Do you believe in reincarnation? If not in that simple aspect itself, perhaps some form of it. An extent in which someone returns from the grave in another form, but retaining many if not all of the qualities the corpse once had. I know I may be bordering on the realm of science fiction and psychotic religious frenzy, but hear me out.

Two names, two lives, one destiny.

Grigory Yefimovich Rasputin.
Andrew W.K. .

Rasputin was a great, unwashed, powerful monk. He wandered across his mother Russia in search of learning and the pursuit of the pleasures of life. His powerful sense of animal magnetism charmed many ladies, including the Russian queen. He loved to speak and spread his word amongst those around him. His voice soothed and enriched many a life with apparent healing properties. His notoriety would, in the end, become his ultimate downfall as those who became ever more jealous of the hold he held on the queen conspired against him.

Andrew W.K. is a great, rarely washed, powerful musician. He spreads his philosophical views on music with zest and love for life. He has a certain intimidating charm about him when he stares directly and fiercely into your eyes. He loves many and is loved by many despite his decision to constantly wear the same t-shirt and jeans combination, which strikes me as unusual. As far as I know he has yet to gain any enemies from political standings. I emphasize the "yet" in my previous statement. There is still time for the young man, and to see if history will repeat itself. I have a more likely notion the fellow will bite it either due to liver failure or being gored by a bull.

With all the connections between these amazing men, it seems to be so much more than just simple coincidence. Could there be some stronger connection between these two enigmatic characters besides chance?

My first consideration was at the idea of Andrew being distantly related to Rasputin somewhere back along the lines of family tree. Rasputin's general homeliness could have been bred out in a couple of generations, leading to Andrew's current state. After all, Rasputin's reputation was that he'd be able to get whatever woman he wanted. Considering his prolific habits, it indicates he'd go for the most attractive of bloodlines, and Andrew is one handsome man!

Truly though, blood does not equate for personality. Especially if the relative in question is a couple generations back and had no hand in the raising. Therefore there must be something fundamentally deeper in this connection. More likely than not Andrew is being possessed by the ghost of Rasputin.

I'm not saying it's a complete possession, perhaps something more akin to a partnership. Their mutual love of intense partying brought their kindred spirits ever closer and intertwined them. Rasputin's ways with people allowed Andrew to progress along in terms of making deals and captivating the attention of those who'd glance. With this gift came along some eccentricities, such as the long winded ramblings of Andrew, and the clothing tendencies. By clothing tendencies I mean the tendency to not change them.

I fear that Rasputin's influences will eventually drive Andrew to the same ends Rasputin came to before. Rasputin's lust for power might lead Andrew into dangerous water, or rather, into the coves of influential, yet dangerous, women. That, along with a lack of hygiene and the obvious instabilities in Rasputin could lead to a most ungracious fall for Andrew. We must somehow save this talented musician whose only crime was a love for a good party. He deserves more than to be the partial vessel of a man who just can't let go.

Andrew W.K., if I believed in God I'd pray for you.