Classic

One of my favorite expressions in college was "That's classic!" Or the shorter version, simply "Classic." Depending on the tone of voice used, "classic" could refer to many things, and serve either as a sign of approval or criticism. Examples:

• A tuba player inserts a fake red tongue into the tuba bell for a Halloween costume honoring Mick Jagger. A clarinet player sees it and cheers "Classic!!" (as in "What a cool costume! Wish I thought of it.")


• A group upperclass of housemates throw a party and some airhead freshman girls decide to crash the party, proceed to do beer bongs, then fall down the steps to the porch. The upperclassmen roll their eyes and mutter, "Classic." (as in "Freshmen are so stupid...they'll never be as cool as us.")
  

Classic can also refer to something so timeless that it never goes out of style. Like Randy Newman's sarcastic song titles. Or Beach Boys harmonies. Or singing "Sweet Caroline" in a group of total strangers at the Hollywood Bowl!

That's right folks, Neil Diamond is classic. Nadine got us tickets for my birthday, and we had a blast. I know what you're thinking. Neil Diamond? So 70's AM radio easy listening!! Sequined jackets! How is this man possibly classic? Because in my book, anyone who writes music that so universally connects with people (even those who weren't alive when the song was popular but know all the words) deserves to be classic. Not to mention the fact that women in the front row were ready to throw their clothes onstage for a 67 year-old man. Something about him must be cool, because 18,000 people can't all be wrong.

Even the LA Times liked it, and they're hard to please. Here's a link to review if you'd like to check it out.

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/reviews/la-et-diamond3-2008oct03,0,2113464.story

Like Jimmy Buffett's "Margaritaville" and Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl," Neil' and his "Sweet Caroline" are "Classic" in the best way. I hope I'm that cool in 30 years....