Never let it be said that The Great White Shank isn’t capable of picking up a catchy tune, even under the most ordinary of circumstances. The other night I was watching Bill O’Reilly, and in his “Pinheads and Patriots” segment he had a blurb about how some parents were trying to get an appearance by pop star Katy Perry on Sesame Street removed because of the revealing dress she was wearing during it. I was only half paying attention (I was preparing dinner at the time) but the song being played behind the video really caught my ears.
Now I’d heard of Katy Perry, but had never heard any of her songs. A quick Internet search found not only that Perry’s appearance was indeed being pulled after complaints by parents, but that the song featured in that appearance, “Hot N Cold”, was a big hit for her two years ago. Who knew?
Anyway, I fell in love with the song right from the start – it’s a catchy tune with an awesome driving chorus and nice transitions to and from the pulsing techno-beat of the verses. Way better than freakin’ Lady Gaga.
Here’s the original video for the song with its original lyrics…
…and, just to show you can’t keep a catchy tune down, here’s the Sesame Street video. The song’s lyrics have been altered to convey the message of “opposites” with Elmo. But it still works in a ying/yang sort of way – they’re a liitle more metaphysical, as am I.
I’m too old for Sesame Street, but I sure wish they had chicks that looked like that on Rex Trailer’s “Boomtown” and Captain Kangaroo!
One final note about those parent protests: maybe it’s just me, but I find nothing remotely offensive about it. Is she showing cleavage? You bet, but she’s adorable and fun to watch (especially her facial expressions and body movements as she chases Elmo around), and, let’s face it, kids these days will see all that and more on any day at the lake or the beach, or while at the mall with their parents. Moreover, there’s no violence; I guarantee even kids who watch Sesame Street are already seeing plenty of that.
So listen up, you prudes out there: let’s knock off the sanctimonious censorship thing and take a deep breath. Katy Perry showing cleavage on Sesame Street is not the end of American culture as we know it (that happened a long time ago). You were given ample notice as to when her apperance was to take place. You don’t want your child to watch? Fine, give him or her a book to read that day. But leave everyone else to make their own decision themselves.
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Pool temp: 83 degrees
I’ve been a Katy Perry fan for a few years now (guilty pleasure, I guess) and found the Sesame Street version of the song to be very clever in it’s wording (as you say, it still ‘works’) and fun to watch and listen to.
I’d be willing to bet that some of those parents that are so vocal about Katy’s attire dress even more ‘offensively’ than Katy did for this video.
Comment by Dan — September 24, 2010 @ 6:46 pm
I’ve watched a bunch of her other videos and they’re OK, nothing great. I do like “I Kissed A Girl”, though. In female pop these days I guess it’s just her and Lady Gaga; I’ll take Katy Perry any day. Lady Gaga, I think, has a better voice, but her stuff is just to daft for me.
I’ll take Enya over both of them, but that’s comparing apples to baseball bats, and even then I’m dating myself. π
Comment by The Great White Shank — September 24, 2010 @ 9:31 pm
Elmo invited Katy back for another play date. He was on GMA yesterday morning and wasn’t at all upset by her dress up dress…even Grover was cool with the dress, so uptight parents….GET A GRIP.
Comment by Jana — September 25, 2010 @ 5:24 am
Since you mentioned Enya, just thought you should know that she is only the second best singer in her own family. Her sister, MΓΒ‘ire Brennan, is the truly amazing one. Me and Irish/Celtic/Scottish/Brit folk music is like you and surf music. π
Comment by Rob — September 25, 2010 @ 7:04 am
Thanks Rob, I checked her website and some of her releases out, some great stuff there. Appreciate the recommendation – another reason why I love this blogging gig. π
Comment by The Great White Shank — September 25, 2010 @ 11:31 am
Her most famous: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQmC9Q8P9Yg
Comment by Rob — September 25, 2010 @ 2:20 pm
Thanks Rob, she sounds a little like Loreena McKennitt to me. Which ain’t a bad thing, McKennitt’s one of my faves as well.
Her Christmas CD “To Drive The Cold Winter Away” is a keeper for anyone’s collection.
Comment by The Great White Shank — September 25, 2010 @ 8:52 pm
We have Loreena’s The Book of Secrets (Excellent) and The Mask & The Mirror (Good). She’s one of our faves, too.
Comment by Rob — September 25, 2010 @ 9:46 pm