Since my last post mentioned the late Charles Nelson Reilly, I was reminded of two videos that I just had to share.
The first is from a band not named after CNR's middle name but, just for today, let's pretend that they were. I'm sure everyone remembers Nelson and their huge hit, "Love and Affection," but how many of you remember this follow-up single, "After the Rain?" The video is a true chunk of '80s awesomeness...with an important lesson. If you're having family problems, all you need are headphones. They will transport you from your dull, black and white life to a magical underground Indian world where everyone eats peyote (offscreen) and jams out to colorful, pretty-boy rock.
Now, I'm sure many of you thought that the preceding video was the "comedy" portion of this post, but you're in for a treat! That was actually the forgotten classic music video, so the laughs (or more laughs) are still on tap.
Every time I think of Charles Nelson Reilly now, I can't help but think of this great segment from SNL. It was one of the many Inside the Actor's Studio parodies, starring one of my many future husbands, Will Ferrell, as James Lipton. This may have actually been the first Lipton skit, and it's certainly the funniest. Great guest host Alec Baldwin plays Reilly with not only humor, but a kind of sweetness that makes me think that the real CNR was probably pulling on his glasses and laughing uproariously upon seeing this sketch. This segment was also the origin of quite possibly the best made-up word ever: scrumptrulescent. There are so many hilarious lines in this that I can't even pick a favorite - although the bit about CNR making Gandhi look like a child pornographer is pretty close to tops!
The first is from a band not named after CNR's middle name but, just for today, let's pretend that they were. I'm sure everyone remembers Nelson and their huge hit, "Love and Affection," but how many of you remember this follow-up single, "After the Rain?" The video is a true chunk of '80s awesomeness...with an important lesson. If you're having family problems, all you need are headphones. They will transport you from your dull, black and white life to a magical underground Indian world where everyone eats peyote (offscreen) and jams out to colorful, pretty-boy rock.
Now, I'm sure many of you thought that the preceding video was the "comedy" portion of this post, but you're in for a treat! That was actually the forgotten classic music video, so the laughs (or more laughs) are still on tap.
Every time I think of Charles Nelson Reilly now, I can't help but think of this great segment from SNL. It was one of the many Inside the Actor's Studio parodies, starring one of my many future husbands, Will Ferrell, as James Lipton. This may have actually been the first Lipton skit, and it's certainly the funniest. Great guest host Alec Baldwin plays Reilly with not only humor, but a kind of sweetness that makes me think that the real CNR was probably pulling on his glasses and laughing uproariously upon seeing this sketch. This segment was also the origin of quite possibly the best made-up word ever: scrumptrulescent. There are so many hilarious lines in this that I can't even pick a favorite - although the bit about CNR making Gandhi look like a child pornographer is pretty close to tops!
Comments
Yes, you have to chime in on the "Dance" gig. H-A-V-E to. It won't be as fun.
Lohan?
You're kidding, right?
I had to watch House tonight for gawdz sakes.
"Up on the hilltop where the vultures perch,
That's where I'm gonna build my church,
Ain't gonna be no priest, ain't gonna be no boss;
Just Charles Nelson Reilly nailed to a cross."
Will Farrell? How many future husbands have you lined up, anyway?
After the Rain got to #6. For a more forgotten song, try the 4th single from the album, the awesomely bad power ballad Only Time Will Tell. I can't even find a video for that anywhere...
I've been looking for that SNL clip, thanks for posting it!
My sister used to listen to Nelson. About the best I can say is that they weren't the worst of the big hair pretty boy things we were subjected to in the 80's.