More glorious music

[fpb]

It was maybe twenty years ago, but certainly a very long time ago, when I heard for the first time - and, until about an hour ago, the last - Rod Stewart and Jeff Beck's account of the old slave song "People get ready". It was on a music channel, I think in a top-of-the-pops program, back when music videos were still a bit of a novelty and very popular. When I saw new videos on that program, I usually expected to see them again and again; but, as with another favourite of mine - the Hollies' version of Mike Batt's Soldier's Song - it never seemed to climb the charts, and never appeared again. But I knew I had been blown away, and that if I ever had the opportunity, I would look for the song again.

Today I finally got it - not only the song, the video too. And the video is a lovely black-and-white photographic essay on rural America that almost makes you wish you were there. But the music! Well, I love the kind of singer Rod Stewart is - expressive, generous and bluesy; but it is Jeff Beck that makes all the difference. This is electric guitar played as God meant it to be played, as I have heard nobody else except perhaps Eric Clapton play it. The wonder of those sustained, slow, lyrical notes has just stayed with me - the power of magisterial simplicity, of a man who could do anything he wants and chooses to make things easy not out of laziness but to give each note and phrase the chance to breathe. Kids, this is as good as popular music gets. I will try and post it.

Comments

[gunderpants.livejournal.com]

I think I got scared off Rod Stewart with 'Do Ya Think I'm Sexy'. That, and when I realised that the only person I knew who was a fan of him was a creepy, insincere stalker. Like those guys who turn up on your doorstep on Valentines day with a red rose and a tuxedo, but they really just want a chance to be alone with your dog in a cupboard for five minutes.

Sorry, I'm more a Tim Finn kinda girl. He has better hair, too.

[fpb.livejournal.com]

Well, you know me now, don't you? Or do I strike you as a creepy, insincere stalker with a thing for canines?

[gunderpants.livejournal.com]

You do strike me as the more intelligent type of person than this idiot was. He was one of those charmers to use phrases like 'queue jumpers' and 'towel heads' in reference to multiculturalist policies. I have an uncanny knack for picking out a stalker vibe from across the globe - trust me when I say this conversation would not be going on should I get that vibe.

[fpb.livejournal.com]

Hmmm. And I like Rod Stewart. Not his private life, mind you. And I will admit that his songs and performances drip uncontrolled sexuality; but, where the music is really outstanding, I am disposed to accept it.

[gunderpants.livejournal.com]

His style of songwriting is not one that appeals to me personally.

But hey, the guy must be doing something right to have all the record sales he does.

[thepreciouss.livejournal.com]

I have to admit...every time I hear a Rod Stewart song my stomach turns.

Something about that voice...I can't tell if he wants to molest me or if he's being molested.

And "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy" is a really sad song. Is he joking?
Well, you like him, so there must be some redeeming value about him.