Every year at this time we sing 'Auld Lang Syne', or should that be attempt to sing this song?

Dating from the 1700s this old folk song is very famous the world over. 
But have you heard "The Parting Glass"? Another Scottish traditional song, often sung at the end of a gathering of friends. It has also long been sung in Ireland and was purportedly the most popular parting song in Scotland before Robert Burns and "Auld Lang Syne".
I heard this earlier in the year when watching the wonderful 1998 film 'Waking Ned' (Devine). 'Fill to me the Parting Glass' was composed by Shaun Davey for the closing sequence of the film, the words are traditional set to his new, original melody. In 2002 Shaun Davey re-orchestrated the song to include full orchestra, choir and pipes.

All together now, join hands... it's New Year's Eve   

An alternative (and occasional) music posting highlighting something out of the ordinary. Perhaps of limited appeal, unconventional, experimental or just far-out ! Call it what you like (or switch it off, if you don't like). 

Earlier this month we featured the voice of Lisa Fischer and during research an award winning American documentary called '20 Feet From Stardom' came to light. Another of the many back up singers featured in this film is today's artist Darlene Love.

Her story is fascinating. In the early 60s she sang lead on a number of recordings for which she was not credited: The Crystals 'He's a Rebel' for starters and one part of the Blue Jeans to Bob B. Soxx while as a member of The Blossoms, Darlene Love contributed backing vocals behind many of the biggest hits of the 1960s.

She was very much a part of the recordings made by Phil Spector and his famous 'Wall of Sound': To attain the Wall of Sound, Spector's arrangements called for large ensembles, with multiple instruments doubling or tripling many of the parts to create a fuller, richer tone. Among other features of the sound, Spector incorporated an array of orchestral instruments (strings, woodwind, brass and percussion) not previously associated with youth-oriented pop music. Reverb from an echo chamber was also highlighted for additional texture.

Given the full treatment this popular song was written in 1949 by Carl Sigman (lyrics) and Peter DeRose (music). The song is about winter and is commonly regarded as a Christmas song, although the lyrics make no mention of Christmas. It's 'A Marshmallow World' by Darlene Love. Something jolly [please go full screen to fully enjoy the lights]

   

Just before Christmas in 1971 RCA records released 'Hunky Dory' by David Bowie. While this may now look like perfect timing the truth is that it enjoyed very little publicity and even less success at the time. 

I was convinced the track 'Starman' was on that album. It wasn't. Recorded in February 1972 it was the first single from 'Ziggy Stardust' issued the following June and it became Bowie's first hit single since 'Space Oddity', three years earlier. 

Before that summer, Stardom was still some way off for David Bowie. 

On the 10th February 1972 he played the 'Toby Jug' in Tolworth [see picture above]. A local pub venue of modest proportions. Nice related story if you click here.

On 5th July the video [below] of the Top of the Pops performance of 'Starman' would propel Ziggy and the Spiders from Mars up the singles and also album charts as he blew our minds. 

"Many fans date their conversion to all things Bowie to this Top of the Pops appearance".

Today let's sprinkle a bit of Stardust - and boogie

PS: Don't you just love the gormless guy in the tank-top dancing behind them ? 😁 

An alternative (and occasional) music posting highlighting something out of the ordinary. Perhaps of limited appeal, unconventional, experimental or just far-out ! Call it what you like (or switch it off, if you don't like). 

You'll know this piece of music, especially at this time of year, though the version may surprise you:- Introducing the many faces of Lindsey Stirling.

I have selected a rather sedate acoustic rendition, that is contrasted by some of the videos available, showing various energetic performances and pyrotechnics that are all a bit over the top. Having read that Lindsey Stirling's video 'Crystallize' (Dubstep Violin Original) was the 8th most watched on YouTube during the year 2012, [link to] there's clear indication of her diversity to watch online. 

> 'Carol of the Bells' was written in 1914 by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovich - based on a Ukrainian folk chant 'Shchedryk'. And performed here 'live' from Paste Studios, New York. 

   

-    E  R  R  A  T  U  M   -

It seems I have been repeating myself...!

I guess it was bound to happen eventually, but the STAR TRACK on 7th May this year [No.270] was the same track as [No.92] back in August 2017. Same everything: song, video and almost the same introduction story. (Surprised you didn't spot it 😊)

I must have really liked this track by Buffalo Tom to pick it twice. So I think it best I make a slight amendment to this years repeat post, by changing the video to a different version of 'Taillights Fade' involving Buffalo Tom singer Bill Janovitz 'live' with Pearl Jam from 2018. 

>>> here's the link to this now updated post. 

