Annie Clements Music

Chillun’s recap and a glimpse into my past…

Posted on 21. Jan, 2010 by annie in Notebook, Uncategorized

So the Chillun’s concert went off without a hitch, which is fairly remarkable considering we only had 2 real rehearsals to get over 2 hours of material together. There were several highlights of the evening, including our a cappella opening number “Children Go”, and my little brothers joining us onstage for a couple of songs on bass and drums. They pretty much ruled.  Also, I came out onstage for the second set wearing my Drew Brees jersey and one of my high school buddies got a “Who Dat” cheer going. 

Speaking of high school…

Perhaps most notably in the highlight reel was the moment during the set when I felt it prudent to let my dad have some time on the microphone to sing a song that he and I used to perform when I was a wee little lass in high school at our regular Wednesday night gig at the Howlin’ Wolf. The song title: “Sperm Bank Nurse.” 

Sperm Bank Nurse only has one verse. And it’s a doozy. I’m attaching the video for your enjoyment/horror. I’ll type the lyrics out so you can follow along… And listen for Katherine Klimitas saying “Oh my God” over and over as she watches the drama unfold…

“Sperm Bank Nurse” Key of G ( – as if it really matters)

“I fell in love with a Sperm Bank Nurse. 

She found my heart, she found it first.

Never knew love could feel this way.

Now I’m donating three times a day.

She’s got me in the p-p-p-palm of her hand.

She’s my sperm bank nurse, and I’m her Spec-i-Man.”

Pure poetry. “Sperm Bank Nurse” is followed by a really great song that my dad wrote called “Love Won’t Do” featuring D’arcy Malone and me on vocals. This was another song dad and I used to play back in the day. So basically every Wednesday night, my dad, our friend Doug Belotte (drums) and I would join forces as The Cranston Clements Healing Machine and play a late-night set. Then I’d have to get up Thursday and go to school. Lame. 

Here’s a very rare photograph from those days:

This picture was taken somewhere between ‘98 and ‘99. Let’s talk about my outfit. This is a typical show outfit for me in high school. Multi-colored spandex tank top, black velvet mini-skirt, giant fish-scale patterned stockings, hot pink wig with neon green sunglasses on top, and pink plastic “slinky” bracelets. A masterpiece if I do say so myself. And apparently I’m still not tired of wearing wigs onstage. (See videos of Sugarland’s cover of “Love Shack.”)

I also appreciate the fact that my eyes are closed in this pic, which indicates that I’m either so into the music or so embarrassed about “Sperm Bank Nurse” that I don’t want to open them. 

Well, those were some crazy days and I enjoyed an opportunity to tap into those old Healing Machine days with dad during our show. For those of you who were present, thanks so much for being there! It was a blast! Hope you’ve enjoyed the show as well as this glimpse into a fairly unconventional childhood…

Tags: annie clements, Cranston Clements, New Orleans music, sugarland, The Chillun's