So, if you had to convince someone of the merits of a particular artist they might not know which song would you reach for…and why?
If I was going to persuade someone to delve into the music of, for instance, Lawrence – from his days in the mighty Felt – I’d pick this one. I think it showcases his songwriting style very well and it’s also a glorious pop song that probably should have been a huge hit. (‘Primitive Painters’ would be a more obvious one but that’s a bit misleading as it’s a collaboration with the Cocteau Twins)
Welcome to the world of Frank Zappa. If you do not like what you hear, it is best to turn around and not explore further. Drive safely!
Really? That old trick? The majesty of Peaches must have lured thousand upon thousand of innocents into the Zappasphere, the rest of the album being largely none too distressing. Then, with each successive purchase the sinking realisation that most is unlistenable tosh. And not even funny, the excuse of the desperate schoolboy, witnessing the waste of his money.
Because of course there’s no way available to them to discover for themselves.
Start with this album maybe, but one song?
Little Feat – Rock n Roll Doctor
Laura Nyro – Save The Country
Steely Dan – My Old School
Richard Thompson – When I Get To The Border
Mahavishnu Orchestra – Birds Of Fire
Single Father: Jackie Leven
Tower Song: Townes Van Zandt
Always on my Mind: Willie Nelson
Essence: Lucinda Williams
Tear Stained Letter: Richard Thompson
Ooh @drvolume that’s a nice choice. But it’s second on the list. Surely this is the answer….
I do ❤️❤️ Lawrence
This was my introduction to Felt, on a mix tape from a mate in the early 90s. Always loved this
John Grant has won many a listener thanks to GMF
Immediate next step is the album Queen Of Demnark – if that one wins (which it usually does), progress to Grey Tickles, Black Pressure, and then back to Pale Green Ghosts
David Bowie
I was going to post Heroes, but this is the one I weaned my sons on.
Have you seen Wes Anderson’s film “The Life Aquatic” Jack? There’s a great use of this song in it. you’ll have to wait until near the end but you’ll thank me (Good film too).
Seu Jorge… there’s a slight element of The Fast Show’s Channel 9 about his Bowie covers but they are very sweet.
Seu’s Bowie covers are lovely. But a better way into his music is the live album he did with Ana Carolina. Now that is ….scorchio!
Carolina
The Blower’s Daughter ?)
Captain Beefheart – Peaches. “That’s kinda groovy, I might like him…” https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MG4msJr0pdk
My entry to Beefheart, at the age of about 9, was Bat Chain Puller – courtesy of dear old Alexis Korner on Radio 1. Good place to start because it’s just weird enough to sort the men from the boys. Then a few weeks later he played Electricity on the Ry Cooder special – boffo!
Mine was Ice Cream For Crow on Whistle Test. I didn’t stick around for long but then neither did my college room-mate who could be reliably driven out of our room by that album.