Freedom or false dawn??

Monday 12th April 2021 saw the first wave of the re-opening of Great Britain. Non-essential shops have re-opened meaning a much needed haircut and the ability to visit record shops again for yours truly. Pubs can re-open providing they have an outside space in which to serve patrons. Despite not having been in a pub since Christmas Eve 2020 I couldn’t get too excited about sitting in the open air on a, still cold, spring day. A combination of cold air and heavy liquid intake plays havoc with the bladder and toilet access in said pubs was not covered in Bozza’s guidelines. May 17th sees Pubs able to welcome punters back indoors. May also has the tantalising prospect of foreign travel to countries deemed low-risk? We have a holiday to the USA booked in September and I must admit I am keeping everything that can be tightly crossed. Finally June 21st sees the end of all restrictions; life returns to normal and Covid is finally vanquished due to the Pharmaceutical industry developing vaccines in record time and our government deploying them rapidly and efficiently.

Sounds good doesn’t it? Is it too good to be true? Time will tell I guess, but already ahead of phase one, alarm bells are starting to faintly chime. Good old Boris said that this time he will follow the scientific data and pull back if the wrong signals are seen. Today’s newspapers have scientists pointing out that there are a few hotspots across the UK where infections are starting to rise at three times the national average. They are dismayed that politicians are choosing to ignore this data in the clamour to win popular support for their policy of rapid re-opening of the economy. The USA which has also rapidly deployed a vaccination programme is seeing infections rise at a disturbing rate in a good number of states. In addition to this, there have been a number of deaths recorded worldwide caused by blood clots in people who have received the Astra Zeneca vaccine. Initially dismissed as almost insignificant by our government, they have now said that the AZ vaccine should not be given to adults under the age of 30. Purely cautionary of course! There are similar reports of clotting caused by the Johnson and Johnson vaccine being reported across the world. There are risks with any vaccine of course but anything that causes people to refuse their jab poses a major risk as countries rush to kickstart their dormant economies.

I am a libertarian at heart and long for the freedoms that I take for granted as a citizen of Walney Island but I confess that I worry about politicians that care more for votes than they do for people’s lives. Since I typed the last sentence the (devoutly right wing) Daily Mail has published a story claiming that last September Bozza angrily declared at a Downing street meeting that he would rather see bodies pile up than order another lockdown. The story has apparently been confirmed by several ‘Conservative sources’. BJ has of course denied making the statement but even his closest friends admit that Boris is a habitual liar.

So how did you get through the last year? Most of us have developed our own coping mechanisms. Sadly some have not been so lucky. There has been an upsurge in mental health issues and tragically there has been an increase in suicides.

Sometime in mid-April 2020 I started documenting every album I listened to. It had to be the full album to count. This was as a result of emails with Mark and Phil in Texas where we shared with each other our listening trends. I recorded my 500th album listening on 5th April 2021. I am able therefore to share with you the top 10 albums I have played the most and the top 10 artists that I have listened to over the past year.

Albums

Rain Dogs – Tom Waits 

Trouble and Love – Mary Gauthier          

Live at Blue Rock – Mary Gauthier           

The Harrow and the harvest – Gillian Welch        

Live in London – Leonard Cohen              

Blood on the tracks – Bob Dylan               

Duckwalking – Chuck Berry         

Tracy Chapman – Tracy Chapman

Fetch the bolt cutters – Fiona Apple       

Rough and rowdy ways – Bob Dylan

Artists

Bob Dylan

Mary Gauthier

Tom Waits

Pink Floyd

Leonard cohen

Gillian Welch

The Beatles

Steely Dan

ZZ Top

Joni Mitchell

Were there any surprises in there for me? Well, I only rediscovered Rain Dogs during the pandemic and had forgotten what a magnificent album it is. I have long thought Waits as a genius and it all really comes together on this magnum opus. Fantastic lyrics, great musicianship and offbeat tunes. A favourite of critics, it is also credited by no lesser person than Keith Richards who cites Rain Dogs as one of the best albums he has played on and he’s played on a few classics n’est-ce pas ? It still irks me that Rod Stewart had a huge hit with Downtown Train yet few people have heard Waits’ original which is much better. Otherwise, I was somewhat surprised that my top ten included three double albums (Live at Blue Rock, Fetch the bolt cutters, Rough and rowdy ways and a triple album (Live in London). Lockdown meant having more time to relax so hence I found it much easier to concentrate for longer and give these extended albums the respect they deserve. Fetch the bolt cutters and Rough and rowdy ways were both released in 2020.

