When I was a kid, my mother and sister LOVED Burt Bacharach, and they assured me that I did too.  Most of his music was pretty fun to listen to on the big stereo, as I circumambulated the living room for hours on end.  But when the holidays rolled around, there was one song my sister and I thought was preposterous.  It was a song so goofy, with an arrangement so cheesy, we felt compelled to award it top honors in adolescent amusement.  “The Bell That Couldn’t Jingle,” became our epic yuletide parody; and June and I would perform it acappella  every year, as solemnly as a hymn… until we burst out in uncontrollable laughter.

A few years ago, I mentioned this holiday tradition to my bandmate, Mark Taylor, who said, “We have to do that song!”  This prompted the brilliant idea of recording a live version as a Christmas present for my sister.  It turned out to be one of the most delightful times I ever had with the band, and the best, most unexpected gift I ever gave June.  In fact, we had such fun putting it together that I actually blogged about it—which is highly uncharacteristic of me.  Generally speaking, I DON’T BLOG. I typically prefer to give wild, rambling accounts of my experiences, thoughts, observations and opinions-- out loud, to myself, in my own bathroom mirror. But that’s another story for another day...

The morning following our historic “Bell” recording I wrote:

12/21/04 

In the holiday spirit, the gang and I laid down a very successful live rendition yesterday at Arlene's Grocery of "The Bell That Couldn't Jingle," followed by an all-night editing, mixing, and bullshit session at Eran's studio. When great minds come together, inevitably more is to be discovered than the obvious work at hand. And I think Mark will agree the most valuable bit of knowledge to come from this marathon event, is that a fetus infetu makes a festive alternative to the traditional angel atop the Christmas tree. And that fruitcake, although revolting, is tastier (by far) than a teratoma, no matter how well it is seasoned.

Oh yeah, I should explain that I watch the Discovery Health Channel way too much. 

In any case, have some eggnog and enjoy our little holiday song. 

And much thanks to the inimitable, Mr. Burt Bacharach.