Author: Renfield

The background music’s gotta be it, stout yeomen.

https://youtu.be/b_W67hc6HgQ

This song from Procol Harum’s first album has a funny (to me anyway), ironic classical quote that puts the lyrics in perspective.  At 1:39 and 3:04 you get a snippet from the Prince Of Denmark march commonly played at weddings.  To me clearly indicates the lyrics are about a love affair or marriage gone wrong.

On a related note, many people think the organ melody from “Whiter Shade of Pale” was lifted from Bach.  It wasn’t.  Underlying chord progression similar to “Air” from Orchestral Suite #3, but just the chords, not the melody.  Organist Matthew Fisher finally won 40% of songwriting royalties for it in 2006.

By the way, I was thinking more about that dumb “Aeolian Cadences” review.  I think it was a matter of validating the Beatles to snobs.  I think many people who were 30+ in the early 60’s and listened mostly to classical, jazz, swing or show tunes, found themselves liking the Beatles, and some were a little embarrassed about it.  Both my parents told me that the Beatles were the first rock music they ever liked.  The more snobbish and insecure of such people needed a fellow snob to tell them it was all ok.  But he really didn’t have to go make shit up.

https://youtu.be/161dYV5ehGY

Did any of you ever watch the Gong Show?  This actually aired.

This live version of Grey Lagoons from ‘72 has an insane synth solo by Eno at about 1:25.  Back in the day, this was on a live bootleg called Champagne & Novocaine.  My copy vanished many years ago, so I was thrilled to find this.  Google may have bought and sold my soul and monetized my every impulse, but so far it’s been worth it.  I love YouTube.

https://youtu.be/4fX1QvahpuQ

“The Word’s Worst Orchestra” assassinates a holiday classic from the Nutcracker.  The PS featured Brian Eno on clarinet.  He could not play the clarinet, and as far as I know still can’t.