themusicologist

musicology #429

noExcuses #6

(No More Blues – Terry Callier)

Even though I have MANY slices of musicology to choose from in all sincerity, for me, this is the one which authentically nails the way I feel TODAY which, let’s face it..is all there really is….A man once proclaimed, (musicology #363)

“The aristocrats live in the past, the proletariat live in the present and the poor bourgeoisie live for the future”

Well..I don’t think you need me to tell you that tomorrow never comes and as sure as the sun shines you will die waiting for it. while looking back and living for, (and in), the past will fuck your heart, mind or both beyond repair.

so with that in heart…hold this cut from the majestic Terry Callier. 1998 cut borrowed, (again), from his Timepeace set..what a poet.

musicology #428

noExcuses #5

(Live Good – Burning Spear)

oi..3 days running !!
are the storm clouds lifting and is that the sun I can see trying to break through?
dont know for sure but what I am learning along the way is how authenticity can and does challenge existence. when someone wants to hurt and blame you for the muck in their life there’s a choice for you to make.
do you look to excuse, (blame), yesterdays behaviour and argue or do you genuinely take full responsibility for your actions, recognise your weakness and resolve to not make the same mistakes again? as the title of this theme suggests for themusicologist the choice I choose to make is, noExcuses.

Today’s cut is courtesy of the genius that is Winston Rodney a.k.a Burning Spear with a top ranking slice of the Studio 1 musicological ‘pie’…

LISTEN TUNE..

musicology #427

noExcuses #4

(Children Of The Ghetto – Real Thing)

two slices ‘on the spin’ !!
progress.
is this a sign that themusicologist is back in the saddle?
who knows what tomorrow might bring? not me..what I do know though is that a ‘better’ tomorrow starts with one’s actions of today.

Back to the musicology which courtesy of England’s own 80’s Soul and Boogie collective known as the ‘Real Thing’ who many may have heard of in relation to their hit “You To Me Are Everything”. This piece, (more recently covered by Mary J Blige), is borrowed from their album 4 From 8 and goes out to all the children who know how it feels to live/have lived it. Stand strong, keep your heads held high, don’t allow the shit to get permanently stuck on your ‘shoes’ or let other people try to tell YOU who YOU are and remember that:

“Deep inside the ghetto there’s a unity,
That cancels out the sorrow and the misery”

musicology #426

noExcuses #3

(Brand New Start – Paul Weller)

must have already laid this one down along the way but today it’s in honour of the two most beautiful and inspirational parts of my whole..one of which, (who is 11 years old), said to me the other night

“don’t worry dad, a new start is much better than a bad one”

how’s that for wisdom..choked me and I cried !! took me two days to absorb it but it was while listening to this cut yesterday that the full force hit me like a runaway train and then, (less than an hour later), just to make sure that I didn’t miss the opportunity one of the the other parts of my heart and soul (independently), checked in to ask for MY help..

Bravery and courage come in many forms but children are purity personified and when they knock I am, and will always be, there with door, arms and heart WIDE open.

Just like to add my deep thanks to Paul Weller for also being a huge inspiration and trusted guide on the journey.

“I’m gonna clear out my head,
I’m gonna get myself straight,
I know it’s never too late,
To make a brand new start,

I’m gonna kick down the door,
I’m gonna get myself in,
I’m gonna fix up the yard,
And not fall back again,

I’m gonna CLEAN up my earth,
And build a heaven ON the ground,
Not something distant and unfound,
But something real to me,
But something real to me,

All that I can I can be,
All that I am I CAN see,
All that is mine is in my hands,
So to my self I call

There’s somewhere else I should be,
There’s someone else I CAN see,
There’s something more I can find,
IT’S ONLY UP TO ME

I’m gonna clean up my earth,
And build a heaven ON the ground,
Not something distant and unfound,
But something real to me,
But something real to me,

I’m gonna clear out my head,
I’m gonna get myself straight,
I KNOW it’s never too late,
To make a brand new start,
To make a brand new start,
To make a brand new start.

