My Color Music

So I heard there’s a new Muppet movie coming out. Apparently, Jason Segel—best known for his work in “Knocked Up”—is a huge Muppet fanatic. Which is why he signed on to star with Kermit and friends on the big screen.

And it has got me thinking … which Muppet would you want to be? I know, I know, it’s an obvious question. But an important one—because your answer says a lot about you. For all you Elmos and Beekers out there, I’d personally choose Animal … the drummer in the Muppet’s band, “Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem.”

Sure, Dr. Teeth is cool because he plays the piano. But Animal definitely knows how to rock on those drums. Plus, he’s got some pretty sweet hair. It’s true.

You know, nothing says “summer” like the song “Great Balls of Fire” by Jerry Lee Lewis. It’s a great melody, but the video might be even better. I can’t explain the sudden mood lighting … or the reason Lewis keeps looking at the ceiling. But, hey, that doesn’t matter:

As musicians, we’re always trying to come up with new stuff. Every day, we look for ways to use a cool little melody here … or some great chord progression there. Music is definitely an art—and it takes equal parts practice and inspiration.

But like everyone else, we probably fall into a rut every once in a while. Occasionally, it’s easy to overuse a certain kind of rhythm … or stick with a favorite effects pedal for a little too long. Sooner or later, though, we have to shake the temptation to be unoriginal, and then push ourselves to the next level.

Which has got me thinking about (in my humble opinion) one of the most unoriginal artists of all time. A lot of people love Frida Kahlo, but I’m not a big fan. You’ve seen her painting … the one with that uni-brow woman looking all serious.

I say “her painting” because, to my eyes, she simply did the same thing over and over again. She was a one-trick pony—riding that poor horse to exhaustion. In nearly every piece she created, Frida Kahlo painted herself as the subject. In one shot, she might be sitting … while in another, she may be walking or standing. But it’s always the same, old theme. It seems Ms. Kahlo was totally in love with herself (… um, and monkeys).

But my question is “How can you create true greatness when you’re staring at yourself in the mirror all day?” My opinion might offend some people right now. But hey, it’s just an opinion. Either way, how can we avoid the “Frida Syndrome.” To really get the inspirational juices flowing, does anyone have any special tips?