   

Last weekend I was sorry to hear of the death of Mike Nesmith of 'Hey, Hey we're The Monkees' fame. In fact of the four members of the band he was the one that musically stood out for me. He especially attempted to address the situation regarding the group performing and contributing their own compositions, which The Monkees didn't succeeding in achieving until their third album release.

Initially I thought I'd just post the evergreen 'Daydream Believer' and then I discovered Mike Nesmith wrote the song 'Different Drum'. 

Originally in a band called The Greenbriar Boys, the song was released in 1966 on an album. Mike Nesmith then offered the song to the The Monkees TV show's producers, who turned him down, though he did manage to perform an intentionally awful version during an episode called "Too Many Girls" in a talent contest as a folk singer called Billy Roy Hodstetter. Go back to 6:15 on a Saturday evening in 1967 and enjoy watching the whole episode here (*) or skip to the 16:10 minute mark to witness this unrecognisable rendition. 

Anyway the song was picked up, later that year by the trio The Stone Poneys, who saw it as a folk ballad, however a more complex baroque pop version emerged and the recording saw session musicians replace regular band members Kenny Edwards and Bobby Kimmel, with only Linda Ronstadt singing the vocals. 

The single reached No.13 on the Billboard Hot 100. Fared even better in New Zealand and Australia though I can't find any information regarding the UK release. But the track did turn up on 1974 compilation LP by Linda Ronstadt. 

So this is thinking of Mike Nesmith [1942-2021]

"You and I travel to the beat of a different drum"

I first clocked the writing talents of Mike Nesmith on the 'B' side of a single, a now rather dated sounding 'Tapioca Tundra' - this oddly named song is an experimental piece of poetry put to music. Worth a listen.

(*) Each episode featured a song, this show had 'I'm A Believer' at the end. 

 

   

My final 'Hobbits Garden' memory... 

On a reopening midweek night in early December we saw Genesis, with support from Roxy Music [see this image on my previous Revisited post]. 

I clearly remember the night, but detail is a bit 'patchy'. Given how Bryan Ferry was such a presence and main focus of the band, I don't recall him at all. David O'List (ex The Nice and pretty soon ex Roxy Music too) on guitar, is a vague memory, while the dominant recollection is that of DJ John Peel who was there, sitting just a short cross-legged distance away from us on the floor. He was championing Roxy Music at this time, long before they even had a record deal. A BBC 'Peel Session' recorded a month later gives a clue as to what they may have played that night, because I have no idea.

Versions of all nine tracks from their first album,* released in June 1972, were recorded by the BBC for the John Peel show so it's a fair assumption that the setlist, that night in December, was songs that ended up on that first LP. Listening today the whole album is very avant-garde, even by today's standards - the commercial and single success came about later on… 

So I've decided to jump forward a few years and play 'All I Want Is You' © 1974 > Eddie Jobson (ex Curved Air) is now on keyboards - Eno has gone, as too guitarist Phil Manzanera bug eyed glasses. But Mr 'Cool' Ferry is very much on show: 

 

* For those of you keen to sample the early Roxy Music here's a link to an 'Old Grey Whistle Test' performance of 'Ladytron' - broadcast just after the release of the record in 1972. 

For the record over the last six years   T H E  F R I D A Y  M U S I C  S P O T   has now starred 300 tracks, from the beginning in November 2015. 

The first 50 songs can be relived via this link. For 51-100 click here: 101-150 click this one and then 151-200 (link) ; while 200-250 is here. Today lists the last 50, below.

Click on the blue arrow ➤ to replay that track. Please note: Many of the 300 videos are showing unavailable now, but you can search for an alternative, if you wish.

251 ➤ Tin Soldier .…….….….……......................................... Small Faces
252 ➤ Handel's 'And The Glory of The Lord' … Brussels Choral Society
253 ➤ While My Guitar Gentle Weeps .……….............… Steve Lukather
254 ➤ Under Pressure ........................................... Queen & David Bowie
255 ➤ Bright .…..……....…................................................……Peter White
256 ➤ Coda from Layla .…….….……….............. Derek and the Dominos
257 ➤ Rette Mich (Save Me) ..……...…..…...................................… Nena
258 ➤ Raymond's Road ………..............….……...........… Beggars Opera
259 ➤ Mr Bojangles.………….....................................… Jerry Jeff Walker
260 ➤ Promised Land .………….................….....….…......… Chuck Berry

261 ➤ All In Your Mind .….........................…..….............….……..… Stray
262 ➤ Mocking Bird .……….….....................…… Barclay James Harvest
263 ➤ Titan .………….…....................................…David Guetta (with Sia)
264 ➤ A Man I'll Never Be ............................................................. Boston
265 ➤ I'd Rather Go Blind .…..……....…............................…… Helen Ibe
266 ➤ The Story .…….….……......................…..............…............. Runrig
267 ➤ Easy Sleazy.......................................… Mick Jagger & Dave Grohl
268 ➤ Bat Out Of Hell  .………................….........….……......… Meat Loaf 
269 ➤ Stand By Me.…………........................................................... Oasis
270 ➤ Taillights Fade ........................................ Bill Janovitz & Pearl Jam

