Look, we know that you woke up this morning with a sigh. Maybe you’re worried about the state of the world. Maybe you’re sick of living in a reality where everything is a political metaphor. Maybe you were rooting for the Falcons—or maybe you were rooting for the Patriots, but hate yourself for doing so. Maybe you’re just sick of the news media questioning your ability to govern. But listen, whatever it is that’s bringing you down on this long Monday, what you need is this vintage clip of the Italian disco-prog space-rock band I Signori Della Galassia performing “Proxima Centauri,” the catchy opening track of their 1979 album Iceman.
Here, at last, is a video that asks the important questions. Questions like, can a band be composed entirely of uncles named Jerry or Charlie? How hard can a man commit to doing the robot poorly? How can someone play the cheesiest music in the goofiest way while refusing to look like they’re having any fun? Is space rock a “lifestyle?” How hard did these guys live it? (In case you’re wondering—and you will—the drummer’s name is Beppe Aleo, and he now runs a record label.) Now, hum along with us: Ta-dee-dum-dum-dum, ta-dee-dum-dum-dum, ta-dee-dum-da-da-dum…