musicology #425

noExcuses #2

(You Got My Mind Messed Up – James Carr)

too many cuts to choose from and my butterfly mind certainly needs direction while my heart weeps.
today’s slice is courtesy of the majestic James Carr a cat who had the misfortune of suffering from a condition known medically as Bi-Polar Dis-order. What that means, (like many mental conditions), is debatable but it is especially poignant for themusicologist as a much loved and cherished companion is also going through a period of transition that is in danger of being labelled. Recorded and released in 1966 on the Goldwax label.

musicology #424

noExcuses #1

(Paul Weller – Cold Moments)

Tried countless times over the last few weeks to get back in themusicologist saddle and every time something changes, (such is life), so what is themusicologist going to DO about it. Stop thinking and start throwing em down, day to day without thought or reflection..cuts that are rocking my soul. musicology style, without pages of the incessant internal dialogue that flows in, out and through this current fucked up mess of the life that I take FULL responsibility…..and with authenticity offer NO EXCUSES for

First up it’s a cut from one my long time trusted guides Paul Weller, who has been there for themusicologist since the late 70’s around the time I entered what is sometimes referred to as the ninth year transition. Borrowed from his No 1 album from last year 22 Dreams..also featuring among others the all round talents of Steve Craddock and the drumming expertise of Steve White.

Listen keenly to the RIDE and if you refuse, (for whatever reason), then step the fuck off this musicology train and perhaps get back on board somewhere down the line. I have no intentions other than to share the way I feel which is always in flux and has no meaning other than in the here and now.

themusicologist update

just wanted to inform the musicology cats that i’ll be back online after wednesday when my new abode is connected to the internet. for the last few weeks I have found myself living a hell on earth and even though there are NO excuses I wanted to let you know that I’m still alive and kickin’. not sure whether or not I will elucidate further in the coming weeks but rest assured that I will return this week with some deeeeeeep and profound cuts that I have been lining up and learning from. thank you for your highly valued support and appreciation.
keep it locked

musicology #420

BirthdaySpecial

(Paul Weller – Moon On Your Pyjamas)

Inspired by our daughter, (who is 14 today), I am approaching ‘the saddle’ with the intention of getting back in it and even though themusicologist has been silent these last 23 days the music has flowed non stop..in fact without it the probability is that my heart and soul would certainly have imploded. Far too intense and personal to communicate using words, (and even music), but without the dialogue between my heart, my soul, my thoughts and the universal language, (music), as guide reaching the other side would be impossible. Having bounced from the foot of the mountain to the peak on MANY, MANY occasions over the last four weeks and fought a host of demons from the darkest depths I feel authentic peace, empathy, compassion and understanding descending from ‘above the clouds’ which is the title, (for those who have either never heard or maybe forgotten listen here), of one cut that has TWICE helped me to find my feet on the way. Waxed lyrical many times about Paul Weller’s music so I’ll say no more other than thank you Constance from the bottom of my heart.

Baby girl..this one’s ALL yours.

Was that a shooting star I saw,
It’s rare for me to make a wish at all,
Because I feel that I can only hope,
These dangerous time, we are barely afloat,
And I hope the world will heal itself,
And our worn out souls along with it,
So that you will get the chance to say,
That you have seen a better day,

You’ve got the moon on your pyjamas,
And the stars in your eyes,
Sweet child you’re a dream in disguise,
Angels on silver strings hang from above,
Let love and laughter shine wherever you go,

Through your new eyes I’ve come to see,
How beautiful my life can be,
And I’ll keep this wish this time I think,
And blow it in with a kiss upon your head,

And I hope the world will heal itself,
And our worn out souls along with it,
So that you will get the chance to see,
A Summer’s blue sky behind green trees,

Ohhhh you’ve got the moon on your pyjamas,
And the stars in your eyes,
Sweet child you’re a dream in disguise,
Angels on silver strings hang from above,
Let love and laughter shine wherever you go,

Got the moon on your pyjamas,
And the stars in your eyes,
Ohhh sweet child you’re a dream in disguise,

Moon on your pyjamas,
Stars in your eyes

musicology #419

AfterTheStorm #4

(John Coltrane – Equinox)

One from the ‘Trane…A Giant whose drive to communicate his feelings using the universal language is, (as far as I am aware), almost unparalleled. Technically there are other great musicians but something about John Coltrane feels unique. I am no Coltrane or Jazz scholar and his music only found me when I was searching for something that could define my deeply complex feelings about a deeply profound life experience, (musicology #6)

The piece that found me was from one of his masterpieces ‘A Love Supreme’ and since that day, (which inspired me beyond belief) his spirit sits among the pantheon of musicologists who I am honoured to call guide.

