Monday Cartoons, Plus Zevon Makes Hall of Fame
But he was not elected, as many are claiming, but appointed by a board. On the other hand, who cares?
Greg Mitchell is the author of more than a dozen books and now writer/director of three award-winning films aired via PBS, including “Atomic Cover-up” and “Memorial Day Massacre.” Now watch trailer for acclaimed 2025 film “The Atomic Bowl.” Before all that, he was a longtime editor of the legendary Crawdaddy. You can still subscribe to this newsletter for FREE.
The not-so-hallowed Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced this year’s winners last night, not exactly a list that speaks to me directly: White Stripes, Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, Outkast and Soundgarden. I certainly approve the separate musician appointees Carol Kaye (who I hailed here recently) and piano man Nicky Hopkins. I appreciate Jack White largely for his work with other people or groups. For example, this one-minute bit with Lou Reed on “White Heat/White Light.”
Now, let me set something straight: A lot of people are hailing today the fact that Warren Zevon has “finally been elected” to the Hall, for which many have been agitating for years (and I am big fan myself). This did not happen! Perhaps to avoid further embarrassment, and knowing the limits and taste of those who now vote for these inductions, the board of the Hall appointed him (with Salt-n-Peppa) as a “Musical Influencer.” No “election,” folks!
And, of course, “influencer” is a catch-all, maybe even a cop out. Perhaps the board wanted to give him timely credit for the werewolf revival in movies this past year. Or they wanted to let Warren sleep now that he’s dead or enjoy this latest sandwich. Anyway, who cares?
We do care about much of Warren’s songwriting, however, so here are four favorites. No “Lawyers Guns and Money” as I posted his version with T Bone Burnett just a couple of weeks back.
As Warren predicted, the famed mercenary “Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner” still “wanders through the night” today.
Strung out on heroin with “Carmelita”
Boy, do we need a brilliant and ethical Trump “Envoy” today….
Still the best song ever about L.A., “Desperadoes Under the Eaves.” He never did pay his bill no doubt.
If you missed the “60 Minutes” crew briefly taking down their owner, Paramount, for inspiring top producer Bill Owens’ exit last week:
Poor, Poor, Pitiful US
Nicola Jennings in The Guardian:
Barry Blitt on the scene at the Pope’s funeral:
Two from Steve Brodner:
Warren Zevon remains popular because his music is infinitely singable while you are riding along in your car with his music blasting on the speakers. And this does not deserve a place in music history? Unbelievable!!!!
Joke of the Day: What's the difference between a computer and a MAGAt? You can punch information into a computer. (Reused with permission of a commenter on another Substack).
Watching the reception President Zelenskyy received upon entering the Pope's funeral versus how Trump was shunned; spoke volumes about Trump's lack of respect among the heads of European governments. It totally disgusted me that Trump with his blue suit was grandstanding for PR purposes. No class there. Macron's refusal to shake hands and the body language in the chair to chair session after also spoke volumes. I like the obvious fact that Trump was set up and took the bait in order for Macron and Zelenskyy to give him an earful about his Russian lackey role in Russia/Ukraine diplomacy. All that being said; it is poor behavior on the part of International leaders when they cannot quietly; respectfully attend a Pope's funeral without pandering to the media circus that follows and shares their every move. Politics do not belong in the last honoring of a Pope.