George Rafael reaches the sentimental marrow in our funny bones with his Python perspective. The Pythons have indeed touched many of us deeply. A quarter-century later our knowledge of how the world works encompasses negotiation, consensus and fish-slapping dances. But Rafael ends on a fussy note, accusing the troupe of melding into the mainstream. The Pythons had their time, and what a silly, lovely time it was. They made it possible for others to push new limits and boundaries in humor, just as Spike Milligan and others had before them. Let's not quibble over who's now teaching Chaucer or announcing cricket. Instead, let's thank them for the memories, and for the penguin on the telly.

-- Joe Leisek

It's true that after Python became popular, it became a sort of Masonic handshake. But there still were plenty of people who never quite got it. Python is one of those things that isn't even an acquired taste; it's an inborn taste. My sons, ages 11 and 13, and I love to watch it together. They don't waste time trying to "figure it out"; they just go with the inspired lunacy. On the other hand, I remember watching it with my dad, who was a pretty funny guy. He laughed once the entire half-hour.

-- Tom Pantera
Fargo, N.D.

Sharps & flats: "Run Devil Run"
BY GEOFF EDGERS
(10/05/99)

Paul McCartney "wasted his talent"? You make this comment about a man who in one year wrote enough incredible songs to solidify a place in the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame? That is the most ridiculous statement I've ever heard from a music critic. This man realized his talent at a very young age and pushed the envelope for several years, developing and turning out one superb song after another.

Just because he's decided to enjoy life after he had changed popular music eternally is no excuse to say that he "wasted his talent." On the contrary, this man pushed his talent as far as one could push without giving in to exhaustion. You think that light burns forever? I suppose that Bob Dylan has wasted his talent as well. I'm a musician. I make records. It is exhausting. To deliver what McCartney delivered in such a short period of time is worth a lifetime of work. It's certainly enough to let the man rest in peace.

-- Michael Rains

Yes, McCartney hasn't put out much good music lately, but I think he's earned the right to live life the way he wants to, to put out the music he wants to, and to suck if he wants to. He owes us nothing. And I will say that I've always found Dave Gilmour's playing to be uncommonly soulful and thoughtful -- he's not one for wasted notes or flash for its own sake. Granted, he hasn't always had the best material to work with,but I get sick of seeing him slammed -- how I wish more guitarists, and musicians in general, would adopt his less-is-more approach.

-- Jeff Calvin
San Francisco

Call me Laurie
BY STACEY KORS
(10/05/99)

I'm a Laurie Anderson fan from way way back. Clearly, finding the right approach to "Moby-Dick" has been on her mind for a bit. At one point -- I think it's in "Sharkey's Night," though I may be wrong -- Anderson actually lampoons the canonical gravitas of the book, saying, "'Moby-Dick'? Nevah read it ..."

-- Karl Mattson

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