This cut, (recorded in 1960), was released in 1964 on an Atlantic album  called Coltrane’s Sound and features the backbone of the quartet that took music somewhere new, pianist McCoy Tyner and drummer Elvin Jones, (along with bass player Steve Davis)

Hold this quote from Elvin Jones

“To me he was like an angel on earth. He struck me that deeply. If there’s any such thing as a perfect man, I think John Coltrane was one and I think that kind of perfection has to come from a greater force than is here on earth”

musicology #418

AfterTheStorm #3

(Ludovico Einaudi – Ora)

Deeply profound slice of the universal language from communicator supreme Ludovico Einaudi.
Words could never do it justice so i’ll leave it to the man to ‘speak’

musicology #417

AfterTheStorm #2

(Skatalites – The Reburial)

Stepping up the pace with this majestic piece of Jamaican musicology, (a tribute to Marcus Garvey), from the vaults. Recorded at Coxsone’s Brentford Road powerhouse, Studio 1 for Justin Yap and released on his top ranking Top Deck label.

musicology #416

AfterTheStorm #1

(Mulatu Astatqe – Tezeta)

Day one..
Beautiful piece of musicology that has always felt to me like bathing in sunlight at the break of day.
‘Son’..this one’s for you.

musicology #415

Terry Callier #7

(Terry Callier – I Would Rather Be With You)

Like I said yesterday Art is life. Regardless of the way it unwinds we only get one shot at living and sharing it. Today’s profound message is directed at three people..my two children and the woman of my dreams. Yeah I know I have said it before but all there is for me is to tell it like it is and for as long as my Heart and Soul continues to feel it I will continue to express it regardless of the cost. I don’t care about interpretation cause I know the time has come.

I could take my guitar,
And hit the road,
And try to be a star,
That sort of thing just don’t appeal to me,
I could play some one night stands,
Travlin’ light,
A one man band,
But I know,
This is where I’d rather be,

It’s your bright sunshine,
That lifted all the shadows off my mind,
And your sweet love lead me to a brighter day,
So you never have to worry,
‘Bout me leaving you behind,
Wait and see I won’t ever turn away,

Cause you made my dream come true,
And gave my life new meaning too,
And more than anything,
I’d rather be with you,
I’d rather be with you babe,
If I could,
I’d rather be with you,
I’d rather be with you babe,
I surely would,
I’d rather be with you,

Now this ghetto life is hard,
In our concrete front yard,
Nothing grows,
Except a single tree to mark our place,
But the moment that I’m with you,
Girl your light and love shine through,
And then I realise,
That You’re my saving grace,

I could catch that old greyhound,
Head out West and bum around,
Watch the sun set on San Francisco Bay,
But you mean so much to me,
That I could never put you down,
That would be too big a price for me to pay,

Cause you made my dream come true,
And gave my life new meaning too,
And more than anything,
I’d rather be with you,
I’d rather be with you babe,
If I could,
I’d rather be with you,
I’d rather be with you babe,
I surely would,
I’d rather be with you,
Well I’d rather be with you babe,
If I could,
I’d rather be with you,
Oh I’d rather be with you babe,
Surely would,
I’d rather be with you,
Well I’d rather be with you babe,
If I could,
I’d rather be with you,
Oh I’d rather be with you babe,
I surely would,
You know I’d rather be with you,

I’d rather be with you,
I’d rather be with you,
I’d rather be with you,
I’d rather be with you,
I’d rather be with you,
I’d rather be with you

musicology #414

Terry Callier #6

(Terry Callier – Got To Get It All Straightened Out)

Caught in a triangle between me, the father and the holy spirit at the moment and for the record art doesn’t imitate life it is life. Hold this cut.

