"Swinging on a Star" by David Trinidad (Turtle Point Press)

ISBN: 978-1-933527-97-0 Turtle Point Press

A small book that's gives out big awards. David Trinidad's book of poems "Swinging on a Star" is perfection at work. A poet who always keeps his vision and language in an exceptional form. I think I'm around the same age as Trinidad, and the pop cultural references that are in his poetry fits my or our generation greatly. For anyone outside that world, the poems are inviting and will bring new discoveries to the new reader. For me, it's like dipping into a pool of great pleasure. Some of the poems are simple imagery, and others are like biting into a ripe fruit and enjoying its freshness and the different textures that come with the taste of that first bite. 

It's always dangerous to compare one poet to another, but I think anyone who enjoys the work of the so-called New York School of Poetry such as Frank O'Hara, John Ashbery, James Schulyer, Kenneth Koch, and Barbara Guest would appreciate David Trinidad's poetry. I mention the above poets because they too filter pop culture within their work, which brings their world a larger landscape for the reader. The longest piece here is one of Trinidad's greatest poems: "Ode to Buddy Holly." Here he writes about the visit to Holly's hometown, and where is he is buried, Lubbock Texas. For me, who loves Holly's music, this is an incredible impression of the man, his burial grounds, home, and the nature of his death through the means of a plane accident. It's a moving poem that works on various levels. For one, Trinidad is a good reporter (through poetry) and how he recounts his time at the location, and how poetry brought him there, is him coming to a meeting with Buddy Holly as a fellow artist. The greatest gift from one artist to another is an appreciation and how that person's work sinks into the other's
poetry. 

"Swinging on a Star" is another fantastic book by one of the great American living poets. Also a nod of my hat to Turtle Point Press who has a history of publishing great books.

* I intereviewed David Trinidad on my cable TV show from the 1980s "Tea With Tosh"  You can see it here:  https://youtu.be/6EWTDIG-zoE

John Cale New York in the 1960s on Tosh Talks

John Cale is without a doubt, a major figure in music. Along with Lou Reed, Sterling Morrison, Moe Tucker, Cale played a huge role in The Velvet Underground.  Cale brought in the influence of experimental and drone music.  About ten years ago, the record label Table of Elements put out a five-disc box set (a real wooden box by the way)called "John Cale New York in the 1960s."  A brilliant packaging of early experimental music by Cale with the assistance of Tony Conrad, Angus MacLise, and the great artist/performance artist and filmmaker Jack Smith (Flaming Creatures).  Here on "Tosh Talks" I focus on this particular box set and the way he used a portable reel-to-reel tape machine manufactured and designed by Wollensak, as well as the Hungarian instrument Cimbalon. - Tosh Berman

"The Garden of Eros: The Story of the Paris Expatriates and the Post-War Literary Scene" by John Calder (ALMA)

ISBN: 9780957452213

Along with Grove Press's Barney Rosset and the legendary Olympia publisher Maurice Girodias, John Calder is part of the powerful trio of visionaries who presented and published remarkable literature in the 20th century.   "The Garden of Eros" is both a literary history of publishing as well as a memoir of those years.  Calder also wrote "Pursuit" which is interesting, but also in the need of some editing.  "The Garden of Eros" is a better book that focuses on a huge subject matter - publishing in the 20th century.  The subtitle is correct, but rather limiting when one reads the book.  Paris is pretty much the focus with respect to the publishing history, but it also deals with the Paris Review crowd to Terry Southern to Alexander Trocchi, who is without the doubt, one of the great characters of the 20th century - both in a good, but a mostly bad way.  In fact, Calder's book may be the best with respect to writing about Trocchi's sordid history as writer and junkie.  The book is gossipy, as well as information regarding Trocchi, but also Girodias, who is an important figure in not only publishing but in his troubled relationships with his writers.  Henry Miller, Beckett, Burroughs, Paul Bowles, Jane Bowles, Alain Robbe-Grillet and so many other writers/ personalities are in this volume of delight.  As a publisher myself, I can easily identify myself with the Maurice Girodias and John Calder passion for making books and presenting authors - even those who wrote DB (dirty books).  An important document on publishing and its incredible personalities that ran into that world. 

