I just learned a word that had previously been a mondegreen for me, from the Beach Boys' "Surfin' USA," huarache sandals. I had never grasped what they were saying, and I thought maybe it was "raunchy sandals," meaning just old, worn out sandals. Turns out huarache sandals are a specific type of footwear, presumably favored by laid-back surfing types.

they are sometimes used as a percussion instrument, as well. there's a wonderful percussion concerto (by a composer whose name, unfortunately escapes me), that I saw on a Boston Pops tv broadcast, played by Airto Moriera, in which he uses a pair of huarache sandals as part of the piece. whether it was an improvised moment within the larger written piece, I don't know, but it was perfect.


(whew.)


finally found it!

Pela Floresta
composer: Patrick Hollenbeck
commissioned by Boston Pops Orchestra, part of Evening at the Pops 1997

now to find more about it. amazing work.

here's a bit more:
http://main.wgbh.org/wgbh/pages/pops/schedule/descaug5.html

That's one I did get, Alex. Here's a pic:
http://www.wideshoes.com/catalogimages/7100.jpg

eta--how could somebody play a sandal?

play a sandal

you gotta have sole.

two, actually.

*golf clap*

*golf clap* ??

Golf clapping is the reserved, soft applause heard on golf courses when a golfer makes a good shot. I was thus expressing admiration for the "sole music" pun, although on further reflection it deserves a loud cheer and a whistle.