Love Jealousy and Fear

Reblogged from aniswaiz1:

Triùir a thig gun iarraidh – gaol, eud is eagal.
(Three that come unbidden – love, jealousy and fear).

Alexander Nicolson in his collection of Gaelic proverbs and familiar phrases based on Macintosh’s collection in (1882) noted the phrase Triùir a thig gun iarraidh – gaol, eud is eagal.
He dedicated his book to the Rev. Norman Macleod minister of St Columba Church Glasgow whom he described with heartfelt words as a man worthy to be remembered with affectionate veneration by all lovers of the Scottish highlands, their people, and their language.

Read more… 566 more words, 1 more video

Triùir a thig gun iarraidh – gaol, eud is eagal. (Three that come unbidden – love, jealousy and fear).

Love Jealousy and Fear

Triùir a thig gun iarraidh – gaol, eud is eagal.
(Three that come unbidden – love, jealousy and fear).

Alexander Nicolson in his collection of Gaelic proverbs and familiar phrases based on Macintosh’s collection in (1882) noted the phrase Triùir a thig gun iarraidh – gaol, eud is eagal.
He dedicated his book to the Rev. Norman Macleod minister of St Columba Church Glasgow whom he described with heartfelt words as a man worthy to be remembered with affectionate veneration by all lovers of the Scottish highlands, their people, and their language.
100 years or more passed and the late great Mr Adamson and Big Country produced music the likes of which had never been heard.

“I forget how it started
But everyone knew of the cause
Hard out of the sun with a vengeance
And all was then lost
They crawled into homes
And yet all of the old ways were gone
It left nothing to run to
But no one can help how they’re drawn”

I certainly know how it started this deep heartfelt affection for Alba, its people and beautiful language. Big Country. Their album the Crossing was a seminal point for me. It stirred within a real passion for music that burns today ever bright in these troubled times. It opened my eyes and heart to the culture and people of that great great nation. I embrace that land as if it were my own.
With no simple explanation can I eloquently attempt to reduce my passion for bands from Alba in writing. For me this nation has produced so much stunning music and continues to do so in sheer breathtaking fashion.

My great friend Sinclair Macleod an amazing writer invited me to blog on the bands which so inspired me. My poor attempt can never do justice to the music which fills my very soul.

http://reluctantdetective.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/guest-blog-old-lawyers-guide-to.html

And now the flame burns again so bright as I proffer 3 stunning bands recently discovered from Alba. My great thanks go to Nigel Henry @nthenry who so kindly introduced me to the amazing Bwani Junction)

1. Bwani Junction Two Bridges

From the amazing album “fully cocked” comes this stunning track of pure brilliance. The rhythmic intricate guitar work combines with great vocals and harmony. What a track to lift the soul. At times an echo of Mr Stuart Adamson’s guitar work filters through. Mesmeric, syncopated, and always the right balance of sound. Proof if ever needed that Alba produces music which leads the way.

2. Culaan The Lowlander’s Great Hatred

http://culann.bandcamp.com/

If we take sides
You’ll never know my name
From the Irvine to the Clyde
You’ll never know my name
Behold a band so so unique. On first careful listen there are shades of the Skids woven with driven guitar and fine crafted lyrics. This track develops brilliantly with such passion. The contrast and intensity of this track is just perfect. The album is just stunning. The songs so well-crafted and executed with real intense moments balanced perfectly with lyrics to inspire. A band from Alba leading the way and rightly proud.

3. Tango in the Attic Jackanory

A band from my beloved kingdom. It was always going to be an instant hit with me.
From the debut album Bank Place Locomotive Society this is such an amazing track. Again at times I hear the guitar of my beloved band Big Country. A driven rhythmic sound simple and stripped at times yet so rich and full of passion and pride. It reflects that nation so well.
The Album is just a masterpiece. Songs so well executed with dynamic force.

These are not bands that come unbidden. They reflect an amazing nation which I hold so dear. The soundscape reflects a heritage of great story telling and of pride. Enjoy this rich diverse sound for it stays with me like a lover’s voice, fires the mountainside.

