Unless you've been living under a rock without radio, tv or internet access you are doubtless aware of Matt Lucas' NHS Charity Record 'Thank You Baked Potato' – in fact you've probably got it firmly stuck in your head right now.
Just like I have…
Anyway, to raise money for the NHS Wilson is in his library recording a cover version:
🎶 Wash your hands and stay indoors
Thank you Baked Potato
Only go to grocery stores
Thank you Baked Potato 🎶
🎶 If you want to have a better day
Keep some distance! Make some space!
Thank you Baked Potato
Remember not to touch your face
Thank you Baked Potato 🎶
🎶 And if you want to have a better day
You must listen to what the Baked Potato say! 🎶
Antony is providing accompaniment on Stylophone®™ while TT is helpfully keeping out of trouble by sleeping.
____________________
You can hear Matt Lucas' original here: https://uk.news.yahoo.com/matt-lucas-baked-potato-nhs-094035836.html
A few days ago I listed TEN ALBUMS THAT IMPACTED MY LIFE on Facebook.
Once I'd posted a lot of Dylan, Cohen and Mitchell, I put up a Talking Heads album.
Wilson had never before heard of Talking Heads, but since then he's been playing them almost constantly on Alexa, and he says that one day he'd really like to be in a New Wave avant-garde rock band like Talking Heads… hence today's picture.
Also, the family is once again supporting Fridays For The Future!
Wilson is determined that the Coronavirus Lockdown should not turn Uckfield into what he calls a Cultural Dessert so he has arranged for me to take a photograph of his new acquisition for the Vermilingua Contemporary Gallery in order that you may see it.
I grabbed my camera and we made our way to the gallery while Wilson explained that he'd had to see off a lot of competition to secure this piece, adding 'This is an iconic work by a V. famous American minimalist artist!'
Entering the exhibition space he continued, 'You are about to see a radical and pioneering work by John McCracken – this is a real coup for the VC Gallery!'
He held out his paw and I handed over my admission fee – I really wish he'd introduce an Annual Pass scheme as these repeated visits are costing me a fortune!
As we walked into the exhibition space it was difficult not to notice Byron on his knees painting a plank of wood which had been leant against the wall.
'Biro!' Wilson addressed him sharply: 'I thought you'd have finished that by now!'
'Sorry, Bro,' Byron replied, 'The paint fumes started to make me feel a bit dizzy, and I had to…'
'This is no time for you to be Getting High' Wilson replied tartly, 'We have a paying visitor!'
Turning to me, Wilson announced, 'This… magnificent piece is the legendary Untitled by John McCracken. You are very lucky to be able to see the actual installation process – that's not usually open for public viewing! Would an extra £5 be acceptable?'
As a change from his recent Old Master Recreations, today Wilson seeks to distract you with a Musical Re-enactment.
Having come across a saxophone which was once an exhibit in his Museum, he claims to be channeling sax jazz virtuoso Charlie 'Bird' Parker playing the classic 'Blues for Alice.'
It's an interesting interpretation, performed as it is by someone who has obviously never heard the original.
Wilson has also never played the saxophone before – and it shows – but what he lacks in experience and skill he is making up for in enthusiasm.
And volume.
He did later admit to me that saxophoning was 'a bit' harder than it looked.
I can only apologise for this happening during the Great Paracetamol Shortage…
Following yesterday's Drinking Marathon, Wilson and Byron are today doing something a bit more active, constructive and fun – they're playing in the sunshine in the garden and building a ZipWire, not for themselves (thank goodness!) but for their little plush toys.
Antony looks on anxiously after his precious Tiny Toy was volunteered to be the test-pilot (it's probably TT's own fault for being asleep when the vote was taken) and the bees Polly and Billi have donned their Hallowe'en Nurses Uniforms in case of accident.
Uncle Zoltan, meanwhile, paces up and down on his little balcony threatening legal action if any damage is caused to his Hive…
Wilson claims that this is a 'Good sound strategy to pass the time during lockdown!' and suggests you print it out and stick it on your fridge or cocktail cabinet.
For myself, I'm not quite sure how healthy his advice is – although I admit it does help to while away the time… especially if you include how long it takes to pick out all the ants.
I'll see if I can't persuade him to do something a bit more, well... active tomorrow.
Something more appropriate for a young anteater…
What with all the shopping restrictions in place, I have been unable to buy Wilson or Byron an Easter Egg this year.
The best I could manage was a slightly past its best-by date packet of Chocolate Buttons left over from Xmas, and an apology.
First they shared the Buttons, then headed once more for the dressing-up box.
Today they have re-created another classic Old Master, this time the 1878 English Civil War painting 'When Did You Last See Your Father' by William Frederick Yeames RA.
Since his visit to the Turner Contemporary Gallery last year – and opening his own little Modern Art Gallery in the back garden – Wilson's interest extends only to late 20th Century Art. He says that he finds the Old Masters 'cleverly done, but irrelevant and a bit boring'… but these re-creations do afford him and Byron the opportunity to dress up and mess about together!
Ooh! I've just discovered a bar of Fruit 'n' Nut down the back of the sofa – it's a bit melted, but I'm sure the lads won't mind…
