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November 22, 2007
Retrohump: Thanksgiving
In New York it's a no. Texas hasn't seemed to have heard of it. But in Massachusetts and most of New England, Arlo Guthrie's "Alice's Restaurant Massacree" is as ubiquitous on Thanksgiving as turkey, football and working at the shelter. "Restaurant" is a song of war protest "based on true events" that allegedly took place on Thanksgiving day, 1965. It's comparable to the narrative songs often heard on country radio in the 1960s, and true to that form, it's pretty darn funny. The song was such a hit that it spawned it's own film, which was released in 1969.
But isn't it a little out dated? Isn't it time for a new Thanksgiving song, one that can combine the nostalgia of a familial get together with the appreciative aesthetic of our nations first holiday? I think so. Retrohump is here to help.
American holidays and the television shows associated with them have become an insuperable combination. So why not go to that well for our first song:
Vince Guaraldi Tio - "Peanuts Thanksgiving Theme"
(Not actually a video, just the song)
I'm not sure what the actual number is, it's not approaching "Yesterday", but it seems that many, many acts have unironically covered Led Zeppelin's "Thank You". I guess this one is technically a half cover.
Pearl Jam and Robert Plant - "Thank You (live at the House of Blues 10.05.05)"
Not necessarily having to do with Thanksgiving itself, but elongated post rock tracks possess what I always felt was an autumnal vibe, here is a small helping.
Tortoise - Live at Werchter (full set) 2007
Finally, on a day like this, it's easy to buy into the myth that the settlers and Native Americans were good 'ole buddies that sat around eating, sharing learned skills and praying. Not so much the case.
Iron Maiden - "Run to the Hills"
Enjoy the long weekend.
Posted by Randall Monty at November 22, 2007 09:45 AM
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