A Smoking Hot Sub-Continental Treat

The Philadelphia Museum of Art has redone their Southeast Asian galleries, and I checked it out recently.  It’s well done, much better than before, and shows off PMA’s significant collection of art from the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asian countries.  I took some pictures (see below), but decided to try and link them back to the general rock 'n roll theme of this blog.  So I have also put a song or something else unique and thematic with each picture. 

Are they disrespectful?  I hope not - the works of art are exquisite, and I hope you enjoy them.  But I'm also trying to get some rock themes going here as this blog is supposed to be about rock 'n roll.  So remember that umbrage is in the mind of the outraged, and if something bothers you, please simmer down and go with it.  It’s all done in the spirit of fun.  I hope you enjoy it.

And with that, here we go.  First , here is a bodhisattva from the exhibit.  It's really beautiful: 

A bodhisattva is an enlightened being who stays back in first grade to help the teacher with next year’s class.  And you know that Steely Dan was totally into these spiritual figures with this song:

What’s that 3 headed god called?  I can’t remember, but here is one museum quality version.  It's amazing and the detail is fantastic. 

And here’s Jimi Hendrix’s version on the cover of Axis:  Bold as Love.  Now, maybe Jimi was disrespectful, but maybe not.  Regardless, he was inspired! 

How about this crystal ball?  It’s an amazing piece of work, and is basically flawless.  Unlike the Styx song, “Crystal Ball,” which is, well, a crappy song by Styx.   But did you know that there’s a European hard rock band called Crystal Ball, and that they toured with Shakira (herself a goddess)?  Well, it’s true.  They're awful, too, but they are most definitely not Styx.  Here you go - first the crystal ball, and then the band Crystal Ball - if you can last more than one minute of this video, you're a better person than me.

 
Check out this interesting Buddhist bell.  I was very tempted to figure out a way to ring it, but refrained.  If you are ever at PMA, do me a favor:  get out your phone, turn on the video camera, and go try and ring the damn thing.  Send me the video, and I'll post it.  For now, however, you'll simply have to take a look at this picture: 

It's interesting that Buddhism started in India and spread throughout Asia, but that it’s not really a big religion today in India.  But a few Westerners are attracted to Buddhism probably so that they can put a Buddha statue in their garden and look all hip and with it.  What is so attractive about Buddhism to them?  I don't know, but I really think it must be because of the bells.  And now, can we please here Ring My Bell?  Why yes, you can, Anita Ward style:

PMA has some truly cool pieces of decorative arts and books.  I think these are better appreciated in person - the amount of detail is incredible, and they are really impressive in their craftsmanship, creativity and beauty.  Take a look at a few examples:  

There are no rock songs about decorative arts that I am aware of (go ahead and write one and you’re in!), but there are plenty of artsy videos, including this one by the Talking Heads.  Love that Wild Wild Life!

That's all I've got for you, kiddos.  I hope you enjoyed and found something interesting and fun in this post.  And I hope that you are getting all jazzed up for Christmas.  One of my favorite things about the season is seeing all the lights as I drive around - they're so festive and fun!  

I'll be back soon with a review of another live rock 'n roll show.  It's going to be a barnburner, but I'm going to keep the band secret just for a little longer.  I can see that you are on the edges of your seat now!

Chill, my friends, and enjoy the peace and harmony of the season.  Stay warm.  And don't go looking for trouble - just let it come to you, ok?