Lou Reed on Tosh Talks

Lou Reed is a huge subject matter that one can't or shouldn't put in one package.  He represents not only himself but an entire pop culture of his lifetime.  The Velvet Underground was the flip and darker side of The Beatles and the Summer of Love.  Like many, The Velvet Underground and Nico (with the Andy Warhol cover) was my gateway to an adult version of rock n' roll.

Anthony DeCurtis' biography of Lou Reed is a fun and informative read on this iconic figure. More important, "Lou Reed: A Life" introduced or reminded me of Lou's later work.  For instance the album he did with Metallica, "Lulu."  A masterpiece that is just as great as "Berlin," "Transformer," and "Street Hassle."  David Bowie commented to Laurie Anderson that he felt "Lulu" will be considered to be a masterpiece in the future, and in fact, is his best album/work.  I agree. Painting in the background is a portrait of The Velvet Underground and Nico by Lun*na Menoh - Tosh Berman, Tosh Talks.

Paul Knobloch Translator Writer on Tosh Talks

Literary translations to me are extremely interesting.  My press TamTam Books mostly focuses on translations of novels by Boris Vian, Serge Gainsbourg, as well as the biography on Gainsbourg written by Gilles Verlant. Translator and writer Paul Knobloch discusses his work and the issues one has to deal with when publishing Boris Vian.  Also a detailed look in how one chooses the right phrase or sentence while doing a translation.  A very informative interview on this subject matter as well as on TamTam Books.  Tosh Berman, Tosh Talks.

Philip Glass Composer on Tea With Tosh Part 2

This episode of "Tea With Tosh"  is part two of a two-part interview with the great American Composer Philip Glass.  We discuss the nature and difference between the Opera/Theater and film soundtrack composing. At the time of this interview (1987), Glass finished his soundtrack work for the Paul Schrader film "Mishima," based on the works and life of Japanese writer Yukio Mishima.  Glass was very easy to interview.  He had a professional attitude about doing interviews.  He told me that every Wednesday (at that time) he set aside the time to talk to the press/media.  He's an engaging person, and also talked about his opera "Einstein on the Beach" and other operatic works such as "Satyagraha, "Akhnaten," the film "Koyaanisqatsi," and his 'pop' album "Songs from Liquid Days." One of the great 20th century composers. - Tosh Berman, Tea With Tosh

Philip Glass Composer on Tea With Tosh (Part One)

This episode of "Tea With Tosh"  is part one of a two-part interview with the great American Composer Philip Glass.  We discuss the nature and difference between the Opera/Theater and film soundtrack composing. At the time of this interview (1987), Glass finished his soundtrack work for the Paul Schrader film "Mishima," based on the works and life of Japanese writer Yukio Mishima.  Glass was very easy to interview.  He had a professional attitude about doing interviews.  He told me that every Wednesday (at that time) he set aside the time to talk to the press/media.  He's an engaging person, and also talked about his opera "Einstein on the Beach" and other operatic works such as "Satyagraha, "Akhnaten," the film "Koyaanisqatsi," and his 'pop' album "Songs from Liquid Days." One of the great 20th century composers. - Tosh Berman, Tea With Tosh

"Where Did You Go To, My Lovely: The Lost Sounds and Stars of the Sixties (published in 1983) by Fred Dellar

ISBN: 0-352-31374-9 A Star Book (UK)

Two stars for quality, and five stars for being such an interesting by-product of pop music culture. Fred Dellar, who wrote "Where Did You Go To, My Lovely?" is a legendary British music journalist who worked for New Music Express (NME), as well as Melody Maker, if not mistaken. He now works for Mojo Magazine, doing the "Ask Fred" column. 

