The Afterword

Musings on the byways of popular culture

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Randy California v Elton John – Captain Fantastic is Captain Bulls**t

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Last week I downloaded a torrent of a Spirit gig recorded in Chicago in May 1975 (the same tour that resulted in the Spirit of 76 album). The version of Hey Joe that they performed is rather bizarre as Randy changes the lyrics to launch a continued attack on Elton John. I searched online to see if I could uncover the source of his beef with Elton – other than the huge album sales and ticket prices mentioned in the song – and in doing so found that there is a version on YouTube. Here it is. Meanwhile I’m none the wiser about the cause of Randy’s disdain. Do any older Afterworders have any insight into this?

New Depeche Mode!

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And so the four year cycle rolls around again. This pattern was established in 1997 and they have reliably come out with an album every four years ever since. And a “global” tour! HP Saucecraft’ will be relieved to know that Peter Gordeno retains his place in the live set up.

At the press conference in Milan they showed this teaser for the forthcoming album. It’s called “Spirit” and this made me quite excited. Why? Well, it’s new Depeche Mode. Also there seems to be a song called “Revolution” with the words “where’s the revolution? C’mon people, you’re letting me down!” . Not for the first time* they articulate my thoughts exactly.

Anyway, time for about three of us on the Afterword (if that) to get excited.

*there was that time when I just couldn’t get enough hob nobs and ate the whole packet!!!

https://youtu.be/6E1kM0HGovM

If There’s A Bustle In Your Hedgerow, Don’t Be Alarmed Now – It’s Just Some Chords That Sound Familiar

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The Stairway to Heaven brouhaha has flared up again with new claims made that the opening chords are lifted from Spirit’s 1967 song Taurus .

This controversy has been kicking around for years of course and Led Zep are well-known for appropriating music from other sources. But it will be interesting to see if they are finally bang to rights on this one or if, 47 years after the event, they manage to walk away with an out-of-court settlement.

My money’s on the latter.

http://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/apr/12/stairway-to-heavens-opening-chords-may-have-been-stolen-judge-says?CMP=share_btn_fb