(1)Joanne. Michael Nesmith & The First National Band (1970). After The Monkees, Nesmith returned to his original folk-rock style and this was a minor hit although he continued to make much more good music, including 'Different Drum'.
(2)Come a Long Way. Michelle Shocked (1992). A much under-rated artist in my opinion. This is from her critically-lauded album 'Arkansas Traveller'.
(3)Blame It On the Night. Kevin Coyne (1974). A virtually unknown (and unstable) British genius who sadly died in 2004.
(5)English Rose. Paul Weller with The Jam (1978). A little-known mini gem!
(6)At Last. Etta James (1961). As a tribute to the great soul singer who died last month
14 comments:
Greetings bazza,
Some notable links and quite fitting that you note Etta James, indeed, a great soul singer.
Dear bazza,
A nice selection of music.
I think the picture of Kevin Coyne says "Let's Have a Party" on it, but old Kev doesn't look very much in the party mood, if you noticed, bazza.
Anyway, I agree with Gary, above, particularly about the late, great Etta James.
Thanks, bazza.
Very Best Wishes,
David.
Hi Gary: I think Etta was an inspration to a whole generation of (especially British) singers. Also see my next reply to David.
Hello David: I don't know if you (or anyone for that matter) are familiar with Kevin Coyne's work. He worked in a mental hospital for some time and his experience informed his early work such as 'The House on the Hill' (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4LpCw9C85M) and 'Talking to No One' on the wonderful Marjory Razorblade double album. And 'Light Up Your Little Light' from Blame it on the Night.
I really think he is one of the unsung (no pun intended) heroes of English music. He was an unpredictable character and his work can be hard to take in large doses (again, no pun etc) but the gems that remain after the dross is rejected are exquisite.
The fabulous Sir Tom Eagerly says:
I note that you have overlooked Rihanna, Bruno Mars and Jay-Z then.
Never mind old boy, you'll get into the 21st century soon.
Cheers!
Great Selection!
Love Michael Nesmith; cute video from Michelle, but never heard her until this video. Kevin reminds me of Joe Cocker lite. Anything guitar is good.
English Rose and Paul Weller, both unknown by me; like it though.
Etta... I'm still in shock... met her once many years back; a wonderful woman, as well as talented.
Thanks Bazza,
Dixie
Sir Tom: I would have thought something from the 1930's was more your taste. Sir Tom! I dread to think of the effect that Rihanna has on you.
dcrelief: Wow! You met Etta James?
Paul Weller had a post-punk band called The Jam and they had lots of UK hits with songs like "A Town Called Malice", "That's Entertainment" and "The Eton Rifles".
Glad you like the selection.
Lovely collection here Bazza...
Seema: Thanks! I will be visiting your site soon to see what's been happening!
"Joanne" relaxed me. I can listen to something like this. It's interesting that Nesmith, formerly of The Monkees, created such a different kind of song and sound here. I listened to The Monkees when I was a kid and watched their crazy TV show as an adorable youth. and then I grew up to be one hell of a saintly guy, spreading cheer everywhere I go. maybe it's do to watching The Monkees.
Classical music and rap are two genres I can't handle, though. Thanks for the song selections. I will check the rest of them out. I'm always on the prowl for new music and "lively" movies. ;)
So how have you been, Bazza? You've been leaving the farm animals alone, I hope. :) Just for you, I'm gonna link your site to Facebook and tweet your post. I know. You're excited, eh?
Kezza! Hello my friend. I also can't abide rap music but I do like quite a lot of classical stuff.
I'm afraid there's not a lot of my selection that's 'new' but I do like a lot of new stuff too.
Don't worry about them there farm animals - they are quite safe from me!
And, finally, you are still a saintly guy!
Regarding Etta James ~
Met her in 1971 at the North Carolina Music Festival. By special invitation I sang with one of two State Festival Choirs at UNC-Chapel Hill. Under the direction of Mr. William L. Dawson of Tuskegee Institute, we recorded an album. He had a special guest come in to speak with us about 'the soul of music', one Miss Etta James!! She walked into the huge auditorium and said, "Good morning children." I almost fell off the riser I was standing on. She sang "Soon-Ah Will Be Done" and we stood there in awe. She had the attention of all 295 students!
dcrelief: Wow, that's a great story. My best 'meeting someone famous story is when I arrived home from a Beach Boys concert in London and, as we walked in the door, the phone rang and it was Bruce Johnson asking if we enjoyed the concert. True!
It's a long story for some other time.
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