271 ➤ Into the West .…….….….......................…................ Annie Lennox
272 ➤ Like A Rolling Stone .……….…..................................... Bob Dylan
273 ➤ All Along The Watchtower .…………......................... Jimi Hendrix
274 ➤ Hey Joe ................................................................... Roy Buchanan
275 ➤ Rose of Cimarron .…..……....….............................................Poco
276 ➤ Glass Jar.…….….…….....................................…........…......Tristen
277 ➤ Please, Please, Please let me get what I want ........ Johnny Marr
278 ➤ Song 2 .…….....……..............................................…........…….Blur
279 ➤ Not Alone.………….......................................................Lisa Basillo
280 ➤ Where the Streets Have No Name .….....................….....……..U2

281 ➤ Somewhere Nicer .…….….…..................….............…........… Obi
282 ➤ From the Morning .................................................……Nick Drake
283 ➤ London .………….....……......…..… Thea Gilmour & Sandy Denny
284 ➤ Sammy Dead .................................. Byron Lee & The Dragonaires
285 ➤ School of Rock ............................................ School of Rock Band

286 ➤ Feel Flows .…….…...................……........................... Beach Boys
287 ➤ Gone, Gone, Gone ......................…..…................ Everly Brothers
288 ➤ The Song is Over ............................................................The Who
289 ➤ Celebrity Skin .……................................................................ Hole
290 ➤ Come As You Are .……......…...........…............…….......... Nirvana

291 ➤ Learn To Fly .............................................................. Rockin' 1000
292 ➤ Uptown Funk .……….….................... Mark Ronson ft Bruno Mars

293 ➤ Mr Blue Sky.…………......................................…ELO (Flash Mob)
294 ➤ Peace Train ................................................... Playing For Change
295 ➤ Green is the Colour ............... Nick Mason's Saucerful of Secrets

296 ➤ Space .…….….……....................…..............….............. Biffy Clyro
297 ➤ The Final Hour Extended....................................... Audiomachine
298 ➤ 25 or 6 to 4 ......................................................... Leonid & Friends
299 ➤ Meet Me On The Corner.............................................. Lindisfarne
300 ➤ Gimme Shelter ............................... Lisa Fischer & Rolling Stones

   

According to my calculations, and who's to say I'm wrong, today is the 300th 'Friday Music Spot'. Calls for a 5-Star Track I think. 

You'll recognise the 'band' here from London. While the singer that takes over mid song is perhaps less well known but make no mistake everyone is watching her, she's become the star. 

Keith knows immediately, Charlie [look at his face] knows at 2:38 minutes in, hell even Mick knows at 2:45, and at 2:55 -"Boys, we just became a backup band."

Billed as Rolling Stones with Lisa Fischer but now Lisa Fischer with the Rolling Stones !

This is Amsterdam 1995. The Voodoo Lounge Tour. What a performance as she kills "Gimme Shelter". 

Lisa was born: 1 December 1958 in the Fort Greene neighbourhood of Brooklyn, New York. 

Originally released 5th December 1969 on the 'Let It Bleed' album, "Gimme Shelter" in 2021 was ranked at number 13 on the Rolling Stone magazine's '500 Greatest Songs of All Time' list. 

For Charlie Watts - R.I.P. 

   

1971: Part Three

Having already sung the praises of 'Rock's Golden Year' and listed many of the classic albums it would be fair to say just about everybody around released an album during 1971 (some actually issued two: Elton John; ELP; Yes; Barclay James Harvest & Fairport Convention).

Plus there were a number of soon to be famous artists with debut LPs: Earth, Wind & Fire; Dobbie Brothers; Thin Lizzy; Rory Gallagher; Bill Withers; Billy Joel; Bonnie Raitt; America and the Electric Light Orchestra !

So to add to my list of classics (since the month of September) please include the following: Cosmic Warrior - T. Rex / Santana 3 / American Pie - Don McLean / Led Zeppelin 4 / Nursery Cryme - Genesis / & today's band Lindisfarne with Fog On The Tyne. 

On Wednesday 24th November 1971, I went to the Lyceum in London to a concert promoted by Tony Stratton Smith who owned Charisma Records (also called The Famous Charisma Label). Label artists Lindisfarne were the main attraction but in a last minute change to the show's line-up Genesis also appeared. Having just discovered the afore mentioned 'Nursey Cryme' LP this proved quite a night, all for the princely sum of 60p entrance fee ! (see ad below) 

'Meet Me On The Corner', opening track from 'Fog On The Tyne', is today's Star Track from 50 years ago. Warning: 'Long-haired Hippy' alert with this 'Old Grey Whistle Test' video clip. 

