This week As the Barrel Turns introduces a new concept — The Special Guest Turner. Since Ike’s dead and Tina’s out of our price range, what better choice for the inaugural guest than that well known fixture of Guelph’s local music scene — Sack of Yams.
Phil Langlotz, the group’s guitarist and harmonica player, agreed to partake of witty talk show banter and flog his upcoming gig. “I don’t normally do a lot of media appearances, but when the band’s publicist told me Christie’s Corner was interviewing, I agreed,” Langlotz said. “Publicity tours can be exhausting, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to try the Green Room Cheesecake.”
However, like troubadours of old, Langlotz was required to sing for his cheesecake. He chose the Traveling Wilburys‘ “Handle with Care” for obvious reasons. “Not only does it suit the occasion, it’s one of the songs we’ll be performing on February 22nd,” Langlotz said in a blatant plug for his upcoming show.
Langlotz pulled out all the stops and even accompanied himself on the harmonica. “I feel like Dennis Miller cooking chili on Rachel Ray,” he says of this cross-promotional endeavour.
At first Dr Andrew Thomson was concerned about allowing an amateur to handle his precious barrel, but relaxed after Langlotz’s Beatles anecdote. Apparently in an early interview with the Fab Four’s manager, Brian Epstein told reporters their favourite drink was scotch and Coke. Derisive laughter and male bonding ensued.
Here we see Dr. Thomson instructing his guest on the finer points of barrel rotation.
Langlotz embraces the task, rolls up his sleeves –
stretches –
and applies an arcane double-handed technique. Apparently Langlotz knows more than he lets on.
A final look to ensure the rotation is on the mark and –
Yet another plug for the Sack of Yams and their fund raising concert, For George 2008, which raises money for homeless shelters in Hamilton.
Langlotz closes with this well-rehearsed wish that is clever if you read the above poster. “I hope your scotch will have the classic rock credibility of The Jamiesons, with the ethereal harmonic overtones of the Dell’Untos and the passionate soul of Christopher Clause.”
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ll be back whenever (a) I have something to promote and (b) there’s cheesecake. Actually, (a) is optional.
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So Langlotz fancies himself Sack of Yams’ spokesman/singer/barrel-turner? That’s all fine as long as he got some of that green room cheesecake for the rest of the band.
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The Sack of Yams marketing machine tends to present Phil as the “thinking man’s Yam,” and this carefully orchestrated appearance is a perfect illustration.
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From people who KNOW – we know Phil loves cheesecake (especially Barb’s chocolate one), we know Phil loves music, we know Phil is very enthusiastic and supportive of the Yams, we know the Yams are a very good musical group, we know that the Hamilton fund raiser is very worthwhile, we know Phil likes scotch, we know Phil has a great (if sometimes twisted) sense of humour, we know we are very proud of him.
Love, mum and dad
(aka Lynn and Doug Langlotz)
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I had no idea Phil loved cheesecake. That I’d made some the day before was sheer coincidence. Now that I know how to bribe him…
But seriously, Phil was a blast to work with and I can only hope that future guests will be as willing to roll up their sleeves and muck in. I wish I had podcast capabilities because he really did sing to the cask and it was nothing short of infectious.
You have every right to be proud of your son. Thanks for posting a comment.
Phil, are you blushing?
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