Give Iron Maiden the time of day

Orchestre Philharmonique De Monte-Carlo, James DePreist cond. - George Tsontakis' Four Symphonic Quartets
London Sinfonietta, Esa-Pekka Salonen cond. - Stravinksy's Pulcinella
The Jancee Pornick Casino (via MySpace)
Ruthie Foster - The Truth According to Ruthie Foster (lala)
Sonny Landreth - Levee Town

While parading, I met the guitarist/singer for the Jancee Pornick Casino, a one third German/America, two-thirds Russian rock trio that features a tiger-print bass balalaika in its lineup. On description alone they are already my favorite band, but behold their rawk majesty. He described the trials and joys of touring Russia by hitchhiking and train because the cops will bleed you dry from bribes if you try to drive, and how "people take a lot of drugs in Southern Spain." I like anybody who will give Iron Maiden the time of day.



Here is my other favorite version of that song by the wrongfully maligned supagroup Zwan from the soundtrack to the excellent Spun.



The presto from Pulcinella is just as badass a thing, if you can believe it. If only old Igor had lived long enough to witness heavy metal, he might have seen some of himself reflected in all that leather.

Share Stravinsky: Pulcinella; Ragtime; Renard; Octet by Esa-Pekka Salonen

Here is the promised video of the Spanish Town Mardi Gras Lawnmower Brigade. Happy Valentine's Day and Happy Year of the Tiger. Image from the calendar in our kitchen from China Taste.