Hang the DJ, Hang the DJ, Hang the DJ

This is another RT story. You know the girl in American Pie who always says, "One time in band camp"? Well, for the next week or so, that's going to be me.

One time in RT...

It's Saturday night. The Dorchester Roaring Twenties party. There's flappers. There's a DJ and dancing. The wine's flowing and everyone's in the mood to party. Except for one little problem. The music SUCKS.

So Cindy Holby, Dorchester author, goes up to the DJ.

Cindy: "Hey can you play some dance music?"

DJ: Well, I played dance music the other nights and people are sick of hearing the same songs.
(evidently he has limited supply of this so-called "dance music" though he seems well stocked in 70s disco diva empowerment songs.)

Cindy: Um, well people are leaving in droves because of this "new" music you're playing, so maybe some repetition wouldn't be such a bad thing.

DJ: (shrugs) Well we'll see what I can do.

Well, the music does not get better. In fact, it starts "Raining Men." So Chris K. and I decide perhaps the man behind the turntables needs a more "specific" request, rather than the vague term "dance music." But what should we request?

Well, first we decide it must be 80s music. Then we decide The Smiths "How Soon is Now" would be a good choice. (Of course, this is a true testament to our state of mind, as this song is not exactly an upbeat dance tune, but whatever.)

Chris goes to tell the DJ and comes back a minute later.

Chris: He doesn't know the Smiths.
Me: You mean he doesn't HAVE The Smiths.
Chris: No. I mean he doesn't know them. He's never heard of them.
Me: What the...?

Could it be possible? Could this man never have become acquainted with Morrissey and Johney Marr and the whole depressing gang? I mean, I understand that not everyone listens to the same type of music. Not everyone was a child of the 80s. But this guy's a DJ. He makes a living playing music. You'd think the influential 80s new wave band would have somehow, at some point, shown up as a blip on his radar. Sure, maybe he doesn't put them into regular rotation, but not ever heard of them?

We took a impromptu poll and discovered, to our shock and horror, that there were several people there who also did not have any clue as to who The Smiths were. So very sad to think that a band that so profoundly influenced me as a high schooler could have completely escaped notice by others.

So.... anyway - if you're one of those people who have been missing out on some truly excellent 80s music, please take note of the following links and get ready for some Smiths 101.

• Ask Me, Ask Me, Ask Me
• Shoplifters Unite
• It May All End Tomorrow
• Cemetary Gates
• Morrissey Solo

That should get you started!! Just don't get too depressed... ;-)

Marianne