the balancing Act, “the neighborhood phrenologist,”
from: New campfire songs, 1986
“So it’s the Age of Information
This is the Land of Opportunity
And I know nothing
But that just makes it all so new to me
Everybody’s selling something
That’s what I heard him say
He sold me his shadow
I wear it everyday
I laugh to keep from trying
To believe what I see
I only think about the barrel
When it’s pointed at me
When you’re doubtful of salvation
But certain of your sin
It’s not polite to point your finger
Just volunteer your chin
The yellow leaf is upon me
I wear my sleep shade walking in the park
Not so I won’t see you
I’ts just that I love the dark
I laugh to keep from trying
To believe what I see
I only think about injustice
When it happens to me
It never happens to me
”
“Phrenology is a pseudoscience that involves the measurement of bumps on the skull to predict mental traits. It is based on the concept that the brain is the organ of the mind, and that certain brain areas have localized, specific functions or modules.”
Wow! Just when you thought it was safe to go out. Today we go down the rabbit hole to uncover a finely crafted, instrumentally well rounded piece from a little appreciated L.A. band circa 1986. The phrenology part is a ripe idea for a song. You can’t measure the bumps on your head unless you shave it. What’s up with that? When in human history did some gizmologist figure they could get away with this. Same person who invented the pet rock. I love the clever folk guitar hook. This band was a head of the game!
