Tag Archives: Hunter S. Thompson

The Kentucky Derby Is Decadent and Depraved, An Interpretation of Hunter S. Thompson

Posted on by Musicofourheart

I am a fan of Hunter S. Thompson‘s gonzo journalism. The Kentucky Derby Is Decadent and Depraved by Hunter S. Thompson’s first appeared in Scanlan’s Monthly in June, 1970. It is considered by many to be Hunter S. Thompson’s gonzo journalism début (but one could argue that The Rum Diary (1961), which thankfully Johnny Depp resurrected for us on the screen was the origin of Hunter S. Thompson’s gonzo journalism).

The Kentucky Derby Is Decadent and Depraved brought us the first collaboration of Hunter S. Thompson and Ralph Steadman, solidifying the foundation between the gonzo journalist and the crazed illustrations that forever captured our visual imaginations.

Kentucky Derby

I came across a recent audio work project, The Kentucky Derby Is Decadent and Depraved produced by Hal Willner, featuring the talents of Bill Frisell, Tim Robbins, Dr. John, singer Annie Ross and Ralph Steadman.  This was due to a splendid article by Geoffrey Himes about Bill Frisell, Fear and Composing in the August issue of JazzTimes.

Bill Frisell is a brilliant creative/artistic musician who is always working on multiple project initiatives. He composed a well-articulated soundtrack for the backdrop of this inventive work. He draws us in with his sonic leanings keeping us ever focused on the unfolding narrative.

Tim Robbins performs a very skilful reading as Hunter S. Thompson. He has Hunter’s voice, intonation and controlled zaniness down pat.

Set aside some quality time and give  The Kentucky Derby Is Decadent and Depraved a listen on Spotify.

Various Artists – The Kentucky Derby Is Decadent And Depraved

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The Rum Diary + Soundtrack

Posted on by Musicofourheart

I caught Johnny Depp‘s appearance on The David Letterman Show last night to promote his production company (Infinitum Nihl) film The Rum Diary. I am glad I stayed awake for Johnny’s interview with Dave as this has re-ignited my passion for Hunter S. Thompson‘s gonzo journalism.

I was happily surprised to discover that the movie The Rum Diary is based upon the “first” novel by the Hunter S. Thompson. Johnny Depp as a close friend of Hunter S. Thompson(to learn more about Johnny Depp’s explosive pal read the Newsweek column Depp wrote) was the first to discover the original pieces of the book while going through a box at Hunter’s home. It was then the pact was struck between the two of them that a film could be made from these writings. Johnny Depp quipped to Hunter S. Thompson that first a book should be published. The Rum Diary was written in the early 1960s but was not published until 1998.

The Rum Diary.jpg

The movie, The Rum Diary was filmed in 2009. The Web site for The Rum Diary is smartly designed, with rich, interactive content that provides an engaging browsing experience. You owe to yourself if you remotely consider this film to peruse the site.

Take a minute to watch the trailer, I found it to be both humorous and strikingly original. We are eagerly looking forward to seeing the movie this weekend.

It’s noteworthy that Johnny Depp plays as a musician on four tracks on the The Rum Diary Soundtrack. He plays some instrumental rockers with his band, the Johnny Depp Band. There is a stark contrast of his musicianship on “The Mermaid Song” which he performs as a solo pianist. The same song is then sung by Johnny Depp’s bohemian kin Patti Smith. “The Mermaid Song” is performed a capella featuring Patti’s unique tonality. Her phrasing coupled with the timbre in her voice is haunting and poignant.