http://www.kcrw.com/music/programs/gd/g ... my_gownley
Guest DJ Project
WED OCT 7, 2009
Jimmy Gownley is the creator of the award-winning children's comic Amelia Rules!, which centers on the adventures of a whip-smart 4th grader. The author pinpoints two female artists that inspired his characters, praises the playfulness of a former Beatle, and challenges anyone who questions the greatness of R.E.M. to a fistfight. The first ever Amelia Rules! holiday book, A Very Ninja Christmas is out now. Amelia Rules! Volume 3: Superheroes comes out in January.
Tracks:
1. Liz Phair: What Makes You Happy (explicit)
2. Elvis Costello: (The Angels Want to Wear My) Red Shoes
3. Paul McCartney and Wings: Magneto and Titanium Man
4. Melissa Ferrick: Happy Song
5. R.E.M: I'm Gonna DJ
(extract)
We're here with Jimmy Gownley. What's the next selection you got for us?
JG: Alright, my next pick is Elvis Costello "(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes". I think this song has the best first line ever in rock n' roll.
Song: Elvis Costello's "(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes"
JG:
I like that line so much that I actually included it in the very first Amelia story as a quote. You know, people talk about comic books a lot as being this sort of limited medium, 'oh you can't do much because it's only a comic book.' But if you think about it, pop songs are FAR more limited. Pop songs are 3 1/2 minutes; they generally have to have a hook and a good chorus that has to rhyme.
But somehow, within all those limitations, Elvis Costello can write a novel.
JG: You know, comic books and cartooning is a goofy talent. Because you can sort of draw okay and you can sort of write okay and hopefully those things come together and make something that's interesting. But it's such a weird talent that you might not think much of it. But this song, to me, is all about … well you don't know which one of your gifts is the important thing, the thing that will lead you to immortality. And in this song, the image of angels, you know, the first created beings second only to the creator of the universe -- they might just be impressed if you have a really nice pair of Chuck Taylors and that could be your key into the heavens. I just love that imagery.
