From Tuesday 1 November 2022
Pets
Any song, that in its lyrics, makes specific mention, by name, of any living thing that is or has been a real (not imaginary) pet. In the event of a dubious choice, musos have the option to ask you to produce proof.
Errol
What’s New Pussycat (1965) title sequence
Well hello musos. As the man said, ‘I’m back’.
You can expect me to be a little biased about pets. My choice tonight is the cat. Pussy cat in fact.
And if you think you know where this is going, you ate probably right. The one and only Tom Jones with his hit song ‘What’s new Pussy Cat’.
But rather than a studio version, I’ve chosen the title theme from the delightful 1965 Peter Sellers movie of the same name.
Anyone see and remember it? Enjoy!
Geraldine
Queen – Cool Cat
Cool cat from Queen featured in their album Hot Space.
The song was written by Freddie Mercury and John Deacon and was first released by Queen in 1982. A very different song from Queen.
The Cambridge Dictionary defines a “cool cat” as a fashionable person. The American Heritage Dictionary’s slang definition of the word cool – composure or poise – because that so perfectly describes a cat’s normal state of being.
Richard
Little Red Rooster – Christopher Bruce
My good friend Chris Bruce once had a rooster as a pet. He said he was inspired by the bird’s antics and movements.
This Willie Dixon composition is performed by the Rolling Stones. The fine guitar playing by Brian Jones is considered to be amongst his best pieces.
It is the only blues number to have topped the UK charts.
Wilfred
Duran Duran – Hungry like the Wolf
I know you can, but I think you should not.
If you decide to, make sure to follow the rules properly…
How to Own a Pet Wolf
Part 1 – Preparing For the Wolf
1. Know what a wolf hybrid is. A wolf hybrid also called a wolf-dog, is an exotic animal that is a mixture of a domesticated dog and a wild wolf.
2. Investigate your local laws. Wolf ownership is not legal everywhere.
3. Consider the price. Wolves and wolf hybrids are not cheap. They range between R 30 000 and R 40 000
4. Remember that wolves are not domesticated animals. Dogs have been bred to be submissive and to assist humans; they have been bred to be pets. This process has taken 10,000 years. Wolves, on the other hand, have spent the last 10,000 years being wild.
5. Talk to an expert. If you are still interested in owning a wolf or wolf hybrid, visit a wolf sanctuary.
6. Try volunteering at a wolf centre where you can get insight into how a wolf’s mind works and how they act around humans.
Part 2 – Taking Care of Your Wolf
1. Train the wolf. You cannot get away with buying a wolf or wolf hybrid and hoping it will figure out how to be a good pet. Wolves are not dogs.
2. Know that affection might be confused with aggression. Wolves show affection differently than dogs.
3. Build the proper living conditions. Wolves like to roam, and they will hop fences, break off chains, and dig their way out of yards.
4. Socialise the wolf-dog. Wolves are social and pack animals, so they require canine companionship.
5. Become the Alpha. You have to be the Alpha of your wolf.
6. Feed them the right food. Wolves exist on a meat diet.
7. Provide entertainment for the wolves. Wolves can get very bored, which could result in them breaking free from their enclosure to find stimulation.
8. Make sure you have available veterinarian care. Most vets don’t know how to care for wolves or wolf dogs.
Deborah
Pearl Jam – Evil Little Goat – Wrigley Field (August 20, 2018)
My family was strange. Especially my father, who used to bring all sorts of pets home for us. (Even a monkey once – Jack – I have photos of him too.)
My father bought me a goat from the Wankie Agricultural Show (then Rhodesia) when I was in Standard 5. We called her Sheba.
To our astonishment, shortly after Sheba came to live with us she produced Seamus. He was the sweetest little chap, he used to run around the house with us and jump on the furniture like a dog. (I told you they were strange.)
Photographic evidence:
* My brother and I with Sheba at the show on the day we got her.
* Seamus on top of the donkey boiler (remember those?)
* My Mum holding little Seamus.
This was the only song I could find about a goat, but I do rather like it. Pearl Jam – Evil Little Goat.
Paul
See you later alligator – Bill Haley and Comets
Had many songs on the list, planned to play one that fit my mood at the time of my song choice. Mood currently is “WOEDEND”. So I need something to cheer me up, so I went with a Golden Oldie about the placid American version of our crocodiles. Yes, believe it or not, people keep these as pets. Mal ouens!
They even walk them on a leash and do other weird things.
For me that’s a NO WAY JOSE. Otherwise known in SA as “See you later, Alligator!”
PS are these the guys who also discovered Haley’s Comet? LOL what a coincidence.
Liezel
Teach Me Tiger ♡ April Stevens
Surprisingly enough, Tigers are pets to more people than you’d think. Mike Tyson even has 3 of them… So for the pussycat lovers out there – be thankful you don’t have these “kitties” sharpening their nails on your furniture or any of the other “fun” unique to the cat family. As for Arno and Wilfred … I’m sure you wouldn’t volunteer your babysitting services as easily either …
Arno
Norah Jones – Man of the Hour
Sue
As a cat lover all my life, I know how exciting it is to have a new kitten filled with energy and spunk, ready to get up to all sorts of tricks. They are also nocturnal creatures and their night life seems to be quite adventurous at times.
The flip side is when your cat begins to age and looks rather ragged and has physical limitations. They sleep most of the day and still venture out at night but it is not like is was in their youth.
That made me look to the musical”CATS” and the heartfelt solo by Elaine Page “MEMORY” in which she, she aged cat, looks back at her past and forward to a seemingly lonely future.
Karen
Zorro ~ Tornado ~ Savin’ Me
When I was 6 my aunt sharon aged 9 came home crying that her friends father was abusing their horse.
Not sure of the details but my grandfather bought the horse and Sharon rode Saturn home to Meyerton to Walkerville with us driving behind her to make sure they were both safe.
Saturn was endlessly patient with us and allowed all 8 children from the neighbourhood to ride him for hours every afternoon.
When he was tired of us he would walk under the washline.
Pair that with our Saturday morning movie in Rosettenville where the movie short was always Zorro and you get why I chose my song…. enjoy!!