Sonus

There is a curious feel to the word sonic. Almost onomatopoeia . It places in the listener an idea of vastness of great sound. In general terms sonic may be defined as pertaining to sound or as a scientific measure the speed of sound in air (760 miles per hour). Sonic can also refer to the frequency within audible range of the human ear.
For many years producers and bands have sought to intensify the sound and create richness. Notably the production technique known as the wall of sound developed by Harvey Phillip Spector in the early 1960s utilising echo chambers beneath the recording studio.
Great production is so often overlooked in these digital times. For me it is a crucial element of a track. It is the one constant that reflects a great album’s worth. The clarity of thought and reason to reflect true brilliance. At its finest form it develops a song engulfing the listener leading to a heightened emotional state. It should always inspire and never intrude upon a track. Its presence is to give dynamic shape and function.
There are times I hear certain tracks and ponder upon proper reflection whether the genius of the production was a moment in time. Other times it is again to revel in the soundscape and wonder of a pure driven track.
Here is a selection from my current playlist. As ever they are not chosen to elicit favour or appeal en masse. I hope they intrigue and delight in equal measure.

1. U2 11 O’Clock Tick Tock

The bands second single released in May 1980 and what a soundscape. For me this track never fails to inspire. The guitar is raw, untamed and at times over bearing with such force which ultimately makes this track so stunning. The brilliance of this track is the interplay and simplicity of guitar and vocal.
Production wise the legendary Martin Hannett (Joy Division’s Unknown Pleasures and Closer) gives this track its dynamic industrial sound.
A brilliant use of imagery by Mr Hewson adds to the heightened state of tension.
A painted face
And I know we haven’t long
We thought that we had the answers
It was the questions we had wrong.

2. iio Rapture (Deep Dish Mix)

From two of my all-time favourite producers meesrs Shirazinia and Tayebi (Deep Dish) take a great track released in 2001 and craft pure brilliance. Without doubt for me this is production at its best. At times a suffocating heavy laden track with a soundscape to pierce the inner ear set against haunting ethereal vocals. The track builds and builds with such hypnotic intensity driven by a pulse so mesmerising.

Beyond brilliance in my view.

3. The Human League The Lebanon

This remains one of my favourite tracks from the days of promise and youth. Such a driven song and perhaps one not so obvious from this Band. The effected guitar really adds to the dynamics on this track. The scene of despair and hopelessness is set against a stunning bass line that crafts into the song an attacking force. Re listening to this track again late one night the structure and sheer force of the vocals set against the disparate harsh guitar revealed nuances that previously had been missed. Such a stunning track.

4. The Blue Nile Christmas lights

Behold a band so hard to define. Their ability to connect the listener with emotions and soundscapes is breathless. Here is a track that delivers such inner beauty and simplicity so missed by many bands. This track reflects my beloved nation with heartfelt warmth and pride. The lyrics are so understated and set against a mesmerising shimmering light. Production wise the Blue Nile are pure masters.

A band to behold the genius of lush arrangements and structure.

I hope these tracks fill your inner being with warmth and light on these short cold days.

Kind regards

Curia advisari vult

The keen reader of many a law report may have noted a curious abbreviation Cur. Adv. vult within the judgments.  Abbreviated and deriving from the Latin curia advisari vult   meaning the court took time to consider the matter, or in simple parlance reserved its judgment.

The wisdom of time and reflection should in my humble submission be savoured. It is too often the case that we pass judgment ex tempore (out of the moment). The same can often be said of our fine art.  Having heard a particular track or album an initial response may often be negative. Fashion and the critics’ response too often relied upon and cited by many.

There are certain tracks that upon first listen I have pre judged and rallied against. Fortunately, time and proper reflection has proved me wrong. Continuing with my playlist (see  http://aniswaiz1.wordpress.com/2012/07/20/nota-bene/ ) I have set out below some random tracks that have filtered through this week. Some you may very well have dismissed.  As to the others, let the sands of time alter your perception. Above all great music should be cherished and revered.

 

1          Coldplay Speed of Sound

“How long am I gonna stand

With my head stuck under the sand?

