#thefrogs

Ancient Greek Theatre

Greek theatre began in the 6th century BCE in Athens with the performance of tragedy plays at religious festivals. These, in turn, inspired the genre of Greek comedy plays. The two types of Greek drama would be hugely popular and performances spread around the Mediterranean and influenced Hellenistic and Roman theatre.

Thanks to @birlcholtz for putting Friendship Week together.

Chris Chow was seriously considering curling up in the fetal position on his kitchen floor. He probably would have if it hadn't been so wet. Cait had left the water running in the kitchen in her rush to get to her shift and now he was standing in a half inch of water, feeling sorry for himself.

He was already exhausted from work, from so many meetings that could have been emails. He was sick of working from home anyway. The only good thing about it was getting to see more of Cait and she was working as much as she could at the hospital. He couldn't tell his hero nurse wife not to help during this pandemic.

But the real kick in the nuts was that he wasn't even supposed to be here this weekend. This was Frog Reunion weekend. He was supposed to be in Boston, lounging on Dex's couch, watching movies and staying up too late with his two best friends.

But then Covid happened, and Nursery was stuck in Iowa working on his MFA and he was stuck in California working and Dex was stuck in Boston teaching virtually and now instead of getting drinks with them, he was mopping up the floor.

It thoroughly sucked.

He got as much of the water up as he could with towels and was starting in with the mop when a message popped up in the FrogChat.

Nursey: Can we zoom?

Dex: YES.

Chowder: Give me 5 minutes.

He could use the break and the water would wait.

He couldn't help his huge smile when he logged into the zoom.

"My dudes!" Nursey said. "I am hella missing you guys tonight."

"Hella? You're a poet and hella is the best you can do?" Dex said.

Nursey laughed. "Virtual writer's workshop is getting to me, man."

"Is it horrible?" Chris asked.

"Not as horrible as teaching it would be. Dex is the real hero here."

Dex shook his head. "Nah, I teach the IT kids. Most of them prefer virtual anyway. I don't have it that bad."

"I have it bad," Chris blurted out. "I mean... it's...I'm having a bad time. Today."

Nursey's forehead creased with concern. "Is Cait there?"

"No she's at the hospital." Chris closed his eyes. "She left the kitchen faucet running because she was late."

Dex cringed. "Oh, dude, that sucks."

Suddenly it all came pouring out of him. "It DOES suck. I'm so proud of how she's handling herself and all, but she's always gone and I miss her and work is the worst right now like they act like I have all the time in the world to just SIT IN MEETINGS because hey we're all remote now and don't actually do anything right? And the three of us were supposed to BE TOGETHER this weekend and we aren't and I HATE EVERYTHING." 

Chris put his head in his hands. "I'm sorry, guys."

"No, no, absolutely not," said Dex.

Nursey chimed in. "Do not apologize, Chowder. Do not, ok?"

"Hey, do you know what I had for dinner last Wednesday?" Dex said. "A bag of Doritos and half an apple pie. I remember it was Wednesday because that was the night my family called and they were all together and I was in stupid Boston."

Nursey nodded. "Someone in my poetry workshop gave me what I knew was really excellent constructive criticism. I still spiralled into self doubt and panic because this virus situation makes everything worse. It just does." 

Chris took a deep breath. "Yeah. It really does." 

They sat in silence together for a moment before Chris said, "Do you think we could have movie night tonight?"

"Shit, yeah, we can," said Dex.

"Ooo, can we watch Black Panther?" Nursey asked.

"I gotta finish the kitchen first. 30 minutes?"

"Done," said Dex and they logged off.

day 4 of @birlcholtz‘s friendship week

When Dex was little, his dad would wake him and his brother up in the middle of the night to go night skating on the neighborhood pond. The moon would be full and the moonlight would glint off the blades of his brother’s skates as they shushed across the ice.  They would skate until their cheeks burned from cold and their legs burned from effort. Before they went through the back door, their dad would turn to them. 

