current temperature outside and the upcoming forecast from Rich Thomas during the musical intro prior to lyrics.

The hits just keep coming forcing you to take the longest route possible to the office or any other destination including Good Lovin', My Maria and make you sing out loud Smoke From A Distant Fire from the Sanford Townsend Band. Not quite halfway to where you're going? Make another turn 'cause you're only half way through the playlist when you get to She's Gone by Hall & Oates and (I Had) The Time of My Life from that Dirty Dancing movie all the chicks like.

The second half comes on as strong as the first with Cornelius Bros & Sister Rose Treat Her Like A Lady and tributes to Tom Jones, B.B. King and Looking Glass. If you don't know what tunes these are, consider yourself pathetic. Another turn and a glance at the gas gauge will be made when Neil Diamond cranks up with one of my obvious favorites Sweet Caroline and if Marvin Gaye's Let's Get It On and a little Barry White don't get you movin' you need to check your pulse.

Like all good things, the play list does come to an end, but not before one more "Larry Stevens" impression to EW&F's September, some Jackson 5 & a King of Pop solo. The good thing is you can start it all over again with the touch of a button. Jealous as I am that I did not come up with this idea for the Holidays, I feel for those who do not have the imagination and creativity to do so.

Not a review of food nor politics, but a review of those things great in the Gump that we cherish ...

"I gave up on Nashville a long time ago, so here I go ... Lord once again, HERE I GO! ..."