February 12, 2021, by Tosh Berman

 

February 12, 2021

The last two albums I purchased are David Bowie's "Look At The Moon (Live Phoenix Festival 97)" and The Screamers Demo album's recent release. And that, I think, are the last albums I buy in 2021. I'm interested in purchasing a compilation of recordings by Mazouni called "Un Dandy en Exil," A Leys Bruno E.P., and Forever Pavot's "La Pantoufle." That will not happen due to my financial situation, which is bleak. No, not grim; sorry, it's nonexistent. 

One needs to live with what they have. Do I need those three records? Well, yes, of course. I can play the music on the YouTube website. At least they have Mazouni on the website. I'm drawn to his music, which he sings in French. Still, he's from Algeria, and the music is a combination of Yé-Yé and North African drones and strings. Imagine the Master Musicians of Joujouka if they were a pop band. Sometimes the electric guitar work sounds like Lou Reed/Sterling Morrison but in Algiers instead of Manhattan. Due to the virus, one is pretty much a prison in one's home, and it's music by Mazouni that takes me to another place, another world. 

I play his music and look outside my window, and now it's night. I can see the stars, and it is almost like they are mocking me because I'm down here, and they are up above.  Today the weather was clear, and the sky was blue. There was wind throughout the afternoon. It felt good being outside my door. I had to go in because there were some people not wearing face coverings coming toward my home. I went in and played Mazouni.  I had a craving for hummus and maybe salted chips, but none in the household. I had popcorn instead, and it's good. Today is a good day.