I’ll stop before I can stop

Or before I see things the right way up”

Taken from their third album  X &Y  a true masterpiece in my humble submission. Mr Martin et al delivers a stunning song with brilliant production.  The driven piano and guitar sound so effortless.   A heavy drum beat perhaps a clue to the influence of the brilliance of Miss Catherine Bush.   I was never a fan of this band until X&Y. This album was for me a masterpiece judged by many ex tempore.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TahH7B_aUZc

 

2          Chicane Saltwater (The Thrillseekers Mix)

It is easy to dismiss much commercial dance music.  I was never that keen on the sparse electronic pureness and dynamics until I heard Mr Bracegirdle and was captivated. Trance at its pure form  (125 to 150 bpm). The album Far from the maddening Crowds released in 1997 was a texture never before heard.  It truly challenges perception and the dynamics of the digital world.  I was somewhat unsure about this track on first listen. Featuring the haunting evocative voice of  Máire Ní Bhraonáin   and a familiar song with a chorus deriving from  Puirt à beul (songs from the mouth).

It was the Thrillseekers re mix that acted as conduit and allowed the dynamics to resonate and add depth. A simply beautiful track.  Perhaps it is the Gaelic soundscape that draws me back.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0m_3Bd1Jfs

 

3          Keane  My Shadow

“Cause when your back’s against the wall

 that’s when you show no fear at all

 and when you’re running out of time

 that’s when your hitch your star to mine”

Their second album under the Iron Sea was for me truly stunning. Brilliant simple songs so well executed so well produced and rich in emotion. Their later albums for me  somewhat lacking the passion and depth.  From the EP Night Train released in 2010 we witness a return to form on this track. Stunning lyrics and a driven sound deliver a clever song.  From a steady piano introduction the sound builds with such intensity. For me the track’s brilliance is delivered at 3min 10 seconds. Such intensity and a change  of sound matched with lyrics to inspire.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5B5eerHjps

 

4          Talking Heads   This must be the Place

“The less we say about it the better

 Make it up as we go along

 Feet on the ground

 Head in the sky

 It’s ok I know nothing’s wrong ”

From a band that never fails to intrigue and inspire. Taken from their fifth album Speaking in Tongues this track has a hypnotic guitar that draws you to an inner world. It mesmerises and controls the listener with curious effect.  On first listen I was uncertain about the almost nursery like rhythm and the production. Without doubt it has over time stood out and reflected a calmness.  A love song of sorts with an  honest feel. Never for money.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVrVY540xdc

 

I hope this selection inspires and provokes in equal measure.

Cur. Adv.Vult my learned friends.

Kind regards

Nota Bene

Time he’s on our side she said

 Time he’s on our side she said

 Time he’s on our side she said,

 But it makes no difference in the end

 He’s coming after you my friend”

Deriving from the Latin notāre (to note) and bene  (well). Most commonly abbreviated as N.B.

Alas the pressures and demands of professional life have impeded upon recent blogs. Part way through a number and conscious of the genuine desire to share a passion for our great art with my much learned friends and betters, an idea took shape.

With great enthusiasm and pride I crave to learn what music others are listening to, what discoveries are to be made and above all to learn more of the rich spectrum of sounds. All that noise all that sound.

A simple idea came to mind. A playlist.  Previously I had posted ten tracks (see) http://aniswaiz1.wordpress.com/2011/09/23/heart-and-soul/ 

Accordingly, I have added below a list of tracks that somewhat randomly have filtered through the headphones this week. The idea is to update this and more importantly to elicit recommendations and playlists from you all. As ever these tracks do not seek to influence or find favour in any way. Undoubtedly many will consider that some of the tracks are antithetical to my mainstay of music. I proffer them for the pure passion and joy they might bring:

1             Everything But the Girl . No Difference.

 

Meesrs Thorn and Watt at their best in my view. Taken from the album  Temperamental.  Stunning production and soundscape for a rainy journey. Such a beautiful well-crafted song.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmF39oBPV_4

 

2             Quantic, Alice Russell  Su Suzy

From the latest album Look around the Corner. This is music to be discovered and cherished.  Such fusion of cultures driven  with clever lyrics. A must on a summer’s night. The album intrigues and delights on every listen.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9DrSm5HYR0

 

3             Sarah Joyce- Home Thoughts From Abroad

From her second Album Boys Don’t Cry. Here is music to sing from the heart. Stunning lyrics with a simple song structure. Here is a master class of production from an amazing artist. Written by Clifford Thomas Ward and delivered with pure grace and understatement by Miss Joyce. One to watch.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKCA1YEUukU

 

4             Prefab sprout – When love breaks down.

That feeling of longing and heartfelt passion. Of nights gone by without care. Trying to express emotion to another.  A time perhaps of our youth? Hearing this after many years I was intrigued by the bass line which dominates and drives this great track.

http://www.contactmusic.com/video/prefab-sprout-when-love-breaks-down

 

The notion was to produce a random playlist to elicit the wonder and  passion within and above all to reflect a desire to hear and appreciate stunning disparate sounds. At the very least it may provoke thought.

