Okay, last week I posted that I’m taking Wednesday and Thursdays off because I need to devote more time to looking for a job. I was surprised because I got a decent amount of hits on the days that I didn’t post anything and felt bad there was nothing new to look at. So I’ve decided that on Wednesday and Thursday what I’m going to do is pick someone or a subject and post a few related videos up. That way there’s something new here and I can do it rather quickly and then get back to emailing and bugging people on LinkedIn about possible jobs out there, which I’m learning are few and far between. Today’s video subject is, legendary record producer and murderer, Phil Spector. I’ve picked three videos with and about him and three songs to accompany them. Enjoy and have a great Wednesday!
Phil Spector talks about the movie “Mean Streets” using “Be My Baby” without permission and how Brian Wilson was obsessed with that song. Notice how infrequently he blinks his eyes!
The aforementioned, “Be My Baby.”
Johnny and Dee Dee Ramone talk about the difficulty they had working with Phil Spector.
“Chinese Rocks” by the Ramones from the Phil Spector produced album, End Of The Century.
Members of Phil Spector’s famous Wrecking Crew discuss the album, A Christmas Gift for You From Phil Spector.
“Sleigh Ride” by The Ronettes off the album, A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector.
TWM art director and one half (along with DJ Gidget) of the "Secret Weapon" team, "Boris," sent in this piece of Phil Spector art. Great work, Daddio, thanks!
The other week, my pals over at The Half Empty Glass put up a post about a Kickstarter project that’s a documentary of an old school barber shop in Manhattan called Astor Place Hairstylists, a family run business in the city since 1947. The documentary is being made by filmmaker, Karen Gehres, check out the clip below.
Karen originally set a goal of five thousand dollars and she met that, so the project is going to be funded tomorrow. Her new goal is ten thousand bucks and if you liked the clip, maybe you’ll want to contribute to help this documentary see the light of day. The deadline for the project is tomorrow morning, so stop by and cough up a few bucks if you can.
I had a bad experience with a barber a couple weeks ago, and after seeing Karen’s video, I thought I’d give Astor Place Hairstylists a shot and see if they’d let me blog about getting a haircut there, let’s go see!
And here we are at the legendary barber shop on Astor Place, let's go down and take a look.
Through the doors...
And there's the front desk. They speak a little english, so I think we're in luck here.
Here's John and Fifi at the front desk and they said I was more than welcome to take a tour and some photos before my haircut. It's very friendly in here, I like it already!
As you can see, this is one large old school barber shop.
Every barber customizes their own hair cutting station. This one reminds of the line in the Beatles song, Penny Lane: Penny Lane there is a barber showing photographs, of every head he's had the pleasure to have known.
There's lots of barbers on duty in here, walk-ins are welcome and there's never a long wait to get your hair cut.
A little off the top, here's someone getting a trim.
Here's a two caricatures of a couple of the barbers and some other pictures on the wall.
And speaking of pictures, there's a whole wall dedicated to celebrities who have gotten their locks sheared in here. Let's take a look.
Kevin Bacon in the house, six degrees of sep-hair-ation. Oof, sorry about that!
Comedian and actor Chris Rock poses for the Astor Hair camera.
John Malkovic went the full route and had it all taken off at Astor Hair.
Five in one: LL Cool J, Susan Sarandon, Macauly Culkin, Mila Kunis and Spike Lee, all are regulars at Astor Hair.
The barber shop is also known for specialty cuts that include getting the logo of your favorite sports team cut out of your locks on your noggin'.
Okay, it's time for me to get sheared. Here's my stylist, Mercedes, a very pretty and friendly woman who welcomed me and was happy to have her photo taken.
Here's her name plate on her mirror and an accidental obligatory mirror shot of myself and Mercedes.
Mercedes took a shot of me and my unruly locks, time to get down to shear business.
Here's a mirror shot of Mercedes in action, a great barber and we had a nice conversation as she trimmed my locks.
Check it out, a nice summer haircut by Mercedes!
She also took a shot from the back. Wow, lots of gray there, can you say, Grecian Formula? I knew that you could!
And there's candy at the register, just like the old days!
And on the way out is a poster for Karen's documentary, don't forget to stop by and contribute if you can, after spending a day in here, I guarantee this will be one great documentary on an old-school, family-owned barber shop.
Okay, I’m off looking for a job tomorrow and Thursday, but check back in for the weekly happy hour on Friday and there’s going to be a Chillmaster post on Saturday, so stay tuned!
Bonus Link For Mykola Mick Dementiuk's Latest Novel!
There's an excerpt for TWM commenter Mykola Mick Dementiuk's latest novel, "Times Square Queer," at the Gay/Lesbian Fiction Excerpts blog, check it out here: Times Square Queer excerpt.
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Bonus Barber Art From Jaws!
Jaws the Cabbie sent in this piece of hair-raising art to go along with today's barber post. Thanks, Jaws!
Last week I took a trip to Main Squeeze accordion shop and met the owner, Walter Kühr. Walter told me about his unique 14 women accordion orchestra called, appropriately enough, The Main Squeeze Orchestra. I was quite intrigued by this unusual musical orchestra idea and decided to go check them out tonight at The Bowery Poetry Club and Cafe. I’ve never been to the Bowery Poetry Club and have always wanted to check it out, so tonight we kill two birds with one stone and fourteen accordions!
