Egrets, I’ve had a few
WE have lived in Lancashire near the Ribble for about eight years (the move from London was an awful protracted business which I may recount some time if I can … Continue readingEgrets, I’ve had a few
Recent Posts
Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames: Yeh, Yeh
This was written as a Latin soul instrumental by Rodgers Grant and Pat Patrick, and first recorded by Mongo Santamaría for his 1963 album Watermelon Man! Soon afterwards lyrics were written … Continue readingGeorgie Fame and the Blue Flames: Yeh, Yeh
Loudon Wainwright III: Fear With Flying
‘Who’s afraid of flying? I’m just afraid of crashing.’
The Alan Price Set: I Put a Spell on You
I don’t know why it has taken me so long to get round to this brilliant track. It was written by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, whose recording of it was released … Continue readingThe Alan Price Set: I Put a Spell on You
Richard and Linda Thompson: Jet Plane in a Rocking Chair
From the excellent 1975 album Pour Down Like Silver. Here’s a fairly recent live version by Richard on his own.
The Platters: Ebb Tide
This was written in 1953 by Carl Sigman and Robert Maxwell. It was recorded in 1958 by Frank Sinatra with Nelson Riddle. Not really my taste but here it is: … Continue readingThe Platters: Ebb Tide
Lynyrd Skynyrd: Free Bird
Shortly after this 1977 stadium gig in Oakland the band’s plane crashed, killing singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines and Steve’s sister Cassie, a backing vocalist.
Duane Eddy: Rebel Rouser
This was written by Eddy, with Lee Hazlewood. It was originally to be called Rabble Rouser but Hazlewood changed the title to Rebel-‘Rouser. The apostrophe does not seem to be used now. It … Continue readingDuane Eddy: Rebel Rouser
Roxy Music: Eight Miles High
A live version of the Byrds song covered on the 1980 album Flesh and Blood. And here’s the great Leo Kottke performing it three years earlier.
An afternoon with Keith Waterhouse
WHEN Robert Maxwell bought the Mirror in 1984, one of the first tasks he set himself was to make sure that Keith Waterhouse stayed with the paper since, for many readers, his … Continue readingAn afternoon with Keith Waterhouse