“Don’t tell your mother,” he’d whisper, and wink.

Flash forward to his freshman year at Samewell. Dex woke up in the middle of the night with the moon shining through his window. The memory of gliding over ice in the moonlight, the cold whipping his cheeks, the sound of his dad laughing behind him overwhelmed him. He wanted to go night skating and it took a minute for him to realize that he could. The Pond was frozen solid--the team had played shinny on it three days before. But he didn’t want to go by himself.

He woke Chowder up first. He was easy to convince, even at 1am. Turns out Nursey hadn’t been to bed yet, so he was easy to convince too. The three of them practically ran to the Pond. They fell silent when they reached the bank, taking in the smooth surface flooded with moonlight. Finally, Chowder let out a woop and ran out on the ice, laughing back at the other two.

Nursey tried to teach them to skate figure eights. When that failed miserably, they started racing with increasingly ridiculous rules--forward, then backward, then using only one foot to push. They used scarves and hats to set up a slalom course. They taught one another the silly games they made up when they were little.

There was something secret and magical about being there on the Pond under the moonlight. It made them giddy and giggly as they glided across the ice.  Dex could see the ten year old kids they’d been, before Chowder perfected his cold goalie gaze, before Nursey acquired his chill. Before he had hefted the chip on his shoulder.

The moonlight glinted off the blades of their skates. They skated until their cheeks burned from cold and their legs burned from effort. 

When they finally walked back to the dorms, it was closing in on 3am. Before they split to go to their rooms, Dex turned to them.

The Frogs perform "Where's Jerry Lewis" (2002-03-16 Der Rathskeller, Madison WI). This track is track 3 on The Frogs soon to be reissued 30th Anniversary Double Vinyl LP, "My Daughter The Broad" coming out on Foreign Leisure Records ) 9/11/2026. Pre-order yours now at thefrogs1.bandcamp.com

The Frogs

Out Of The Missed (Live At Emo’s)

We didn’t know. How could we. That this would b the final Frogs show. It began April 5th, 1980 in Milwaukee & the final show would be this show in Austin on August 26th, 2011. 31 years, 4 months & 21 days after the 1st show it would b over. What happened in between? Prior 2 this show & the 1 before, & the 1 before that, there was a knowledge that a song, a show, a presentation could move people as we had experienced performances moving us 2 tears, laughter & jubilation over the years. There was a precedent. U could always study how others had done & become what they became but the answer or the path was in who we were, r, expression at your fingertips with the spotlight lit & the freedom 2 make a sound with your soul exposed & your musical abilities on display. At some point in the journey there became no fear, as we had walked through both doors of success on the stage at that (stage) in life in our eyes & when things went awry, a lesson was henceforth also attained. The point being we had nothing 2 prove 2 the world but we had a point 2 prove 2 each other that we were climbing some notated musical mountain & each step was a finer tuning. Time allowed us 2 refine what we did but what became the focus is the sharing of everything we had ever felt & experienced in alignment with words, thoughts, feelings & wrapping it in a golden moment of vibration. We did it with love, brotherhood, an appreciation of u the audience & your time. As Dennis spoke with me on the phone on July 3, 2012, he pointed out that we have nothing 2 b ashamed of, we did everything right & that “They missed it”. Some saw it, witnessed  what we did, how magical we knew it was. 4 all  those of u who missed it, 2day I give u the opportunity 2 hear the final Frogs show in your ears, in the air, on this beautiful earthly plane. 2day 06/06/06/2025, “Out Of The Missed (Live At Emo’s)” is now out available on streaming flaxen waxen Spotify, Amorous Amazon Music, Instrumental ITunes, Delicate Deezer & all the other lovely sweet platforms that have graciously made it possible 2 hear our music the world over. I thank u & Dennis thanx u 2 all who have walked, ran, boated, driven, took a train, flown, carjacked, hitchhiked 2 c us live all these years, we truly love each & every 1 of u!

