tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post6330839535941575424..comments2023-07-22T15:44:42.859+01:00Comments on More about the song - rambling with Rachel Fox: More about the singersRachel Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11803852725693518924noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-25202168109422123912008-06-18T16:35:00.000+01:002008-06-18T16:35:00.000+01:00I've never heard of Jo Ann Kelly...will investigat...I've never heard of Jo Ann Kelly...will investigate...Rachel Foxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11803852725693518924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-214701599936148772008-06-18T11:02:00.000+01:002008-06-18T11:02:00.000+01:00Johnnie Cash, Christy Moore, Jo Ann Kelly and Bill...Johnnie Cash, Christy Moore, Jo Ann Kelly and Billie Holliday come to mind . . .Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-45042900164676195362008-05-29T14:32:00.000+01:002008-05-29T14:32:00.000+01:00most of my music is uncool, but I like to think it...most of my music is uncool, but I like to think it's uncool in a kind of retro cool sense lol - hey at least I'm not into the 'Steps' style of really naff pop!Marion McCreadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04657757253873577465noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-16342170779947147682008-05-28T11:02:00.000+01:002008-05-28T11:02:00.000+01:00Funny you should mention Billy Joel...he's another...Funny you should mention Billy Joel...he's another one that i used to listen to when I was a teenager (my brother had all his albums..one of his not-so-rock favourites). He wrote some great songs - not very cool these days but they're still good songs.<BR/>I also remembered this morning that other singers I have loved listening to are - Rod Stewart (early recordings - late 60s and very early 70s..), Liza Minnelli, Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac.<BR/>Others I can't decide about...Beth Gibbons of Portishead...amazing voice but is that partly because of the amazing album ('Dummy')...would I put her on the list otherwise? Also Kelly Jones of the Stereophonics...I've never been a huge fan but on a couple of songs I do really rate his voice...Again they seem to be in the uncool bucket well and truly these days. How much does that affect our feelings about sounds? How immune are we to that stuff...even those of us who say and think we don't care?Rachel Foxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11803852725693518924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-61747956082198647582008-05-27T23:51:00.000+01:002008-05-27T23:51:00.000+01:00Hmmm, better add some men folk.Andrea Bocelli's "A...Hmmm, better add some men folk.<BR/><BR/>Andrea Bocelli's "Amore" in Spanish. Best version I've ever heard of "Besame" [she sighed softly with an idiotic grin on her face.]<BR/><BR/>John Mayer...because he has a quirky sense of humor which seeps in and he loves words. How can writers not like a guy who enjoys word play...then sings it? <BR/><BR/>Carlos Santana, Billy Joel, the Eagles and America round out my favorite guys with bands. <BR/><BR/>And someone sent me a couple of audio clips of Scottish music. [as if you folks haven't already guessed I'm an American from the South...sorry Jim.] I absolutely loved Martyn Bennet, whom I hear has sadly left the planet. <BR/><BR/>Now I'm going to have to go and look up ones on your list I'm not familiar with. At least it's a fun job. ;)hopehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03306622656461205674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-75619840410223968612008-05-27T20:45:00.000+01:002008-05-27T20:45:00.000+01:00Yes, she's great. That album with her and Robert P...Yes, she's great. That album with her and Robert Plant ('Raising Sands') is one of my favourites this year.Rachel Foxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11803852725693518924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-66284085084078892612008-05-27T17:26:00.000+01:002008-05-27T17:26:00.000+01:00I also really like Alison Krauss' voice, hmm not m...I also really like Alison Krauss' voice, hmm not many men on my list!Marion McCreadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04657757253873577465noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-52762254140532691592008-05-27T07:34:00.000+01:002008-05-27T07:34:00.000+01:00Yes...interesting one...is it the voice or the pow...Yes...interesting one...is it the voice or the powerful songs with her, I'm never sure. I wasn't really into the big album when it came out (still slaving to the rhythm in nightclubs mainly) but the beloved likes it and has played it quite a lot. Supposedly she has a new album coming out that will be as big as 'Jagged Little Pill'...so we'll see.