Manson adopted the expression from the Beatles song, right?
Correct.
Did he know what a helter skelter was?
I don't know. But the song that incurred them to go on a murder spree was "Piggies."
I think they just took "helter skelter" for it's American meaning, just as a generally chaotic scene.
For those that know the Madness song "Waiting for the Ghost Train," a Ghost Train is also a British fairground attraction. Sort of like a Tunnel of Love/Haunted House.
For those that know Richard Thompson's "Wall of Death" - that is also a Fairground attraction. Actually a stunt man rides sideways up and around the wall of a great, round barrel. (I've actually seen one of these.)
Can you ride a helter-skelter while playing a hurdy-gurdy?
Probably so. Shouldn't be too hard to turn the crank while you're riding down the slide.
(Best use of Donovan's "Hurdy Gurdy Man" in a movie: Zodiac.)
Can you ride a helter-skelter while playing a hurdy-gurdy?
Hee. That is exactly where my mind went. I hadn't realised that helter skelters were unrecognised in America, but... of course they're not.
I just want to mention that TMBG's newest cd,
Join Us, >[link]
is really freaking awesome. Hec, I know you felt they hadn't done anything good in the last decade and I urge you to give it a listen. I think you will be VERY pleased with it.
Tuba thefts plague California schools.
Though the police have not made any arrests, music teachers say the thefts are motivated by the growing popularity of banda.
Tuba thefts plague California schools.
At least they're not melting them down or something.
Or using them to smuggle drugs.
Speaking of TMBG, this is the winner of their fan video contest from this summer, which is awesomecakes. [link] The estimable John Hodgman was the judge and he made a fantastic choice. I love the song and the video is a pure delight.