Kind regards

 

 

 

 

 

Terra Australis Incognita

Uncharted land       

Wanderers eastward, wanderers west,
Know you why you cannot rest?
'Tis that every mother's son
Travails with a skeleton.
 

A voyage of discovery  (248 RPA) 

Terra Australis Incognita (“the unknown land of the South”)  was the name given to a mythical  continent which appeared on European maps from the 15th to the 18th century.  

Its existence was first expounded  by Aristotle and expanded upon  by many others who believed the Northern Hemisphere should be balanced by southern lands. Whilst many  did not discount the notion  of  land beyond the southern seas,  its existence was not settled.

Alexander Dalrymple  a Scottish geographer   first published claims in 1770  of the existence of this unknown land which  excited great  interest . This  prompted the British government in 1769 to order an exploration of these lands by James cook. 

HM Bark Endeavour departed Plymouth in August 1768 arriving in September 1769, in New Zealand, . In April 1770, Endeavour became the first seagoing vessel to reach the east coast of Australia.  Such a voyage of discovery in an age of scepticism.

The continents will fly apart
The oceans scream and never part
Divided souls can never rest

And so this voyage of learning and love of our great art pushes ever forwards .

If it be our want our desire to discover  an inner self we often seek a  voyage of discovery.  In the unknown we crave an answer to the ills that trouble  our idle minds, restless until news from abroad reaches our shore.

Our precious art often reflects that journey .  The taste and feel fashioned by our arduous journey sits on our book cases, vinyl  stacked neatly in order. They speak of tales won and lost ,of love of honour and happiness . Of summer upon distant shores .  Each one a log of the journey .  It is the joy of discovering new adventures and above all beautiful music.

I am reminded of such beautiful journeys ,of summer days past, along  lanes  of rolling hills, of mellow stone, upon great spires of wisdom and  above all of endeavour.

 Above lark song  and distant church bells, accompanied by such rich  beautiful music .  I proffer  a glimpse  below of a selection  of this breathtaking music: 

-.-. .-.. .- ... ... .. -.-. .- .-.. | -- ..- ... .. -.-.(morse code)

1          The shepherd’s song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRQ–h2xWeE&feature=related

Joseph Canteloube  collection of folk songs.  This his best known . An arrangement for soprano and piano. A simply exquisite piece to sooth the journey. Upon first hearing this piece it is the wonder of the human voice and it’s range. The finest instrument we command.

 

2          The Lark Ascending

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huUvk6WPTMY

 

For singing till his heaven fills,
’T is love of earth that he instils,
And ever winging up and up,
Our valley is his golden cup,

Ralph Vaughn Williams. A discovery from my youth. The second version being the most well known .Written in 1920 for Violin and orchestra  and  inspired by George Meredith’s poem of the same name. An epitome of  this beautiful land and open sky of great deeds and kindness.

3             Adagio for Strings

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KylMqxLzNGo&feature=related

 

Samuel Barber’s arrangement for string orchestra and taken from the second movement of the string quartet  Op 11. Performed in 1938 to great reception. Although over used in many medium it still remains a beautiful stark honest  piece . A first impression of melancholy  should be discounted for rich pasture and flowing stream.

4          Canon in D Major 

http://vimeo.com/1653186

 

Johann Pachelbel  piece remained obscure for many centuries. The Canon a devise in which  various instruments play the same music in a sequence .  It was later published in  1919 without the gigue (jig).  Whilst the origins of the composition are unknown its chord progression  has been the foundation of many modern songs. Most notably the Farm’s “Altogether now”

A beautiful piece of music often heard but rarely appreciated for its  complex structure.

