(With apologies to Tom Wolfe)[1]
musitorial n a mashup of music, musings and editorials, music and song that evokes thought and commentary.
I wish I had something clever to say about contemporary Hallowe’en, but it’s likely that everything’s been said. But I’ll keep thinking.
Close on the heels of Hallowe’en and All Saints Day comes No Saints Day, November 4. You may know it as Election Day in the United States, not to be confused with their new holiday “No Kings Day,” observed on October 18, 2025.[2] I will ignore my natural tendency to elaborate, save to note how ironic it is that in a nation founded on rejection (and subsequent revolution against and independence from) its monarchical founding, to now be acting in much the same way. I mean, golden ballroom? C’mon!
Anyway, instead of going on about that, today I’m going to shift a few days into November. I’ve long enjoyed the juxtaposition of November 4, election day in the [formerly united] States, and Guy Fawkes Day, November 5.[3] How fitting that on one day each year citizens celebrate their democracy by casting ballots, and on the next day commemorate a destructive protest against the “Establishment.” I’m taking liberties, I know, but enjoy the juxtaposition, nonetheless.
With the Republican president’s words burned into my brain (I know, he said ‘drill baby, drill,’ but I heard: burn baby, burn’, but that’s just me), today’s musitorial celebrates the cusp of November 5 and 6 with the 1974 song: “Burn,” by Deep Purple.
Warning came, no one cared
Earth was shakin', we stood and stared
When it came, no one was spared
Still I hear, "Burn"
=30=
Link to lyrics of “Burn,” by Deep Purple, 1974 album of the same name, songwriters David Coverdale / Glenn William Hughes / Ian Anderson Paice / Jon Lord / Ritchie Blackmore; Sony, https://tinyurl.com/bd3h4crh
Link to Wikipedia article on the film, Bonfire of the Vanities: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bonfire_of_the_Vanities_(film)
Link to https://www.nokings.org/
Link to Wikipedia article on Guy Fawkes Night: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Fawkes_Night
[1] Bonfire of the Vanities is the title of Tom Wolfe’s 1987 novel, and the eponymous 1990 Warner Bros film directed by Brian De Palma. Link provided above.
[2] On October 18 [2025], more than 7 million [people] rose up at more than 2,700 events in all 50 states, DC, and cities worldwide to say: America has no kings, and the power belongs to the people. Now, [the] task is to stay vigilant, stay united, and continue to push back. “No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings.” Link provided above.
[3] The Wikipedia entry for Guy Faulkes Day: an annual commemoration observed on 5 November, primarily in Great Britain, involving bonfires and fireworks displays. Its history begins with the events of 5 November 1605 O.S., when Guy Fawkes, a member of the Gunpowder Plot, was arrested while guarding explosives the plotters had placed beneath the House of Lords. The Catholic plotters had intended to assassinate Protestant King James I and his parliament. Celebrating that the king had survived, people lit bonfires around London. Months later, the Observance of 5th November Act mandated an annual public day of thanksgiving for the plot's failure. Link provided above.
