Van Dyke Parks: John Jones
From one of my favourite albums of all time, the sublime Discover America, released in 1972.
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John Prine and Iris DeMent: In Spite of Ourselves
Two old favourites get together for some jolly hokum.
The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came
WE are now in Advent, the run-up to Christmas, and this is a popular hymn for this season. It is also known as Gabriel’s Message, and contains this wonderful line:His wings as … Continue readingThe Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came
Letterman announces Warren Zevon is dead
What impresses me most about this clip is how David Letterman, who had a close relationship with Zevon, remains calm and dignified while revealing the sad news. Most chatshow hosts … Continue readingLetterman announces Warren Zevon is dead
Alabama Shakes: Hold On
This is a great record. Title track of their 2011 album.
Warren Zevon: Hit Somebody
From his 2002 album My Ride’s Here, Wozza’s story of a farm boy turned ice hockey goon. One of his biggest fans, the talkshow host David Letterman, provides guest vocals.
The Kinks: You Really Got Me
I was and am not a Kinks fan, though I can’t say why. However Alan put it to me that You Really Got Me is a good number and I … Continue readingThe Kinks: You Really Got Me
Arthur Alexander: You Better Move On
This was written by Arthur Alexander, who recorded it in 1961. It reached number 24 in the US in March 1962. According to Wikipedia, the lyrics were inspired by Alexander’s … Continue readingArthur Alexander: You Better Move On
Ry Cooder: Shrinking Man
A lot of Ry’s later work is pretty embarrassing but this, from 2018’s The Prodigal Son, is an exception.
Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord
THIS hymn, to me, has a particularly lovely tune. It was composed by Benjamin Mansell Ramsey (1849-1923), who also wrote the words. Surprisingly for someone who lived comparatively recently, there … Continue readingTeach Me Thy Way, O Lord