 

5          Le quattro stagioni        L’inverno

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGdFHJXciAQ

Antonio Vivaldi.  Of simple times as a child making sense of the world. A discovery and an introduction to classical music to capture my love and appreciation  of  all types of music.

Composed in 1723 to replicate the changing seasons. A wonderful  example of the baroque style of  western music from the Portuguese word  barroco, “misshapen pearl”.

Though the winter closes in and we shelter from the rain  this piece gives cheer and lightness to the days ahead.

If we have one notion of worth, of belief  and learning let us open our minds our ears to hear the joy of such beautiful  music. From the great  city of spires where once the chosen few trod. A journey beckons .

Kind regards

The buildings now lay quiet in the sunset, a vane here and there on their many spires and domes giving sparkle to a picture of sober secondary and tertiary hues.

Profound

 I can see you on the beach
on your knees
Spilling more salt in an
already dead sea

 

Deriving from the French word profont meaning great knowledge, depth of understanding. A word often uttered and applied to our art but rarely understood in true form. It is the response of greatness, of wisdom that belies its simplicity.

At marked intervals in our lives we seek a meaning, an interpretation to such greatness.  The matrix of facts.  All of us alone in our little world. It is the sounds in our heads and the pages of those revered works that so often lead to a discovery of a world beyond our horizon.  One of such great intensity.  

Music is as ever the conduit for these emotions and ideas often misplaced or lost in heavy tomes. We are driven to strive for want of a better world.  We have no thought of answers yet seek the questions more.

The notion that music and indeed lyrics can inspire and change the person within is certainly not new. From songs of protest in the Middle Ages to the jook joints and cries for freedom, music has conveyed ideas of justice and freedom and challenged our governance, our idea of justice.

Lyrics that inspire, provoke and shape our lives are yet as worthy as any great authority.  Let us never underestimate the depth of understanding of our great art.  It has reflected our common aim, fought and won battles. Led us to peace and above all to accept our fellow neighbour.  Lyrics to change the world.

And so I proffer the following songs of great lyrics that challenged our very notions.

1          Hound Dog      Elvis Presley

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5JALwwaASg

  when they said you was high classed,
well, that was just a lie.
You ain’t never caught a rabbit
and you ain’t no friend of mine.

Originally recorded by a rhythm and blues singer Willie mae Thorntonin 1952 it was the 1956 remake which caused outrage. Mr. Presley’s style of suggestive dancing proving shocking for many. It was viewed as delinquent.

2        The Times they are a changing Bob Dylan

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2sYIIjS-cQ

 There’s a battle outside
And it is ragin’
It’ll soon shake your windows
And rattle your walls
For the times they are a-changin’

 Released from the album of the same name in 1964 this was a radical album. Common themes of poverty, social change and perhaps more controversially for its audience racism, filtered through this album.

 3        Feeling Good     Nina Simone

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfJRX-8SXOs

Dragonfly out in the sun you know what I mean, don’t you know
Butterflies all havin’ fun you know what I mean
Sleep in peace when day is done
That’s what I mean

 

From her 1965 album I put a spell on you.  Stunning rich and beautiful.  There is a sense of wonder in these lyrics and of struggle perhaps reflecting the fear faced by many.

4        My Generation  The who.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=594WLzzb3JI

Why don’t you all fade  away  
And don’t try to dig what we all say
I’m not trying to cause a big sensation
I’m just talkin’ ’bout my generation

Released in November 1965 this was a song of real angst and rebellion.  The call and response reflecting the blues influence. There is a sense of frustration and anger within the vocals. Brilliant   and compelling.

5        Ashes  to Ashes  David Bowie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YF_ESqYuhSQ

 Time and again I tell myself
I’ll stay clean tonight
But the little green wheels are following me
Oh no, not again

Released in 1980 and revisiting a character from an earlier song this has on one level a child like feel.  However, the listener is left in no doubt as to the character’s health with perhaps a nod to the singers previous ills. An uncomfortable but compelling view of   life.

6          Career Opportunities   The Clash.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIAQW4QJp20

Career opportunities are the ones that never knock
Every job they offer you is to keep you out the dock
Career opportunity, the ones that never knock

Released in 1977 from a band so  under rated and misunderstood. Challenging     and pushing   boundaries.  Frustration, anger and   resentment of a menial existence. Their first album is a masterpiece of social comment set against stunning blues.

