Like many others I've watched an awful lot of TV so far this year. 

And just occasionally I have caught the ads ( rather than: fast forward through them / go into the kitchen for something / leave the room for another reason - delete as applicable ).

A current advert for Halifax Bank uses 'Stand By Me' by Oasis - a great song from 1997 - 'Time Flies'.

No video to watch, just a still shot, but simply vintage Oasis 'Wall of Sound' [and full orchestra] > "Madferit"

 

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). 

Another unusual piece of music I've been saving for a more appropriate time of year, having first heard it on Radio 6 last October.

It's called 'Nightingale Part 1' and is by an artist named Cosmo Sheldrake (really his name). So far, so weird, wait till you hear the track. He's a British multi-instrumentalist musician, composer and producer. The piece is from last years album release called 'Wake Up Calls'. Using actual bird song interwoven into beautiful peaceful soundscapes. 

The BBC naturalist Brett Westwood has compared the song of the Nightingale to a “jazz musician, improvising on a theme”. See what you make of it >

'Part 2': [is here] - and many other songs by Cosmo Sheldrake on YouTube, naturally. 

Known for his bombastic, operatic productions, Jim Steinman was influenced by his appreciation of Wagner, Phil Spector, Bruce Springsteen and The Who. He hit the big time in 1977 with the Meat Loaf album 'Bat Out Of Hell'.

Remembering Jim Steinman who died this week - hit compositions 'Total Eclipse Of The Heart' and 'Bat Out Of Hell' just two examples of his legacy.

I bought the 12 inch release in blood red vinyl of 'Bat Out Of Hell' and I have fond memories of 'Paradise By The Dashboard Light'.

A couple of 'Did you knows' -
◆ The motorcycle on the track was a guitar ?
"Rather than use a recording of a real motorcycle, album producer Todd Rundgren himself played the section on guitar, leading straight into the solo without a break" < link to short video >

◆ Meat Loaf was born Marvin Lee Aday [who knew] ? 

Released just a few days ago on 13th April, this is very hot off the presses, as it were. You may have seen it in the news this week. 

At first I wasn't sure, but it definitely grows on you.

The song attempts to provide a "sardonic and humorous" take on coming out of lockdown. Despite the 'lockdown' rant (something we can no doubt relate to), the song is full of optimism for the future.
A collaboration between Mick Jagger [Sir] and Dave Grohl [FF] - unlock 'Eazy Sleazy' >
See what you think

Back in January Sky Arts TV premiered the film made of Runrig's 'The Last Dance' Farewell Concert from 2018. Now I have made reference to this previously in a 'Midweek Spot' for St. Andrews Day in 2018 [link to this] - this last weekend saw BBC Scotland broadcast the full 3 hour show.

An occasion that was full of nostalgia, like their final studio album release called 'The Story', and there was barely a dry eye in the place by the end of the concert. The show begins with a video recreating the bands humble beginnings as a dance band playing a tiny hall on the Isle of Skye. This runs into a cracking opening song 'The Years We Shared' … you get the picture.
Today I'm going to feature this 2016 compiled video of the album's title song 'The Story' which has gaelic lyrics along with these chorus words

"The story of the life inside of me"

Could have selected many more moments from their history.
Here's the link to BBC iplayer - that has 'The Last Dance' concert available to watch for the next month.
Check out 'The Story' album and in addition to the songs already mentioned there's an emotional track called 'Somewhere', with Julie Fowlis duetting on vocals, a tribute to Columbia space shuttle astronaut Laura Clark, a big Runrig fan.

One of my favourite Scottish bands [and I have a few] > Runrig farewell  

Around a year ago, as we all got use to the 'Dawn of Lockdown', the news arrived that Bill Withers had just died. I was reminded of this when I saw this video [click here to view] - so let me introduce to you today's Star Track artist: Helen Ibe. 

Credit should again go to one Rick Beato for this discovery who's YouTube post on female artists brought her to my attention. Helen Ibe is from Nigeria, has her own YouTube Channel and plays guitar in many different styles with such feeling, every note is full of expression - I'm sure her playing is guaranteed to raise a smile !

Quite a lot of videos to enjoy (apart from the intro above). I've selected this as today's track, a double take on 'I'd Rather Go Blind' & 'Tennessee Whiskey' - by Helen Ibe > 

Her YouTube Channel: [click on this link] 

I highly recommend these: 'Home Alone Blues' (Guitar Jam) and 'Electric Gypsy' (cover)

- you will note the videos are mostly filmed in her home - and as you watch you'll notice she likes to regularly change her cushions ! 😄