In the digital age, I've a habit of compiling playlists for music books based on the references throughout. Usually, it's for my own personal accompaniment as I read it or 'bookmarks' for future listens to unfamiliar music. Sometimes they're worth sharing and this was most definitely the case with the emerging "mix" that came from reading Richard Thompson's fantastic autobiography, "Beeswing."
Compiling and listening to his influences (Les Paul, Davy Graham, Johann Sebastian Bach, Howlin' Wolf), the work of his peers (Sandy Denny, Nick Drake, Lal & Mike Waterson) and, of course, his own work in Fairport Convention and with his ex-wife Linda, proved to be a wonderful parallel journey of its own.
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Tracklist
Playing tracks by Les Paul, The Shadows, Elvis Presley, Snooks Eaglin, Davy Graham and more.
Comments
The vibe of this playlist reminds me of a GEM of an artist I found years ago: Gary Farr. Try "Don't Know Why You Bother Child". Like Bob Frank (who could also fit in this room) he never found a big audience.
Richard played guitar on Gary's second album... I actually looked for it on Spotify for inclusion but the overlords at Sony have not deemed it stream-worthy as of yet.
I never thought I'd say this, but Judy Collins covering that Leonard Cohen song is pretty amazing.
Agreed.
Loved this book!
Tracklist:
Les Paul • Caravan
The Shadows • Apache
Elvis Presley • Don’t Be Cruel
Snooks Eaglin • Saint James Infirmary
Davy Graham • Angi
Johann Sebastian Bach • English Suite No. 3 in G minor, BWV 808
Hans Werner Henze • Contata Of The Ultimate Fable On The Poem “Tu sei la fiaba estrema” - Andante ma non troppo
Judy Collins • Suzanne
The Byrds • Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is A Season)
Love • 7 And 7 Is
Howlin’ Wolf • Killing Floor
Josef Locke • Shawl of Galway Grey
Sandy Denny • You Never Wanted Me
Fairport Convention • Tale In Hard Time
The Band • Tears Of Rage
Alex Campbell • Been On The Road So Long
Nick Drake • Time Has Told Me
Fairport Convention • Genesis Hall
Mimi And Richard Farina • Pack Up Your Sorrows
Nick Drake • River Man
Federick Delius • A Song Of Summer, RT VI/26
Fotheringay • The Pond And The Stream
Fairport Convention • Poor Will And The Jolly Hangman
Sandy Denny • It’ll Take A Long Time
Shirley Collins • Murder Of Maria Marten
Lal & Mike Waterson • The Scarecrow
Gryphon • Touch And Go
Richard & Linda Thompson • I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight
Richard & Linda Thompson • Dimming Of The Day / Dargai
Richard & Linda Thompson • Wall Of Death
Richard Thompson • Beeswing