Radio LBB: 30 Years of Avant Garde
For this weeks playlist I've chosen to dip into the '60s, '70s and early '80s with a twist of avant-garde. 'Auntie Aviator' - A John and Beverley Martyn song that celebrates late 60s aviation with out fear of compromising its carbon footprint, you have to love the lyrics 'Zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom, We'll never touch the ground, And if we don't want to, we won't come down'. Doesn't get more 60s than that.
'Paris 1919' - Former member of the Velvet Underground, John Cale blends classical and pop, taken from the concept album of the same name. 'It's Raining Today' - Taken from Scott Walker's experimental album Scott 3, I love the ethereal atmosphere this recording creates. 'Somebody Made For Me' - Emitt Rhodes at his best, although he is often compared to Paul McCartney I think this song stands out in its own right.
'Fly' - Nick Drake song taken from the album Bryter Layter. 'I Used To Be A King' - Taken from Graham Nash's (of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young fame) solo album Songs for Beginners and written just after his split with Joni Mitchell. I really like the way he sings this song and the arrangement is great. Neil Young plays the piano on this recording. 'Alone Again Or' - From 60s band 'Love' I really like the way this song breaks down with the long instrumental guitar sections. Has a great Mexican tinged feel too.
'Vitamin C' - Song from experimental art rock band CAN, taken from their album Ege Bamyasi. For a record made in 1972 I think this recording still sound fresh today. 'Theme For Great Cities' - A track from Simple Minds, well before they became a stadium staple. I love the production and atmosphere on this track. 'Giant' - Taken from The The's debut 1982 album Soul Mining this classic track develops with a very interesting structure, I like the way it transforms with the layered chanting vocals.
