Once upon a time there were three crabs -- red crab, blue crab and hermit crab. You might remember how they tried to play volleyball and how they (might have) built a time machine. Now they are ready to take it to 11!

When we last caught up with our crab friends, they were building a time machine and enjoying a delicious gazpacho (see "The Crabs Try to Build a Time Machine"). This time they have a fresh idea. 

Hey pals, I was thinking we need some juicy beats and groovy grooves in our lives. Thoughts? 

It sounds like you are speaking of so called popular music. I believe this kind of music represents baser instincts without engaging in the intellect. To balance the analytical and visceral, I would recommend criminally-overlooked 20th century composer Florence Price and her Symphony No. 4 in D minor.

I don't want to be insensitive to hermit crab, but hermit crab's tastes run a little, well, obtuse for me. I wanted to kick out the jams.

I agree. That late-period John Coltrane he recommend was hard to get into. But we should be inclusive so let's ask him if he wants to kick out the jams with us. 

We wanted to take this thing to 11. You know, rock out! We would love for you to join us but it's OK if it's not your thing. 

I have a vegan paella to make so you two enjoy and let's meet up for lunch later.

Yes and yum!

And so red crab and blue crab set about taking things to... 11!

How do we go about taking things to 11? 

I would say we take things to 10 and then we kick it up one more notch. 

Right, but what should we do specifically?

Good question blue crab. Here's what I think we should do. First, let's make a list of everything that rocks and rolls and bops and beeps.

And so red crab and blue crab thought of all the things they would need to go to the Top of the Pops, rock Budokan, spin on the beaches of Ibiza, twang in Nashville honkytonks, and become beloved in Belgium and Buffalo and Boston. 

And then they doubled it and doubled it some more!!

I feel like we have all of this stuff. And yet it feels like something isn't quite right. Are you feeling that blue crab?

I feel like we need less stuff and need some songs and a place to play these songs.

Blue crab, you magnificent crustacean! We do need some songs and a place to play those songs! Let's get going on that. 

And so the crabs went looking for inspiration...