Funky Bald Lady Brings It On the L Train In Front of Bouncy Rides
The five minutes I spent seeing the band below play on the L train platform at Union Square were way better than the hour and a half I spent in the theater watching “Bruno” immediately afterwards.
But this isn’t a film review here – this is exactly why I live in New York. I just spent a little time in Missoula, and while there were plenty of dirty dreadlocks and bongos out in the street out there, there wasn’t NOTHIN’ like this. This was like The Flaming Lips meets Soul Jazz with just a touch of the bear-and-a-BJ clip from the Shining.
I accidentally covered the mike on my phone with my thumb there for about 30 seconds or so. The sound’ll come back, don’t worry:
At first when I heard the drums and saw the dreadlocks I was like “oh, great. Hippies.” But man, it was so much more. The bald-headed woman dancing in the sneakers was so beautiful and confident, just magnetic — and that horn line’s been running through my head all weekend.
Then I saw the guy in the furry fish costume over there, jigging his legs and holding the sign offering “Free Bouncy Rides.” He just happened to be there, unrelated to the band. Apparently it’s a whole thing that’s been going on this summer. And I got so creeped out and happy, all at once.
That’s pretty much what I live for, something uplifting and weird. Couple that with a burger, some bourbon and a kiss from my girlfriend and I’m all set.
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July 20th, 2009 at 11:21 am
the free bouncy rides is the creepiest goddamn thing i’ve ever seen in my life.
July 20th, 2009 at 11:46 am
OK..the Dolphin Dude is scary as bird flu…Nice music..you ain’t Lying!
July 20th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
i so love your life of extreme randomness.
July 20th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
awesome.
July 20th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
whoa. giddy! creepy!!
i can’t decide.
I’m gonna stick with “whoa”
great video capture though!
July 21st, 2009 at 8:11 am
I love how the furry guy looks like he’s trying to resist but cannot resist the funk.
July 21st, 2009 at 2:23 pm
This is amazing. I just visited your site for the first time after listening to you on This American Life. The first entry I see definitely fits the title, “And I Am Not Lying.”
This reminds me of the time I was canoeing, and suddenly became surrounded by a pack of kayaking Amish people– and I am not lying.
July 21st, 2009 at 6:38 pm
great video footage. it’s a poignant reminder of some of the unexpected pleasures/oddities of living in New York City
July 21st, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Hahaha. I was just in New York this past weekend. The video sums it up perfectly.
You just don’t get that in Chicago…or DC…or anywhere really.
July 22nd, 2009 at 1:13 am
Thank you very much!
July 23rd, 2009 at 5:57 pm
I also visited your site after listening to This American Life.
Great!
Did anyone ever consider the free bouncy ride dolphin is a woman? And would that make it less creepy?
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:59 pm
GREAT@!!!!!
July 24th, 2009 at 10:53 am
this makes me extra-love humanity…and NYC. what a score.
xo
Danielle
July 28th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
I appreciate randomness in my life as well. Thanks for sharing!
July 31st, 2009 at 3:40 pm
a few thoughts: exotic, alien, hot, is that dress going to slip right down off of her?
a great clip. i’m visiting next week and looking forward to these types of encounters only found in the largest of cities.
August 9th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
fantastic americana
i love random music too
http://slimspickin.blogspot.com/
August 13th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
I agree with Oscar, it is a woman. You can tell by the small feet and the ruffles above the shoes. The Free Bouncy Ride is creepy but the little dolphin bouncing to the rythmn is very endearing.
August 16th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
the drummer on the very left gets around a lot!
September 22nd, 2009 at 8:42 pm
have been in exile from NYC for half my life. I know why I ended up here but don’t know how to leave. This video is one reason why NYC is like no where else on earth and also I am bald.
January 11th, 2010 at 7:14 pm
Does anyone know the name of the band playing or what days they are at Union Square?