In sincerity

Love,

         Jimmy

p.s. Happy 70th Birthday Dennis ❤️

Song 1

Stupid Club (Acoustic)

Marx the song’s live debut. Title inspired by Kurt’s mother, Wendy Cobain speaking upon Kurt after his passing, “I told him not to join that stupid club”. A bona fide hit single. After the Spiritual LP, “Damaged Goods / Sinned In Reverse” eventual release, this would have been on the follow up album.

Written by Jimmy Flemion 07/11/2009

Copyright Tangerine Rabbit Music (ASCAP)

Song 2

Stupid Club (Electric)

As Dennis would do from time 2 time, we did the song a 2nd time in a row here 2 get a more inspired rendering electrically with electrick guitar. Dennis had wanted me 2 dedicate this yet I had forgotten 2 dedicate this 1 2 the tremendously talented Amy Winehouse who had exited at the age of 27 a month earlier. The lyrix r here 4 u 2 sing along :

What r u going 2 do?

What haven’t u yet done?

When you’re bored with new

& you’re out of fun

What do u do?

Join the stupid club

It’s best 2 do

Join the stupid club

27 gone 2 hell

In the end 

It’s just as well

It’s just as well

What r u going 2 do?

What haven’t u yet done?

When you’re bored with u

& you’re out of fun

What do u do?

Join the stupid club

It’s best 2 do

Join the stupid club

27 

27

Song 3

2 Blacks Don’t Make A White

Bluesy, rock ’n rolly, no holds barred version of the acoustic ballad from our 2000 LP, “Racially Yours”.

Written by Jimmy Flemion 07/01/1992

Copyright Tangerine Rabbit Music (ASCAP)

Song 4

Adam & Steve

Steve Albini gets his usual, mandatory, obligatory shout out during the explosive chorus.

Written by Dennis Flemion & Jimmy Flemion (04/04/1985)

Copyright Candy Anarchy Music & tangerine Rabbit Music (ASCAP)

Song 5

Where’s Jerry Lewis?

There were 4 live ways that this question marked treat was played live. This was the 1st new lively clap along version guaranteed 2 suckseed.

Improvised by Jimmy Flemion 08/16/1986

Copyright Tangerine Rabbit Music (ASCAP)

Song 6

Raped / Weird

Music & melody of “Weird On The Avenue” mash-up with “Raped” lyrics & freak out psychedelico  guitaro solo.

Written by Jimmy Flemion 04/18/1991 & 03/03/1992

Copyright Tangerine Rabbit Music (ASCAP)

Song 7

Lesbian Kind Of Morning

Lyrics r simple & gayforward :

It’s a special lesbian kind of morning

It’s a special lesbian kind of day

1st & only time live was a charm, as we most notably knock Dennis’ rocker out of the park on this sonic orgasmic revolutionary ride.

Written by Dennis Flemion 06/06/2011

Copyright Candy Anarchy Music (ASCAP)

Song 8

Fuck Off

Allegedly according 2 Spotify our most beloved streamed song. This 1 starts out innocent enough until the distortion pedal is stomped on & the harmonies coo at the moon.

Written by Jimmy Flemion 02/04/1986

Copyright Tangerine Rabbit Music (ASCAP)

Song 9

Do, Re, Mi

The hills r alive with this selection from “The Sound of Music” that Dennis grades as we go along, pointing out how brilliant this 1 was during practice.

Written by Richard Rogers / Shen Chi Shen Chi

Copyright Williamson Music Company, Williamson Music, Tai Bee Yin Le Jiao Yu Xue Hui

Song 10

Reelin’ & Rockin’ (Tease)

Usually the tease 2 end the show, “Looked at my watch & it was quarter to 1, Thanx friends, it’s been fun”.

