Also Sprach . . . Rosko?

I can't believe it! Something I wrote actually got published in a book! Sure, it's the same thing that I wrote for a magazine, but now that it's in book form it feels a little bit more permanent, lasting, like something you might find in a public library. Magazines in public libraries usually have torn covers, missing pages and entire issues missing. My very first article for Wax Poetics, an interview with Eumir Deodato, originally appeared in issue 7 of the magazine and was recently anthologized in the magazine's second collection. You can buy it here, if you like.

In honor of this publication, I have a little post that rides on the coat-tails of Eumir Deodato's megasmash hit, "Also Sprach Zarathustra" (Theme to 2001).

Also Sprach Zarathustra - Deodato
Sure, proper credit should be given to Stanley Kubrick for his brilliant use of the original Richard Strauss composition in his movie, 2001. With the song already in the public's mind, it became all the easier for Deodato to reinterpret as a jazz-funk opus cum pop smash. However, the following two songs are explicitly indebted to Deodato's version with their funky arrangements.

Also Sprach Zarathustra - Meireles e Sua Orquestra
A great version of this tune with a real Brazilian feel by a legendary arranger and group leader. This is by far his funkiest album, with great versions of Helio Matheus' "Kriola" and Ary Barroso's "Na Baixa do Sapateiro" which I previously discussed here. Lornonix has it for download aqui.

Peacemaker - Rosko
And then there was Rosko . . . Who the hell is this guy? DJ Ezinho traded me this single so it just recently joined the collection. As soon as I heard it I knew it belonged but was unsure of where it would fit in terms of DJing or private listening. Then it occurred to me that it was meant to be blogged about. The single has another band on the flip and the picture sleeve is clearly advertising the Rosko side . . . seems like a one-off from a radio DJ from France, where the record was pressed. Anyone have any info on this? After listening to this the other evening, Ezinho and I agreed that while it's not the best piece of music ever, the band is tight and the lyrics are at least original, if not bizarre and hilarious. You decide for yourself. Comments welcome . . .