One of my fondest memories of the northern California wedding we went to a couple weeks ago was getting down on the dance floor and hearing my daughter say, "That's my Dad!" I was actually busting a move on "Funky Cold Medina," which literally brought the barn down (the song, not my moves). Old and young people were really bustin' moves and these were Farmers! Some in overalls!
Last night, Kathy and I got to attend a sneak preview of Ridley Scott's new film "The Counselor," starring Michael Fassbender, Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz, Cameron Diaz and Brad Pitt. This was a special screening for Valley movie critics and our old True West movie reviewer Henry Back invited Kathy and I.
Before the movie we were standing in the lobby of the Fashion Square theaters waiting to go in and a black guy walks up in sweat pants. Kinda chubby, nothing flashy. Nice guy. He says hi to Henry and a couple other guys standing with us and after he leaves one of the critics says, "That's Marvin Young." Okay, I thought. Good to know. Seeing I was non-pulsed, the critic then says: "He's a rapper, better known as Young MC and he loves movies so we invite him from time to time." Really?! Yes, indeed, he wrote "Wild Thing", "Bust A Move" and the song I was getting down on—"Funky Cold Medina"! Monster hits, monster grooves.
The movie had its moments—great shootouts—but ultimately the whole thing is so bleak (typical Cormac McCarthy) that it crushes all hope and any goodness. Still, Bardem is a joy to watch (playing the exact opposite of the unstoppable drug goon he played in "No Country For Old Men"). But the difference is at the end of No Country, Sheriff Bell (Tommy Lee Jones) is retired, has his wife and his little ranch and he give a little speech about the West, so you have a little hope. Not here, not for the counselor or anyone except, well, you'll see.
I talked to Marvin Young after the movie and regaled him with the Wedding Barn Dance story but he didn't think it was as amazing as I did. Still, it was a thrill to meet the dude. Here's what Wikepedia says:
"After 20 years of living in Los Angeles, Young relocated to Scottsdale, AZ in 2006. He spent 2007 creating his seventh album, Adrenaline Flow, which was released in 2008. Immediately following Adrenaline Flow, Young released an online-only album, B-Sides, Demos and Remixes, compiled from unreleased, remixed and re-recorded tracks."
"Come on Fatso, Bust a move. . ."
—Young MC, "Bust A Move"
Our book editor, Stuart Rosebrook gave a talk to the Westerners Corral of Scottsdale last night. His topic was "Western Books: 2013 a View From True West."
And, as you can see, the view was pretty good. My neighbor, and former mayor of Cave Creek, Tom Augherton joined me for the trip down to Scottsdale and the talk.
"I wouldn't go within 10 miles of a Rolling Stones gig."
"Why not?"
"They're not good musicians, that's why!"
—Ginger Baker, in Rolling Stone