Ghost Train RadioOperation Sawbuck
On old 97
There's a place in the pines
Logging equipment
There you will find
Tucked in the Klamath
Rest these old machines
Taken to rust
They've lost their sheen
They are retired
Yet far from demise
Better than ever
To these old eyes
There is a very cool “living history” museum and campground that is outdoors in the woods north of Klamath Falls, Oregon – https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=165
Its quite amazing – we use it as one of our rest stops when traveling to and from Bend – our new home town to be later this year. I was more interested in getting back to Orinda, but as I strolled past all of the old logging and pioneer equipment I found so many cool old engines and gears and rusty old things with gorgeous patina and color. The sun was almost noon – usually not great light – but I suppose since its late Spring – there is still some good light – and in Summer I usually look for shadow light – where the bright sun is more than enough to illuminate things that are in the shade. Usually – the contrast during the summer is way too much for any camera – film or digital.
I’m listening to 10,000 Maniacs Wishing Chair – and man, what a great album. Natalie Merchant’s voice – even with that funny accent she uses – is just one of the best voices I’ve ever heard. And poor Rob Buck – what a GREAT guitarist. I’ll go as far as saying that this version of the band is right up there with R.E.M. Its no wonder that 10,000 Maniacs opened for R.E.M. back in the early 80’s – and that Michael Stipe and Natalie Merchant were “great friends”. They probably still are I’d bet. It a superb album because it evokes a mood – folky rock with chiming guitars that also have some mandolin in there. In fact – the rest of the band was also top notch back there.
“Back of the Moon” might be my favorite 10,000 Maniacs song. Gorgeous Mandolin, great drumming, bass right in the pocket and the organ sound is fantastic. Then there is Natalie singing like she really means it.
Jesus, its fun to get “lost over coffee” . . . .
Oh yeah – so what the hell is “Operation Sawbuck?” – in memory of old logging equipment in Oregon and poor old Rob Buck – who died at age 42 of liver disease – I will hereby and forthwith without haste start posting 10 of my all time best Assemblage pieces – some that I gave way already – and the rest that will be given away soon.
(And yes – Mike – you get first dibs on any that you really like) . . . . heh heh
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