Huh, Gotta get it all straightened out,
Gotta see what it’s all about,
It’s time we should make a stand,
If we want to I know we can,
They’ve opened the curtains now,
And I know for certain now
We gotta get it all straightened out yeah,

Gotta see if it’s hit or miss,
Gotta see what the meaning is,
Gotta look back at where we been,
We don’t want to go wrong again,
This time we can make it right,
And bring all the truth to light,
We gotta get it all straightened out,

It seems to me that this old world,
Is nothing but doubt and confusion,
This old world might not be ending,
But I think it’s coming to a conclusion,
Heaven help us to see,
So we can be free of hate and illusion,
We all dreamers,
We need a light to banish the night away,
For once, for all and forever,
Come what may,
Heaven help us to see,
So that we can be free,
To stand in the light of day,

Gotta get it all straightened out,
Gotta see what it’s all about,
It’s time we should make a stand,
If we want to I know we can,
They have opened the curtains now,
And I know for certain now,
We’ve gotta get it all straightened out,

Gotta see if it’s hit or miss,
Gotta see what the meaning is,
Gotta look back at where we been,
We don’t want to go wrong again,
This time we can make it right,
And bring all the truth to light,
We gotta get it all straightened out,

Gotta get it all straightened out,
Got To get it all straightened out,
Gotta get it all straightened out,
Got To get it all straightened out,
Gotta get it all straightened out,
Got To get it all straightened out,
Gotta get it all straightened out,
Got To get it all straightened out,

musicology #413

Terry Callier #5

(Terry Callier – If I Could Make You Change Your Mind)

Later than intended but very important that the right message is communicated on this day and who better to ask for help than the poetic genius ‘Pegausus’ (Terry Callier). Right time, right place….

By the way the lines are far too intricate to read between regarding the message just know that this is quite possibly the most important cut themusicologist has ever laid down. To the recipient I MUST say that empathy is crushing my soul. Hold these lyrics in your heart.

Now we are only standing up in here,
To ease away the doubt and fear,
That might lead us back to love,
The story of our life unwinds,
We can read between the lines,
That might lead us back to love,
And if we,
Can agree,
What is real and what is fantasy,
Think how close,
We will be,
We can match the music with our harmony,
If I could make you change your mind,
Come walk with me through the bright sunshine,
What will it take to make you change your mind?,
We are searching for the rainbows end,
If we see the light my friend,
That might lead us back to love,
Sweet love,
I have just begun to realise,
Maybe if we compromise,
That might lead us back to love,
And if we,
Can agree,
What is real and what is fantasy,
Think how close,
We will be,
And we can match the music with our harmony,
If I can make you change your mind,
Come walk with me through the bright sunshine,
What will it take to make you change your mind?,

If I could make you change your mind,
Come walk with me through the bright sunshine babe,
What will it take to make you change your mind?,

Wanna make you change,
Change your mind,
I Wanna make you change,
Come on and change your mind girl hey,
Wanna make you change,
Honey change your mind,
Wanna make you change,
Wanna make you change,
Change Your mind,

He say hey, hey, hey baby change your mind alright,
I said hey, hey, hey baby change your mind woooahh,
He said hey, hey, hey baby change your mind
hey, hey, hey baby change your mind
I said hey, hey, hey baby change your mind woooahh,
Hey, hey, hey baby change your mind
Woooooooahhhhhhh
I got to make you change girl yeah.

musicology #412

Terry Callier #4

(Terry Callier – Fool em I Fool R U)

Slipping out of Mr Callier’s first cut in 1963 into today’s piece of MAJESTY from his current 2009 set ‘Hidden Conversations‘.
TOP ranking piece of 21st century ‘Steppers’ from the Man. A message of genuine authenticity from a man who walks it like he talks it…and let’s be honest, they don’t grow on trees..

Oh yeah…I’m experimenting with a new piece of interactivity on themusicologist today..it’s a ‘Ratings’ thing, (which I have just seen is only visible above the actual post rather than on the ‘front page’), just to get a better idea of what the community are in to. Not sure whether It will be a permanent fixture yet…just testing it to see if it has any value.

