Musings on the byways of popular culture
I just digitised this from a reel, Pete Atkin’s sole BBC radio session of the 70s, with a terrific string quartet and band – and words, of course, by Clive James. I’ve always liked the idea of Pete & Clive but never cared for the one album I’d previously heard. But I’m rather taken with this.
by 4 Comments
Apologies for repeating myself, but..
A few weeks back I caught a show at Walthamstow Folk Club by Pete Atkin. He has put music to Clive James lyrics for the best part of 50 years and worked thru’ some of the many highlights on guitar and piano – despite – his words – being limited by what his 70 year old voice can do. If you heard Pete on Peel, OGWT and subsequently you’ll know some of the songs and there are some real gems.
Clive James is very unwell but has always maintained that the work which he and Pete did was the thing of which he is most proud and that the album from which the clip above is taken, is their final collaboration. It’s full of songs of love, regret, memory, and war – so don’t expect an S Club party, but if you enjoy great musicians at the top of their game,working thru’ strong songs built around themes for the ahem, more mature listener..then find 5 minutes to listen to this.There’s plenty more available from the website and elsewhere.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHoSF3f7ZNk
