Wow. Thanks. I feel like it's Christmas morning. I guess I should start reading this thread regularly, huh?

Speaking of which, I noticed Sean was asking about Bach's Toccata and Fugue. Sean, if you're interested, I've emailed the version I have, played on one of the most beautiful organs I have ever seen (in Lezajsk, Poland).

Thanks, megan!

Now playing on WFMU - a disco version of "Song From M*A*S*H*"

(Why they call it that, instead of "Suicide Can Be Painless," I don't know. Oh, and it's by "Unknown.")

I think the song title is "Suicide is Painless". :-)

"Suicide is Painless"

Oh. Yeah.

The only way to win is cheat
and lay it down before I'm beat
and to another give my seat
for that's the only painless feat

'Cause suicide is painless
it brings on many changes

[link]

Heh. Now I wanna hear this song. The lyrics rank up there with my favorite suicide songs: "Don't Try Suicide" by Queen and "Can't Stand Losing You" by the Police.

Heh. Now I wanna hear this song. The lyrics rank up there with my favorite suicide songs: "Don't Try Suicide" by Queen and "Can't Stand Losing You" by the Police.

What about "Teenage Suicide: Don't Do It"?

Don't know that one. Who does it?

A while back I was looking at Wikipedia's entry on suicide - they had a big list of songs about suicide. I mean, a big list. I was amazed.

It's the song from Heathers.

"Alone Again, Naturally" by Gilbert O'Sullivan.

Hey Sean! Here's what FAQWife said, in response to your Bach query:

Hmm. Well, I don't actually know Simon Preston on this particular work, but he's a favourite organist and usually at least interesting. If your pal dislikes Ton Koopman's hijinks, Preston would probably be a welcome alternative, though; he's very cerebral and cool. And I haven't even heard of Rusbaum or of Fagius! Jeez. Stump the chump.

As for the players whom I love on this piece, here they are:

• Marie-Claire Alain (held a Guinness World Record for longest recording with her Bach: L'oeuvre integrale; serious, intense player, very business-like and authoritative; no spontaneous-sounding ornaments with good old M-C)
• E. Power Biggs (recorded right here at Harvard's Busch Hall; sprightly tempos, especially in the fugue)
• Lionel Rogg (sassy young guy who's recording for Harmonia Mundi in France, these days; I think his registrations are a little whack, but, again, this is fast, clean playing, very tidily recorded)