Too much grim stuff in the world to write about, so consider today a break in the action. “Ajoen Ajoen” is an old dance tune based on a children’s song from the former Dutch East Indies that somehow has gotten transformed into a great instrumental standard played by various rock bands. Played right, it makes you want to jump out of your seat and start dancing around. The original sort of rockabilly version was made famous by Willy and His Giants, and a band called The Roadrunners do a fine version as well.

But of all the versions out there, in my mind it is that iconic instrumental group The Ventures who do it best. It’s just one of the outstanding tunes on their fine “Surfin’ to Baja” CD. Be sure to crank it up!

That’s all…music to soothe the soul. Don’t know what I’d do without it.