Song 11

Everyone pretends

“Count Yer Blessings” ballad that explodes & softens & soothes the soul. Monster ballad erupts over & over, again & again. Everyone pretends nothings ever ends. U can take it 2 ways. Everyone pretends nothing ever ends, but it does or everyone pretends and by the way nothing ever ends. It’s a double entendre, leave it 2 the French, hey I’m 1/4 French, hey Flemion is French.

Written by Jimmy Flemion 03/06/1992

Copyright Tangerine Rabbit Music (ASCAP)

Song 12

Fuck Off (Electric)

Instead of waiting 2 kick in the effects pedal, why not rock non stop. Concluding the 1st set. 2 sets, only band this night, no opener.

Song 13

I’ve Got Drugs

Absolutely beautiful orchestral opening created by Dennis. 9 minute trip u never want 2 end.

Improvised by Dennis & Jimmy Flemion 08/16/1986

Copyright Candy Anarchy Music & Tangerine Rabbit Music (ASCAP)

Song 14

The Longing Goes Away

Toughest dramatic interpretation, thanx 2 Mr. Big Muff, who do u think u r?

Written by Jimmy Flemion 02/22/2023

Copyright Tangerine Rabbit Music (ASCAP)

Song 15

Whisper

After I sing, “You’re up in the tower, baby I will rescue thee”, Dennis ads, “U know I rode the towers down, It’s just something I did, I don’t, I don’t brag about it, It’s something I did, rode ‘em down, walked away’.

Written by Jimmy Flemion 12/30/1996

Copyright Tangerine Rabbit Music (ASCAP)

Song 16

I Only Play 4 Money

Back in the 1920’s there was a dance called “The Charleston” that kindly makes a welcomed return in the portrayal & style with a getaway car & loot 2 boot with a razzmatazz soft shoe top hat shimmering ritzy glitzy highest form of American rock ’n roll.

Written by Jimmy Flemion & Dennis Flemion 04/03/1988 & 02/19/1993

Copyright Tangerine rabbit Music & Candy Anarchy Music (ASCAP)

Song 17

N.Y.B.

Song 7 off of our LP "Racially Yours", is a song entitled "Now You Know You're Black". The original title was "Now You Know You're B_ _ _ k". It was written in my head at work at 3:00 P.M. When I got home from work that day, I went down to the basement, sat down in front of my music stand, found and played on my acoustic guitar the riff that corresponded with the melody. On July 15, 1994, a 45 single was released on Matador Records culled from a live performance at CBGB'S on December 14, 1991 (From the 05/01/2024 release “Medium” by The Frogs) This single featured myself, Dennis and Jay Tiller on bass guitar. Jay did the artwork for the single which featured a KKK member in a noose and the title "Now You Know You're Black" in Hebrew. A live performance, fan favorite staple, this song exudes an electricity that continues to drive audiences to heights previously unimagined. The lead singer has been known to climb atop and jump off amps, balconies, speaker cabinets and stages. There were also a couple of times when female fans could only take so much and started to hump the lead singer on stage in the throes of ecstasy during the extravaganza. Let's take a close look at the lyrics and see what all the excitement is all about :

Have you ever been hit in the face with a snowball?

You could use a facewash

Now you know you're black

What was that old story about Jesus ago so long?

They always talked about his father

Yet they got the color wrong

I had a white, a maid, a butler, a slave

Demands will be made

Reparations will be paid ( o.k., tomorrow morning, mother, word )

Have you ever been hit in the face with a snowball?

