This is our first waltz, and it’s numbered the first, with the implicit threat that there will be more waltzes in your future. Are you scared? Waltzes are like clowns and can be terrifying for some. But this is just a pop waltz, so don’t worry.
Yes, I am copying Elliot Smith here and his numbered waltzes, #1 and #2. It’s a shame he never got to do a third. “Waltz #1” is a sweet Lydian piano waltz—as perfect as music can be. “Waltz #2” is also great, an Aeolian folk waltz. Both waltzes are backed by strings, as all the big waltzes are.
Elliot Smith was a big influence on me, because I too wrote songs in front of the television while idly picking at a guitar. The old CR tubes in TVs used to hypnotize people, but there was a bit of free will left in the decision. It was nice to set aside hypnosis time each day. As the Inner Game of Music would have it, the TV draws the conscious attention of the Self 1, allowing the Self 2 to flow freely upon the instrument. While the man in the little head is distracted by the shiny box, the God of Muscles takes over and improvises mostly mediocre music with many stumbles and the occasional diamond in the rye.
“Waltz #1” by Los Doggies is in the key of F Major, with one of many appearances of the Six Add Nine Chord. It also features a whale of a bass solo from subPixel. Catch him this Thursday at Commissary in New Paltz.
