“I Wanted To Carry Them Around Like Bunny Rabbits”
by
P.E. Tottenham

“Random Rules” by The Silver Jews
Thank you, D.C. Berman! You have created wonderful things that get better and better as the years fly. Keep doing what you are doing. And as frustrating and difficult as it can be to truly carve out one’s own niche in any art world without ignorant, lazy journalists or whoeva getting their facts wrong…well, please consider someday revisiting yr collaboration with Malkmus and Nastanovich. I say this because the 3 of you seem to create a special, rare space/situation. By no means do you NEED them to make a classic Silver Jews album. But there IS something magic that happens when you 3 come together under the right circumstances.
But ya know life is short. I just heard Malkmus on a podcast last night call you (David Berman) a “genius”. He was not being snarky. He said it matter of factly in reference to something else as if it was a foregone conclusion. Like: “Everybody who knows Berman’s work knows this to be true…” And though I do not know him, (I do not personally know any of these guys just to be clear) Bob Nastanovich seems to virtually LIVE for facilitating the art of his beloved friends. He achieves this without EVER coming off as sycophantic or fawning. It’s a rare case of a man who truly is aware of his friends’ capabilities and while in awe of what they sometimes can achieve he is never afraid to call them on their bullshit; he is not blind to his friends’ flaws and idiosyncrasies. This is a rare thing. Bob’s natural charm and storytelling ability remind me at times of Hunter S. Thompson; their is certain swagger and eye twinkle in common. Something subtle in his cadence; there is something elliptical in his manner. It’s hard to really put into words.
Both Silver Jews and Pavement have been a part of my life basically since their inception. They meant more to me than Nirvana ever did or ever will. I found both bands at the right age. I totally got what was happening with them as far as their approach. For a very short period I felt they were MINE. (I think this is quite common with music obsessives.) I said something to someone once that for me had a profound meaning. I don’t think anyone else felt it was anything but a silly thing to say; completely lacking all sense. But it speaks to feeling something you discover is most precious and fragile and apt to run from you when unsure of yr intention. So you are gentle, cautious, careful with who and how you share yr precious wonder. It’s not for everyone; some will laugh probably. Only you are sure that you have love, deep love, for this entity/thing/whatever. You know it’s special and not to be treated as something disposable. In cases such as these I knew what I needed and wanted: I wanted to carry them around like bunny rabbits.
08/07/2017
Cape Cod, MA
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