Fiona Apple is enjoying a renaissance and it is good that she feels able to exorcise some of her demons on Fetch the bolt cutters. Comrades, I urge you to check out this fantastic album.

Bob Dylan was 78 years old when he recorded Rough and Rowdy ways. It is incredible that it is more than 50 years since he recorded his first album. Sure his voice has not weathered too well, he sounds like an old man. The lyrics however are as sharp as they ever were and Murder most foul, about the killing of JFK, is as powerful as anything he has ever written. Rough and Rowdy ways is a rewarding listening experience and, no matter what age you are, we are all getting older by the day. The aforementioned Rod Stewart once wrote

‘Youth’s a mask and it don’t last’

‘live it long and live if fast’

Too true brother Rod.

When it comes to my top ten artists listened to I am not surprised to see that the majority are by artists renowned for their lyrics. Good lyrics are key to my favourite songs so the presence of the following artists is therefore no great surprise; Bob Dylan, Mary Gauthier, Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, Gillian Welch, Joni Mitchell. They all write brilliant lyrics which qualify as poetry to me. All have touched my soul in some way whether they made me laugh, cry or even just think deeply.

A few years ago we were on holiday on the Costa Del Sol when we got a call in the early hours of the morning to hear that my Father in law had passed away. We arranged a flight home as soon as possible and joined the rest of our family. Two weeks later we had tickets to see Leonard Cohen in Manchester. I was going to cancel but Mark emailed to say that Pat would find the show a cathartic experience and Pat said she wanted to get away for a night anyway.

Mark was as good as his word, Pat loved the show. I did myself, I’m not ashamed to say that I shed a tear a tear a two during the concert that lasted three hours. Cohen was 78 at the time but played one of the longest sets I have ever seen.

Live in London reminds me of that show and I still shed the odd tear when I listen to it but smile and feel a warm glow all the way through. RIP brother Leonard you’ll never know the healing you brought to Pat and I.

Only two albums surprised me in making my top 10. Duckwalking by Chuck Berry only has eight tracks and is also a compilation. Every track is pure genius. Recorded in the 1950’s Chuck Berry’s music influenced a generation of white boys to pick up a guitar and try to emulate their hero. Every track on this album is a joy to listen to. So why am I surprised? I’m surprised because Chuck Berry was a despicable person by most accounts. Even Keith Richards who idolised Chuck described him as ‘difficult’. When you read accounts of Keith trying to help Chuck you’ll understand why. If you have daughters imagine how you’d feel if they brought someone like him home. Would you let your wife or daughter go to a bathroom in Chuck’s place???

The other was Tracey Chapman. It is a truly brilliant album, such powerful, emotive lyrics. The surprise was I hadn’t heard it in many years and rediscovered it in the cheap bin on a vinyl foraging expedition. If you haven’t heard it then check it out as soon as you can. Although she quickly disappeared from public consciousness, Tracey Chapman played on the Wembley stage at Live Aid. She never really recaptured the brilliance of her first album in my opinion but that doesn’t detract from the magic of her debut.

Heaven at 27

5th April 2021 was the 27th anniversary of the sad passing of Kurt Cobain. He was another member of the infamous ’27 club’. This club consists of musicians that died at the ‘mysterious’ age of 27. If you Google search the occult significance of any number between one and one hundred you will find some connection with any of them. I don’t believe that there is anything more significant about 27 than any other number. That said, some of the finest musicians who ever walked God’s great earth checked out at that age. Many of the 27 club died tragically. The members of the club are not exclusively musicians. Anton Yelchin and Jonathan Brandis for instance are actor members of the club. It is, and always be, however, musicians who are the most famous members. So I pay tribute to the 10 musical members of the 27 club who have made the biggest impact on my life.

Robert Johnson

If you know anything at all about music then you are familiar with the story of Robert Johnson. Son House remembered Johnson as a “little boy” who was a competent harmonica player but an embarrassingly bad guitarist. Soon after, Johnson left Robinsonville for the area around Martinsville, close to his birthplace, possibly searching for his natural father. When Johnson next appeared in Robinsonville, he seemed to have miraculously acquired an awesome guitar technique.

Son House was interviewed at a time when the legend of Johnson’s pact with the devil was well known among blues researchers. He was asked whether he attributed Johnson’s technique to this pact, and his equivocal answers have been taken as confirmation.

Johnson allegedly met the Devil at the Crossroads of Highways 61 and 49 in Clarksdale Mississippi and sold his soul in exchange for awesome guitar skills. Johnson died in Greenwood Mississippi at the age of 27 of suspected poisoning by a jealous husband and the club was thus formed.