Published in 1983, Dellar managed to locate most of the British Invasion bands and artists to find out what they were doing now (in 1983). Which mostly were retired, or still struggling with the music business. Some of the artists in Dellar's 'whatever happened to?" are now very much respected and well-known (still). The Zombies, Scott Walker, The Troggs, The Pretty Things, and the late Dusty Springfield. On the other hand who remembers The Temperance Seven or Eden Kane & Peter Sarstedt? My huge discovery in this outdated and out-of-print book is that Morgan Fisher of Mott the Hoople, and eventually moved to Tokyo to do music (and maybe still there) used to be in the band Love Affair. Or that bassist John Gustafson (played with Roxy Music for one album) was in The Merseybeats. Those two facts for some odd reason, I find totally fascinating. So that knowledge is five stars alone, but as a book, it's only for the obsessive people like me. 

Tosh Berman Reads at Beyond Baroque Sunday January 21, 2018 plus Interview at 4:30 PM

Ladies and Gentleman, at last, I will be doing a reading of my works (including a touch of my memoir) at Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center in Venice, California on Sunday, January 21, 2018, at 4:30 PM. I will also be interviewed by Jon Hess. Do come. Here's the full info:

Tosh Berman will do a reading of his works, including an excerpt of his upcoming memoir that will be published by City Lights Books this year. Also, Berman will be interviewed by Jon Hess. Tosh is a writer, poet, and former Artistic Director of Beyond Baroque. His two books are “Sparks-Tastic” (Rare Bird) and a book of poems, “The Plum in Mr. Blum’s Pudding (Penny-Ante Editions). He is also the publisher and editor of his press, TamTam Books, which published the works of Boris Vian, Serge Gainsbourg, Guy Debord, Jacques Mesrine, Ron Mael & Russell Mael (Sparks), Gilles Verlant, and Lun*na Menoh. His most recent project is a series of YouTube programs "Tosh Talks." 

Venue: Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center, 681 Venice Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Date: Sunday, January 21, 2018

Time: 4:30 PM

Admission: $10 Students/Seniors/Children $6 Members: Free.

John Cage The 25 Year Retrospective Concert on Tosh Talks

My chat about John Cage's "The 25 Year Retrospective Concert" on Tosh Talks.  An important document of a time and place, and a great work of art. - Tosh Berman​

Source Music of the Avant Garde 1966 1973 on Tosh Talks

"Source Music, of the Avant-Garde, 1966-1973" was an amazing journal that focuses on the contemporary Experimental music of the mid-20th century.  Morton Fieldman, John Cage, Robert Ashley, Giuseppe Chiari, John Mizelle and others focus on the nature of modern classical music as well as publishing actual music scores, which there are plenty in this volume, edited by Larry Austin and Douglas Kahn.  Published by Univerity of California Press.  Tosh Talks, with your host, Tosh Berman.

"Property of Ronald Kane" by Tosh Berman

I went to Rockaway Records this week, and I purchased two albums: the late Ronald Kane owned Gavin Bryars' "The Sinking of the Titanic" (Obscure Records) and "The Joe Meek Story" (Decca).  I know this is true because there are stickers on both albums that says “The Property of Ronald Kane.”  One on the back cover, and another on the record label itself.   I may have met Ron Kane when I worked at Licorice Pizza music store chain during the 1980s.  He was the import record buyer for the entire chain, and it’s considerably possible that I met him perhaps at a Christmas party for the store, or when we had to get together for work meetings.   Then again I worked at the West Los Angeles and Reseda stores, so, for instance, I never went to their Glendale headquarters.  At least, I have no memory of going to the main offices.   That would be where Ron Kane worked, and now, I only know of him due that he passed away not that long ago.  

Ron built up his record collection over the years, and like me, it seems he has visited Japan numerous times to buy and searching out recordings.  I have my favorite record stores, but oddly enough, for the past 25 or so years of going back and forth to and from Japan, I always find a new place to shop for vinyl.  A collection is very much an activity that shows one who you are, and what your obsessions are.  It is just as truthful as if finding one’s DNA on a murder weapon - it can’t help itself in not telling some history or narrative through one’s collection of objects or things.  Ron Kane, right before he passed away, sold his entire collection of vinyl to Rockaway Records.  

