Finger smackin’. Lip smackin’. Body smackin’. Hmmm. More like finger snappin’, toe tappin’. That’s the kind of mood that generally gets associated with the holidays. It’s crisp in the air. Moods are elevated. Cheery displays of kindness. All during a time where some smart mammals hibernate and take some time off. I wonder what humans would be like if they hibernated. That could be an interesting concept.
Let’s roll with this for a moment. Do polar bears hibernate? If not, why? Are there bears near the equator? Do they ever hibernate? Or is it strictly a mountain range bear type thing? That’s something to ponder.
It’s a tad odd running with the Christmas theme where the weather isn’t prone to snow. I suppose a stereotype of Santa is that he needs snow for his sleigh. That kinda defeats his ability to travel (if you minus the fact it flys) to a little less than half the world in December, technically speaking. As we’re experiencing a good dose of snow in the northern hemisphere, it’s the exact opposite everywhere south. Thus it’s a bizarre thing that he visits everyone in a sleigh. Exactly how did that start? Anyone have research on that lore?
Along with the heightened moods comes heightened tension amongst the throngs of people looking to pick up gifts for their loved ones, significant others, and random acts of kindness. To help reduce the stress of running around looking for said gifts, I’m sending some mid-tempo funky goodness your way. Smackin’. I expect it’s what you’re lips would be doing while chewing on a caramel apple or on a dose of eggnog (provided you like that).
I came across Matthew’s opus last week and I realized that I wasn’t turning it off as I listened. That’s a good sign. I instantly got into the groove of the tune. The rhythm section is setting up a tight groove. There’s also a nice repeating couplet figure with some nice offbeats in the chord hits. Very latin-esque with it’s figure in that sense. One thing I like about it is that even with it’s jazzy nature it remains funky and has clearly defined musical sections. Matthew has a pop sensibility in his approach. Which is a good thing in a lengthy tune.
It’s nice to have a little break in holidays filled with standard holiday songs. This is certainly a good song to have around to keep the twinkle in your toes as you mill about your day. Go get it!
p.s. – the body smackin’ thing came from a line from a buddy of mine’s song. Interestingly enough it’s also called Funk Sandwich. Funk must equal smackin’.