Johnson only recorded 29 songs but his legacy lives on. I have stood at the Crossroads and stayed at the hotel in San Antonio Texas where he recorded his first songs in 1936. I’m sad to report that his guitar mojo hasn’t rubbed off on me!!

(596) Robert Johnson – Me And The Devil Blues With Lyrics – YouTube

Brian Jones (1942-1969)

A founding member of the Rolling Stones along with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, Brian Jones developed a severe substance abuse problem that by the mid-1960s had taken a toll on his health, landed him in jail and alienated him from his bandmates. He was forced out of the group in June 1969. The following month, Jones was found dead at the bottom of his swimming pool; police reported that he had drowned while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Recently, new evidence has suggested that foul play may have had a hand in his death at age 27.

Like Chuck Berry, Jones was a genius who was apparently not a nice person. He allegedly treated women appallingly. He never really recovered from Anita Pallenberg leaving him for Keith Richards due to his behaviour which in turn led to him being ostracised by his bandmates.

Sadly many geniuses in all walks of life have flawed personalities. The Rolling Stones were Brian Jones’ band. He was elbowed aside My Mick and Keith however, without him, the greatest Rock’n’Roll band in the world would never have existed.

(596) Rolling Stones Paint It Black HD – YouTube

Alan “Blind Owl” Wilson (1943-1970)

Known as Blind Owl because of his poor vision, Alan Wilson headed up the American blues band Canned Heat, which performed at Woodstock in 1969. A songwriter, guitarist and harmonica player, he famously re-taught the aging blues legend Son House, who had been living in obscurity for decades, how to play his own songs. Wilson, who struggled with mental illness and had previously attempted suicide, succumbed to a drug overdose in September 1970, becoming the first of three acclaimed musicians to die at age 27 in 1970.

(596) Canned Heat – On the Road Again live at Woodstock 1969 – YouTube

Jimi Hendrix (1942-1970)

Remembered as one of the greatest electric guitarists in history, Jimi Hendrix revolutionized rock and roll as both an artist and a producer during his brief four-year career. Most guitarists agree that Hendrix was the best. All who saw him play or jammed with him agree he was untouchable as a guitarist. His performance of the Star Spangled Banner at Woodstock is truly jaw dropping. Jimi was also one of Cynthia Plaster Casters’ prize scalps. She named her cast of Jimi the ‘Penis de Milo’

Jimi died in London in September 1970, asphyxiating on his own vomit while sleeping. His girlfriend claimed that Hendrix, a heavy drug user who was particularly fond of LSD, had washed down a handful of sleeping pills with red wine before going to bed.

As with many Rock star deaths, conspiracy theories abound. I doubt we’ll ever know the truth so we must just celebrate his legacy through his awesome guitar playing.

(596) Jimi Hendrix Experience All Along The Watchtower – YouTube

Janis Joplin (1943-1970)

Born in Port Arthur Texas, Janis Joplin won over the San Francisco music scene with her bluesy vocals and powerful stage presence. First as the lead singer of Big Brother and the Holding Company and later as a solo artist. Despite multiple attempts to get clean, she became increasingly addicted to heroin and alcohol as her career skyrocketed. She died of a heroin overdose in October 1970, less than three weeks after the death of fellow rock icon Jimi Hendrix.

Janis Joplin is the greatest ever female singer in my opinion. Her life story fascinates me; the bullying she suffered at High school is redolent of today’s social media trolling. I would love to have known Janis Joplin. I know we would have got on like a house on fire. In 2014 Pat, Caitlin and I went to Barney’s Beanery, the West Hollywood bar where Janis enjoyed her last drink before returning to the Landmark Motel and suffering a fatal overdose.  RIP Janis you were the greatest.

(596) Janis Joplin – Me And Bobby McGee (Audio) – YouTube

Jim Morrison (1943-1971)

A poet and avid reader of philosophy, Jim Morrison rose to prominence as the lead singer and lyricist of The Doors, a band he founded with a friend in 1965. By 1969, his drinking had become a problem, making him late for performances and fuelling raucous onstage behaviour. In July 1971, Morrison died of a heart attack apparently caused by a heroin overdose while living in Paris. It is thought that he mistook the drug for cocaine and snorted a fatal amount. Morrison allegedly moved to Paris to get clean and rediscover the poet he longed to be.

Many conspiracy theories surround the death of Jim Morrison and there do seem to be many inconsistencies in official accounts of his death. His grave in Pére Lachaise Cemetery in Paris still attracts thousands of pilgrims every year paying homage to his awesome talent. RIP Mr Mojo Risin’.

