The GUMBY Blues

michaeljayklein

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Description

This is indefensible--no rhyme or reason for it (my inspiration was the rubbery Gumby figure that's been sitting on my monitor staring at me with those eerie red eyes for the past 6 years), but it's one of my rare originals and so, without further fondue, I present for your erudition and listening disgustment, "The Gumby Blues". Thank you, Michael

Photo: Gumby meets Lost in Space Robot (in 3D!)

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Song Stats

Hits: 1618
Comments: 55
Fans: 27
Plays: 90
Downloads: 81

Uploaded: Apr 20, 2010 - 01:20:20 AM
Last Updated: Sep 16, 2011 - 12:01:15 AM Last Played: Apr 21, 2013 - 05:22:11 AM

Song License

Creative Commons License:
NoDerivs-NonCommercial

Song Actions

Keywords:

green (30), rubber (4), pointy head (1), wire (2), do not microwave (1), deformed feet (2), hard to stand up (1)

Hardware:

Ribbon microphone

Software:

Acid Studio 5.0, "Sounds of Bereavement" loop disc

Comments

chestnut	chestnut said 1128 days ago (April 20th, 2010)
	The Gumby Blues What a way to start the day! A brilliant orchestration of a classic tune carrying priceless lyrics! Quality recording too. Yum! All that and a good strong vocal too. Well done Michael. I'm smiling! Ken Check out my latest song called More Cream In My Coffee

michaeljayklein

michaeljayklein said 1128 days ago (April 20th, 2010)

Hey Ken
Thank you very much! I was just talking about you in chat earlier today and saying how you should be a regular cast member on a very popular variety/music radio show here in the states, "The Prairie Home Companion" (which is incidentally broadcast not far from me in St. Paul here). You would be a hit with your music on that show, but just know you are a big hit with those of us here at MJ. You take care now, Michael

Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

GregDz	GregDz said 1128 days ago (April 20th, 2010)
	I Wanna Gumby too! Great track Michael! Such inspiration from your limber little buddy. Personally, I have little Donald Duck's sitting on top of my monitors but I'm afraid that if I wrote about them Disney would not be happy. Keep 'em coming. Greg Check out my latest song called Mabel (w.i.p. test cut- instrumental)

michaeljayklein

michaeljayklein said 1128 days ago (April 20th, 2010)

Hi Greg
Thanks very much--now you can see why they won't let me leave Minneapolis! Yeah, don't mess around with Disney--that's flirting with imminent death right there (although my partner is an attorney and probably could stall them for a decade or too if you ever get in hot water). Thanks for your kind words and for taking a listen! Michael

Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

hackneybloke	hackneybloke said 1128 days ago (April 20th, 2010)
	gumby blues what is a gumby? cool pipes as ever michael. is this a boy gumby....someone's chewed off its dangly bits. Check out my latest song called Every People Know w/Rok41, KTB, Scofugate & Sisters

DWL	DWL said 1128 days ago (April 20th, 2010)
	Do not microwave Cracking stuff Michael even if I have no idea what a Gumby is :-) Is that another London Arrangement? Very good whatever it is! Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called Not For The Likes of You

michaeljayklein

michaeljayklein said 1128 days ago (April 20th, 2010)

To Julian and Dick
I am astonished that you Brits have been kept in the dark about "Gumby" (then again, we would give you a blank look if you mentioned "Andy Panda"!) Well, Gumby was (and still is) is popular TV star here in the states. The story has it that Gumby was made out of clay, and the Gumby Show was rather unique in that it featured stop motion animation of Gumby and the various weird characters appearing with him. I used to watch it every day when I came home from school for lunch and I must say that years later, I realize now what a really STRANGE series that was--really bizarre stuff, let me tell you. Dick, I created the track from a midi and some loops that I had on a disc with Acid Studio. Thanks you guys! Michael

Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 1128 days ago (April 20th, 2010)
	Thank you Dick I appreciate your listening and for your very kind remarks (and see addendum below for the full scoop on this Gumby bozo)! Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

ted23	ted23 said 1128 days ago (April 20th, 2010)
	Fun lyrics Excellent flow and feel. Listened to it before reading your description and was convinced this was gonna be a cover of an old classic I'd never heard (as I'm a foreigner to this kind of stuff) but no! It's an original, so congrats to you for fooling me with a real authentic fun catchy piece. Nice job Check out my latest song called Living Dead Love Song in Z minor (HALLOWEEN 2012)

ted23	ted23 said 1128 days ago (April 20th, 2010)
	P.S. We Brits had a similar character, he was called Morph... Man I miss him. Check out my latest song called Living Dead Love Song in Z minor (HALLOWEEN 2012)

michaeljayklein

michaeljayklein said 1128 days ago (April 20th, 2010)

