My last episode of Crime Time Radio went up late, assuming it actually made it into the radio stream. But here’s a transcription:
That was the Revolting Cocks featuring Timothy Leary with our Crime Time Radio theme, Gila Copter. It was Manson week with the truecrimers.
That was U2 performing the Beatles song “Helter Skelter.” We looked at the 1976 TV movie Helter Skelter, opting for the three hour movie over the 500 page book, but the class offered no gratitude. Perhaps the pace was a challenge. Today’s entertainment has to try a lot harder to hold attention because there’s a lot more competition than just three networks. Prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi used Manson’s bizarre interpretation of Beatles’ lyrics in building his case. But Manson also had lyrics of his own.
“Never Learn Not to Love” by The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys, with “Never Learn Not to Love” In 1968, Dennis Wilson took Manson’s song “Cease to Exist,” revised some lyrics and released it under his own name as this song. Manson and some of his followers were houseguests of Wilson’s for a time. Perhaps Dennis felt Manson owed him something. Manson was allegedly rather angry about the changes and the lack of credit and confronted Wilson, who then beat him up.
Guns N’ Roses – Look At Your Game, Girl
“Look At Your Game, Girl,” a Charles Manson song sung by Axl Rose. That comes from The Spaghetti Incident, an album of covers the Guns & Roses released in 1993. The other band members disapproved of including the song and refused to play on it. The song is kinda lame. I’m not sure if that’s because the band didn’t play or part of the reason why they didn’t play on it. But other people were impressed with Manson’s songwriting.
Revolution Blues – Neil Young
Neil Young, with “Revolution Blues.” Neil met Manson through Dennis Wilson, and has spoken positively about his songs, but I wonder if it was the songs or his charisma that made the impression. That song was inspired by Manson and his family, seen in the references to dune buggies and Laurel Canyon. I’m not sure what kind of meaning to take from some of the other lyrics though.
The Beatles – Revolution 1
Closing out with “Revolution 1” from the Beatles. Maybe that’s a part of the White Album that Charlie didn’t pay attention to. Or maybe he found his own way to twist it. Either way, that song lets me go out on a somewhat positive note. Until next time, crime time radio.
