The Turtles: Elenore
This was written in 1968 by group member Howard Kaylan but by agreement it was credited to all five members: Kaylan, Mark Volman, Al Nichol, Jim Pons and John Barbata. … Continue readingThe Turtles: Elenore
Recent Posts
Joe Brown and the Bruvvers: A Picture of You
This was written by John Beveridge and Peter Oakman and released in 1962 as the B-side of A Lay-About’s Lament, which was a truly terrible number. Record buyers knew better … Continue readingJoe Brown and the Bruvvers: A Picture of You
Santana: Soul Sacrifice
Not a band I play very often nowadays but I love the percussion on this live cut from 1970.
Eno’s, You Know
HARDLY a week goes by without my mentioning Brian Eno, so a look at his solo career must be long overdue. In getting on for half a century, Brian has … Continue readingEno’s, You Know
Back Door: One Day You’re Down, The Next Day You’re Down
Great title. Back Door were a strange little group. Not keen on the saxophone noodling but Colin Hodgkinson’s lead bass was brrrilll. From the 1973 album 8th Street Nites.
Tom Waits: Rain Dogs
Title track of his album released on New Year’s Day 1985. This was the first time he had worked with the great guitarist Marc Ribot.
Ave Maria
TWO of the most beautiful pieces of music I know are based on the same Roman Catholic prayer, the Ave Maria or Hail Mary. This is it: Hail Mary, full of grace,the Lord … Continue readingAve Maria
Five Hand Reel: Sliave Gallion Braes
Standout track from their first album. I saw them do it at the July Wakes Festival in 1976.
Johnny Tillotson: Poetry in Motion
The song was written by Paul Kaufman and Mike Anthony, who don’t seem to have written much else of note, which is a shame because these are among the best … Continue readingJohnny Tillotson: Poetry in Motion
A hummer in the summer
IN the summer I was looking at the flowering plants I have in pots along the south-facing front of the house when I saw a hummingbird hawk-moth (Macroglossum stellatarum). I … Continue readingA hummer in the summer