Shockingly good things from bands you didn't oughta like

I bet the drop outs were especially good.

 

Clueless individuals might argue they were the best bit

 

nowt wrong with cat stevens.

..other than the clueless copycats that did bad covers of his songs, and the brainless advertising executives who decided to put him on their silly adverts..

 

Well quite. I was listening to Father and Son this pm and realised that I've never come across a better example of an inept cover draining a song of all its meaning and converting something that had something with a bit of meaning into complete drivel.

 

I was only joshing. To continue my long, long list of the shockingly good things...., I own 'Tea For The Tillerman', 'Mona Bone Jakon' and 'Teaser And The Firecat', with 'Mona Bone Jakon' being my favourite.

You'll get no arguments from me.

 

Ha Chris, you go further up in my estimation yet. Now tell me you have a copy of Hot August Night by Neil Diamond and we can be best buddies for life :MILD:

 

'Hot August Night', ....'Jazz Singer', ....'Jonathan Livingston Seagull', ....'Stones', 'Tap Root Manuscript'....I could go on. My favourite, though, is 'Rainbows', for his splendicious version of Joni Mitchell's 'Chelsea Morning' - he gives it that Vegas swing that it was missing first time around.

 

Woooow!!! We're not worthy

 

Getting back to Sting Bashing - Somewhere lurking in a file marked To Be Deleted I have Sting singing (singing is too good a word for it) a duet with Pavorotti - Panis Angelicas -

 

See that is what I'd call OT. That isn't "Shockingly good things from bands you didn't oughta like", that's "Shockingly awful things from people who ought to be tortured until they promise never to do it agin"

 

I've got "Catch bull at four" by Cat Stevens on 8track ...and it's actually not too bad!

As for Neil Diamond, I've always fancied getting "The jazz singer" as I remember it from my neighour's dad's car - long drives to Newquay for Fistrel Beach and the surf - yeah baby! Which album is "Beautiful noise" on?

 

Its on Beautiful Noise Haven't got it but one of those that if I see it in the Charity shop I'll have it. Robbie Robertson from the Band produced it too.

 

I think I've got a spare of that one if you want it, Uncle Ants - I'll have a look and let you know. I may even have a spare of 'The Jazz Singer', Dom - will let you know later.

 

I think both of them must have sold at the last car boot I did, as I can't find either unfortunately. I did turn up a spare copy of Neil Diamond's 'Stones', though, if either of you want it - condition isn't perfect (a few surface and spindle marks) but it does have the version of Chelsea Morning on it, amongst some other gems. First to PM me 'Yes' with an address can have it(provided you're in the UK).

 

Chris, You have PM

 

As do you. Neil Diamond has left the building.

 

But, like all legendary performers who don't want to disappoint their fans, appearing from side-stage...could it be...it is!

Dom, I've just discovered a duplicate copy of the astounding 'Hot August Night' - drop me a PM with your address if you want it.

 

Hoo Dom, I'd say yes if I were you ... its a blinder. One of the few "Bloody hell I wish I'd been there" live recordings I've ever heard and far better than the much inferior Love at The Greek ... and an ace picture of Neil Diamond looking like some long haired betassled hippy maniac on the front cover. Tis good.

 

Thanks very much, you've been a great audience. We'll see you again next time.

 

I was quite surprised when I heard some songs on the radio from Justin Timberlake's Justified and though, hey this isn't too bad... bit like Michael Jackson from a couple decades ago... It's not great, but it was so much better than I was expecting, I thought I'd share.

Dunc