Lech Jankowski is not on iTunes. By this I am not surprised. Until just recently, neither was “Looking For Lewis and Clark” by the Long Ryders. I had to rip it from a 45 using my trusty USB turntable, with which I was able to salvage other old vinyl by Nektar, PFM, and the like, lost to the digital world or at least found at the top of a mountain too steep to climb cost-effectively.
How I came to Jankowski today I’m not quite sure. I am idle at work—a pharmaceutical job with increasingly narrow-minded responsibilities that pays awfully well, barely infused by tasks a few cast-offs from the infinite monkey theorem could probably handle, at considerably less cost. What have I got to complain about, especially in this economy? But like Henry Bemis, I’m confronted by the need to occupy my time by day, until the next task rolls in front of me, tossed back by the lax and less than adequate vendor to whom my vocational fate, at least for now, has been tied.
The morning included much reading of online news, constant checking of email—with little reward—and the obligatory web-based job search. Absent-mindedly submitted for an editorial position for which I am likely not qualified, but certainly sealed off from any chance of getting the slightest sniff by not following instructions to include salary requirements. Perhaps my subconscious taking control, as I am resigned to taking as much as half less than I’m making now if someone would extend a hand from a completely different industry than that which my resume indicates. Stories of a duct-taped cat; right-winged loonies sniping speeches by the leader of the free world with words like grandiose and self-congratulatory; a report on how plush toilet paper is destroying old growth forests and eco-systems, and hastening the planet’s end. Wiping one’s end takes on new meaning.
I have it: wrote new song with greek myth references, leads to web search of more greek myth references, which sidetracks to googling Gilgamesh. A hyperlink buried somewhere in my synapses snaps to the Brothers Quay. Who did the music? Not all the music. Just that for what’s pictured now in my mind, black and white, with cursive font titles. Can’t recall which title. Just an image and poignant violin re-insinuating themselves from long ago. There was something about the music. I must find the music, I once thought.
Apparent new CD by Jankowski according to cryptic website. Amazon only has “Institute Benjamenta” soundtrack, a film after I lost track, lost interest, but noted for the cast inclusion of Alice Krige, who tempted and terrified me in “Ghost Story”. It is possible to be attracted to a Borg, as she and 7 of Mine have revealed. Not clear whether I even have Quay shorts DVD, although I do know I have VHS. Must find the music. Is it how I remembered?
Afternoon, reconfiguring set list, more news browsing, more occupying of time. Last night, new greek myth song not conducive to live performance, at least not yet. Tribute to Jim Carroll not feeling do-able either. Nothing new really for next gig except live remixes from Headband, and not feeling particularly confident about those at all either. Perhaps “Lewis & Clark” to end the set?