Classified ad from 'Melody Maker'  © 1971 

An alternative (and occasional) music posting highlighting something out of the ordinary. Perhaps of limited appeal, unconventional, experimental or just far-out ! Call it what you like (or switch it off, if you don't like).

Been down to Hurley a couple of times in the last week and the Autumn colours are, even as we head into the last week of November, looking wonderful. 

Prompted me to post this from Max Richter's recomposed Four Season's by Vivaldi.

We have featured 'Spring 1' - click previously - this is another short passage from Autumn 
> 'Autumn 3' 

   

Music Covers, not to be confused with the physical Album or CD cover, but that of the cover version, can often surprise you at how good they are.

This group of musicians, Leonid & Friends, are from of all places the Ukraine, with a version of Chicago's '25 or 6 to 4'. Really hot guitar solo, great brass section and not a trace of an accent in the vocals. Very professional video too. 

Leonid Vorobyev on bass leads the way and a full list of credits roll at the end - (lots more covers on YouTube, if you search.) From Chicago to the Ukraine > from 1969 to 2016 

(I'm indebted to my mate out there in California-land for introducing me to this). Cheers 

    

This week's music is coming to you about and from Tenerife in the Canary Islands. First overseas visit since the pandemic curtailed travel around the world, so the moment we booked our week away it felt like adventure was back on the agenda.

One week after booking the island of La Palma, 82 miles to the west of Tenerife, began erupting and it remains to be seen if it will have stopped while we are there.
This makes 'Dance on a Volcano' by Genesis a possible track, but we hope that isn't the case. 

So I have a 4K drone video of the fantastic landscape of Tenerife from above. Watch on a large monitor and with the sound ON.

Music is 'The Final Hour Extended' by production music company Audiomachine >>> 

More: 'Wonders of Tenerife' - The Way Home by Tony Anderson > widescreen

   

Due to the latest consequence of this pandemic, we found ourselves the other evening at the rescheduled Biffy Clyro 'Fingers Crossed Tour' show in London. My Son and his girlfriend gifted us their tickets, when they were unable to attend.

It was an experience and 'fingers crossed' the lasting effects will only be the ringing in the ears of their performance of gut-puncher rock and a blinding light show. True to say their full on 'live' delivery of songs does lose some of the subtle nuances that are more apparent on the album recordings. This was pretty much a Scottish 'Wall of Sound' from start to finish.

We have had a Biffy Clyro 'Star Track' before, way back in 2015*, so nearly 6 years ago now. Those unfamiliar with them, they are listed as 'Alternative rock, progressive rock, alternative metal and post hardcore'. The setlist the other night did include a few quieter moments - in the words of singer Simon Neil "this song is the first time that it takes a wee breather.”

'Live' from their headline show at the Reading Festival back in August - this is 'Space' >

 

* Previously on the FMS > 'Glitter and Trauma'. 

   

From this Sunday the UK is set to host the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow. I for one hope the outcome is definitely a future in which 'Green is the Colour'. 

Related only by the title of the song, I have chosen today Nick Mason's Saucerful of Secrets with their recently updated 'live' version of the Pink Floyd track off their 1969 Soundtrack from the film 'More'.

The original is quite different - this adds layers and solos by Dom Beken on piano, guitar Gary Kemp (yes he of Spandau Ballet fame) and bass by Guy Pratt, with naturally Nick Mason on the drums:- 'Green is the Colour' 

   

1971: Rock's Golden Year - Part 2  

In Part One I said "Examining my record collection reveals a lot of LPs purchased from that one year." It was probably the first year, I personally had money in my pocket to afford LPs but strictly speaking it's only partly true to say 'purchased', because an unexpected event at my work provided another source of LP ownership - [I have mentioned this event in the 2017 8th December Music Spot, but to refresh your memory:

"At my first job we produced the artwork for a local giveaway newspaper called 'Focus'. It was mostly adverts for businesses in the South London area, with articles to fill in the gaps. One filler was a very basic music page. I'd been asked by the Paper's owners if I'd like to compile this section and as it involved 'free' LPs sent to me to review any lack of journalistic ability on my part had been overlooked by all concerned."

Not to speak of any lack of achievements in the subject of English during my school years. But free records were on offer, I'd worry about writing about them later on.

