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.

The “Nine Settings” are for voice and piano. The texts are by Giordano Bruno, Marsilio Ficino, Tommaso Campanella, Le Comte de Saint-Germain, Christopher Smart, Guillaume Apollinaire, Francis Picabia, Jean-Pierre Brisset, and James Joyce. I wrote them back in 1983, and have occasionally revised them. They’re based on my occasional praxis of four-pitch diatonic chords, randomized or re-ordered in different ways, with the vocal part written from the three remaining pitches. Here’s some of the first one.

An illustrated verse.  I also set it to music, so I can sing it as it’s projected.