The history of Ireland is fascinating. The Irish were invaded by the English on several occasions and fell victim to English oppression for extended periods of time.
Many powerful songs have been written about these episodes. My personal favorite is the variation on an old Irish folk tale, "Young Ned of the Hill", on The Pogues' 1989 album Peace & Love. This song embodies the spirit of punk while embracing elements of traditional Irish folk music.
Shane McGowan didn't write this song, but I can't imagine anyone else singing it! What a great song about a terrible event!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Friday, February 10, 2012
Beatles?
I heard a rumor about myself yesterday. It's been said that I don't like The Beatles. Not true. Not false.
First of all, there is more than one band called The Beatles. There's the early version of the band that adored US blues music and sang repetitive love songs and then there's the other band. I don't dislike either. I don't, however, have any need for the early version of the band.
But, the band that created songs like "The Fool on the Hill", "Something", "Norwegian Wood", "She's Leaving Home", "Within You Without You", "Dear Prudence", "Eleanor Rigby", "Tomorrow Never Knows" and "The Inner Light" is relative and necessary.
These days I'm more likely to play individual Beatles songs rather than sit down and listen to an entire album. I tend to gravitate more often to the offerings of mister George Harrison in favor of the more famous duo of songwriters. I suppose, it's a question of time and place rather than like vs dislike.
Sometimes, you just HAVE to listen to George Harrison's interpretation of India or John Lennon's comments on religion. Sometimes, you may even need to listen to Ringo as he begs her not to "pass him by"!
First of all, there is more than one band called The Beatles. There's the early version of the band that adored US blues music and sang repetitive love songs and then there's the other band. I don't dislike either. I don't, however, have any need for the early version of the band.
But, the band that created songs like "The Fool on the Hill", "Something", "Norwegian Wood", "She's Leaving Home", "Within You Without You", "Dear Prudence", "Eleanor Rigby", "Tomorrow Never Knows" and "The Inner Light" is relative and necessary.
These days I'm more likely to play individual Beatles songs rather than sit down and listen to an entire album. I tend to gravitate more often to the offerings of mister George Harrison in favor of the more famous duo of songwriters. I suppose, it's a question of time and place rather than like vs dislike.
Sometimes, you just HAVE to listen to George Harrison's interpretation of India or John Lennon's comments on religion. Sometimes, you may even need to listen to Ringo as he begs her not to "pass him by"!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