7        Redemption Song  Bob Marley

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zyAVfH6VPg

Old pirates, yes, they rob I
Sold I to the merchant ships
Minutes after they took I
From the bottomless pit.

Released in 1980 from the Band’s ninth album this is a stripped song featuring Mr Marley   on acoustic guitar.   Containing lines from a speech from Marcus Garvey a Jamaican orator and political figure this is a song of inner thought and intense pain.  

8        Like a song U2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7Nk5PtHUlM

A generation without name, ripped and torn
Nothing to lose, nothing to gain
Nothing at all

From the band’s third album and released in 1983 this song is breathtaking.  Avoiding the obvious from this misunderstood and brilliant album we hear Mr Hewson  deliver a song of such passion. At times there is pure venom in his voice  . At times this makes for uncomfortable but utterly compelling listening.  I reviewed this album on an earlier blog.   http://aniswaiz1.wordpress.com/2011/08/05/part-2-flowers-in-the-desert-2/

9        In Shreds The Chameleons

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-n_RB_H0llw

It seems to me
To be so contradictory
It seems to me
You’ve become a part of the machinery
You’ve become a part of the machinery

A band from  my youth and one which lyrically and musically have very few equals.  Hearing this band live left you less than human.  So apt in many ways.

Released in 1982 this song reflects  isolation , rejection and despair. A song that has spoken to so many.  Brilliance personified.   

10                    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAz7BAAWfqw

                        I hope I never fall behind the wall
Although the sound would ring
A skill that will take years and still know fear
Although I never did lie

From an album that has shaped my life and many others.  Res  ipsa  loquitur.

If we  can not change the world with our notions of justice our songs of freedom  we can not speak of a better tomorrow for today we must surely  lie down and weep.

This blog is dedicated to the late Jamesetta Hawkins.  All I could do was cry.

Kind regards

Michaelmas Term

A Revelation

And so it is over. This time I know  has gone.  The  Michaelmas term from the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel is soon to end. The  greatest of all the Archangels,  a protector against the dark of night, and honoured for defeating Lucifer .

From its commencement as the trees  were stripped bare  until  the day of shortening hours.  For now let the trumpets sound and music fill our ears.

And as the days shorten and we look to another term I reflect upon  the ticking hand that long  passage of time . The  Joys and sorrows bestowed . Above all I see the utter  kindness and  the hand of friendship of strangers.  In days of need when my table lay  bare you have  warmed my soul with the gift of humour, acceptance and above all humanity. I thank  you from the bottom of my heart.

At the feast I have nothing to offer  but  passion for law and music. That my blogs have been so well received is of utter sheer astonishment to me. Let me thank you.

I wish you and yours  a very happy Christmas and New Year.  May God bless you and your family .

From that great great nation.  Cha bhi suaimhneas aig eucoir, no seasamh aig droch-bheairt. Wrong cannot rest, nor ill deed stand.

And so I proffer to you the hand of great friendship and peace. From my Band and from the heart these  words

When we walk away from the storm’s roar
Then I will be afraid no more
And now I’m sure of where I stand
Let the strength of peace run through this land

A song from me to you and yours to warm your heart.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTOyX10Zv-w

kind regards

Joint Agreement

With curious enquiry we see the derivation of Harmony from the Greek Harmonia meaning joint agreement.   The contrasted elements of higher and lower notes.  It is the simultaneous soundings of notes.  In pure parlance western music is based on major and minor chords.

To the untrained but keen ear we simply hear music of great beauty, whether it be from the fields of the deep south of America or the simple pureness of a choir. From the electronic signal to the heavy reverb and rifts of classic tracks, it is the contrast of such harmonies that draws us to the very spirit of humanity.

Music in whatever form joins the union of our souls and spirit.  It is the coming together a shared experience that bond which marks our progress.  Dedication to this art above all else is as a chord within which sounds aloud.

With utter pride, honour and much bewilderment let me express my great thanks to Flying@frankiescar who has so kindly invited me to blog jointly with 5 songs.  I am much indebted to his generosity.

