In my humble opinion, one of the most massively underrated British singer – songwriters gets a BBC Four documentary next Friday (27th Sept).
An artist that I have enjoyed for many a year (although I last lost touch with some of her later material) that had a few hits, but always seemed to stay just under the radar. Amazing that she has been going for almost 50 years.
Looking at the programme info, it looks very AW friendly – guests Gambaccini (and she’s not even dead yet), Pino Palladino……
So any more love out there and if so, your thoughts, favourites etc on her varied discography……
Parlez with Pino? Sold!
Love and Affection is all-time no dispute classic. Much of the rest of that debut album is also tremendous but I haven’t been fond of much of the stuff that followed. Not saying she’s not a great artist and songwriter, just that the majority of her output, after that early promise, didn’t work for me.
It was actually her third album, even if it had no title. I love it. It’s one of my all-time favourites. It’s not just all about Love And Affection either. Every track is special. Apart from that, I haven’t warmed to much else in her catalogue, either, sadly.
Love & Affection is terrific. But when I play it, instead of “Thank you – you took me dancing” I always sing “Fuck you – you took me bowling”. I think that gives you an insight into how funny I am in real life. Many other great songs on her Greatest Hits. Bottom To The Top is a particular favourite.
I LOL ed at the “insight” comment.
I love her – Drop the pilot, Walk under ladders, I love it when you call me names.
She has written loads of great songs over and above love and affection. She is well cool too.
“Show Some Emotion” is also a good album. I was not so bothered with what followed. But I’m glad she is still working.
She is only underrated, if she is at all, because her later stuff is not on a par with the earlier stuff.
Can’t remember who produced them but those early records had a lovely warm sound.
Glyn Johns produced “Joan Armatrading” and the next two. I’m fairly sure these three were recorded at Olympic Studios in Barnes. They all have a great sound despite being pressed on the thin vinyl that A&M favoured (cheapskates!).
GJ is my favourite record producer. His book “Sound Man” is excellent.
Another vote for Show Some Emotion which IMHO is her best album.
Yes I have the first few albums and loved them but never went further. No real reason. Lots of great guitar work from Jerry Donahue on her early albums too. Here he is pretending to be a pedal steel…
Her run of 80s albums were superb and saw her several times. Saw her a year or 2 back and she was shite, full of self-reverence and over-abundant ego.
I’ve only seen her once, at Cropredy a few years back. God she was boring.
Me too Gatz.
I went back to my tent after a couple of numbers.
My mate walked to the front mid set and got right to the barrier no problem.
She had no chance really after a blinding set from a certain R Thompson.
Surprised you say that @retropath2 as I heard her being interviewed on Radio 5 maybe last year and she was eloquent and actually quite self effacing.
Never seen her live and doubt I will but I will continue to treasure her albums.
Have you heard Into the Blues? Hmmm and I was a fan……
Some reasons why I like her:
Drop the Pilot is a great song uses the word “mahout” (someone who ‘drives’ elephants),
She appeared in a comic strip in the Beano because she is a fan,
Me Myself I is another great song of hers,
Completely untrue but creative playground rumours about her and Valerie Singleton (or Virgina Wade).
Featuring Sly & Robbie, no less – I Can’t Lie To Myself: