Variations For The Weekend

 

A few days ago, I was sitting with one of my oldest friends. As always, we talked about all sorts of things and ended up discussing the global economic situation, which is becoming increasingly unstable. The creation of a new world order by the orange-haired man on the other side of the Atlantic is bringing creeping inflation, at least here in Germany, while the erosion of social standards due to employers' demands and the increasing number of bankruptcies and unemployment are leading to ever greater poverty among the population. Finally, I asked Wolfgang what song comes to mind when he thinks of poverty and homelessness. He immediately thought of an old song from our youth by Ralph McTell.

For my part, a song by Belfast singer/songwriter David McWilliams came to mind. Both songs vividly illustrate where impoverishment can lead.

Marc Almond recorded his own version of this song in 1992. It features more orchestration and a more optimistic tune, not least because he added his own verse.

This could be the start of a new series - who knows.

Happy Endings

 

A few weeks ago Scottish producer and musician Sean Dickinson aka HiFi Sean released his first album with his longer time collaboration with British singer David McAlmont Happy Ending. I got this album when it was released, listened once and forgot about it. During the last days I rediscovered this album and listened a few times to it and I have to admit that it grows the more I listen to it. I enjoy their music whatever the musical press would say. It is an album that I will call timeless because this songs were far away from any popular genres today. Songs that lives because of McAlmont's mighty and also easy voice, well arranged with orchestra and strings. Sometimes it remembers me on the music Marc Almont did ages ago and Kevin Rowland would be proud to sing. A little highlight this year so far. 

The Stars We Are

 

A few days ago I read the news that Marc Almond will release an extended version of his 1988 classic The Stars We Are. For this reason I grabbed out my original and played once again after ages. I think I don't have to say much about Marc Almond because most of you will know him, if only for his work with Soft Cell. And I can say that I really enjoyed listening to this once again. The album was high in the charts when it was released and it seems like an almost perfect pop album. Away from the synth-pop of Soft Cell and the cover version he did with Matt Johnson as Marc and the Mambas he added orchestral sounds to his songs that make the songs brighter. This album shows also his talent in songwriting and choosing excellent duet partners. Your Kisses Burn is still a highlight not only because it was one of the last performances by German chanteuse Nico. 

Marc Almond - These My Dreams Are Yours

Marc Almond - Tears Run Rings

Marc Almond - Your Kisses Burn

Marc Almond - Something's Gotten Hold Of My Heart

This Year In Music Pt. 3

The original plan of this list was to look back to albums that inspired me or were on heavy rotation at my place this year. Therefore I planned a series with six episodes showing this music in different categories. I also planned writing the post during my holidays until Christmas. As you know things happen and nothing is the same any more. So I finish this series with a little overview of some kind that was on my mind and most of lists are written by you mates.

Have a great start into 2018.

One of the best albums in 2017 were presented by veterans that appeared suddenly and unexpected. These albums found their way to my turntable and stayed there for long times. Best example was Michael Head and the Red Elastic Band. With Adios Senor Pussycat he appeared with a monument of an album filled with superb songs.

You can add Nick Heyward and  Mark Lanegan to this category and there are many songs to feature at this place (what happened during the year). But I have to name Peter Perret and Marc Almond right now.

Another category was reserved for guitar based bands. Mogwai, Spoon and The Horrors released great albums but I decided now to give Slowdive the place to appear once again. Not only for the return after almost 20 years in absence.

In retrospect these artists should be referred because they also released great and unique music this year:

Jane Weaver / The Afghan Wigs / The Charlatans / Algiers / Thurston Moore / A Tribe Called Quest / Jesus and Mary Jane / Richard Thompson / ...



The Return Of A Giant

There are only a few voices during the last decades that I could listen to to mostly every time and made a relaxed feeling to me. One was Kevin Rowland and the other was Marc Almond. Both were the ones that made me feel like every word of suffering came true out of their mouth. I always listened to him from the early days of Soft Cell until now. And I have to say I am pleased that he released a new album after long time. It is a record filled with classic songs from the last 30 years. He covered them in his very unique sound and arranged with strings and sometimes horns. Based on the Bacharach sound it is a record that is timeless and I am sure this record will be played at my place often. It shows all the quality Marc has as a crooner. Never thought that anyone could make a cover of Still I'm Sad by The Yardbirds. It is like a journey back in the early 60's when great vocalists were the next big thing. Of course totally retro but if you're in the mood for this, I am sure you can enjoy this.

Marc Almond - Still I'm Sad
Marc Almond - How Can I Be Sure
Marc Almond - I Know You Love Me Not

Something's gotten hold on my heart

Weekend's over and another working week ahead. So I think I'll start the week with a song that was covered by many artists. Originally recorded by David and Johnathan it became a hit by Gene Pitney. I decided to take his rerecording with Marc Almond from 1989. Two great singers singing a great song.

Have a good week, friends

Marc Almond and Gene Pitney - Something gotten hold of my heart