RTFA: http://www.rtfa.net/2007/09/18/eumir-deodato-e-orq…

UPDATE 2008-11-29 Seems like there’s a lot of demand for this video right now. I found a new version, and it’s embedded above. The previous one had been pulled. Also, see the comments below – it’s obvious that Eumir Deodato’s version was decades before Phish.

Hey – does anyone want to tell me why the 1973 version of Also Sprach Zarathustra is suddenly so popular? I’m seeing tons of searches for it – enough that I was prompted to find another copy of the video.

From Eumir Deodato’s Wikipedia entry:

His first album in the USA, Prelude, released in 1972, was of a big band Latin jazz style that immediately attracted a wide audience. His funky version of Richard Strauss’ Also Sprach Zarathustra won the 1973 Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance and went No. 2 in the pop charts in the US and No. 7 in the UK. It was subsequently used to great effect in the 1979 film Being There, starring Peter Sellers and Shirley Maclaine. It was also covered extensively by the rock band Phish in their live performances and included in several of their live releases.

Anyway, enjoy!

UPDATE 2008-11-29 According to a comment by RS:

In case you’re wondering why the sudden interest — it’s a clue in the Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle (which is actually delivered on Saturday).

Thanks, RS! …and “Welcome” to the NYT readers!