The Afterword

Musings on the byways of popular culture

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Beatles denied No. 1 album slot by Taylor Swift

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From BBC website:

“The Beatles’ hopes of correcting an historic blip in their chart record have been scuppered by pop superstar Taylor Swift. The Fab Four released new versions of their Red and Blue greatest hits albums last week, hoping that one of them would top the UK album chart.

But Swift wasn’t ready to let go, with her pop opus 1989 (Taylor’s Version) claiming the crown for a third week. The Beatles faced the same situation when the Red and Blue albums first came out in 1973. Back then, David Bowie’s Aladdin Sane denied them the number one.

This week, the two records end up in exactly the same chart positions as they did 50 years ago. The Red Album (technically called The Beatles 1962–1966) is at number three and the Blue Album (The Beatles 1967–1970) is at two.”

Learned any good songs lately?

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After years of mucking about and generally faking it, I finally sat down and learned the proper chords and words for Wichita Lineman – happy days! I’ve no idea why it took me so long to actually get it sorted. I have to sing it an octave below Glen Campbell, but hey ho…

So – has anyone learned any good songs recently? Something you just heard that caught your ear – or something that’s been grumbling away at you for years that just bubbled to the surface?

John Marshall RIP

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Obituary

I’ve just read that John Marshall died yesterday (16/09/2023). I was aware that he had been ill for some time but had only retired from playing with Soft Machine fairly recently. Played with Nucleus, then took over with the Softs around the fifth album – Phil Howard left halfway through recording so John appears on one side and Phil on the other. He played on the remainder of the Soft Machine albums, and also on the offshoot groups which appeared with former members. He was 82.

RIP, John

Too Much Mahler…

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I’ve been reviewing my CD collection and have decided that I have too much Mahler (© First World Problems). If any of you crazy pop kids would like a nice box set of the Bernstein 1980s cycle on DG, PM me – first come first served…

I don’t want any money – perhaps a donation to your local Hospice – if nobody fancies it, it’ll probably end up in my local Hospice shop anyway.

Sláinte, everyone.

(PS: Mods – if anything about this is uncomfortable, please delete – thanks)

Mid-70s “Beatles” songs

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Without wishing to wind up the obsessives: a song came up on shuffle today while I was out walking. I hadn’t heard it for ages. It struck me that, with a different voice; the arrangement, melody, instrumentation and “bit at the end” could be The Beatles in disguise (cf. the rumours about Badfinger).

Anyone agree/strongly disagree? Any other contenders?

Song in question is in the comments! Anyone guess correctly before looking?

An unrealistic conundrum

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I must have been in a slightly apocalyptic mood the other day – and my brain came up with this one:

Assuming that your collection is organised neatly into three big sections – say, classical, jazz and rock/pop/other – and you could only save one section from the impending flood, fireball, earthquake, burglar, etc: which bit would you save?

Or, in slightly less prosaic form: if you could only listen to classical, jazz or rock/pop/other for the rest of your existence – which would you choose?

F1 – Silverstone

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Anyone planning to watch it this afternoon?

Good to see the McLaren team stepping up yesterday – would be nice if they could get into the high points today, but I have my doubts. Personally, I’ve followed Williams for more than a decade – ups and downs would be putting it mildly, so it’s great to see them improving.

Ahmad Jamal RIP

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Obituary

Death of Ahmad Jamal at 92 reported. One of the most subtle and tasteful pianists I’ve ever heard (although I wouldn’t claim to be an expert in the field). I suspect his example has influenced more than one fiery young contender to lay back a bit and consider what notes they play.

VdGG CDs

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In the spirit of putting my money where my mouth is… And as a direct result of the “I already have that album…” thread…

I have the eight VdGG CDs which are covered by the Charisma Years box set, in their 2005 reissue with bonus tracks versions.

If anyone wants them (all or individually), just PM me – first come first served, as always.

So it’s: Least we can do is wave… H to He… Pawn Hearts Godbluff Still Life World Record Quiet Zone/Pleasure Dome Vital (live dbl)

They are in Arrowfile pages – so no jewel cases. I don’t want any money or postage for them – just give a donation to your local hospice and we’ll call it even.

As previously: if any of this makes the Mods uncomfortable, please feel free to delete this.

Van der Graaf Generator – The Bath Forum Concert

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What does it sound like?:

Just turn your face up to the summer sun And drive a thousand miles In an Alfa Berlina

On release, this will be a nice clamshell box set, in the recent house style of Cherry Red. The box contains audio on two CDs; one video DVD and a Blu-Ray with video footage and 5.1 surround, if that’s your bag. Also an illustrated booklet – although at this point, I should stress that I was reviewing streamed audio only, along with some basic publicity material. I haven’t seen the visuals, on disc or on paper.

What is this release? It’s a “warts and all” recording of the final show from VdGG’s 2022 UK tour (which itself had been postponed twice due to covid restrictions). This final show took place at the Forum in Bath on 1st March 2022 and was filmed and recorded. I understand that this is effectively the first live CD and film which has been fully controlled and approved by the band – I can quite believe that, given their (occasionally) precarious business position in the past.

I recall a concert review in Sounds, from about 1977 – where Geoff Barton pointed » Continue Reading.

Wayne Shorter RIP

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Obituary

Obituary

I’ve just heard on the Radio 4 6pm news that Wayne Shorter has died today, at the age of 89 – doesn’t seem to be on the BBC News website yet.

Solo releases in the 1960s, Miles’ second quintet, Weather Report…not forgetting the solo on the title track of Aja, an AW favourite…he was always a subtle and thoughtful player rather than a grandstander, and perhaps garnered less acclaim than he deserved as a consequence.

Big Big Train CDs to a good home…

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Afternoon, all.

I find that I have duplicates of three BBT albums. I know that there are folks on here who like ‘em – so I’ll post the three as a bundle, free of charge, in exchange (there’s always a catch) for a commitment to donate some cash to your local hospice. All CDs, all card digipaks, all EER re- releases, all in fine fettle.

The Underfall Yard – EERCD005 The Difference Machine – EERCD007 Goodbye to the Age of Steam – EERCD008

Message me if you’re interested – FCFS, of course.

(Mods: if anything about this post makes you uncomfortable, please delete it – thanks)

Gina Lollobrigida, 95

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Obituary

Those of you who have been following my rolling avatar changes over the previous few months may be aware that about 95% of the pictures were of Gina Lollobrigida, a curious coincidence. Another proper star from old Hollywood dies – however, post acting, she had a further career as a photographer and sculptor. Indeed, she used to say that her acting career was an accident – she was on the path to be an artist when she was stopped in the street and offered a film role.

Lulu

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I note from the BBC website that Lulu has been sworn in as President of Brazil – that’s a big career arc for a wee girl from Dennistoun…

(Ed: spellcheck required)