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'.