Going through the new arrival bin at Rockaway, I see that Ron had a thing for European prog rock, or bands/artists that error on the side of experimental made music.  The sense of exploration on his part is awe-inspiring to me.   It would be interesting to know if he kept notes or a journal regarding his record hunts throughout the world.   What I see here is a man of intelligence and curiosity.   There are focuses on countries, such as Italy, as well as France, that put out numerous experimental/prog albums throughout the late 1960s to the mid-1970s.   When you are a fan of a particular artist or group, you become interested in what part of the world that they came from.  Which leads one to study that culture that would produce such an artist.  

I’m not the most excellent collector in the world, but I suspect Ronald Kane was one, in that he spent his life being intensely focused on the issues of records and where they came from.  The vinyl albums here in the store are all new looking.  Nothing tattered or torn, and every piece of vinyl, when I open the package seems in perfect shape.  The only alteration is the sticker with his name and that he owns the object on hand.  I often wonder why people put their names on albums.  For one, you can presume that they loan out to friends or institutions, and they want to make sure that they get their record back. Or, the essence of owning an object, you want to make sure there is some physical sense of ownership of that object.   Signing one’s name to an object or a collection is very much the same as an artist who signs their own artwork. 

So, with my memory, I’m not entirely sure if I met Ron Kane or not.  As an employee at Licorice Pizza during the 1980s, I purchased a lot of vinyl that came through the central office of licorice Pizza from the U.K.  Mostly due to the buying power of Ron through the store.  Although I never met him face-to-face or at the very least, a mere passing perhaps being in the same room together, his work had affected my record buying (with discount) adventure.   I’m a believer in museums to obtain a collection or one’s holdings.   I don’t know the number of albums owned and sold to Rockaway Records by Ron, but I have to imagine it was at the very least a few thousand titles.  As time goes by people will come to the store and more likely purchase a brilliant album with the sticker on it saying “The Property of Ronald Kane.” 

- My homage to Ronald Kane, and collecting - Tosh Berman, January 8, 2017

Bruce Conner Artist on Tea With Tosh

Along with my father Wallace Berman, Bruce Conner is one of the great artists to come out of 20th mid-Century America.  I have known Bruce throughout my life, and one day, out of the blue, he called me to ask if he can be on "Tea With Tosh."   I remember being nervous interviewing him, due to his nature, but also my appreciation for him as an artist and filmmaker.  Shot in 1987, this is a snapshot of Bruce and his world.   - Tosh Berman, the host of "Tea With Tosh"

Egisto Macchi Italian Film Composer on Tosh Talks

Michael Silverblatt on Tea With Tosh

Michael Silverblatt has been in my life or presence since the 1970s.  I met him at Papa Bach Bookstore on Santa Monica Blvd in West Los Angeles, where one cannot help chatting with such an acknowledgeable gentleman.   The fact that he is one of the most popular Book related media person is easy to understand. His radio show "Bookworm" is the essential literary programming.   Michael is probably one of the great readers, and his knowledge about books and the arts are as endless as the deepest part of the ocean.  This episode of "Tea With Tosh" was shot in 1987.  At the time, Michael was working in public relations.  At the time (and I'm sure he still does) he had an incredible knowledge how information was spread through the world of journalism.  At the time he had a focus on Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center as well as on Los Angeles artists and writers.  This episode is a great snapshot of Los Angeles culture, but also a great man among our town.  Not me, but Michael Silverblatt!    - Tosh Berman, your host of "Tea With Tosh"

