Monday, February 08, 2010

Bizzaro World

One could, I suppose, find some irony in here, if you take into account, the decades-long rumors of Old Blue Eyes being all mobbed up.

Which leaves us bereft of knowing if he ever had someone whacked, for singing one of his songs badly, or out-of-key.



Ah, but the Philippines, that's a different story;

Sinatra Song Often Strikes Deadly Chord

The authorities do not know exactly how many people have been killed warbling “My Way” in karaoke bars over the years in the Philippines, or how many fatal fights it has fueled. But the news media have recorded at least half a dozen victims in the past decade and includes them in a subcategory of crime dubbed the “My Way Killings.”

The killings have produced urban legends about the song and left Filipinos groping for answers. Are the killings the natural byproduct of the country’s culture of violence, drinking and machismo? Or is there something inherently sinister in the song?

Whatever the reason, many karaoke bars have removed the song from their playbooks. And the country’s many Sinatra lovers, like Mr. Gregorio here in this city in the southernmost Philippines, are practicing self-censorship out of perceived self-preservation.

[snip]

Indeed, most of the “My Way” killings have reportedly occurred after the singer sang out of tune, causing other patrons to laugh or jeer.

“The trouble with ‘My Way,’ ” said Mr. Gregorio, “is that everyone knows it and everyone has an opinion.”
Oh My!

Think about how many more layers of legend that could have added to Sinatra, if such was the practice, particularly, after 1965, or so, when his vocal talents began sinking, much like the 'Lady in Cement'.

The poor Yankee fans, who must feel like changing citizenship, to Filipino, after each home game, when the PA systems starts blaring the tune Sinatra hijacked, 'New York, New York'.

Warbling, indeed.

Bonus Riffs


In The "Admit It, It Crossed Your Mind" Department

For Me, It's John Denver ...


The Rendition The Yankees Should Be Playing


New York, New York (Theme song, 1977)





Bonus Bonus - The Other "New York New York"

Gene Kelly Frank Sinatra - "New York, New York"


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