Hi Ted!
Hey, always happy to pull a fast one around this joint, and thanks for your kind endorsement of this one! Well Ted, it just so happens that I sent Dick here a clip from our American television's "Gumby Show" and he sent me one back of your country's "Morph" character. All I can say is, upon reviewing the situation, I think Morph and Gumby were two very weird, suspicious creatures! I'm sure both our FBI and your Scotland Yard had files on them and all I know is, if I saw either one of them gamboling across my desk, I'd let out a scream! You take care now! Michael

Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

Narad	Narad said 1128 days ago (April 20th, 2010)
	The Gumby Blues Splendid swing, muchly enjoyed !! :) Check out my latest song called Train of industrial delight II

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 1128 days ago (April 20th, 2010)
	Thank you Harald! Glad you swung and hope you are doing well my old friend! Take care now, Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

sewer rod	sewer rod said 1128 days ago (April 20th, 2010)
	I love it I love my gumby blues! Great composition, and as usual great vocal performance! I really enjoyed this one, thanks for sharin'! Check out my latest song called My Baby Loves the C.T.P.K.- (Live)

michaeljayklein

michaeljayklein said 1128 days ago (April 20th, 2010)

Hey there Jay!
Have not seen you around lately--hope you are doing well! Thanks very much for listening--I have a sense if I DID write a lot of original music, it would be pretty much innocuous, irrelevant stuff like this (songs about political or social concerns, etc., rather bore me--I read the papers and watch the news--the last thing I want to listen to when I'm trying to relax and enjoy music is hearing it all over again in song--whew--no thanks! It's like going to the movies to see the 10:00 PM news on the big screen). You take care and hope to hear one of your works soon! Michael

Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

ShadowofNine	ShadowofNine said 1128 days ago (April 20th, 2010)
	Hehe Gumby's everywhere, and now a song idolizing the little green monitor thingy...Always a great vocal Moe, and now a national treasure Gumby... Check out my latest song called A Sad Goodbye (Julia's Song)

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 1128 days ago (April 20th, 2010)
	Dave Baby! Your comments are always worth at least ONE Solid Gold Gumby--thanks again my friend! You take care now! Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

drakonis	drakonis said 1128 days ago (April 20th, 2010)
	very fun Even I had a Gumby as a kid... not sure why. This is way silly fun! The music was a little "thin" in the mix, but as always, your smirky singing makes up for it all. You can really contort yourself into just about any song... quite a Gumby yourself there! ttfn, Drakonis Check out my latest song called Belle Aire (for Mandolin Orchestra)

michaeljayklein

michaeljayklein said 1128 days ago (April 20th, 2010)

You had a gumby?
Eduard! I am appalled! But all seriousness aside, I know what you mean about the accompaniment being a bit thin--my ears must have been playing tricks when I was futzing around with this thing, but I hear it differently now. Of course, I cannot fix that as after I'm done rendering the track, I delete the entire work file--I am a dough head, that's all there is to it! Thanks very much for listening and your feedback--it is well appreciated! (let's hope I can contort myself well enough into our project--I think I will be okay though, have near fear: I can sound romantic as hell when at gunpoint!) Michael

Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

michaelkoppenheffer	michaelkoppenheffer said 1128 days ago (April 20th, 2010)
	gumby What a moving tribute to an unnaturally movable character... Great fills in the piano RH too, and as always your vocal phrasing leaps out of the speakers. Check out my latest song called Till the Tap Runs Dry (album version)

michaeljayklein

michaeljayklein said 1128 days ago (April 20th, 2010)

Thank you Michael
By the way, I've meant to ask you: is your middle initial "J" by any chance? It seems every other Michael I've ever known as the same middle initial as me--don't know why that is either! Anyway, glad you enjoyed this romp--I definitely should have used "dancing shoes" instead of "shoes"--but considering I made this up in my head in short order, I guess it was not too bad. Very grateful for your listening and your kind endorsement Michael--you take care now! Michael

Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

Jarvoid

Jarvoid said 1128 days ago (April 20th, 2010)

Ah now you
mention stop go motion animation I am reminded of Morph,the catalyst behind Aardman Animation, creators of Wallace and Grommit.

But somebody has already shown you Morph I read.....anyway swinging synopated stop go keyboard playing and cracking vocals.I love the authentic horns as well,nice one Michael.

