The Multi-talented Vladimir Putin
Rob Long ·
December 14, 2010 at 8:23pm
He can order up a political assassination; he can sing "Blueberry Hill."
Well, he can sort of sing "Blueberry Hill." Personally, I'd prefer it if he sang a little better and ordered up assassinations a little worse. But as a piece of pure gangster theater, this clip has it all: a terrified audience applauding, atonal singing, and somehow -- despite the badness and the off-key warbling -- it's still a little menacing. It's the kind of thing a gang leader does, right before he whacks his rivals. It's the kind of thing Putin might do, right before he shuts off Europe's oil pipeline and demands Hungary back.
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Nov '10
Re: The Multi-talented Vladimir Putin
This is just bizarre, disturbing, and utterly and completely creepy.
I'm speaking of course of the American "celebrities" in the audience salivating over Rootin'-Tootin' Putin. Creepy.
Aug '10
Re: The Multi-talented Vladimir Putin
Easily the strangest thing in the tape was the joyous reception from Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell.
Was this a fundraiser in Hollywood ? What are those people doing with those big smiles (well I guess they're permanent) in a place where Putin is doing the evil karaoke ?
Enquiring minds want to know and we just don't understand these theater people here in hinterlands. Please advise--------
Edited on December 14, 2010 at 8:31pmRe: The Multi-talented Vladimir Putin
I think the world leaders should put on a talent show.
Also, I really dig the way Putin says "blueberry": 'Bleeeyou-berry'
Nov '10
Re: The Multi-talented Vladimir Putin
Diane, I'm now picturing Ahmedinajad tap dancing and Chavez playing the spoons. Thanks for that. ;)
Actually a talent show isn't a bad idea if we the people could have gong-show-like powers....
Re: The Multi-talented Vladimir Putin
It was for a fundraiser in St. Petersburg. Formerly Leningrad, future-ly Putingrad.
Jul '10
Re: The Multi-talented Vladimir Putin
Reminds Me of a video of Hussein giving a speech and everyone leapt up with thunderous applause...... for minutes..... and the first one to quit clapping was lead out of the building never to be heard from again.
Dec '10
Re: The Multi-talented Vladimir Putin
The surprising thing for me is that in a country with so much drunken tomfoolery, Putin wouldn't be more skilled in the fine art of karaoke.
Aug '10
Re: The Multi-talented Vladimir Putin
wasn't this an episode of Party Down?
May '10
Re: The Multi-talented Vladimir Putin
Exactly. Kim Jon Il uses his power to be a rockstar. Putin undoubtedly enjoys some of these stunts, too, but his rockstar acts are political calculations. Putin is a far more dangerous man.
Aug '10
Re: The Multi-talented Vladimir Putin
Speaking as a recording professional - the sound is definitely from a studio recording - not the live event. So - what's really scary is that they went into a studio and still came out with something that sounds that crappy. If you're gonna lip sync - at least get a decent stunt singer to do the heavy lifting.
Re: The Multi-talented Vladimir Putin
I vote for competitive shooting. After watching the latest episode of her reality show, my money is on Sarah Palin.
Edited on December 14, 2010 at 10:43pmMay '10
Re: The Multi-talented Vladimir Putin
Kim Jong Il, of course, would dominate golf and bowling.
Sep '10
Re: The Multi-talented Vladimir Putin
Gangster theater is exactly right. The most dangerous place in the world that night was to be within eyesight of Putin during that performance, and having a scintilla of dignity. I don't think I could have watched that without either giggling uncontrollably or in shocked horror. Either way, I'd be sleeping with the fishes by morning.
It'd be like watching Joe Pesci's Goodfellas character do his 5-minute mime routine.
"What am I a clown to you?"
May '10
Re: The Multi-talented Vladimir Putin
Interesting comment about gangster theatre.
My first thought was... parody... of The Untouchables but without the baseball bat.
Edited on December 14, 2010 at 11:21pmJul '10
Re: The Multi-talented Vladimir Putin
Glass houses, Rob...
I'm in possession of a video a certain Hollywood screenwriter warbling It's My Party in the Nieuw Amsterdam karaoke bar....with Lileks singing backup.
And I'll cry if I want to, cry if I want to....
Edited on December 14, 2010 at 11:32pmRe: The Multi-talented Vladimir Putin
I thought I was imagining things when I saw what looked like Goldie Hawn in the audience. But wonder of wonder, there she was! With Kurt! I would pay top dollar for the Kiev Chicken just to hear Vlad say "willow" over and over again. It really was like some crazed Mafia boss gathering...
Aug '10
Re: The Multi-talented Vladimir Putin
A fund raiser ? Clinton Global Fairness Initiative ? Beestung Lips Relief Fund ?
Did they have assure the guests that they were on the ground floor ?
Ahh Petrograd.... the blinis, the caviar, the sound of a body breaking through the ice from a high bridge...
May '10
Re: The Multi-talented Vladimir Putin
http://news.icanhascheezburger.com/2010/09/04/political-pictures-putin-ritz-2/
or
http://putincracker.ytmnd.com/
or, maybe,
http://skiptucker.blogspot.com/2010/05/putin-on-ritz.html
May '10
Re: The Multi-talented Vladimir Putin
What do you think of Putin, Sergei? Is he still basically a KGB administrator? What do you think he hopes to do with his power? And is there any reason to think he will eventually be forced out of power?
Jun '10
Re: The Multi-talented Vladimir Putin
There is a constant flow of Hollywood and music types going to Russia. It's become one of the "cool" things to do. I don't know about this particular event, but stars such as Jennifer Lopez (who sang at a birthday of a pretty questionable oligarch), Bruce Willis (the face for a bank), Deep Purple (playing for Medvedev), Paul McCartney (played in Red Square), etc., etc. make a BIG bundle for their appearances. Lots of guys with cash over there and they only seem to want Western stars.
As for Putin, he rides motorcycles, shoots predators, fishes with his shirt off, now plays piano and sings. He's ... well, a cult of personality perhaps. Retirement for Putin? Nah...