I made a typo on the very last word. Sigh.
Year: 1989
Original Format: cassette
This side is kind of all over the place, and takes several jarring left turns. It comes in for a nice landing, though.
Playlist after the jump.
Playlist:
The Old Prophet & the Young Prophet Noel King
Noel Quinton King (1922–2009) was a professor of comparative religion at UC Santa Cruz, and embodied something of the spirit of the place. He was a man of great wisdom, humility, warmth, and humor, and we shall not see his like again.
A Foreign Place Japan
In looking for information about this song I learned that A Foreign Place is also the name of a lengthy biography of this most elusive band. Am I now required to read that? As is, this song remains magical and mysterious; maybe best to leave well enough alone.
Electric Shades The March Violets
One of the great lost bands of the Eighties. This was maybe not their best song. I like it anyway.
Beautiful World Devo
It’s at this point that I realize, oh, this is just bunch a bunch of songs strung together with no particular plan or flow in mind. Well, that was a long time ago.
Over and Over Voice Farm
Another band that time forgot. Says the L.A. Times: “Voice Farm is the band that played Judy Jetson’s prom, the band that Devo refused to evolve into, the winner of the talent show at Laurie Anderson’s grade school.”
Testing the VOR TV et al
The “voice operated” part of my friend’s voice-operated recorder didn’t work so great.
Party of the First Part Bauhaus
Only many years later did I learn that all this dialogue is lifted from a cartoon version of Faust called The Devil and Daniel Mouse:
My Sex Ultravox!
Yes, this is the same band that did “Vienna.” Except they had a different singer, ended their name with an exclamation point, and it was four years earlier — which in those days was a lifetime.
Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay Otis Redding
A sudden change of direction, to be sure. But there’s never a bad time for this song.
Redemption Song Bob Marley & the Wailers
“We are going to emancipate ourselves from mental slavery because whilst others might free the body, none but ourselves can free the mind. Mind is your only ruler, sovereign. The man who is not able to develop and use his mind is bound to be the slave of the other man who uses his mind.” —Marcus Garvey
Silver Moon David Sylvian
Sylvian’s real name is David Batt; he lifted his somewhat more mellifluous pseudonym from the New York Dolls’ Sylvain Sylvain. Spelling is apparently not his strong point.
By This River Brian Eno
One of Eno’s loveliest tunes.
Let It Be The Beatles
Two Beatles songs on one tape? Fucking hippie.
Have a Little Smoke GB et al
More stoned nonsense, this time featuring a guest appearance by the mysterious and legendary Man from Chabot.