Alan,
Somehow I just noticed this post (hmm, perhaps because I'm constantly stuck over in the Asylum talking about music these days? I might be onto something there!) and of course I immediately downloaded this wonderful bit of whimsy called the "KA Kalypso." Now, I haven't had time to read any of the other responses yet, so I have no doubt that I'll be repeating some things you've heard several times already, but since they are all good things, there's no real problem there, eh?
Alan, that was simply brilliant! Thank you SO MUCH for showing the courage to post your work once you finished it--I know it can be very hard to put your special creations out there for public consumption, as that public can tend to be rather ravenous at times and very good at chewing people up and spitting them out. Well, you need not have worried in this case! Not only did you have a built-in audience that was going to be predisposed to love your composition, but as I've mentioned, you went ahead and made it brilliant anyhow, which certainly makes it all the easier to love!
Oddly enough, I've always enjoyed that calypso sound, especially steel drums. When I saw that you had picked that rhythm for your song, that made me even more eager to give it a listen. It was an inspired choice to pair with your spoken-word style--a fine match. However, because you did choose that spoken-word style, I do have one bit of very bad news of which I'm afraid I must be the bearer Alan; I think you should sit down if you aren't already. OK, here goes:
Alan, you just released your first rap single.
I'm sitting here keeping my fingers crossed that you're still with us after that revelation, that you didn't fall out of your chair in shock and disgust. You see, I already know your opinion of that particular style of music--as well as most other rock and pop
--so I know I was taking a real chance by hitting you with that bombshell, but what choice did I have? That's what friends do--they take the bull by the horns when necessary and tell their friends the terrible little things that nobody else will tell them. I knew I simply had to buck up and be a man about the whole thing, so there it is; it's out in the open now, and if need be, we can all pitch in to get you the therapy you'll almost certainly be needing after this no doubt stunning turn of events!
Goodness, if you're a rapper, we need to come up with a new rap stage name for you! Seeing as rap is actually a form of music that I rather enjoy, I suppose I can take a stab at this one. Let's see, the pressure's on now . . .
DJ Danger Will? No? Ok . . .
Da' KA Kid? Ooh, that one has potential . . . Kid KA maybe?
The Notorious I.W.? Nah, we need another initial to make that one work. Wait, I know--the Notorious U.K.A., with the A for Alan being fairly obvious, I hope! Oh, I think we might have a winner there. Dare I let mig decide? Why do I think she might rather enjoy being in charge of choosing your rap name after being called, what was it, a 'clot' I believe? (Yep, I just checked it out on Google--why Alan, I am shocked, SHOCKED at your term of endearment for mig . . . wait a minute, no I'm not, not even a little!
)
That's it then--mig, as payback, I'll leave you in charge of selecting Alan's rap name. You've seen my suggestions, I encourage others to add their own if they think of any! How does that work for you?
(OK, enough of my kidding around: My initial comments were my true feelings of course, Alan. Your song was, to borrow from Dave Eggers, who I quite like, a heartbreaking work of staggering genius. I loved every second of it, and I am SO happy that you decided to share it with us. Bravo to you, my friend, and all I can add is that you have permanently ccemented your place in KA lore. Well, as if you hadn't done that already! This endeavor pretty much earns you your own wing in the KA Hall of Fame I think! Great job, kudos, bravo, huzzah, and all those other compliments--you've truly outdone yourself sir!)
Brad
