The Afterword

Musings on the byways of popular culture

Menu

Turbulent Political Times

by 15 Comments

We are living in turbulent times with Brexit, Trump, terrorism etc. However I was watching the recent multi part documentary on Thatcher, in the early/mid eighties we had:

– 3 million unemployed in the UK – Most dangerous cold war situation since the early 60s – Greenham Common Peace Camp – Falklands War – Brighton bomb (plus many other examples of Irish republican terrorism) – Miners’ strike with resulting riots, police brutality and at least one death.

Quite a list.

Brian Wilson

by 18 Comments

He’s still with us, folks. But as you may have heard he has postponed a tour because of mental health issues. I saw him last Nov and it was indeed a sad spectacle.

Let’s use this thread to send out some love to the great one. Hope he gets through it.

https://www.brianwilson.com/

Soul Covers of Beatles Songs

by 9 Comments

There are good ones, but I am perplexed as to why they did them. Was there record company pressure to be in on the biggest thing around? Were artists like Aretha or Otis lacking in material?

In general I don’t think they really work that well. Am sure Lennon amd Macca were thrilled, but hearing Otis Redding grunting his way through A Hard Day’s Night as an example is not really an improvement on the original.

https://youtu.be/TlHaX55wG0Y

What’s your most played album?

by 156 Comments

This may not necessarily be your favourite one, but instead something that came along at a certain time in your life and resonated deeply

Mine is Born in the USA by Bruce Springsteen

May these days make my top 5 Bruce albums, but probably not my top 3. It was released in 1984 when I was 22, I am guessing it was released on the UK on Fri June 8th, I had been a fan for about 4 years and had seen one live show (still the best I ever saw), after the low key solo Nebraska album there was some excitement at a new offering with the E St Band. I had probably already heard the first single, a UK flop called Dancing in the Dark (initially only got to no, 28 ).

I was living in North London and simply had to get it on the day of release, I had a one hour lunch break so I got the bus to HMV and picked it up, on the way back to work I stopped off at my place. I had time to play the first 2 tracks Born in the USA and Cover Me. It sounded vibrant, » Continue Reading.

Match the Sleeve Note!

by 32 Comments

Which album is this from? Please add your own if you feel it could be a fun way to waste some time.

“There is so much light here – his life force pulling us all together. letting himself finally touch; the gentle eyes of the people ***** and I love so much smiling – and, incredibly, I have seen ***** open those parts of his secret self – his essential core of aloneness I had always feared could never be broken into – and say, yes, come in here. Know me …”

New Springsteen album – Western Stars

by 20 Comments

Press release:

Bruce Springsteen’s Western Stars New Studio Album Out on Columbia Records June 14 Bruce Springsteen’s first new studio album in five years takes his music to a new place, drawing inspiration in part from the Southern California pop records of the late ’60s and early ’70s. The album was recorded primarily at Springsteen’s home studio in New Jersey, with additional recording in California and New York. Columbia Records will release Springsteen’s 19th studio album on June 14. Western Stars will be available for pre-order on Friday, April 26.

“This record is a return to my solo recordings featuring character driven songs and sweeping, cinematic orchestral arrangements,” says Springsteen. “It’s a jewel box of a record.”

The 13 tracks of Western Stars encompass a sweeping range of American themes, of highways and desert spaces, of isolation and community and the permanence of home and hope.

The song “Hello Sunshine” and a video will be released just after midnight ET tonight.

Ron Aniello produced the album with Springsteen and plays bass, keyboard, and other instruments. Patti Scialfa provides vocals and contributes vocal arrangements on four tracks. The musical arrangements include strings, horns, pedal steel and contributions from more » Continue Reading.

RSD How was it for you?

by 74 Comments

Went to my local store 15 mins before opening and got what I wanted. Namely Tweedy and Dylan, also licked up Trout Mask Replica. Then went to a much more popular store where I had to wait outside for 45 mins (in lovely weather), got Pink Floyd mono for a friend, with a free Canadian only Rolling Srones album.

Would still like to get Van Morrison alternate Astral Weeks if I see it, maybe 1 or 2 other things, but I did ok.

Dismal Lyrics in Pop Music

by 45 Comments

Was listening to Kate Bush’s “interesting” cover of Rocket Man earlier and was struck by this couplet:

“Mars ain’t no place to raise your kids, In fact it’s cold as hell…”

What? Wrong on every level. We could probably dedicate this thread to dear Bernie Taupin, but I am sure there are other examples ….

https://youtu.be/6g8v2RNLHr0

Sex Pistols to Reform For Orchestral Tour

by 23 Comments

I suppose yet another reformation was inevitable, as it is well known that Johnny needs the money. The 2 part show setup is intriguing however. Part 1 being a showcase for the songs that influenced them and inspired them, I am hearing that there will be attempts at Syd Barrett era Floyd, Beatles and early Hawkwind.

Bringing the full orchestra on after the interval for Never Mind the Bollocks in full would appear to be a travesty though. Have they no shame? Nevertheless I will be attempting to get tickets for one of the Royal Albert Hall shows when they go on sale later today …

Should I see Morrissey live?

by 40 Comments

I have been a Smiths fan since the first album, also a Morrissey completist up to the mid 90s or so. I have never seen either live.

He hasn’t played in Canada for many years for political reasons (the seal cull), but has now announced a tour of major cities. Tickets are selling like hot cakes, most are sell outs or very close. I abhor his political opinions and have no interest in his recent recorded output, but part of me wants to finally witness the Moz live experience. What to do?

How much did you spend on recorded music in 2018?

by 60 Comments

A bit related to the HMV news I wonder how much a site of music obsessives spends on music these days. I see people counting down their top 30 physical re-releases and top 50 new ones of the year and wonder of they bought them all or have been listening on Spotify or Apple Music or whatever. I am feeling a little guilty about the amount I spend and a New Year’s Resolution to spend (much) less in 2018 did not last long.

I need to stop going to certain music sites and jumping on perceived “bargains” of stuff I don’t really want or need. Exhibit A: Roxy Music Special Deluxe Edition. I have also started sorting through my vinyl in order to sell a large part of it.

So my New Year’s resolution, buy nothing that I have already, a shiny vinyl re-release, a box set of demos and average live stuff I will listen to once.

My 2018 tally in comments.

Not sure I like listening to music any more

by 68 Comments

I still like going to concerts, I am still buying lots of stuff (mostly reissues) but I probably listen to most of it once or twice and then file it away. I look at people listing 40 or 50 favourite albums of the year and wonder how they do it.

I seem to work up to 11 hours a day, and then when I get home I am more likely to make some food and slump in front of the TV than put a record on. Weekends I concentrate on spending time with my daughter and watch a fair amount of sport.

In the car I am more likely to listen to podcasts or talk radio than music where as people like @Tiggerlion seem to be reviewing multi disc box sets on a weekly basis while also hearing lots of new stuff. Where do they find the time?

This has been going on for years off and on so unlikely to be a temporary thing. Can anybody help me with this problem? Am I a lost cause?