The newspaper owner's brought over albums from B & C Records that they'd been sent, which in turn meant LPs from their associated labels, namely Charisma and Pegasus, also arrived: (we're talking Genesis and Lindisfarne here). Writing off to other companies (mostly favoured record labels) it wasn't long before Island Records, who distributed Bronze and Chrysalis Records, began sending more albums. As the reviews increased so did the contacts. Warner Bros (inc. Atlantic Records) and Polydor (RSO) began offering lists of new releases and asking us to choose those we'd like to receive. 

So it came to pass that in October 1971 I found myself in possession of 'Teaser and the Firecat' by Cat Stevens. I filled my review with as many superlatives as the limited column inches allowed, then when printed I clipped out the 'Musically Speaking' review section from the paper and mailed it to the record companies. It was magic... simply play by the rules and they sent over the records, fantastic ! 
[end of 1971: part 2]

The Star Track this week is something from 'Teaser and the Firecat' as this video has just been issued by the group Playing For Change. Usual format involving lots of musicians in different places (like Eric Appapoulay in Soho Square, London) and featuring Yusuf / Cat Stevens himself. Probably now's a good time for some good old 70s idealism... and I love the journey around the World > 

   

One of last week's extras under 'more moves' involved a Flash Mob ! 

Time then to forget all the rubbish going on and smile along to this > ELO "Mr Blue Sky" seen in the town of Cork, Ireland - all is normal, it just springs up from nowhere, then it nonchalantly returns to normal again, as if nothing had happened !

Not a face mask in sight and 'Everybody, smiles at you'

Want more fun, then try these two for a Friday triple play ... [click locations]

> Antwerp Station 'Grease' mob [Belgium]

> London, Hamburg, Paris, Rome "All Over the World" [but many UK locations] - compilation

 

  

Joint Birthday celebrations this week. Bruno Mars has his birthday today, while Margaret's is next Tuesday. A very special day with the Department for Works and Pensions finally coming to the party at long last [😁]

No better way to celebrate than with her favourite dance track - which she has been known to enjoy on more than the odd occasion and often in public places for all to see. 

Released in 2015 by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars 'Uptown Funk' topped the charts in 19 different countries. So for my birthday dancing queen - Doh doh doh ... 

Some more moves:-

> Flash mob in 'sunny' Sydney [tap and One]

> And you may have already seen this - Old Movie Stars Dance to 'Uptown Funk' [and Two] 

   

Having referred to Dave Grohl last week, logic tells me to continue the story...

Dave Grohl formed the Foo Fighters as a one-man project following the dissolution of Nirvana and then a band to support the debut album that made their live public debut on February 23, 1995.
Here's a great FF moment: 
On July 30, 2015, a video was published on YouTube of 1,000 Italian musicians in Cesena, Italy all playing and singing 'Learn to Fly' in unison, followed by a plea (from musical director Marco Sabiu) for the Foo Fighters to come play a concert in Cesena. By August 16, it had gained more than 33 million views.
On July 31, Dave Grohl responded, in Italian, thanking the makers for "the beautiful video" and adding "Thank you so much. We're coming, I swear. We'll see each other soon."
On November 3, 2015, in response, Foo Fighters performed a twenty-seven-song concert in Cesena for approximately 3,000 people, starting their set with "Learn to Fly".

This is that video [a 4 minute song - followed by the plea from Marco Sabiu (swearing warning) to Dave Grohl] - bit of a celebration of the Foo Fighters and into the credits for a 1000 musicians > 

The group assembled for the stunt have performed subsequently under the name Rockin' 1000, and been described as the "biggest band in the world." We have featured them previously - ORIGINAL reminder - Rockin’ 1000 Summer Camp – on FMS in Dec 2018 [surprisingly nearly 3 years ago now] > as I said then "this is mental".

 

30 years ago today Nirvana released the album 'Nevermind'.
It opened with the song 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' - which we have featured on a 'Great Intros of our time' last year. [reminder here] 

'Nevermind' was the first Nirvana LP with Dave Grohl on drums, joining founding members Krist Novoselic on bass and frontman Kurt Cobain. An unexpected critical and commercial success, by January 1992 the record reached number one on the US Billboard 200.
Here's the second single released off the album called "Come As You Are" - with the line "No, I don't have a gun" - ironically:

(On 8th April 1994 Kurt Cobain was found dead at his home in Seattle at the age of 27; police concluded he had died on April 5th from a self-inflicted shotgun wound to the head).

