A compendium of musical delights by Alan and Margaret Ashworth
I don’t think this is the best version of this beautiful song, but this is meant to be a blog about pop records. The lyrics were written by Edith Piaf … Continue readingBrenda Lee: If You Love Me (Really Love Me)
This lovely song comes from Ackles’s eponymous 1968 debut album and is acclaimed as his masterpiece. Phil Collins selected it as one of his Desert Island Discs, saying of Ackles: … Continue readingDavid Ackles: Down River
This is from 1978, a long time after the peak of pop in my opinion, but still a great number. It was written by Rafferty and included on his second … Continue readingGerry Rafferty: Baker Street
THERE is a roadside plaque in North Yorkshire which never fails to bring tears to my eyes and a shiver to my spine. It is installed at the top of The Bank … Continue readingHeroes of the storm
One of my favourite tracks from his only solo album, Thanks, I’ll Eat It Here. What a loss he was to music.
I’ve always loved Steve Winwood’s voice. He wrote this for Blind Faith’s only album, Blind Faith, released in 1969. This is the original acoustic version. When the album was re-issued … Continue readingBlind Faith: Can’t Find My Way Home
If you’ve nearly half an hour to spare, enjoy this 2002 version of the classic from his late-60s LP Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere. And here’s a fonkeh version by … Continue readingNeil Young: Down By The River
This was written by Sam Cooke, who recorded it on November 16, 1964, his last studio session before his death on December 11. The following February it peaked at No … Continue readingOtis Redding: Shake
One of Drake’s most haunting songs, from his debut LP Five Leaves Left. And here’s a fairly pretentious live cover version by the Unthanks.
ONE of the most spectacular plants you will ever see in this country is giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum). It can grow to 16ft or even more with leaves up to … Continue readingGiant hogweed: Look but don’t touch