I’m sitting here again listening to Cat Power’s Colors and the Kids for the umpteenth time and it continues to inspire like few others. A song written in the aftermath of a bereavement, where numbness has shaped the world of the singer and she is unable to connect to the music which she formerly loved. What she craves most of all is unquestioning human contact whose touch makes her feel relevant and present in this world. It might be the lyrics but I think it is the vocal phrasing and the emotional contours and dynamic contrasts that she creates out of pure unvarnished intuition. After all these years, it still moves me like few others and remains such a powerful expression of what it means to be human and to have lost someone you loved.
Listening to Fiona Apple’s new album tonight and I am reminded of two amazing cover versions of songs that she made her own.
The first is her performance of probably Elvis Costello’s greatest song, I Want You, with Elvis and his band in tow. Such intensity and passion and sheer commitment which verges on the unhinged.
The second is her performance of Bob Dylan’s Tombstone Blues. Many of the same virtues referenced above are also present here but this is also a showcase for her diction and sheer vocal stamina. Every word of Dylan’s is audible here and projected with an authenticity that is rare.
Finally, we have some visual documentation of the great David Ackles from the vaults of Norwegian TV. This was posted to YouTube about a year ago. Sadly, it is a mimed performance with a short interview, but it is so very precious. A reminder of a great and uniquely beautiful talent whose career was sadly short-lived.
mcq wrote: ↑Mon Jun 15, 2020 12:19 am
Finally, we have some visual documentation of the great David Ackles from the vaults of Norwegian TV. This was posted to YouTube about a year ago. Sadly, it is a mimed performance with a short interview, but it is so very precious. A reminder of a great and uniquely beautiful talent whose career was sadly short-lived.
"Remarkably, a new documentary film about her life is scheduled for release later this year, and will finally reveal the whole truth of her incredible story to the world."
Re: You Tube Videos
Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2020 1:16 am
by mcq
Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to pick of a physical copy of the magazine. Apparently, there are also articles on Tim Buckley and Amon Duul as well.
I’m eagerly awaiting the release of that film, Dermot. I believe they managed to interview Mr. Geffen as well, but, to be honest, I wouldn’t expect any great insights from the man. Apparently, there was a recent documentary as well about the Laurel Canyon singer-songwriter scene In the late Sixties/early Seventies and when Geffen was asked about Laura Nyro, he just glossed over everything. The usual story about how wonderful she was. I remember reading a quote of his about the release of New York Tendaberry: “By the time she had finished that third album for Columbia, I think she had exhausted... well, gone into major decline in the quality of her work”. Incredible, just incredible.
However, aside from Geffen, I believe the producers managed to interview everybody still living about Judee. What I am hoping for, ultimately, is that it will kick off more interest in Judee’s music, which is long overdue. She was a special artist and her music will remain forever in my heart.
Re: You Tube Videos
Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2020 12:04 pm
by cybot
mcq wrote: ↑Tue Jun 16, 2020 1:16 am
Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to pick of a physical copy of the magazine. Apparently, there are also articles on Tim Buckley and Amon Duul as well.
I’m eagerly awaiting the release of that film, Dermot. I believe they managed to interview Mr. Geffen as well, but, to be honest, I wouldn’t expect any great insights from the man. Apparently, there was a recent documentary as well about the Laurel Canyon singer-songwriter scene In the late Sixties/early Seventies and when Geffen was asked about Laura Nyro, he just glossed over everything. The usual story about how wonderful she was. I remember reading a quote of his about the release of New York Tendaberry: “By the time she had finished that third album for Columbia, I think she had exhausted... well, gone into major decline in the quality of her work”. Incredible, just incredible.
However, aside from Geffen, I believe the producers managed to interview everybody still living about Judee. What I am hoping for, ultimately, is that it will kick off more interest in Judee’s music, which is long overdue. She was a special artist and her music will remain forever in my heart.
Ah that's a pity about the physical edition. Wonder who's playing the leading role in the film? As regards David Geffen, the less said the better.....
Re: You Tube Videos
Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2020 8:06 pm
by mcq
I’m hoping for a new Gwenifer Raymond album this year. Nothing’s been announced yet but these astonishing performances of new work were recently posted online.
What a wondrous and truly inspiring talent she is. (Although I’m not too sure about the Crowley inscription behind her - “Do What Thou Wilt”. )
And this is very special. A performance of The Three Deaths of Red Spectre which, unaccountably, did not appear on her exceptional 2018 album, You Never Were Much Of A Dancer.