  

While searching for appropriate music for our bike ride back in July I came across various suggested cycling playlists, many of which were far too high a tempo. One track however I made a note of was 'Celebrity Skin' by Hole, simply because I really liked what I heard.
The title song from a 1998 album (Never heard of it ? Me neither), yet the LP was named the 265th greatest album of all time in a 2013 poll by NME magazine and was featured in the book '1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die'.
Alternative rock band Hole were fronted by Courtney Love, self appointed 'wild child' born to counterculture parents in San Francisco in the 60s. 'Celebrity Skin' featured instrumental contributions from several musicians outside the band, primarily Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins, and featured a stark power pop sound more commercially appealing than the bands earlier punk influences.
'Celebrity Skin' - the track and video >

On my YouTube page feed this track is followed by 'Malibu' (off the same album) - well worth a listen to.

While those of you in the know will have been aware Courtney Love was married to Kurt Cobain at the time of his death in 1994, this week's Star Track sets up next week's music spot...

 

QUOTE : Yahoo Entertainment - January 2021

"It's become a cliche, even for post-Baby Boomers, to look back wistfully on the early 70s as some kind of golden age for popular music. But when you survey all the best albums it's hard not to trust that instinct".

1971: The very best year in rock music ? 

Who says ? Well David Hepworth in his book "1971 - Never A Dull Moment: Rock's Golden Year" reveals his belief that this was the case - in 336 pages! [see review] 

On reflection (and obviously being there has helped) his point is certainly valid. The list of great LPs released in that year is extensive, so join me in a 50 year old trip to the back of your memory and the corners of your record collection.

We have already travelled back to 1971 on the FMS (Hobbits Garden etc). There's plenty more nostalgia where that came from. Examining my record collection reveals a lot of LPs purchased from that one year. However looking at all the top releases indicates many more I didn't buy, so the list grows longer. 

I could easily fill up the rest of this year with 1971 Star Tracks, however I will revisit the subject periodically over the coming months before, Boys and Girls, Santa comes around to ask for your Christmas list.  

If I told you the best selling UK single from 1971 was "Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep' by Middle of the Road, you will know that David Hepworth and myself are not concerning ourselves with the single charts but very much the albums released during that year. 

By this time in September 1971, we had already seen the release of some classic albums and listened to :- Tapestry - Carol King / The Yes Album - Yes / Aqualung - Jethro Tull / 4 Way Street - CSNY / LA Woman - The Doors / Sticky Fingers - Rolling Stones / What's Going On - Marvin Gaye / Every Picture Tells a Story - Rod Stewart / Blue - Joni Mitchell / Live at the Fillmore - the Allman Bros. and Imagine - John Lennon. And there were more to follow...

I personally had just purchased the 'Who's Next' LP and it was hardly off the turntable at this time. An album book-ended by the incredible 'Baba O'Riley' & 'Won't Get Fooled Again' yet sandwiched in between are some classics, less often played. 
Developed from the aborted Lifehouse project, a multi-media rock opera, many of the songs from that story ended up on 'Who's Next'. "The Song is Over" is a ballad which was supposedly the final song on Lifehouse. Aside from lead vocals by Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey, it also features piano work by English musician Nicky Hopkins and some dynamic drumming by Keith Moon. 

The song is over 

 Excepting one note, pure and easy

'Pure and Easy' was the central axis of the Lifehouse project that never happened (now a snippet of "Pure and Easy" became the coda to "The Song is Over".)

Here's that song that didn't make it on to 'Who's Next' - fyi  
 

  

-   R E M E M B E R I N G   -

Charlie Watts: Reluctant Pop Star and the man at the back of the Rolling Stones for nearly 60 years, was always stoic about his success with the band - which he once described in the 80s as "five years of work and 20 years of hanging around".

But Watts' contribution to the band was vital. His jazz-inflected swing gave the Stones' songs their swagger, pushing and pulling at the groove, and creating room for Jagger's lascivious drawl.
"As much as Mick's voice and Keith's guitar, Charlie Watts's snare sound is the Rolling Stones". Bruce Springsteen once wrote. "When Mick sings, 'It's only rock 'n' roll but I like it,' Charlie's in the back showing you why!" 

A couple of years back I featured this song 'Time Waits For No One' (post link) - the video needs updating so click FMS#170 - to listen again. 

Don Everly: One half of the Everly Brothers (Phil having died in 2014) also passed away on August 21st. Here's a track to remember them by, a favourite from 1964, called 'Gone, Gone, Gone'. (A song covered by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss in 2007).

Picture quality is not great but the original recording sounds fine

While doing the YouTube shuffle/search I came across other versions of some interest:

1) A not great TV version with dancing girls and backing singers making a bit of a mess of the original, matched by the bad picture quality - is here 
- or there's
2) Which is back to the 1964 original but the video has the dance troupe Pan's People performing to the song. It says 1964, however Cherry Gillespie is dancing and she didn't join Pan's People until 1972, so along with the colour pictures this footage is more likely from then and not 1964 ! - see this link

  

Another 'old' film that came on TV recently was 'Almost Famous' from 2000. I can only conclude that I'd not seen it since it's release because I couldn't remember most of it. While the soundtrack from the early 70s was extraordinary and far more familiar.