This is a truly wonderful joint agreement with much stunning harmony.  Rejoice in the contrasts of our art.  Let it sound for all to hear.

Res Ipsa Loquitur  (the facts speak for themselves) 

 1          The Five Blind Boys of Alabama    Too close to Heaven

Hailing fromTalladega,Alabamaand formed in 1939, a truly remarkable gospel group.  This is music of such purity and emotion.  There is little to compare to the harmony and beauty found.  Standing in a room many years ago.  A makeshift stage as those men stood before us.  Hearing those voices for the first time.  That feeling of utter devotion to the human voice and the notion that music can change your very being.  Here is harmony beyond ever dreamt.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5OnA6JOacE

  2          Murvin Junior Smith   Police and Thieves

All the crowd comes in day by day
No one try to stop it in anyway
All the peacemaker turn war officer
Hear what I say

A masterpiece of social commentary and rhythm.  As everIslandRecords at the forefront of music boundaries at a time when the nation sang to a very different beat.

Produced by the legendary Lee scratch Perry.  For many of my generation this was an introduction to Reggae.  Junior Murvin the Jamaican star released this song in 1976 with an album of the same name the following year.  Mr. Strummer et al covering this glorious song.

A stunning simple melody built around the traditional skank rhythm much copied rarely bettered.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19dP84Q4Qus

3          Thin Lizzy    Whiskey in the Jar

As I was going’ over the Cork and Kerry mountains
I saw Captain Farrell and his money he was counting
I first produced my pistol and I then produced my rapier
I said stand or deliver or the devil he may take ya

Far from home sitting in a bar late one night. Warm air and the anticipation of adventure. A band playing covers washing over the audience. A piercing guitar rift and at once a fascination.  That instant recognition of a Gaelic rhythm.

Mr. Lynott’s voice so distinctive and rich. This track is driven by the muted guitar. Simple production as ever delivers a ballad of intrigue of beauty. The images of Chorcaí and Chiarraí fixed firmly in the listeners mind.  

This is a track of epic landscape. Much akin to my beloved band from Fife. Behold a  band without typical constraints who no doubt led the way for another famous band from Baile Átha Cliath  .  That this song was released in 1972 is truly groundbreaking.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TehFZ38kt6o

4                    The Skids  Charade

The band still played
through the interval
Candle lit but the room was still
while two men dealt amongst the chill

From my beloved Kingdom a band whose art was never truly understood and appreciated. Songs of such intense emotion allied to lyrics of such depth and reason.

Driven by the guitar of the late brilliant Mr. Adamson. We hear at once the nucleus of my band developing. Mr. Jobson delivering breathtaking crafted words.

Released in 1979 not the obvious track for the alternative movement.  The call and response worked into a driven track with rich production so unique for the period.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43k_8ssL9XY

5    The Cure    Plainsong

Sometimes you make me feel like I’m living at the edge of the world, like I’m living at the edge of the world.
“It’s just the way I smile,” you said

Taken from the album Disintegration.  Very rarely does a band release an album late in their career which captures a sound and vision so intense.  It broods and threatens with such vision.

Plainsong opens the album and clearly sets the scene.   A song with such motion to reflect a fractured mood. Mr. Smith delivers a stripped vocal so anguished. Beauty within such rare talent.

The production of this album sets it apart and defines a stark landscape. It is impossible to pick just one track from this unique masterpiece.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZoYzne9Tpg

 Conclusion

The harmony of music is as diverse as nations as rich as nature.  If you hear the pureness of sound among the ravages of existence your heart will be free.

Kind regards

As with all Joint Ventures each party brings something different but of equal value to the partnership, In this one, Anis has the writing skills and musical taste and I am the support act!

So, I was extremely lucky to go to America very early in my life, it was a place I had been fascinated with from a very early age and aged 21 off I went to California, first class no less! It was all I expected to be and more, this was 1977 and LA was the place to be.

This was the height of the California Soft Rock Vibe and it has been my all time favourite form ever since. I can still remember being in a car going down Sunset Boulevard with this song playing on the radio.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMFqh_tiHoQ

I have always loved good guitar and no one did it better than The Eagles on this track, the sound washes over me and takes me back to that place every time I hear it.

