The
other evening I watched a brilliant documentary about Jim Marshall of
Marshall amps fame. These amps were staple equipment for
'sixties and 'seventies rock stars.
On the
program were lots of musicians from the 'sixties and 'seventies, with
lots of stories to tell. As they spoke, I couldn't help but think that
'Spinal Tap' was actually a documentary and not a spoof. I was
waiting for one of these former rockers saying, “I had an amp that
went to eleven!” But on the whole, it was a very enjoyable look back
at the music scene of the day.
While
watching the program I couldn't help but notice that nearly all the
former rock stars, who must have all been in their late sixties and
seventies, had suspiciously full heads of hair! Not only that, but these
luxurious mops also seemed to be a youthful dark colour, with not a grey
hair to be seen. Now I'm not usually the jealous type, but I do envy
the fact that this select bunch of fine drug- and drink- ravaged hard
living individuals managed to keep the hairstyles they had back in
the day. I know of no one else their age who has managed this!
Having
said this, the real star of the program was the music. I love all
music, but I have to admit to being left baffled by the disco craze,
with the exception of Donna Summer's 'I Feel Love'. Disco and I never
really got on. Same can be said for funk; the early James Brown stuff
was OK, but the seventies space ships and silver suits were just to
much for me. I even like some country and western, 'The Devil Went
Down to Georgia' by Charlie Daniels band was good. The devil won, by
the way. I like a bit of Johnny Cash, which is a name that sounds like
change from a condom machine. I love the old Reggae, though I wasn't
ever that impressed by Bob Marley. I loved songs such as 'Double
Barrel' and 'Monkey Man'. I even liked some British folk, such as Ewan
McColl, who was the father of the late great Kirsty. He penned two
songs which were big hits for others, 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' and 'Dirty Old Town', but I loved his versions. Also there was a
folk singer from the 'sixties and early 'seventies who I loved, called
Jake Thackeray. He died in the 'seventies and, sadly, his music is no
longer played anywhere. I shall dig some out later. I love 'Indie'
music, in fact this is probably my favourite genre. I also love a bit of old
blues and a bit of old soul. 'Can't turn You Loose' by Otis Redding is
probably one of the best riffs in music. Love classical as well, especially Debussy.
People
often ask me what is my favourite song. When anyone asks you this
it's quite hard to come up with a definitive. I have a radio show
on Phoenixfm 96.7 which goes out every Wednesday at 2pm GMT. When I ask
guests to choose a song their minds always go blank, yet later they can
reel off lots of tunes that they like. I think 'Comfortably Numb' by
Pink Floyd is in danger of being one of the best songs ever. While
Scott Walker's, 'No Regrets' has to be the best ever break up song.
For me, the most relaxing song ever is 'Walk On The Wild Side' by Lou
Reed. It take me back to warm summer days as kids fishing by a small
pool with a little transistor radio playing the tunes of the day. I
also love the song, 'Laid' by James, as this too takes me back to
happy times. So it's hard to say just what my favourite song, is as I
have such an eclectic taste in music, I even love rap music. I
especially love Spearhead or any Michael Franti tune. If you get
chance to listen to my radio show please do tune in and request a
song, I shall be more than happy to play something for you. Let me
know what your favourite tune is and why, if you have one that is.
Now you
know I said that it is hard to say just what my favourite tune is?..
Just kidding, 'Rock and Roll' by Led Zep is for me, from the opening
drum solo to the final chord one of the finest pieces of music ever
written, even better than '.Whole Lotta Love'! Actually get hold of
a copy of Goldbug's version of 'Whole Lotta Love' - it is a mini master
piece!
I hope
to hear from you one Wednesday!
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