This is short today because I am a day behind in my countdown (SORRY!  I meant to post a dinosaur last night, I got distracted by an important social engagement at Canter’s) and I want to get things back on track so that July 16^th arrives when it is supposed to.  Also I am sorry that what follows is really just a musicology joke.  Sometimes I can’t help myself.

Dinosaur of the Day: Parasaurolophus!

Parasaurolophus is the one with the duck bill.  And the funny thing sticking out of its head.  Scientists used to think the head crest was a snorkel, but then decided that was stupid, and now seem to think it was used to make noise.  And it sounded like a foghorn.  So, like, imagine having a bassoon growing out of your face.  That sounds awesome.

“It can be difficult, you know, living the life of an artist.  Relying only on the goodwill of the herd to support me.  But it’s really the only option that I have if I want to be able to focus on my music,” said Milton, a young Parasaurolophus intent on pursuing a musical career.  “Any Parasaur can hit a few notes on their cranial crest.  But that’s not art.  To be a true artist, you need to have soul.  You need to have heart.  I like to think that my music has both of those things.  That it speaks authentically, not just of the Parasaurian condition, but also on a universal level.  I know I don’t have a huge audience, but I really don’t care.  I would sooner remain true to my artistic vision than sell out to appeal to plebeian Brontosaurs and Allosaurs.  The point is not to cater to the public’s wishes.  We are making irreversible, necessary progress towards music that is thrilling and new.  But everyone knows that genius is rarely appreciated until after the fact and I look forward to my posthumous fame. Parasaur head crest orchestras will be playing my symphonies to sell-out crowds long after I am a fossil.  And their audiences will finally see my music for what it truly is:  a prehistoric universal language.”