Post by Chris on Nov 19, 2010 19:52:27 GMT -5
Appears I am in the minority who digs the Last Stand. Some rambling thoughts after several listenings in light of word that Paul has been penning hymns or something of that sort –
At the outset, GB is instructed to sing songs about “dog”/“dogs” – at the end, he makes a deal to sing songs about God. But back to the beginning – after a few takes, things aren’t clicking, so it is agreed that the band go “get some barbeque.” While that happens, Mr. Producer explains to GB that he’s under a lot of pressure to deliver a hit record, so he’s brought in some new session players from England – at which point a voice warns GB that this is “evil, evilution.” Mr. Producer then encourages GB to “get in there and give it hell.” What I would describe as “Love You in Reverse” (Sun Records version) follows (tell me that’s not Scotty Moore pickin….) And mid-song, Mr. Producer notes “poor Grandpa, he’s bored as hell.”
After the song concludes, someone repeatedly pleads, “let’s talk Grandpa”; GB replies “what you want?” The voice then declares that he’s “gotta go back to church.” What follows is GB’s performance of “Anybody Looking for God” a plaintive and sincere plea in which he “shout it from the highest.”
Bit later, GB decides - “before the wheels come off this thing completely, some fool gets himself killed, to cut one of my own,” which he asserts is Grandpaboy’s last stand – a tune he wrote, sorta – “Mr. Cigarette.” It chronicles various roles played by the cigarette, until interrupted by “tar & nicotine, tar & nicotine, cancer they diagnose / tar & nicotine, tar & nicotine, cancer of the soul” – perhaps GB knows someone who has heard some bad news lately? In any event, a new producer, Ron Regal, is brought in, and as GB is informed that he has cut a new track across the hall, GB can be heard asking “do you trust this guy?” (think Robert Johnson at the crossroads, which GB later will expressly reference). Regal assures GB that he’s “a star, go in, just sing it, everything’s done, trust me.” What follows is the dance mix of “Love You in Reverse” (don't think GB has a pipe organ in that basement, but keys nonetheless). I hated you from the very first – perhaps the song depicts GB’s relationship with God….
Either way, what ultimately follows is a conversation between GB and the Lord, with GB noting as Amazing Grace plays in the background that “there’s so much I ain’t done … gotta cut me song new songs” – at which point GB realizes that “ya’ll want me to give praise in song? That’s it, ain’t it? I knew it. Well sire, you done got yourself a deal…. Hey – thanks.” GB then calls for Elrod, who replies “you want some barbeque?” No more barbeque, GB answers, “we’s kosher, get some White Castle.”
Maybe I’m way off the mark, but seems Grandpaboy is telling/sharing something with us here. Not necessarily that he’s been born again, maybe just that he’s experienced something that’s altered his perspective a bit. Is it all over but the shouting? Or was that just a pose?
At the outset, GB is instructed to sing songs about “dog”/“dogs” – at the end, he makes a deal to sing songs about God. But back to the beginning – after a few takes, things aren’t clicking, so it is agreed that the band go “get some barbeque.” While that happens, Mr. Producer explains to GB that he’s under a lot of pressure to deliver a hit record, so he’s brought in some new session players from England – at which point a voice warns GB that this is “evil, evilution.” Mr. Producer then encourages GB to “get in there and give it hell.” What I would describe as “Love You in Reverse” (Sun Records version) follows (tell me that’s not Scotty Moore pickin….) And mid-song, Mr. Producer notes “poor Grandpa, he’s bored as hell.”
After the song concludes, someone repeatedly pleads, “let’s talk Grandpa”; GB replies “what you want?” The voice then declares that he’s “gotta go back to church.” What follows is GB’s performance of “Anybody Looking for God” a plaintive and sincere plea in which he “shout
Bit later, GB decides - “before the wheels come off this thing completely, some fool gets himself killed, to cut one of my own,” which he asserts is Grandpaboy’s last stand – a tune he wrote, sorta – “Mr. Cigarette.” It chronicles various roles played by the cigarette, until interrupted by “tar & nicotine, tar & nicotine, cancer they diagnose / tar & nicotine, tar & nicotine, cancer of the soul” – perhaps GB knows someone who has heard some bad news lately? In any event, a new producer, Ron Regal, is brought in, and as GB is informed that he has cut a new track across the hall, GB can be heard asking “do you trust this guy?” (think Robert Johnson at the crossroads, which GB later will expressly reference). Regal assures GB that he’s “a star, go in, just sing it, everything’s done, trust me.” What follows is the dance mix of “Love You in Reverse” (don't think GB has a pipe organ in that basement, but keys nonetheless). I hated you from the very first – perhaps the song depicts GB’s relationship with God….
Either way, what ultimately follows is a conversation between GB and the Lord, with GB noting as Amazing Grace plays in the background that “there’s so much I ain’t done … gotta cut me song new songs” – at which point GB realizes that “ya’ll want me to give praise in song? That’s it, ain’t it? I knew it. Well sire, you done got yourself a deal…. Hey – thanks.” GB then calls for Elrod, who replies “you want some barbeque?” No more barbeque, GB answers, “we’s kosher, get some White Castle.”
Maybe I’m way off the mark, but seems Grandpaboy is telling/sharing something with us here. Not necessarily that he’s been born again, maybe just that he’s experienced something that’s altered his perspective a bit. Is it all over but the shouting? Or was that just a pose?
Also, I failed to mention the obvious...dog is the reverse of God.