You could use a facewash

Now you know you're black

Have you ever been hit in the face with a snowball? Subconciously this may be 

a lyric about wintry times back in the 1970's in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I recall myself as a teenager lofting a snowball across the street, whilst playing with friends and inadvertently hitting a neighbor named Cliff in the eye. He wanted to know who was responsible and to rewrite history I said, "I did it, what's it to ya". For those of you that have lived in snowy climates, you are aware that another activity besides building snowmen, building forts, skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, snowboarding, shoveling and throwing snowballs is to give a facewash with snow. This is exibited by using a circular motion and rubbing the white ice crystals into the face of another, as a demonstration of affection and love. You could use a facewash. Remember that lyric, see above. "See only me Maria". Si, "West Side Story" is one of my all time favorite movies. Minstrels in the gallery and Al Jolson's alike, all must strip their faces of whitewash and greasepaint at the fall of the curtain, and it is at these precious times when we could all use a facewash. What was that old story about Jesus ago so long? I believe here the writer is speaking of that old biblical rendering of a gentleman named Jesus ( the spring, the holy ground, the endless seed of mystery, the thorn, the veil, the face of grace, the brazen image, the thief of sleep, the ambassador of dreams, the prince of peace, the sword, the wound, the stain, scorned transfigured child of Cain, the salt, the bitter laugh, the gas in a womb of light, the evening star, the ball of sight ). Watch here how an average writer would use the cliche, "What was that old story about Jesus so long ago?" and how this gifted poet shifts, spins, and twirls words to his liking , juggles them around and counters with, "What was that old story about Jesus ago so long"? "Farewell, Au Revoir, Auf Wiedersehen, I'd like to stay and taste my first champagne, Yes, Si". They always talked about his father, yet they got the color wrong. Indeed. I had a white, a maid, a butler, a slave. Demands will be made, reparations will be paid. The tables have been overturned, and now we witness a white maid, a white butler, and a white slave. Now you know you're black. After a post hypnotic suggestion at the count of three this idea is introduced. Now you know you're black. As Malcolm X said in December of 1962, "Now all of a sudden our people are not apologizing for being black but bragging about it".

The chord progression for "Now You Know You're Black", is : D minor / G Major / A Major / C Major / D minor.

The track "Now you Know You're Black", consists of myself on vocals and acoustic guitar and Dennis on keyboards and pre-recorded thunder.

Written by Jimmy Flemion 03/10/1991

Copyright Tangerine Rabbit Music (ASCAP)

Song 18

Starboy

Sabrina Dotts, John Busher & Dennis were talking in the car on the way 2 this Austin show. Sabrina said she came across on Urban Dictionary what a Jimmy Frog definition was & then mentioned part of her email address has the word Starcrunch  so she looked that up & was surprised by what she found. So come time 4 Starboy in the set, Dennis sang the lyric Starcrunch in the place of Starboy, additionally adding Starburst. 

Written by Jimmy Flemion 11/05/1992

Copyright Tangerine Rabbit Music (ASCAP)

Song 19

Lord Grunge

End of the night 1:44 a.m. Told we had 1 more song 2 play at this crucial closing time. We attempted 2 more songs, “Familiar” & “The Lowest Form Of Wonder” before ending with the next song which is the final song played lived by the band.

Written by Jimmy Flemion 04/19/1993

Copyright Tangerine Rabbit Music (ASCAP)

Song 20

Nipple Clamps 

It was titled “Nipple C” on “Hopscotch Lollipop Sunday Surprise” so It would fit nice & sweet on the sugary back cover artwork. 2 songs combined “Psychedelic Eyes” & “Nipple Clamps”. When we played All Tomorrow’s parties in May of 2011, we never knew when the final Frogs show would b, so in preparation Dennis wanted us 2 play “Cockles & Mussels” as our last song. But the idea 4 the final song was always 2 bookmark it with “Suzanne” as we had started our live show career in a befitting ending coming full circle.

Written by Jimmy Flemion 03/27/1993

Copyright Tangerine Rabbit Music (ASCAP)

Song 21

Stupid Club (Soundcheck)

Catchy, hooky

Song 22

Everyone Pretends (Soundcheck)

The final live performance

on August 26, 2011 at Emo's in Austin, TX

BASS PLAYER: Damian Strigens

Recorded & Mixed by Johnny Busher