John Fahey: The Portland Cement Factory at Monolith, California
Possibly the most inspiring song title of all time. From the 1967 album Days Have Gone By.
Author: Alan Ashworth
Square
Jackson Browne and David Lindley: Stay/Love is Strange
Not sure when this was recorded but Lindley is looking pretty ancient. Still playing like a dream though.
Randy Newman, master craftsman (continued)
NOT so long ago the great British musician Nick Lowe was asked at a public question-and-answer session who he thought were the top two songwriters in the business. ‘Bob Dylan, … Continue readingRandy Newman, master craftsman (continued)
Sufjan Stevens: Free Man in Paris
From the 2007 Various Artists album A Tribute To Joni Mitchell, this take by Sufjan of the popular Court and Spark song is remarkable for how different it is to … Continue readingSufjan Stevens: Free Man in Paris
Mothers of Invention: Holiday in Berlin, Full Blown
This is from Burnt Weeny Sandwich, which was recorded before Hot Rats but released after it, in 1970. It’s good.
Van Dyke Parks: John Jones
From one of my favourite albums of all time, the sublime Discover America, released in 1972.
John Prine and Iris DeMent: In Spite of Ourselves
Two old favourites get together for some jolly hokum.
Letterman announces Warren Zevon is dead
What impresses me most about this clip is how David Letterman, who had a close relationship with Zevon, remains calm and dignified while revealing the sad news. Most chatshow hosts … Continue readingLetterman announces Warren Zevon is dead
Alabama Shakes: Hold On
This is a great record. Title track of their 2011 album.
Warren Zevon: Hit Somebody
From his 2002 album My Ride’s Here, Wozza’s story of a farm boy turned ice hockey goon. One of his biggest fans, the talkshow host David Letterman, provides guest vocals.