Scott Becker Option Magazine on Tea With Tosh

Scott Becker was the publisher and editor of a really interesting magazine, OPTION, that came out six times a year. They focused exclusively on independent or underground music. Not only rock but experimental and jazz as well.  I find this show interesting because of my interest in music, the music world, and publishing.  The fact that this show was taped in 1986, it's funny that the issues of publication are still with us, for instance making zines.  OPTION was tailored made for the adventuresome music lover.  I miss the nature of music publications like OPTION.  Come to think of it, the review section in WIRE reminds me very much of OPTION.   A classic Tea With Tosh episode!  Oh, and forgive some of the visuals/sound toward the end of the show.  We did the best we can, but even tape gets old.  - Tosh Berman

"Martini Teeth" by Tosh Berman

Due to my extensive dental surgery, I can only drink my dinners at this time.  My dentist suggested that since I'm already an alcoholic, I should just sip cocktails that have some food attached to it.  Which means, of course, the olive vodka martini, which is made correctly at TAIX Restaurant and bar in Echo Park.   Right between the drink and focusing on much as possible a book I brought with me to the bar, Andre Hodeir on Classical music after Debussy, it struck me how hard the bartender works, as well as the waitresses.   Personally, I have always been served well in this establishment.  I also ordered navy bean soup since it was a Thursday, and rightfully so, a Thursday which is Navy Bean Soup day.   I can never fully understand the connection between the Navy and bean soup, but I never question these things in front of a busy bartender.

I had a rough day.  I lost a temporary cap on my tooth, which makes it impossible for me to chew my food.  The thing has I had the perfect 'soft' burrito in front of me, and I felt a hard substance in my mouth, which was odd because I'm eating just a bean burrito.  I discovered it was my tooth cap, which carefully I didn't swallow, due that I put my fingers in my mouth among the bean material to remove the object.  It takes about 30 seconds to realize that something is drastically wrong, and then my temper came up.  I wanted to have a quick lunch before I shot my "Tosh Talks" episode on Jean-Luc Godard's film soundtrack music.  I was in such a state that Lun*na wanted to know if I want to postpone the filming.   I said go on.  Strange enough, I think this is the best "Tosh Talks" show ever.  Lun*na mentioned that my voice was loud and very clear.  I think all of this was due to my anger of losing the temporary cap.

After the show, I contacted my dentist who told me, even though she's on holiday, to come to her office at 5:30 this afternoon.   I did and met her at the parking lot because it seems the front door was shut due to construction work on the building.  I was a concern because when a car approached the parking lot, I didn't want to think whoever in that car thought I was a perv waiting in the darkness.   Luckily in the vehicle was my dentist and her almost adult daughter.  She took me through the back entrance which led to the employee's kitchen and sometimes storage room for outdated customers with their x-rays of teeth.   The whole dental office was under construction or remodel job of some sort, and therefore I didn't have to go to the dental chair, but the kitchen chair in the employee's room.

When I lost and obtained my temporary crown, I was immediately impressed with the horrible scent of my cap. It smelled like a dead rodent in my crown, but the fact is, my tooth, as busted as it was, felt like the dead animal lived there under a witness protection secrecy program from the Department of Justice.   Still, I was fascinated with the wretched scent of my cap, and wondered if perhaps all tooth caps smelled the same way?  

I sat down among the wires, plastic coverings, and industrial dust in their kitchen area.  Luckily I didn't feel any pain, but just awkwardness in chewing and my self-regard concerning my face.  I thought I had a vacancy between my mouth and everyone looking at me will be aware of my ugliness.   Ever since I was a young boy, I felt like an alien because other kids my age would comment on my oddly shaped teeth.  It wasn't until I reached into my 60s when I decided to get my teeth fixed. The irony is, I will probably be dead before the work is finished.   Still, a corpse with a good mouth is something people will remember me by. I'm just hoping that the casket will be open during the funeral procedure.

As I left the dentist office, I became more aware of how vulnerable I'm to other's opinions on my physical appearance. To dwell on the negativity is an endless amount of ocean of regret.  I choose to go into the darkness of the night and gently chew whatever is out there.

- Tosh Berman, Los Angeles, January 2, 2018