Happy on Flatbush - What Else's New?

Years ago, an annoying ditty called "Don't Worry Be Happy" became the number one song in America. That was at a time when one had very few entertainment options - just the TV and radio and, um, your Sony Walkman. Maybe the 8-track tape player in your uncle's pickup truck?

Anyway, unless you've been living under a rock lobster, the song of the moment is "Happy" by Pharrell Williams, with a video so infectiously adorable that you've got to be a pretty hardened cynic not to smile, just a bit. The song is fan-fabulous, though it never reaches a truly transcendent pop peak. Mr. Pharrell continues his domination, after "Get Lucky," with his perfectly timed for the times Curtis Mayfieldisms. The song's beat and sound are perfect for the tune, and the descending harmony lines are the songs true hooks, no small feat, since that's usually not the focal point of a chorus. The chord changes are refreshing in today's I V VI IV pop landscape. Nicely done sir.

And what does this have to with The Q at Parkside and Lefferts? Well, check out Olivia Killingsworth, doing her rendition of the video along, you guessed it, The Fabulous Flatbush Corridor. Nice work O.K.! I trust you're a neighbor?