(596) Riders on the Storm – The Doors HD – YouTube

Ron “Pigpen” McKernan (1945-1973)

A founding member of the Grateful Dead, Ron McKernan, who went by the nickname Pigpen, did not share his bandmates’ predilection for LSD and other psychedelic drugs. However, his heavy drinking caused him to develop cirrhosis in 1970, and by 1972 his health had become so fragile he could no longer tour. He died of an internal haemorrhage in March 1973.

Pigpen lived with Janis Joplin for a while in the Grateful Dead house at 712 Ashbury street in San Francisco. Two 27’s for the price of one.

I have walked past the house a few times. It is now a genteel neighbourhood and the house must be worth millions. I wonder if the vibes of late sixties Haight Ashbury still resonate inside?

(596) Grateful Dead – Friend of the Devil (Studio Version) – YouTube

Gram Parsons (1946-1973)

Gram Parsons joined The Byrds in early 1968 and played a pivotal role in the making of the seminal Sweetheart of the Rodeo album. After leaving the group in late 1968, Parsons and fellow Byrd Chris Hillman formed The Flying Burrito Brothers in 1969. Emmylou Harris assisted him on vocals for his first solo record, GP, released in 1973. Although it received enthusiastic reviews, the release failed to chart. His next album, Grievous Angel, peaked at number 195 on the Billboard chart. His health deteriorated due to several years of drug abuse and he died in 1973 at the age of 27. His legendary status was confirmed when he died on September 18 (same date as Jimi Hendrix), 1973, in room eight of the Joshua Tree Inn, near Joshua Tree National Park. Earlier, he had confessed to his manager Phil Kaufman his wish to be cremated and his ashes scattered in the park in the event of him dying.

Parsons travelled to Joshua Tree with his high school girlfriend. Parsons spent time in the desert during the day and at local bars at night, consuming barbiturates and alcohol every day. On September 18, after being injected with morphine, Parsons overdosed. On September 19, he was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.

Following Parsons’ death, and in order to fulfil his desires, Kaufman and Martin arrived at Los Angeles International Airport in Martin’s personal Cadillac Hearse impersonating mortuary workers. Under the impression that the pair had been hired by the Parsons family, Western Airlines released the body to them. They then took it to Joshua Tree and set it on fire. The burning casket was reported by campers to the local authorities, who investigated the incident and identified both perpetrators.

Parsons’ body was partially cremated. His charred remains were recovered and returned to his family. 

Parsons hung out with the Stones when they recorded Exile on Main Street and he recorded a great version of Wild Horses.

God permitting, Pat and I will visit the Joshua Tree National Park in September. I will raise a glass to Gram and play some of his tunes in homage.

(596) Love Hurts – Gram Parsons & Emmylou Harris – YouTube

Kurt Cobain (1967-1994)

An icon of the Seattle grunge scene, Kurt Cobain formed Nirvana with a friend in 1985; the band achieved mainstream success in the early 1990s. Under a glaring public spotlight, Cobain struggled with mental illness, chronic health problems and heroin addiction. He committed suicide in April 1994, leaving behind his wife, the musician Courtney Love, and their baby daughter Frances Bean.

Another death surrounded by a fog of conspiracy theories. There are many books on the subject of Kurt’s death. I don’t think that we’ll ever know what really happened so I prefer to remember him for his genius. I love the fact that the title of Nirvana’s best known track was sprayed on the wall of Kurt Cobain’s hotel room by Kathleen Hanna of the band Bikini Kill. She wrote “Kurt smells like Teen Spirit” in reference to a deodorant brand that Cobain’s girlfriend at the time wore.

The video below was filmed less than a year before Kurt died. Does he look tortured? Difficult to say.

(596) Nirvana – Where Did You Sleep Last Night (Live On MTV Unplugged Unedited) – YouTube

Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)

An English singer-songwriter whose powerful voice and unique style won her numerous awards and honours, Amy Winehouse battled drug and alcohol addiction for years. Her substance abuse problems were frequent tabloid fodder and inspired some of her songs, most notably the hit “Rehab.” On July 23, 2011, Winehouse was found dead in her London apartment, becoming the latest musician to have their career cut tragically short at age 27.

Amy Winehouse always seemed a victim to me. Prodigiously talented, there were always people who leeched off her.

I love having a beer in her former local, The Hawley Arms in Camden. She is fondly remembered by regulars; apparently if it was busy she would get behind the bar and help the staff out. A latter day Janis Joplin in my eyes.

(596) Amy Winehouse with Jools Holland – Monkey Man – YouTube

Spookily, while I have typed the above I have been listening to Who’s Next !!!

