Dark Shadows was a Gothic soap opera running from 1966- 1971. The show featured ghosts, vampires, witches, zombies and other supernatural creatures. I was deeply obsessed with it from the age of five, when I would run home after school so I could catch the opening credits. The show scared me senseless, yet I developed an unhealthy obsession with Barnabas Collins, the show’s vampire. I earnestly wanted him to come to my house and make me a vampire so I could stay up all night.
Most — but not all – of the episodes are now available on DVD. In the light of adulthood, the show is a complete hoot, with grips and stage hands intruding on scenes, a cast of actors who couldn’t keep up with their lines, or, at times, the name of the character they were talking to. The scenery wobbled, and the startlingly absurd plot lurched along throughout the years, delighting viewers young and old.
I actually pay Netflix to send them to me. When I watch an episode, I’ll be sure to let you know what my impressions are, ‘cuz I just know you’d want to know.
Coincidentally, I just heard Andrew Bird’s latest album today, the date of my blog’s launch. It’s amazing. Lush orchestral arrangements give way to quirky pop rhythms and gorgeous melodies. Oh, there come those delicate harmonies again. I just want to keep listening to this all night. So far, it’s looking that way.
This unerringly cheerful and indefatiguable bird is strongly attracted to bedroom windows, where it begins its liltingly lovely and potentially deafening song at about 4 AM. Attempts to subdue its exhuberant warbling have proven useless. It will continue to sing even while being plucked.
