Katy Moffat - Child Bride

Katy Moffatt
Child Bride
1989

Katy has long been a favourite of mine. This 1989 release was something of a departure being a series of covers. The recording sounds a bit wooly - think I bought a poor pressing - but when Katy sings We Ran she reduces me to tears.

1. Child Bride
2. Blow Out The Candle
3. We Ran
4. You Better Move On
5. Playin' Fool
6. Look Out It Must Be Love
7. False Alarm
8. Lonely Avenue
9. You Done Me Wrong
10. In A Moment
11. Setting The Woods On Fire

Link

Al Stewart - Past, Present & Future

Al Stewart
Past, Present & Future
1974

Before he found bedsit superstardom with Year Of The Cat Al put out this concept album of sorts. As usual with Al it is a mix of classy songwriting and some right old tosh - all beautifully played though with an undeniably elegant charm.

1. Old Admirals
2. Warren Harding
3. Soho (Needless To Say)
4. The Last Day Of June 1934
5. Post World War Two Blues
6. Roads To Moscow
7. Terminal Eyes
8. Nostradamus

Link

Bert Kaemphert and his Orchestra - A Swingin' Safari

Bert Kaemphert and his Orchestra
A Swingin' Safari
1962

Bert's mix of horns, lush strings and township rhythms should sound jaded and achronistic to our modern enlightened ears. However, when he gets it right, the arrangements sound sympathetic and fresh and have a vitality that transcends the years.

1. A Swingin' Safari
2. That Happy Feeling
3. Market Day
4. Take Me
5. Similau
6. Zambesi
7. Afrikaan Beat
8. Happy Trumpeter
9. Tootie Flutie
10. Wimoweh
11. Black Beauty
12. Skokiaan

Link

Tin Star - Somebody's Dreams

Tin Star
Somebody's Dreams
1986

Our perfect match has no fire
There's no more flame in your eyes
You used to sing songs of desire
But now you sing lullabies

The popularity of the mid 80s Bakersfield sound brought many a Californian country wanabee to wider attention. None were better than Tin Star.

1. American Summer
2. Somebody's Dreams
3. Bullets And Beer
4. Don't Give Up
5. Blue Mist
6. Mind Over Mattress
7. Sorry Doesn't Work Anymore
8. Mama's Baby Is Blue
9. Hey Good Lookin'
10. Meet Me In Cheyenne

Link

Tommy Collins - New Patches

Tommy Collins
New Patches
1986

During a long career Tommy enjoyed success writing for the likes of Merle Haggard and Buck Owens amongst others. As a artiste in his own right he had his moments but for the most part remained on the periphery of success. This 1986 release has a reflective feel that lends the songs a charm and warmth. It includes 'Tilt Me A Little Towards Tillie' a true classic that you just have to hear.

1. New Patches
2. Tilt Me A Little Towards Tillie
3. Boxcar Children
4. Shindig In The Barn
5. Roots Of My Raising
6. Hello Hag
7. Someone Else Tends The Garden
8. Lemonade Life
9. I Love You More Than Anyone
10. If You Can't Bite, Don't Growl
11. I Wish Things Were Simple Again

Link

Todd Rundgren - Nimbus Thitherward

Todd Rundgren
Nimbus Thitherward
1976 Hammersmith Odeon

Last week I went to see Todd perform A Wizard A True Star at the Hammersmith Odeon. It was bizarre, surreal and quite wonderful. I was reminded that somewhere in the Loft Of Sound I had a boot of his 1976 appearance at the same venue. Here it is for you to download.

1. Freedom Fighters
2. Mister Triscuits/Something's Coming
3. The Last Ride
4. The Wheel
5. When The Shit Hits The Fan/Le Feel Internacionale
6. Heavy Metal Kids
7. Open My Eyes
8. Sons Of 1984

Link