Cold gin time again
You know it's the only thing
That keeps us together
1. Hola como estas? Bring your weighted minds into our drinking den for tonight we are diving into our 30th Barfly Session. I've had a last minute chop and change to bring about a little levity to this evenings mood as the songs were leaning too heavily on the melancholy. Lockdown fever perhaps? Maybe. I've learnt this is not to everybody's liking and I want folks to view this blog as a broad church so I've lightened the load here and there. Also, we have good news from The Fox who has recovered sufficiently to reclaim his place and frisbee out a YOFR track of choice. So good people, where to begin? I think Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass will be a good place to start. Burt Bacharach actually wrote this song but it became a massive hit around the world when it was released back in the year 1968. My own favourite part is just after 3 minutes where the song reaches a soaring crescendo of twinkling piano notes that crash like fireworks exploding and falling into the sea. Why does that mean so much to me? I can't really answer that. It just does. Listen for it and see what you think.
Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass
This Guy's In Love With You
2. We move forward to something more recent now. The first time I heard this I was in my car on a Spring morning and it sounded terrific. It unfolds from a muffled start until BAM! A wall of noise with crystal clear clarity and I just love that. There's also this great line "If you don't belong/Live in the trouble" which you should fold up and keep in your pocket for those times in which you're struggling to see the path. I guess sometimes you just have to try and make your own. Positive and uplifting from start to finish, it's one that I always notch the volume up for.
2. Michael Kiwanuka
You Ain't The Problem
3. I was listening to this the other day and the title of it alone made me recall something my wife's Father told me about two friends from his home town in Kilkee, Southern Ireland. For over 70 years the two friends met on the beach every day around 6am to go for a morning swim in the cold Atlantic sea. He says there was not a day that passed without this ritual taking place - even Christmas day. Nowt quite as funny as folk is there.
3. Zero 7
Swimmers
4. Sometimes you hear something so original ìt turns your head and you have to hear more. This guy Ghostpoet, he's something else. This next track only came out a few months ago and he's still very much an enigma to me. He's like a human definition of a 3am walk through a cemetery (something I used to have to do for my shortcut home every Friday and Saturday night many years back.) The songs have an angry pulse and they bristle with a bad energy of a man on the edge but for all it's schizophrenic heartbeat, it's hypnotic. Another one of those songs that make you want to take the bend in the road a little bit faster.
4. Ghostpoet
I Grow Tired But I Dare Not Fall Asleep
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5. So welcome back Andy Stelfox. You have been missed. The Fox has sent this track to us this week as his YOFR contribution. A grand choice it is too. The timing is perfect too as the opening lines "I'm trying to build a wall" arrrive on this blog as the world waves goodbye to the tenure of Donald Trump. Please lets not allow that to happen again.
5. Santigold
L.E.S Artistes
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6. Things are very tough for lots of people right now and though it may be true that it's opened up some folks eyes and they now know they can work from home thus saving lots of money on office space yadda yadda (and that's great - not knocking it) I suspect more people are just missing the old days. Those simple old days where you could meet your family and friends and stretch out with a glass of Merlot. If that's you, then awesome. I play this next track with you in mind. From 1972, this is Randy Newman.
6. Randy Newman
Dayton, Ohio - 1903
7. "There is nothing you keep, there is only your reflection" What a line that is and sung with such desperation too. I wanted to include the full video to our final track as it shines a light on the craft and work that goes into making monumental music like this. I suspect it's one of the most personal songs you'll ever hear and it's captivating. Not to preach BUT.... Headphones, headphones headphones!!! Just trust me. From those funeral drums at the beginning to the keys and then to the heartfelt chorus, rarely does a song come about that's as powerful as this. It's a prayer from a suffocating man. Now I've got an early 50 mile journey to work in the morning so I gotta get some shut-eye but listen, I love you guys so blessings to each of you. Come back next week OK. Remember, comments are always welcome too and if you scroll right to the bottom of this page there's like a box thing to tap your message into. Laters, Gators x
7. Manchester Orchestra
The Silence
