Dear Doctor, I’m a performance artist, and I have been invited to perform on the theme of “family” in a summer show. I wondered what music you’d suggest?
At first I considered the bonkers Sisters duet from White Christmas. This Irving Berlin song features Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen, who appear from behind a peacock-like puff of sparkling turquoise ostrich feathers, before launching into song in front of an admiring audience including Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. It’s a great film, but on reflection, the Doctor doesn’t recommend it for your gallery performance, as you might, God forbid, fall into burlesque territory (that awful middle-class striptease).
Burlesque does neatly bring us to my first song choice, though: a 70s group called Family, and a herky jerky track called Burlesque that you can strut along to rather nicely, in a Jaggeresque way.
How about a real family band next? Try The Jackson 5’s Going Back To Indiana, and listen out for Michael’s vocals, brimming with vigour and optimism. You could even play with The Addams Family theme. Remember? “They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky, they’re altogether ooky, the Addams family.”
Now let’s go deep, like Barry White, with I Love You Like A Brother, by Fred Wesley, with its easy reggae-like beat. And check out Antony And The Johnsons’ You Are My Sister: “There were times we were friends, but times I was so cruel...”
But we’re going to end happily ever after, with a Lightnin’ Hopkins number, Little Sister’s Boogie. This track has basslines sure to leave your audience with a smile, no matter their family pressures.
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