<BR/>Other voices I forgot..Cerys Matthews (formerly of Catatonia), Dolores O'Riordan (when she was in the Cranberries anyway) and Minnie Ripperton. I know I haven't mentioned Billie Holiday...somehow has never been one of my huge favourites. I love photos of her almost more than recordings which is odd.Rachel Foxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11803852725693518924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-21880638544430557642008-05-26T23:49:00.000+01:002008-05-26T23:49:00.000+01:00...and Alanis Morissette!...and Alanis Morissette!Marion McCreadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04657757253873577465noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-70658974088864710382008-05-26T14:38:00.000+01:002008-05-26T14:38:00.000+01:002 more...when I lived in Spain I loved a Cuban sin...2 more...when I lived in Spain I loved a Cuban singer called Silvio Rodriguez...plus I was never a huge Bowie fan like some but I did have little Bowie phases...'Wild like the Wind', 'Young Americans'...especially the first of those shows off his voice really well (for me). I've never been one much for clothes, fashion, image etc so that side of the Bowie story never excited me particularly.Rachel Foxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11803852725693518924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-24299387017811840392008-05-26T13:01:00.000+01:002008-05-26T13:01:00.000+01:00Well, yes 'Mary, Mungo and Midge' was fantastic......Well, yes 'Mary, Mungo and Midge' was fantastic...pretty slow and laid-back by modern standards...<BR/>I listed singers not bands because for me the singer, the voice and to some extent the song (words and tune) have always been the most important features when I listen to music. Obviously I appreciate the rest of a band's sound (to a point) but my love affair (and it is that) has always been with voices and their singers. I wrote about it for several reasons - partly because it is fairly common for people to talk and write about a poet finding their voice (their distinctive voice etc) and I like the link. I know that in some ways I hope to affect readers and listeners with my poems the way my favourite singers affect me with their voice/sound/song. I don't know if I manage it or if it's even possible but I'm pretty sure that's what I'm after a lot of the time...even if it's not a conscious thought when I'm writing. May as well aim high.<BR/>I suppose some might say...well, write songs and sing then...and I do a bit. My singing voice is undeveloped and nothing special though so I don't see me on X Factor any time soon (that and seeing X Factor as the work of the devil...oh yes I believe in the devil...just not the other side). Plus I love writing poems...and I'm getting enough good feedback to make me think I am achieving my targets (bizarre business speak alert) - at least some of the time...<BR/><BR/>Don't think I could do 'DID' either. I enjoy listening to it sometimes though. (Now disgraced) Andy Kershaw's was good...Victoria Wood's simply marvellous!Rachel Foxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11803852725693518924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-78498774171531802152008-05-26T12:17:00.000+01:002008-05-26T12:17:00.000+01:00An interesting, and eclectic (possibly even quirky...An interesting, and eclectic (possibly even quirky), mix there. This is definitely one of those blogs where you want to go, "Oooh, oooh, what about such-and-such," and bounce up and down in excitement. It's an interesting list, as I've said, but what struck me was the fact that you focus on singers rather than bands. I wonder why that is? <BR/><BR/>I could also provide a huge list of favourites. When my wife and I were getting to know each other we tried to list out top ten, films, songs, books etc but it was impossible. I usually gave up about the thirty or forty mark. How do you pick ten things from a lifetime? I could never do <I>Desert Island Discs</I>.<BR/><BR/>There are two other topics that tend to get people all excited like this: the great sweets you can't buy any more (Old English Spangles, Fry's Five Boys, Cabana) and why the kids programmes we watched as kids were so much better (<I>Mary, Mungo and Midge</I>; <I>The Woodentops</I>; <I>Fireball XL5</I>).Jim Murdochhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12786388638146471193noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-16517707589822049552008-05-26T00:45:00.000+01:002008-05-26T00:45:00.000+01:00just remembered I also really like Donovan - the S...just remembered I also really like Donovan - the Scottish singer-songwriter (not Jason!).Marion McCreadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04657757253873577465noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-2381837414274750132008-05-25T20:10:00.000+01:002008-05-25T20:10:00.000+01:00Speaking of men...I forgot to say that now and aga...Speaking of men...I forgot to say that now and again I like a little Tom Jones (one song - now and again) and some Louis Armstrong and even some Billy Bragg (I know...painful sometimes...but surprisingly fantastic and heartwrenching others).