“Have you ever felt the longing for someone you could admire? For something, not to look down at, but up to?” ― Ayn Rand. This quote seems particularly valid given the current political situation in the UK, but let’s put that aside and concentrate on some of the musicians / artists who inspire our admiration. I am posting them anonymously as tincanman suggested, so you are eligible for ‘Spill points if you can guess correctly who chose whom. Contributors to chose from are: DsD, severin, me, shoegazer; glassarfemptee, tincanman and Ravi Raman.
If you have an earworm you’d like to share, please send an .mp3, .m4a or a link to: earworm@tincanland.com, together with a few words about why you’ve chosen it. Next week’s theme will be “Devise your own fantasy-festival with up to six artists, living or dead, and send us a song from the headliners and (if you want to send more than one) the opening act”.
Pete Seeger – Bourgeois Blues: From The Complete Bowdoin College Concert 1960. There’s music and genres I prefer but I can’t think of anyone I admire more than Pete Seeger. Pete refused to bow to the UnAmerican Activities Committee so anyone who wanted him to perform had to sneak him into town and spread the details by word of mouth. It wasn’t lucrative, but as Pete once told a reporter, “If someone wants me to play for them, I don’t care where it is or how many of them there are, I’m going to be there.” This is the only existing quality recording of one of those shows; taped by an engineer at the campus radio station who snuck in recording equipment.
Billy Bragg – Which Side Are You On: A local hero, political activist, anti-racist, and consistent carrier of the red flag for so long (despite the misstep of supporting the Lib Dems in 2010 which I almost forgive him for!), and front man for Red Wedge. Supporter of the poor and the oppressed, and union power, against the forces of right wing exploitation.
Koko Taylor – 63 Year Old Mama: Somehow, for me, this song exemplifies the spirit of this lady. From her appropriately titled album Force of Nature.
Jah Wobble’s Invaders Of The Heart – Visions of You: Jah Wobble the great collaborator. Here’s his only hit with Sinead. His voice is an acquired taste, but what a bass line.
Moby – Natural Blues: Much to admire about Moby’s commitment to electronic dance music, his willingness to collaborate and change tack, his work ethic, his understatedness and his support for animal welfare and humanitarian causes. The music’s not bad, either.
Lydia Loveless – Do Right: “I was raised on whiskey and God, and I’m a little confused.” Strange choice because she’s hardly a household word, but I wanted to represent all the imperfect people out there who find the courage to make music for us when they’re able. It’s a scary thing to do; and scary times a gazillion for women. I’m not putting Lydia up as the epitome of anything; just one of the hundreds or thousands of injured and bruised and beautiful souls doing their best.
Joni Mitchell – Refuge of the Roads/Little Green: There is no such thing as the musician I admire most. And there is definitely no such thing as my favourite song by her. So here are two of them.
Neil Young – Who’s Gonna Stand Up? On top of a long musical career creating some truly wonderful songs (ok, and some execrable ones, but maybe the price of constant experimentation and prodigious output), Young has a fearless penchant for taking on injustice, from early tracks like Southern Man and Ohio, to his more recent championing of green issues, from electric cars and opposition to big oil – most recently refusing to play Hyde Park if Barclays are involved.
Ry Cooder – Dark Was The Night: I’m being slightly sneaky as it’s a cover of Blind Willie Johnson’s song. Two artists for the price of one!
Peter Gabriel – Mercy Street: From a fairly privileged background, he could have done anything: but his devotion to music, including early Genesis, his solo career; many collaborations ; promotion of world music through WOMAD; his support for left-wing politics and his humanitarianism etc. etc. etc. leave me full of admiration.
The Temperance Movement – Smouldering: A mobile phone recording from TTM’s admirable gig at Holmfirth Picturedrome on 26/7, so please forgive the usual occasional lapse in sound quality, crowd noise, and the first & last 5 seconds missing. Still absolutely f***ing AWESOME, and blows the studio version into a cocked hat positioned some miles away!! [IMHO, as they say!]
Ria is a Canadian of big voice and baffling genre – and worth keeping an eye on.
The 'Spill 