Animal Wednesday

 

After a week’s break, we’re continuing our series of songs about animals. In 1974, Harry Chapin released his poignant song about the transience of childhood, missed opportunities and the cycle of neglect between father and son.

Stephen Stills wrote Bluebird for Buffalo Springfield’s second album; it was a staple of their live performances and continues to thrive on the contrast between Stills’ acoustic guitar and Neil Young’s distorted electric guitar.

A lovely, unpretentious song by The Loving Spoonful from 1967 about Nashville guitar players. A lovely rhythm and rhyme, beautifully sung. It’s all very nice and harmless.

Singles Released This Week Years Ago

 

October continues with an eclectic selection of chart singles, forgotten and remarkable songs that were released this week years ago.

1967: Jefferson Airplane

1973: David Essex

1968: Desmond Dekker & the Aces

1971: Isaac Hayes

1982: Marvin Gaye

1974: Harry Chapin

1988: Tracy Chapman

1969: Shocking Blue

1970: T. Rex

1977: Richard Hell & The Voidoids

1987: George Harrison

1963: Gerry and The Pacemakers (Apologies to everyone who can't stand LFC)

1981: U2 (from the time before Bono declared himself a saint)

Sixty Five

 

Today I turn 65 and another year has passed far too quickly and I reflect on everything that has happened in these years. We are getting older and that is inevitable. And transience is a theme that crops up in every genre of music, from rock n' roll to country and blues. And songs that have dealt with getting older, the past and everything in between. It's impossible to pick a favourite, especially when you consider how much choice is out there. That's why I limited myself to the songs that came to me spontaneously and that have stayed with me over the years.