I came here early to get a ticket, because I had a feeling it might sell out, but they told me that they don't sell tickets in advance and to come back a little bit before the show, which is about an hour and a half away. Okay, time to improvise.
I was going to go to Milano's bar and have a few beers, but as I passed by Emilio's Ballato Italian restaurant, I decided to have a Sunday dinner in here instead. I've always wanted to stop in here and tonight's the night.
Inside it's a classic, old-school red sauce joint.
This is my table armed with fresh bread and Peroni beer. My waiter told me he thinks this restaurant has been on the block since 1956.
A view from my table, there's pictures all over the place and you could spend the entire evening looking at them.
Here's a signed photo of Andy Warhol who once proclaimed that everyone would be Italian for fifteen minutes.
And here comes dinner, I started off with the house salad and it was as good as it looks.
One of the specials of the night was spaghetti and meatballs, so I had to order that. It was the best I've ever had!
Burp! Delicious, now let's see if they're letting people into the Main Squeeze Orchestra show.
Okay, let's try this again.
They're still not selling tickets, so I hung out in the front coffee house area.
The lovely and friendly Bailey was working the counter and was happy to pose for a photo. Great smile!
There's tables, chairs and a booth opposite the coffee counter to sit and relax in.
And sitting at one of the tables is part of the Main Squeeze Orchestra, Rebecca and Stephanie. After a quick chat, I decided to check on the ticket situation.
Well, I'm glad i got there when I did, shortly after I approached the ticket area a line formed out the door.
Finally, they started letting people into the theater.
Inside the orchestra was getting in place on stage.
As you can see, it's a full house. The Main Squeeze Orchestra packs them in!
It looks like the orchestra is in place and waiting to begin the show.
And here's conductor and band leader, Walter on stage checking things out.
Here he is giving out last minute instructions and chatting with the women of the orchestra.
Okay, the left side is ready...
And the right looks ready to start squeezing and playing away...
The conductor's sheet music is in place on the stage, front and center.
Walter takes his place...
And, boom, they're off and the concert has begun. It's amazing to hear all these accordions at once, with the way it's arranged, it sounds like a full orchestra.
The concert is an all Russian-themed show. The songs are all Russian tunes written by Mussorgsky, Prokofiev, Stravinsky, and Tchaikovsky. In between the music, Russian Studies scholar Alexa Voytek gives an introduction of the upcoming song. Educational and very entertaining.
This is one of the most unique and fun shows I've ever been to.
Lots of photos are being taken in the crowd.
And this woman was video-taping the whole show, maybe you'll be able to get a copy in the future, keep your eyes on the MSO website!
But even when there's something so unique and fun as this show, some people just can't stop checking their phones. Sheesh!
The Main Squeeze Orchestra is projected on the screen behind the musicians.
After the show, Walter thanked the crowd and introduced each member of the orchestra.
He gives a final bow and the show is over. It was really a great and unusual evening of music and fun and I highly recommend seeing them if you get a chance.
My mate in Australia, Clacky threatened promised to write a letter of reference for me, since I’m job hunting these days. And he came through with his threat promise for me and here it is! Thanks, Clacky!...I think?
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To Whom It May Concern:
I’m writing in regards to offering a sound character and professional employment reference for my esteemed acquaintance and friend, Marty Wombacher.
I’ve only known Marty for a very brief number of years, and have only been in his immediate presence on a mere 4…maybe 5 occasions, but I feel that I am highly qualified to offer my positive endorsement, even though 4 or maybe 5 of those occasions I was indeed under the influence of, not only Marty’s generous hospitality, but full strength alcohol….(hiccup!).
From what I can recall, Marty is a fully focused and driven individual that kicks goals and makes friends wherever he goes, but lets face it, bar flies will talk to anyone. They even talked to me!
Marty is a hard worker and will not kiss your ass in fact, he’ll tear you a new one. If that is what it is that your desire, but don’t let that deter you, he also has a soft side. I don’t know where it is though. I assume it is kept in the fridge next to the mustard and cheese whiz.
I would have no hesitation offering Marty full time employment with your company. That’s because it is your company. Not mine. I don’t have a company.
Please don’t call him in to work on the weekends or public holidays. That would just piss him off. Pissing Marty off is usually not the best option. Just because he is a Midwestern native is no reason to assume that he hasn’t developed a strong New York personality.
All in all, Marty is the freakin’ Peoples Champion!! Give him a crack!
If you would like to contact me for further discussion, please feel free to go eat a shit. I’m not available.
Okay, last week I posted that I’m taking Wednesday and Thursdays off because I need to devote more time to looking for a job. I was surprised because I got a decent amount of hits on the days that I didn’t post anything and felt bad there was nothing new to look at. So I’ve decided that on Wednesday and Thursday what I’m going to do is pick someone or a subject and post a few related videos up. That way there’s something new here and I can do it rather quickly and then get back to emailing and bugging people on LinkedIn about possible jobs out there, which I’m learning are few and far between. Today’s video subject is, legendary record producer and murderer, Phil Spector. I’ve picked three videos with and about him and three songs to accompany them. Enjoy and have a great Wednesday!
Brian Wilson, 