The last 12 months has also seen me pay much more attention to my love of reading. I have had both the space and desire to concentrate on reading weightier tomes on subjects that improve my understanding both of me and the world I live in. I often say and think that I despise politics and politicians both in society and work. Over the past 12 months I have developed a fascination with both national and American politics. I started lockdown by reading In My Life, the music memoir of former Labour Home Secretary and all round good bloke Alan Johnson. This book resonated with me so much that I felt I was reading my own memoirs.

 Thus inspired, I read the three volumes of Johnson’s autobiography; This Boy, Please Mr Postman and The Long and winding road. Musical Savants will note that all four books are named after Beatles songs. Johnson’s life story is genuinely fascinating. At times harrowing it is also a beacon of hope to those who aspire to rise from truly humble beginnings and make a difference to the lives of their fellow humans.

On the same political theme, the past five years have been truly dominated by Donald J Trump. The man truly repels me and most decent humans. I read four books over the past 12 months that are fascinating, jaw dropping and genuinely frightening;

A Very Stable Genius: Donald J Trump’s Testing of America – Philip Rucker and Carol Leonnig

Collateral Damage – Kim Darroch

A Year At The Circus: Inside Trump’s White House – John Sopel

UnPresidented: Politics, pandemics and the race that Trumped all others – John Sopel

All four of the above books left my chin badly bruised as there are so many truly jaw-dropping events described.

One final political book was, somewhat surprisingly, my favourite

Diary of an MP’s Wife: Inside and Outside Power: – Sasha Swires

This book is the riotously candid account of Swires’ time as the wife of one of David Cameron’s ministers and a member of his privileged social set. I’m sure it has made her few friends but she is an acute observer of how the levers of government work and of how the true power in this country influences our lives.

I have also read a good few books that have helped me along my own spiritual journey;

Surrounded by Idiots – Thomas Erikson

Surrounded by Psychopaths – Thomas Erikson

The Four Tendencies – Gretchen Rubin

I recommend all three of the above if you want to understand more about yourself and also those around you!

There are too many novels that I have read over the past twelve months to document or to even call out highlights. I will leave them to a future blog as there are more than enough books above to immerse yourself in.

Pa’lante

Writing this blog has allowed me to reflect on how twelve months of lockdown has affected me and my family. As we all emerge blinking into what is hopefully a new dawn I have felt that there is something missing from my life. Sadly, on reflection, I’m missing the Don. Politics is dull in a Trump free world. I used to open the media websites at 6.0 AM as I sat down for breakfast eagerly looking forward to reading the latest batshit crazy missives from the White House. I now see why Don calls Biden Sleepy Joe. President Biden takes the responsibility of leading the free world seriously and bears the responsibility of rebuilding the American economy and promoting racial harmony with great honour. Laudable but dull compared to the Don……………..Thankfully!!!

Boris Johnson is trying his hardest but he is no better than Trump lite. Boris’ weapon of choice is Sleaze. Whether it be through lies, cronyism or good old corruption, Boris is determined to maintain his grasp of power. Sadly, in some ways COVID-19 has been a blessing for Boris. The tragedy of Brexit has largely been kept out of the headlines. The many  businesses that have gone bust or have been forced to re-locate to Europe have been kept from the front pages by the pandemic.

The successful deployment of COVID vaccines has been claimed by Boris’ government. Let’s not forget that this has been down to the dedication and efficiency of the NHS and its heroic staff. The Government has recognised their efforts by awarding them a 1% pay rise which keeps them just above minimum wage!!!

We are facing Scottish devolution, the return of the troubles in Northern Ireland which will surely lead to a push for a united Ireland, both fuelled by the devastating fall-out of Brexit.

The Labour party similarly should hang its head in shame. While its traditional Northern heartland faced economic devastation, Jeremy Corbyn surrounded himself with London sycophants and buried his head in the sand rather than try to help his party’s core base. Kier Starmer is an improvement but it is the likes of Jess Phillips and Lisa Nandy who appeal to core Labour voters and I don’t believe they are afforded sufficient respect by the party leadership. 

What is really boiling my piss is the astronomical cost of refurbishing Boris’ flat. He is clearly lying about the funding. His former ally Dominic Cummings has turned on his former friend and is laying bare the duplicity of our Prime Minister. What upsets me most is of Boris Johnson wanting rid of his predecessors ‘John Lewis nightmare décor’.

I would love to be able to afford to buy John Lewis furniture so am deeply insulted by this despicable snobbery.

To those Labour voters, who now vote Tory, hang your heads in shame. They’ll never like you. You are just cheap fools who are easily conned. Please see through this corrupt and decadent idiot and think about restoring pride to the working people of Great Britain who are the true back bone of our nation

Amen Comrades.