There's been quite a few celebrity deaths this week, but none quite so relevant to this blog as Tom Lehrer. I've been thinking about doing some music on this blog for a bit, so this seems like a fitting first go. Lehrer's catalog isn't terribly long (he only really did music on and off for about ten years, between teaching and other writing ) so I'm just gonna grab some of the ones I like (none are particularly obscure, I might have to fix that) and do a little blurb for each.
New Math:
Catchy, like most Lehrer songs. It really only works if you have a visual though.
Be Prepared
I had a barber who could sing this from memory. Weirdly, he was not in a barbershop quartet. I don't think Lehrer would mind me linking a cover. (More on that later)
Masochism Tango
Better than "Tango: Maureen" and might as well get one of Tom actually performing in here.
Vatican Rag
I think Tom would approve of a group called Hot Cross Nuns
Smut
The song most likely to actually get talked about on this blog. Maybe someday...
The Elements
Probably his most famous. And who doesn't love a good Major General parody?
Oedipus Rex
I use this one in my classes.
You'll be missed, Tom.
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