For bitter or worse
WHEN I started drinking beer on a regular basis, more than half a century ago, the choice was pretty poor. Fizzy keg bitter was the order of the day, weak … Continue readingFor bitter or worse
Recent Posts
Genesis: Here Comes The Supernatural Anaesthetist
I remember when The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway came out in 1974 and the Melody Maker’s review headline was ‘Dull, Plodding Genesis’. How wrong can you be?
Tom Waits: Heartattack and Vine
Somewhat idiosyncratic live performance from the Tomster.
Elton John: Crocodile Rock
I have said before that I feel Elton would have been perfectly at home in the 60s. This cheery number, written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, was recorded in … Continue readingElton John: Crocodile Rock
Bob Dylan: If You See Her Say Hello
One of Dylan’s most beautiful and generous songs. ‘If you’re making love to her, kiss her for the kid. Who always has respected her for doing what she did.’ This … Continue readingBob Dylan: If You See Her Say Hello
250 years of Amazing Grace
ONE of the world’s most-loved hymns was first heard on this day 250 years ago. Amazing Grace was written by John Newton for a sermon he gave on New Year’s Day 1773 … Continue reading250 years of Amazing Grace
Carl Perkins: Wrong Yo Yo
This was first recorded in 1930 by Rufus George Perryman, known as Speckled Red, but I am not sure if he wrote it or if it is ‘traditional’. (I have … Continue readingCarl Perkins: Wrong Yo Yo
June Tabor: While Gamekeepers Lie Sleeping
Back when the Tabester was content to be a folk singer rather than a diva – try to ignore the slimy ‘family’ Jools.
Billie Holiday: Strange Fruit
Reading Percival Everett’s novel The Trees (hilarious but ruined by the ending) reminded me of this classic written for Billie by Abel Meeropol under the pseudonym Lewis Allan. Here’s Robert … Continue readingBillie Holiday: Strange Fruit
Donovan: Colours
As I’ve said before, I didn’t greatly care for Donovan, though he did give me a big laugh when he claimed in his autobiography to have been a major influence … Continue readingDonovan: Colours