Except for this track which the film's writer and director Cameron Crowe has said is his favourite song by The Beach Boys.

'Feel Flows' features twice during the movie and is from the album released in 1971* called 'Surf's Up' - if you'd asked me I'd have thought they'd already used that title during the 60s.

Beautifully psychedelic track from the Very Famous - Beach Boys 

There's a brand new Box Set (out today) called 'Feel Flows: The Sunflower & Surf's Up Sessions'. It includes remastered editions of those two albums alongside unreleased tracks.

 

* This leads to a future Friday Music Spot - coming soon 

  

One of my favourite films of the last 20 years recently came on TV and although I only caught half of it the memory and enjoyment of (We don't need no education) - 'School of Rock' was fully intact.

The track played in the Battle of the Bands contest is simply called 'School of Rock' (Rock Got No Reason) and in the film is attributed to lead guitarist Zack.

I have a video for you that combines the original film footage with a 10 Year School reunion from 2013 and an after-party performance of that song. To see the kids 'all grown up' is amazing and surprising. I know you're going to like this >

To remind you of the cast on stage:

• Jack Black as Dewey Finn (lead and backing vocals, rhythm guitar)
• Joey Gaydos Jr. as Zack "Zack-Attack" Mooneyham (lead guitar)
• Kevin Clark as Freddy "Spazzy McGee" Jones (drums)
• Rivkah Reyes as Katie "Posh Spice" (bass)
• Robert Tsai as Lawrence "Mr. Cool" (keyboards)
• Maryam Hassan as Tomika (lead and backing vocals)
• Aleisha Allen as Alicia (lead and backing vocals)
• Caitlin Hale as Marta (lead and backing vocals)
• Miranda Cosgrove as Summer

 

  

This coming Saturday I'm finally going to a football match again, first time in nearly 18 month. Which has had me thinking about the very first time I went to a Chelsea game at Stamford Bridge in 1964. The team would always run out to an unusual song that apparently the players had heard while on a Caribbean Tour that Summer, liked it and ask if it could be played as they ran on to the pitch during that season.
The song was called 'Sammy Dead', while a bit of an odd title, the song was typical Byron Lee & The Dragonaires, a Jamacian ska, calypso and Soca band (strangely appropriate).

Amazingly there's some old 'live' footage from the time. Not surprisingly it's not great quality. Amazed I even found it...

Lead vocal is attributed to Eric 'Monty' Morris > 

The song is fairly short, so here's the original release, which is a slightly different version and must have been the actual single played in 1964. 'Sammy Dead'   

 

I first heard this song at the end of the London 2012 Olympics on the BBC as a closing summary full of highlight memories - [playout sequence clip] to jog your memory.
The song is a unique collaboration between Thea Gilmore & Sandy Denny. In late 2010 Thea Gilmore was commissioned by Sandy Denny’s estate, in conjunction with Island Records, to write melodies for unfinished manuscripts, lyrics without music, and works in progress (that had come to light in 1989) to finally bring some of Sandy Denny’s last works to the world. Of course this song is not about the Olympics but just being away from home.

The 2012 Olympic playout was just an edit, this is the full track called > 'London' 

An alternative (and occasional) music posting highlighting something out of the ordinary. Perhaps of limited appeal, unconventional, experimental or just far-out ! Call it what you like (or switch it off, if you don't like). 

Whether it was the Drones in the sky display or the Pictograms performance that caught your eye during the Tokyo Olympics Opening Ceremony, you must have wondered at the music during the Japanese Kabuki dance-drama section featuring the artist Hiromi. Playing piano in a flamboyant style, much like her 'anime' hair, her improvisation and mix of jazz, classical and rock reminded me of Keith Emerson's much loved meanderings and indulgent show-off-manship while hitting the ivories with everything available.

Her actual performance from the ceremony is not available on the web, though a short picture sequence is [FYI here].
The full piece called 'Spectrum' is available to experience > Hiromi

 

There are many other videos worth a look, those with her trio especially. 

