Crank it to Eleven and Twist Off the Knob

Tea: Blood Orange with Ginger

Music: GVSU New Music Ensemble, 4'33"

Time: Night.

Sorry, I know I've been away for a few days. Contrary to what you may think, I haven't been hiding under a rock during the election homestretch. My guy didn't win, and I still think we've committed the political equivalent of putting a 14-year-old with a learner's permit behind the wheel of a Formula One car, but the sun still came up this morning and I'm willing to give the new guy a chance. I'll pass on the Kool-Aid, though.

I've been away because, quite frankly, clickety-clackety sounds are just a bit much for me right now. Something nasty has settled into my left ear and jaw, and it won't go away. As a result, most sounds are -- well, painful.

I have discovered a new appreciation for one particular piece of music, however.

I kind of like this version of John Cage's classic. Yes, I know it was written for piano, as performed here by Armand Fuchs, but the ensemble treatment works really well for me, too. That's the beauty of the composition: It lends itself to covers in all sorts of genres and is especially appropriate for boy bands, polka ensembles, death metal quartets and yodelers.

Its simplicity also makes it the perfect piece for beginners. I know I relished hearing my next-door neighbor's rap group rehearse it, back when I lived in a townhouse with tissue-paper walls, and I have suggested it to several garage bands in the neighborhood. A friend of mine who flies frequently would appreciate it, I'm sure, if more parents taught their children to hum the piece over and over -- for the duration of the trips, if possible.

At present, 4'33" is my favorite piece of music. I listen to it whenever possible. In fact, I've just discovered a ukulele version that completely blows me away. The toy piano interpretation is daring but suffers from rough transitions between movements. This guy's guitar version isn't bad to listen to, but it's clear he's not all that engaged in the piece. Fortunately, there's a Guitar Hero track that should make a great practice tool.)

If you're feeling edgy, here's a remix (although it's been shortened by more than a minute, probably to make it more radio-friendly). It's got a great beat, and you can dance to it in any step you choose. (No pogo for me, though. All that bouncing ... ow.)

Okay, I'm out. I'm going to try something. My son gave me a miniature didgeridoo when he came back from Australia this past summer, and I'm betting 4'33" will sound killer on that. Who knows? Maybe I'll do the second movement on sleigh bells and the third on a zither.

Just let the neighbors try to tell me to turn it down. I'm feeling like a rebel tonight. I may do an encore on rainstick and mountain dulcimer, just to show them. Heck ... I may play it all night. Not like I can sleep, right?