If that's all there is my friends, then let's keep dancing

Oh, dear, Another one.

The loss of the lovely Cristina, darling of early 80s New York's artistic post-punk, post-Studio 54 scene; collaborator with August Darnell (of Kid Creole and the Coconuts and Machine fame), Don Was, Jean Paul Goude, Robert Palmer and even John Cale is a great one - for it has brought fond memories flooding back from when I first encountered the lady; with her sardonic and slightly twisted cover of this Peggy Lee classic:

Cristina - Is That All There Is?

However, this is also the end of another week working in our living-room during lockdown - and I have greater cause for a celebration that even that fact, for as of 4.30 today I will be officially on leave (albeit in similar environs) until after Easter!

Yay!

Thus, we need to lift our spirits and pretend we have a party to plan. And what better way than with another of the lady's faboo numbers - here with admirable support from (an uncredited) Kevin Kline - and Thank Disco It's Friday!!

RIP, Miss Cristina Monet Zilkha (née Monet-Palaci, 2nd January 1959 – 1st April 2020)

I'm in no hurry for that final disappointment

One of our "Patron Saints" Miss Peggy Lee was born 95 years ago today. All hail!

It is also my first day back in the office, so, inevitably there's only one song - one of my faves - from the great lady's extensive repertoire that needs to be played, Is That All There Is?

Peggy Lee - Is That All There Is?

I remember when I was a very little girl, our house caught on fire.
I'll never forget the look on my father's face as he gathered me up
In his arms and raced through the burning building out to the pavement.
I stood there shivering in my pyjamas and watched the whole world go up in flames.
And when it was all over I said to myself,
"Is that all there is to a fire?"

Is that all there is?
Is that all there is?
If that's all there is my friends
Then let's keep dancing
Let's break out the booze and have a ball
If that's all there is

And when I was 12 years old, my daddy took me to a circus.
"The Greatest Show On Earth."
There were clowns and elephants and dancing bears.
And a beautiful lady in pink tights flew high above our heads.
And as I sat there watching, I had the feeling that something was missing.
I don't know what, but when it was over,
I said to myself,
"Is that all there is to a circus?"

Is that all there is?
Is that all there is?
If that's all there is my friends
Then let's keep dancing
Let's break out the booze and have a ball
If that's all there is

And then I fell in love, with the most wonderful boy in the world.
We would take long walks by the river
Or just sit for hours gazing into each other's eyes.
We were so very much in love.
Then one day, he went away and I thought I'd die.
But I didn't.
And when I didn't I said to myself,
"Is that all there is to love?"

Is that all there is?
Is that all there is?
If that's all there is my friends, then let's keep-

I know what you must be saying to yourselves.
"If that's the way she feels about it why doesn't she just end it all?"
Oh, no, not me.
I'm in no hurry for that final disappointment.
'Cause I know just as well as I'm standing here talking to you,
That when that final moment comes and I'm breathing my last breath
I'll be saying to myself -

Is that all there is?
Is that all there is?
If that's all there is my friends
Then let's keep dancing
Let's break out the booze and have a ball
If that's all there is.

Think of me, sweeties. Feel the pain...

Peggy Lee official website