Jarvo

Check out my latest song called Cripple Creek Revised........By Jarvoid and the Banjo Bedraggled Manic Mandolin Accordion Squeezers

michaeljayklein

michaeljayklein said 1128 days ago (April 20th, 2010)

Chris!
I was just running down all the nice comments folks left me and replying, and no sooner did I respond to Michael then you popped it! How you do dat?! Yeah, our friend Dick filled me in on "Morph" and I actually spend an enjoyable half hour or so taking in his misadventures on youtube. I know you will forgive me for saying that I still prefer Gumby however, as I grew up watching his antics. Thanks very much for listening to this Chris and for your assuring feedback! This is one of my few attempts with loops and midi files (all from a disc I bought of course) and it was a lot of fun--hope to do more! You take care now, Michael

Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

alackbass	alackbass said 1128 days ago (April 20th, 2010)
	Outrageous This is killer jump blues. Forget that the subject is a hoot. The arrangement is killer, and Dude................your piano playing is sooooooooo cool. Check out my latest song called Just Ain't Worth a Song (2 Track)

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 1127 days ago (April 20th, 2010)
	Thanks Andrew! Alas, I am not on piano--that part was a loop (if I remember correctly, but I do piano on "Melancholy Baby" however--under my profile page). Glad you enjoyed this romp--and thanks for your kind words! Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

magnatone	magnatone said 1127 days ago (April 20th, 2010)
	GUMBY wow - what a great original it is!! i love this - total hoot! Check out my latest song called Blind Love (Seeing Heart) - Orchestral Version

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 1126 days ago (April 21st, 2010)
	Thank you Karen I know some avoid me like the plague because I do covers and it's nice to know they still avoid my like the plague when I do an original (nyuck, nyuck, nyuck--oh well, it was a good test!) Thanks very much for listening! Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

kassia	kassia said 1127 days ago (April 20th, 2010)
	wow you're amazing. Check out my latest song called Greensleeves

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 1126 days ago (April 21st, 2010)
	By gosh! Thanks very much Kassia! Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

ConnieO	ConnieO said 1127 days ago (April 20th, 2010)
	Gumbylicious Funtastic piece :o) Check out my latest song called Joey

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 1126 days ago (April 21st, 2010)
	Gracias Connie! Hey, when it comes to gumby songs, I have the market cornered! Thank you for listening! Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

fasteddie	fasteddie said 1127 days ago (April 21st, 2010)
	Gumbyriffic! No gumby is complete without a pokey. I had a gumby as a kid. Mine turned into some rubber and mostly wires. Sadly my gumby was tortured by an angry young lad who eventually became a grouchy old man. Good stuff. Much enjoyed. Check out my latest song called A Friend to the End

michaeljayklein

michaeljayklein said 1126 days ago (April 21st, 2010)

Hi Eddie
I concur, it is indeed a depressing to find a Gumby lacking a Pokey (and I am negligent in providing my Gumby with one--I will rectify that shortly!) I truly think those Gumby toys were great stress relievers for us kids---you could bend the hell out of them and pretend it was the kid behind you in class. Thanks as always for checking this out and for your encouragement Eddie--take good care now! Michael

Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

Symphony101	Symphony101 said 1127 days ago (April 21st, 2010)
	straightforward Michael, the song is very cool, lyrics too, I like the fact that you just had the idea to make a song for a rubber figure, say what you have to say about it to carry to the listener. It's done in a very straightforward way and musically it's absolutely great too. So all is there, it's a great song, I enjoyed very much. Check out my latest song called Lonely Generation

michaeljayklein

michaeljayklein said 1126 days ago (April 21st, 2010)

Hi Yves
I often doodle around the piano creating melodies, but for some reason have never been that compelled to follow through and write a song from start to finish (although I do have a few I wrote back in my piano bar days, but can't post here--too politically incorrect now--well, even then they were pretty dubious!) Thanks for taking time to listen to this and the kind words from you are very much appreciated! Take good care now and thanks again! Michael

Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

dave_b	dave_b said 1126 days ago (April 21st, 2010)
	The GUMBY Blues This one made me smile Michael... Very funny, and extremely well done. Even the keywords and the software list are funny. "Sounds of Bereavement loop disc" haha. Check out my latest song called Llarions Blues

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 1126 days ago (April 21st, 2010)
	Thanks Dave You take good care now! Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

Godchaser

Godchaser said 1126 days ago (April 21st, 2010)

Total and complete Disgustment!
Your approach and delivery,your vocal and lyrical work and solid song crafting are all top shelf Michael.Very refreshing.A fun fest for the ear holes!
I remember watching "The Gumby and Pokey Show" and those mean Blockhead characters always trying to muck things up.Wasn't it Gumby that never walked,but glided across the ground on his flat feet making a strange zipping sound? Much enjoyed your post!

