A friend offers this depressing detail from the world of Hollywood Babylon (the friend’s term) . . . in London, we have supremely talented & hardworking Sweet Leaf Garrett . . . In Lalaland, well, read on.

THURSDAY, 04FEB10

Yesterday 1970s child actor and pop star, former teen idol Leif Garrett was released on bail after being arrested and booked for heroin possession by Los Angeles police.

How sad for Leif that in London, Ontario, that the members of his partial-namesake-covers-band Sweet Leaf Garrett have better lives than he does……..

One wonders if the real Leif even knows of the band’s existence and whether they have any comments on their idol’s current condition.

(Back to James)

Over to you, Sweet Leaf Garrett (not sure if Leif is exactly your Idol but he is on your radar obviously) . . . my suggested cover if you wanna make a serious comment on the namesake’s troubles is the old Velvets’ classic Heroin . . . which Lou Reed apparently was reluctant to perform later on because its “message” was often misinterpreted . . . did hear Lou sing Heroin at a great Massey Hall gig c. 1974 . . . an epic . . . from the darkness a fan called out “Speed it up, Lou” during one of the dirge-like Heroin moments . . . which as I type it I reallze is a druggie double entendre . . . . anyway, Lou was unperturbed by the shout . . . .you shoulda seen his quick elegant mime during the concert when he sang the “sailor’s suit and cap” lyrics.

I guess that I just don’t know — that’s what Lou is singing on my old basement turntable right now.

Heroin will be the death of me, it’s my wife, it’s my life ha ha — Lou’s lyrics.

Great song and decades ahead of its time as the 1960s so often were . . . (John Cale is going berserk on viola right now on Velvet).

Sweet Leaf Garrett, I have a request for you.