DEC
2009
25
DEC
2009
25
NOV
2009
21

Mr. B. the Gentleman Rhymer

Manolo says, the Manolo heartily approves of this…

SEP
2009
29

Let it Be, Boris, Let it Be

Manolo says, literally everything about this video makes the Manolo inexplicably, wonderfully happy.

P.S. From the Manolo’s internet friends at Boing Boing.

Why Does Manolo Loves Buenos Aires?

Manolo says, why does Manolo love Buenos Aires?

Because only in Buenos Aires do people consider it normal to go dancing at age 100!

P.S. Many thanks to the Manolo’s internet friend Fausta who found this video for the Manolo.

JUL
2009
26

Older Dancers

Manolo says, the Manolo, at the behest of his middle-aged, dance-loving friend Herr Professor Dr. von Korncrake, has been looking at the videos of older male dancers, over the age of 50 (such as the good Professor) who are still capable of cutting the rug in vibrant style.

Here is Fred Astaire at age 52.

Gene Kelly at age 53.

Jimmy Cagney at 56 and Bob Hope at 52…

And most amazingly, the great tap dancer Jimmy Slyde at age 71 (trust the Manolo, your really must see this one, especially the section from about 2:10 until about 2:30).

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JUL
2009
21

Runaway – Vanina

Manolo says, apropo of the Manolo’s recent post about Del Shannon’s Runaway, Manolo’s internet friend Litchee, of the French blog, L’Antre du Fruit Changeant , has alerted the Manolo to the French version of Runaway.

Released in 1974 by the Dutch entertainer Dave, under the title Vanina, this version sold over one million singles in France .

The flashing-crazy, runaway-bride eyes suggest that Dave does not feel Del Shannon’s existential pain.

And here is the 2007 version sung by Julien Doré, for the semi-final round of Nouvelle Star, the French version of American Idol.
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JUL
2009
19

“Me and Del were Singin’ Little Runaway.”

Manolo says, for the past several days, the Manolo has been obsessed with Del Shannon and his 1961 super smash hit, Runaway, the song the Manolo considers one of the three or four greatest rock and roll songs of all time.

The opening guitar chords and electronic “musitron” interlude of Runaway are still utterly compelling at the distance of nearly fifty years, however, for the Manolo, it the intense and defiant vulnerability in Del Shannon’s voice as he sings his own plaintive lyrics that make this song more than the sum of its parts.

But judge for yourself. Here is the relatively early video of Del Shannon singing Runaway.

And here is the best of the later versions, from 1982 (it begins about one minute in).

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JUL
2009
07

Guaranteed to Cure Nostalgia for the Early 80s

Manolo says, if like the Manolo you are the person who occasionally feels wistful for the early 1980s, this one-hit wonder from Toto Coelo will cure you riki-tik.

Tony Got Soul

Manolo says, the Manolo has already posted the link to this in his Twitter feed, but it deserves reposting in full here because it will bring joy to those who see it.

If the sight of this solidly-built middle-aged man getting his funk on does not bring the smile to your face, you are perhaps without hope.

There is more below the jump.

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JUN
2009
06

To The Ladies Who Lunch

Manolo says, lately, the Manolo has been in the Elaine Stritch sort of mood.

And now that you have enjoyed this, go watch this documentary clip all the way through to the end, so that you may witness the power of good hair and makeup to bring about the artistic triumph.

OCT
2008
10

Friday Morning Hilda

Manolo says, here is the 1997 video from the Manolo’s current musical obsession, Hilda Lizarazu. Please, to enjoy.