Check out my latest song called sOur GrapEs

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 1126 days ago (April 22nd, 2010)
	Hi Daniel Thanks very much! Yes, I remember those Blockheads and they were TRULY mean--actually past mean, on sinister and verging on just plain EVIL! Glad you enjoyed this frou-frou! Take good care now, Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

CC_Connection	CC_Connection said 1126 days ago (April 22nd, 2010)
	10 Stars!!! Oh how much I Love Gumbies too. I grow up with having so many of them. All different ones too. This is so great to listen to. I really love it. Thank you for so many Gumby memories. XOXO, CC

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 1126 days ago (April 22nd, 2010)
	Thanks Tina Yeah, I'm sure you had a lot of Gumbies! My favorites were the teeny, weeny, itty-bitty, teensy-weensy ones you got out of gumball machines--the only problem was sometimes I'd start chewing on them thinking they WERE gum (I was young at the time--maybe 14 or 15, yanno?) Take care now! Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

jdholliday	jdholliday said 1126 days ago (April 22nd, 2010)
	Awesome way to start my day love it! Great writing great singing great music!!! Check out my latest song called Please Help, Pride of NYC needs tracks!

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 1126 days ago (April 22nd, 2010)
	Thanks JD Take good care now! Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

PaddyNavinCaryatid	PaddyNavinCaryatid said 1126 days ago (April 22nd, 2010)
	Gumby As someone to whom a Gumby is something entirely different (see Monty Python's Flying Circus) this takes on a yet further humorous quality. Irrespective of the humorous intention this flies man, great work all round and beautifully, classically musical. Check out my latest song called Get Out of Town (V.2)

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 1126 days ago (April 22nd, 2010)
	Hi Paddy I'll have to check out the Monty Python gumby--this intrigues me! Thanks so much for your very generous words and thanks for stopping in to listen! Take good care now, Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

Dadai.2	Dadai.2 said 1126 days ago (April 22nd, 2010)
	You're a nut... and something of a musical genius. Now everyone, it's not "Gum"... I'm Gumby, dammit!" D Check out my latest song called Come With Me

Moviz	Moviz said 1125 days ago (April 22nd, 2010)
	Bright and breezy Michael.... this sounds so fresh and 'get up and go' excellent vocals and a top backing .......love those keys.... anyone fancy a 'Jitterbug'? LOL, regards M Check out my latest song called Shine Your Light

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 1124 days ago (April 23rd, 2010)
	Thanks Maurice! Speaking of jitterbugging--I never could dance; always wish I learned how! Thanks for stopping by and your nice words--and have a great weekend! Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

PaulaMunk	PaulaMunk said 1124 days ago (April 24th, 2010)
	I thought his head got like that because he didn't wear a seat belt as his Mumby drove around town. There ought to be a law against having that much fun. :) Check out my latest song called Alone at Christmas

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 1123 days ago (April 24th, 2010)
	Could be... Although I've always heard the story he got his head that way from sleeping in a corner in the back of the bus! One never know, do one? Thanks again Paula! Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

ktb	ktb said 1122 days ago (April 26th, 2010)
	Gumby rules and who was that pony he hung around with? Just first rate singing and arrangement Michael. How did you do those KA backing tracks? Check out my latest song called Blackwater (by Tokai)

scofugate	scofugate said 1122 days ago (April 26th, 2010)
	Swing it man!!! I got the gumby blues too. Nice tune, very happy upbeat. Faved!! Check out my latest song called Prelude and Jam W/Ibstrat

Hickling_Stan	Hickling_Stan said 1121 days ago (April 27th, 2010)
	mr Gumby Wasn't that a character from Monty Python? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M68GeL8PafE Great swinging tune. Cheers mark Check out my latest song called Elective Introspective

Monkaton	Monkaton said 1069 days ago (June 17th, 2010)
	I'm Gumby, dammit! This does for the musical Gumby what Eddie Murphy did for the real Gumby. As always, great arrangement and production. Way to go Michael. Check out my latest song called Dirty Looks

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 1062 days ago (June 25th, 2010)
	Thanks Monk! I rarely do originals and this was a blast for me--glad you could stop by! Take care now, Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

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Name: michaeljayklein
Location: Birmingham Alabama USA

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