It was the anniversary of the death of John Lennon on the 8^th and I found out that I was not the only person who was devastated by the news of his death John Storer had to take the day off as well, the influence he had on music cannot be over stated.

This next track is my personal favourite and is one of the few tracks that all the instruments were played by John or Paul, I read a tweet on the 8^th from someone who said if John was alive today he would be spending his time laughing at the Frog Corus and I had to say that I didn’t think he would, Lennon was a true muso he may not have liked it (Not Mcartneys finest work but in the words of Michael Caine “If you have a high standard of living you sometimes have to make a low standard of film!) but Lennon was a kind man, most of the time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_t3oaPNJieg

This track provides proof (if it was needed) that Ringo was not the best drummer in the Beatles!

I discovered New York in the 70’s and 80’s and it was an experience like nothing I had experienced before or since, it is my favourite place on the planet and Legalblonde and I spent some of our happiest times there, I have never had a bad time in NYC and I know I never will. I saw this next artist there a couple of times, he was a friend of Lennon’s and I have always loved everything he ever did, this is his most well known track but if you haven’t heard the rest of his music you should check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAX1rkdzUH4

Like Lennon he was at heart a poet and that shows in the lyrics of his music.

I was living in California for a while and this next band had hit after hit while I was there. Some may say cheese but I don’t care (I can hear you Jools!) I simply love it, the guitar work is outstanding. Once again there is a lot of great music from them that maybe you haven’t heard and I can only say you are missing out if you haven’t.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPOKJikcYMk

This one takes me right back to California, rolling down Pacific Coast Highway in an open top with the sun shining and the music playing, just bliss!

The final track today is another which just washes over me and makes me think of where I was when I first heard it and I shall share that with you,

I first heard this track in a club in London with some friends and we were on our way out, it was during a phase I like to think of as my “playboy” time! Clubs, Casino’s and other things best left in the past but damn we had a good time! Age is great way of calming down and getting sensible……and sometimes we even do it !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkS169P_Eeo

If you’ve stuck with us to the end, thank you and my thanks to Anis for this joint effort.

Sadly Artists die but the music never does play it often and play it loud.

It is all about the Music !

Have a great Sunday!

 

 

 

All Fall Together

Survivors set out on a trail in a search for salvation

Looking for remnants of sense in the end of a nation

Good words

What are we to say at this time? what possibly can meet the faces of sadness the wail of grief that sounds  before our gathering. Our youth has passed  our hands are worn. Yet we wish to be heard.

It is not for us the weak to weep . We are not to turn away . Let us not stand idly by and hear no more that voice of guidance of such  great magnitude .  That fire upon a mountainside.

If we have nothing but the weak sun in wintertime,  a beating heart and a shining eye  let us not despair. Let us be proud.  It is as best we can be. Let our  hearts rejoice, our voices be heard. 

Yet I know there is  a  place within our hearts  where the  spirits join. We search and find our nations end . Alba. So let me hear again that great nation speak through those songs. Songs of such beauty of such honesty. To hear those  sentiments is to stand upon the very  soil of the  kingdom.

The emotion provoked within is more than reason itself to cast aside any doubt as to the love and respect we hold for the man who fashioned and crafted  those songs. His guiding hand touched us all. That Brilliance of wisdom  still  a piercing  light against the long days of sadness .

Here  I stand before you. I have no care for any riches for they have no place in the honesty of passion and belief .   What I have to  proffer is my  utter respect and admiration for the late Mr Stuart Adamson. I know that time within my life when his very words held me high above a storm of despair and wanting. That time of happiness of rejoice of discovery. I was fed by his genius, his  notions of justice of fairness. They are the marks of a great person and I like so many are blessed  that we heard Mr Adamson  and Big Country impart such  true richness.

Nemo dat quod non habet . You cannot give what you do not have. For  I only  have the hand of  friendship, respect , and love for Mr Adamson. Alas I never had the chance to offer him my hand. How I wish I had.

I write these words for such  a difficult time with a  great sadness within. Tonight I will hear his voice and those songs . They will never leave my side. Some will smile yet others weep. I know above all that in our darkness the house on fire will never hold any shame .  Let us return  home again. 

May God Bless you Mr Adamson. For you the weary will rise again.