May 26th, 2011

Tiny Tim

Tiny Tim was an iconoclast in a time when iconoclasts were two a penny.  In the 60s he had a huge number 1 hit with Tiptoe Through the Tulips, he played with The Band, knew Dylan and hung out with the Beatles.  Though his popularity suffered after the sixties he’s always maintained a strong cult following and his albums are certainly worth a listen.

Here’s an excellent cover of Nowhere Man from the Beatles 1968 Christmas record.

I think though, for all his achievements, appearing as a musical guest in the first episode, Help Wanted, of SpongeBob SquarePants, tops the lot.

 

January 12th, 2011

Harold Teen vintage soprano ukulele

Harold Teen ukuleles date from the 30s and were based on the popular cartoon strip, Harold Teen, which was written and drawn by Carl Ed.  I think they’re fantastic and fun.  They’re quite collectable these days so I doubt I’ll get my hands on one very soon.  Ho hum, SpongeBob will have to quell my novelty urges for now.

Image: http://www.museumofmakingmusic.org

May 5th, 2010

SpongeBob SquarePants soprano ukulele

God bless SpongeBob SquarePants creator Stephen Hillenburg for playing the ukulele.  Just imagine if he played the recorder.  We would now have a SpongeBob branded recorder.

The world is a better place with children and adults strumming their SpongeBob ukuleles rather than tooting one of those god awful plastic monstrosities that tries to pass itself off as a musical instrument.

Photo: ukuleleporn

A hula hula hoo.

Photo: ukuleleporn

Strumming the SpongeBob F.U.N song.

Photo: ukuleleporn

These ukes have been around a while but I’ve only just been able to get my hands on one.  They’re not bad considering you can buy them for a pittance.  They make a great present as they do look fantastic.  Also in the SpongeBob range, there’s Flying-V and pineapple ukuleles, and if you want to go crazy, perhaps start a band, there’s also a drum kit and guitar available.  Awesome.

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