"Sing, Sing, Sing"--Why, Why, Why?

For those who, a couple of years ago, thrilled to the hideous performance of "Let It Be" by the Russian Navy Showband (it's posted below for those whose memories need refreshing), let me assure you the hunt for odd performances by foreign Navy bands goes on.

Today, we have the Latvian Naval Forces Band doing "Sing, Sing, Sing," and, I have to say, they do a creditable job, job, job. And they've got that special something that was such a great addition to the Russian Show Band: women out front. Only better; in the Latvian Navy band, the women actually do something. They smile, they tap dance, they gather around the drummer during his extended drum solo.

Still, something about it all just doesn't add up. Kinda like the guy on the left with the marimba; there's nothing wrong with it, but there's not much right with it.

But at least these women have a reason for being. The women in the Russian Show Band are like those girls with banners that come out on the fooball field during halftime. We understand the band. We understand the cheerleaders. We even understand the baton twirlers. But the girls who swirl banners around--what's with that?

It's a question you find yourself asking as you watch these Eastern European Navy bands. Oh, you be the judge. First the Latvian Naval Forces Band.

And, like I promised, here's the Russian Navy Show Band performance of "Let It Be" that, a couple of years ago, had visitors to NavyLyres threatening to throw their computers in the bathtub. If you've seen this before, be warned: some things do not improve with time.

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