The first issue of Black Scat Review is now out!  Among its interesting contents is my translation of “The Man in the Iron Mask,” by Pierre-Henri Cami.  Cami is now mostly forgotten by English readers, but he once published in Vanity Fair and was lauded by Chaplin.  He specialized in fast-moving, gag-driven playlets; he’s sometimes called “the French Tex Avery.”  You can order a copy (and see a preview) here.  Warning: there’s a naked lady on the cover, so don’t click if you’re somewhere hostile to birthday suits.

Back in the ’90s, White Knuckle Sandwich made a video of Jen’s song, “Lookin’ for a Man.” The song and storyboard were by Jen Perez, and it was shot by videographer Anney Bonney for the now defunct pseudo.com. Anne Shapiro and I portrayed a number of characters in this disturbing production. Here are some screen shots.

In 1996, MTV decided to expand, by starting a second station called M2.  A number of bands were commissioned to write jingles using their slogan “24 more.”  White Knuckle Sandwich submitted three possibilities (one for each of us), and mine was chosen.  The 30 second spot used an elaborate set, a revolving camera, and a smoke machine.  Here’s a screen shot that we used for a postcard for a later performance, and the jingle itself.

My translation of Isidore Isou’s “Considerations on the Death and Burial of Tristan Tzara” is published by Black Scat Books, as the eighth in their elegant chapbook series, “Absurdist Texts and Documents.”  Isou, founder of that unusual literary movement, Letterism, describes his hilarious, often embarrassing, behavior at Tristan Tzara’s funeral.  It’s published in a limited edition of fifty, and available from Black Scat Books.

Jim Moore created the character of Baron Otto von Tu, an aristocratic hermit.  The Baron, in turn, founded Club Recluse, a society for the anti-social.  I wrote the handbook, which included information about the society, tributes to great recluses, and tips for solitary living.  Jim tried to sell membership kits, containing this manual, a certificate, a membership card, a pen and other trinkets.  He got few takers; but then, the motto was “If you want to join, you don’t belong.”

Orpheus may not be a good role model, but I suspect all musicians identify with him.

There have been many hymns to belief, and to disbelief, but not enough to suspension of judgment.  Here’s one.