<BR/>Also I am going for the 'adding comments to your own blog' record as I remember more and more voices that I like...Rachel Foxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11803852725693518924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-81507103061181687802008-05-25T20:05:00.000+01:002008-05-25T20:05:00.000+01:00So girls - the Karen Carpenter Appreciation Societ...So girls - the Karen Carpenter Appreciation Society it is then? Can't wait to hear what some of the regular male visitors to this blog make of that..Rachel Foxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11803852725693518924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-55662438367028444362008-05-25T20:04:00.000+01:002008-05-25T20:04:00.000+01:00Yes, James Taylor...like him too. And you're right...Yes, James Taylor...like him too. And you're right about Sting...he has become a bit of a joke in the media but it is good to forget all the image and the media quotes about tantric sex and just think about how the voice sounds. Plus he has written some good songs - more than we remember sometimes. I like 'Fields of gold' (sung also by Eva Cassidy of course) and quite a lot of others. His voice reminds me of high school ('Don't stand so close to me', 'Every little thing she does', 'Roxanne', 'Message in a bottle' etc etc). Makes me want to go for a smoke behind the bike sheds except I don't smoke any more...Rachel Foxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11803852725693518924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-15906307897774571352008-05-25T19:53:00.000+01:002008-05-25T19:53:00.000+01:00One of the few times I heard Sting sing that actua...One of the few times I heard Sting sing that actually took my breath away was during some awards program. He sang "Someone to Watch Over Me", accompanied by a full orchestra. The effect was amazing.<BR/><BR/>I like Michael Buble, but I'm sure it's because he sings songs from my parent's generation and reminds me of my late Dad. Plus I know all the words. :)<BR/><BR/>I always thought Barbra Streisand was given too much credit at the expense of Karen Carpenter...who had a much lovelier voice. She's missed. Norah Jones is a good addition.<BR/><BR/>I like distinctive voices which move me or, worse yet, make me want to sing along. :) James Taylor, Carole King, Three Dog Night...that era was interesting. Harder to find that now...lyrics you can understand the first time you hear them, I mean. And the kids I work with in the afternoons...sigh. I feel sorry for them because they won't remember the music of their youth because half the time they have to censor themselves when trying to sing something for me. I'm glad I was raised in a musical era where I was exposed to lots of musical styles but no one was putting down women while praising guns and drugs.<BR/><BR/>You ladies have wonderful taste. I'll check back to see how your list grows.hopehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03306622656461205674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-81861055384280295222008-05-25T17:37:00.000+01:002008-05-25T17:37:00.000+01:00Oh yes...Karen Carpenter was one of my early loves...Oh yes...Karen Carpenter was one of my early loves ('Yesterday once more' in particular). <BR/>I like Neil Diamond too (and never worry if someone will laugh at your taste - it's very important we should feel comfortable saying what we really like...not what we feel we should like...that way craziness and deep unhappiness lies). Also on Neils...I liked Neil Sedaka as a kid (well, one song called 'Standing on the inside').<BR/>Eva Cassidy...yes, great too. I do listen to her sometimes.<BR/>Norah Jones...yes, I listen to her now and then (when I need something calming sometimes!) and I do like her voice and lots of the songs. She was a bit overplayed a while back but that's never really the singer's fault. I read an interesting piece on how she wanted international fame to get back at her Dad for never paying her any attention...<BR/>I've heard bits of Vashti B but only on radio so far.Rachel Foxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11803852725693518924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-80220188025493737492008-05-25T17:05:00.000+01:002008-05-25T17:05:00.000+01:00okay absolute fav voices - Karen Carpenter, Eva Ca...okay absolute fav voices - Karen Carpenter, Eva Cassidy, Vashti Bunyan, Kate Rusby, Norah Jones, and er...Neil Diamond (don't laugh!)!Marion McCreadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04657757253873577465noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564859019305736550.post-3245406106993957692008-05-25T15:51:00.000+01:002008-05-25T15:51:00.000+01:00I forgot Rachel and Becky Unthank - top geordie si...I forgot Rachel and Becky Unthank - top geordie singing lasses - plus Rab Noakes, plus Beth Orton nearly, nearly in my top favourites...plus Martha Wainwright probably going in soon...Rachel Foxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11803852725693518924noreply@blogger.com