Another mad musical genius has died and with him goes any hope of a “Summerteeth 2: This Time It’s Personal!” Jay Bennett, 45, passed away in his sleep on Sunday of unknown causes. Bennett, known primarily as the guy who got sacked from Wilco during the “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot” sessions, and who was unfairly (editor?) portrayed in the film “I Am Trying to Break Your Heart was a sonic innovator. Jay’s contributions to Wilco’s “Being There,” “Summerteeth,” the 2 “Mermaid Avenue” records and “YHF” are phenomenal. As a multi-instrumentalist, he added layers and structure more like a composer than a tunesmith. Post Wilco, Jay released some fine records both solo and with his writing partner, Edward Burch. In fact, do a google search and you can download his latest record for free.

Sadly, I saw the tortured side of Jay when he and Burch performed at the Club Cafe in 2004. Clearly not in any condition to perform, Jay collapsed to the stage floor, called Jeff Tweedy on his cell and left him an incoherent message, and basically forgot most of the words and chords of the songs the band played. Burch stood at the door and apologized as fans left the bar. Not too many merch sales that night, I reckon.

Farewell, Jay Bennett. Like a building jumper, you’ve left an impression.

Hey, if you want to honor Jay’s memory then run out and buy Grizzly Bear’s “Veckatimest” tout suite. Grizzly Bear plays an Indie brand of waltz music, with extraordinary layers of vocal harmonies and orchestration that will make the hipsters swoon. If you love Fleet Foxes, Sufjan Stevens and “Pet Sounds,” then this is the record for you.  Clearly in the running for CD of the Year.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi has introduced HB434 naming June 1st as a National Day to Punch members of the National Rifle Association, and Presidential Press Secretary Robert Gibbs has said the President will quickly sign it into law. While the law is vague about what areas of the body are fair game, it is assumed that the face, beer gut and/or testes are the most obvious choices for striking. While Speaker Pelosi claims to have not really read the bill she has managed to secure several  co-sponsors from Vermont, Delaware and France.

“Look,” said President Obama. “Ahhhh, obviously we know that some, ahhh, NRA members are good folks. But, ahhh, look, some of these folks just need to be punched. That’s all. Helen?”

Added Vice-President Biden, “If you do get punched, then Champ, pick yourself up and shoot somebody. Especially if they have swine flu or whatever the hell it is the President’s calling it these days.”

(In a continuing effort to appeal to Red State America, President Obama names television personality Paula Abdul to the post of Ambassdor to Iran. The following is a transcript of Ambassdor Abdul’s first address to the Iranian Parliament.)

Thank you. All of you. Beautiful. Like a parrot or, no, what are those red parrots called? Special. Special people. My heart.

President Ahmadinejad. You are a superstar. Your talents. Fan. Big. My country is peace. Jane Lynch loves hummus. I swear. Do you own any neck ties? I’m just speaking. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Magic Johnson once told me a joke. I’d like to share it.

People are you feelin’ it? Baby, you’ve got it. That smile. The children. Please don’t make any more bombs. Okay. Deal? Wait. What? Off script. You have sooooo much talent. You are a superstar.

Flying carpets and Imam Khomeini. Superstar. I had some figs in my bathroom. No. I did. Beautiful. Like sunshine and moon walks and you will be a big star. I love your talent. Emilio. Wait. Let me finish. Wait.

Where am I? Big. Talent. You are an incredible. Sack lunch. Let’s. All. Get along. Okay? Please. I love you all.

Standing o. My heart. God bless and Jesus. Whatev. We are the world too. Sleep now.

zzzzzzzzzz.