John Fahey: The Portland Cement Factory at Monolith, California
Possibly the most inspiring song title of all time. From the 1967 album Days Have Gone By.
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Jackson Browne and David Lindley: Stay/Love is Strange
Not sure when this was recorded but Lindley is looking pretty ancient. Still playing like a dream though.
Connie Francis: Who’s Sorry Now?
The music for the brilliant song Who’s Sorry Now? was written by Ted Snyder with lyrics by Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby, and published in 1923. Snyder (1881-1965) gave Irving Berlin his … Continue readingConnie Francis: Who’s Sorry Now?
Rod Stewart: I Don’t Want To Talk About It
This was written by Danny Whitten, a member of Neil Young’s backing band Crazy Horse, and released on Crazy Horse’s 1971 eponymous album. Rod Stewart recorded it in 1975 for … Continue readingRod Stewart: I Don’t Want To Talk About It
Randy Newman, master craftsman (continued)
NOT so long ago the great British musician Nick Lowe was asked at a public question-and-answer session who he thought were the top two songwriters in the business. ‘Bob Dylan, … Continue readingRandy Newman, master craftsman (continued)
Jane Siberry: Everything Reminds Me Of My Dog
From the Canadian shantoozie’s 1989 album Bound By The Beauty. And what a great video!
Sufjan Stevens: Free Man in Paris
From the 2007 Various Artists album A Tribute To Joni Mitchell, this take by Sufjan of the popular Court and Spark song is remarkable for how different it is to … Continue readingSufjan Stevens: Free Man in Paris
Handel – For Unto Us a Child is Born (Messiah)
IN the run-up to Christmas I had to mention Handel’s Messiah. I suppose the Hallelujah Chorus is the best-known movement, but although often performed at Christmas, with Part I of the work, it … Continue readingHandel – For Unto Us a Child is Born (Messiah)
Mothers of Invention: Holiday in Berlin, Full Blown
This is from Burnt Weeny Sandwich, which was recorded before Hot Rats but released after it, in 1970. It’s good.
Duane Eddy: Because They’re Young
This was the title song of a 1960 film. It was written by Aaron Schroeder, Don Costa and Wally Gold, and reached No 4 in the States and 2 in … Continue readingDuane Eddy: Because They’re Young