Last week in the YouTube comments column someone had remarked the Obi track reminded them of Nick Drake's 'From the Morning'. This in turn triggered my memory of when Margaret, unfamiliar with his music, asked Alexa to play songs by Nick Drake.
The resulting playlist that followed included a veritable who's who of classic singer/songwriters:- Tom Waits, John Martyn, Gordon Lightfoot, CSNY, America, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Donavan, Cat Stevens, Tracy Chapman & Sandy Denny - all came up...
Explore your own playlist, starting with 'From the Morning' by Nick Drake > 

"Now we rise / And we are everywhere"

I noticed another comment on YouTube that said:- 

"I like the fact that the final song on the last album recorded in Nick Drake's lifetime was actually a song of hope and inspiration! "

 

This week I have mostly been cycling !
But what music was in my head ? ...on our route along the Kennet & Avon canal from Bristol to Reading (and onto Hurley).
I did some research on Beats Per Minute & Heart Rate and toyed with the idea of finding a nice steady beat (a cadence) to pedal along to. Nothing to energetic. This resulted in various speeds [108-115 bpms] and many tracks on playlists and 'Happy Cycling Mixes', with some great pieces to consider. Then I came upon this video about actually cycling along the Kennet and Avon that ends with this track which seemed ideal. 'Somewhere Nicer' too.

So this is British indie-pop group Obi singing 'Somewhere Nicer' > 

The video of the actual cycle I found is here for those interested. Pedal here 👉

Not exactly our route, but mostly the same.

 

Big band. Big concert.

And when The Edge's guitar comes chiming in - the reaction, is just amazing !

Clearly that tells you this is U2. In concert from 2001 on their Elevation Tour Live in Boston [video: strobe warning] - go Full Screen. 

Performing 'Stay + Bad + Where the Streets Have No Name' - 'No barriers, no limitations'

U2: Elevation Tour - Live In Boston [DVD] - check out the whole concert, it's brilliant. 

 

I seem to remember I promised awhile ago another performer from Rick Beato's Top Female artists list.
Brazilian Lari Basilio plays guitar with a smooth latin vibe, jazzy and rocky, while clearly enjoying herself enormously. 

Here she is playing a track titled 'Not Alone' in the 'Guitarguitar' music store in Birmingham. Dare I say she needs the money for some new jeans ? No, that would make me sounds old fashioned right 😏

There's plenty of different tracks (and different guitars) on YouTube: 

Check out:-  'Far More' [with a band in the studio]; Her Signature Ibanez guitar track 'Novo'; & 'New Time' - [beach video]. Simply search Lari Basilio 

 

I somehow can't ignore all these rousing Football singalongs any longer. Side-stepping the obvious 'Three Lions' and 'Seven Nation Army', likewise 'Yes Sir, I Can Boogie' and going for a screamer. 
'Chelsea Dagger' by The Fratellis comes to mind, especially after seeing the fun McDonalds ad currently showing during most half-time breaks [link]. But that is possibly a bit much, so I've gone for the full on goal celebration that is 'Song 2' by Blur. Woo-hoo...

> This track is also being used in another ad right now for airbnb. 

Action Replay - just hit the play button again 😁

The Smiths have been described, among other things, as 'miserablists'. It is something of a joke that most of the songs before you even get to the chorus there's been mention of panic, murder, being dragged down, corrodes my soul, dreaded sunny day, bludgeoned, murderous desire, feel so lonely, so sad. I'll stop there, but you get the idea…. However their songs were often as not far more cheerful and full of life, almost Merrie Melodies (looney tunes) > no not that !!

'Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want' from 1984 by The Smiths was only 2 minutes long, this version by the band's guitarist Johnny Marr features some beautiful guitar work. (You don't get Morrissey's voice here but instead you get Marr's astonishing guitar work) > mellow out everyone, and get what you want

KCRW session from 2013: [KCRW is a National Public Radio member station broadcasting from the campus of Santa Monica College in Santa Monica, California]

More Summery sounds this week.

Tristen Gaspadarek was discovered via Cerys on Radio 6 when I heard her version of 'A Case of You' - a cover of a Joni Mitchell song [though very different from her original] containing some nice laid-back guitar. Known simply as Tristen, I then came across 'Glass Jar' with it's wonderful Rickenbacker Guitar Sound (guitars known for their bright jangle and chime) and it immediately feels like Summer and a jingle jangle morning - hope you like it 

- She has a new album just out called 'Aquatic Flowers' 

We have waited long enough for some Summer sunshine, so finally I can spin this track and greet the day with a warm outlook and recount this tale from yester year.

From the John Peel column in 'Sounds' - September 1976

He writes of a new ritual at his home .... "Whosoever rises first - and this is usually me - goes straight to the stereo and cranking the decrepit machinery up to full volume, fills the house with the stirring strains of Poco's 'Rose of Cimarron'. 

Naturally, being decent, god-fearing folk, we eschew the mildly beastly edited single version and go instead to the full-blooded 6 minute and 40 second version. As soon as the ecstatic guitar break has faded away, the rest of the house rise from their beds, their eyes shining with a strange light, the spirits uplifted. 

I suspect that repeated exposure to 'Rose of Cimarron' could raise you to a similar state of bliss." 

So here it is [remember full volume] > Poco - and one of my favourite tracks ever -