Well….?
Huh,
Is this a game we play,
Just a phase we go through,
Is this the price we pay,
Will there be reperations too,
If we’re not careful what we say,
If we ain’t careful what we do,
What kind of fool am I,
What kind of fool are you,

You can read it on the printed page,
It’s a fender bender…and road rage,
One for all and all for one,
Until some asshole pulls a gun,
Somebody’s hurt and somebody cries,
And somebody lives…somebody dies,
And we hear pleas of innocence..
Mental impairment and self defense,
Hey what can the matter be,
What’s happening with society,
And what’s the ransom and the cost,
To save a generation lost,
Who’s able to complete the task,
Solve the riddle and lift the mask,
Yeah pardon me but I just got to ask

This a game we play,
Just a phase we going through,
Is this the price we pay,
Will there be reparations too,
If we’re not careful what we say,
We ain’t careful what we do,
What kind of fool am I,
What kind of fool are you,

And so we catch the evening news,
With all of these conflicting views,
Plague and famine..third world plights,
Poverty and womens rights,
Yea bishop when does life begin,
And what’s a crime and what’s a sin,
Hey is there some kind of master plan,
To bring peace to the holy hands,
In brightest day or darkest night,
There’s rifle fire left and right,
And on this dark and dangerous road,
How long before the world explodes,
But one for the money…two for the show,
If we got to reap just what we sow,
Hey pardon me but I just got to know,

Is this a game we play,
Just a phase we going through,
Is this the price we pay,
For reparations overdue,
If we’re not careful what we say,
If we ain’t careful what we do,
What kind of fool am I,
What kind of fool are you.

musicology #411

Terry Callier #3

(Terry Callier – Look At Me Now)

Mr Callier’s first recording. Released as a 45 in 1963 !!

Now my people think that I just fake it,
I know I do things they don’t understand,
So I’ve got to show ’em I can take it yeah,
I’ve got to show ’em I can be a man,
Still there’s somethings that never have appealed to me,
Like standing out in front of a crowd,
Well people just you wait and see,
I’m gonna give you reason to be proud,

I’m gonna make it some day,
I’m gonna make it somehow,
Then I’ll be able to say hey,
Take a look at me know,
Yeah look at me know,

Well now my woman thinks I’m just a dreamer,
And she’s right about me I suppose,
But I could never, never, never be a schemer,
I don’t know the things a schemer knows,
But I do know there’s a better day coming up soon,
And baby just you wait and see,
I’ll find us a light in this darkness,
If you just have faith in me,

I’m gonna make it some day yeah,
Gonna make it somehow,
I’ll be able to say yeah, yeah, yeah
Baby look at me know,
Look at me know,
Look at me know,
Look at me know

musicology #410

Terry Callier #2

(Terry Callier – Alley Wind Song (Original Demo)

A quote from the man himself:

“People everywhere are searching, searching for a spiritual base to stand on, reach out from and react to. The way I understand it, I’m supposed to put the message out there as clearly as I can. The rest has to take care of itself.”

“And hear some strange magic man work some ju-ju if you can,
Or do you know a spell that’s worth repeating,
Trace your pictures in the sand,
Tell me can you work a mojo hand,
Can you start the drums of Kuru beating,
Beware of the South wind,
The heart and mind and mouth wind
And search the sacred sands for a solution,

And tell me now..is it true if I put faith in you,
Will you lead me to the bridge of bright tomorrows,
And will your grace see me through,
Will incense and candles do,
Will prayer remove me from the reach of sorrow,
Oh beware of the North wind,
A king of worlds comes forth wind,
And blow apoun the land in retribution,

In the land of the free where the huddled masses flee,
From the cold and cruel worlds of wars dominion,
In a dusky mirror that I see,
Dont you know it got a hold back on my jubilee,
If freedom’s just a matter of opinion,
Ah beware of the West wind,
A bitter black suppressive wind,
That leads your children home for revolution,
That leads your children home for revolution,

Listening ones…if I sing,
Will that make you do your thing,
Will the chatting reach your high and lofty places,
And what is this strange gift you bring,
It’s sparkling like a diamond ring,
Will that bright light reveal the prince of faces,
Beware of the East wind,
A god of man and beast wind,
A famine and or feast wind,
And the last but not the least wind,
A threat of silver fleece wind,
A follow great release wind,
Blowin all across the land,
Blowin all across the land,
Where you stand,
Where will you stand,

musicology #409

Terry Callier #1

(Terry Callier – What Colour Is Love)

“After the storm say there must be a calm” and as much as the process of catharsis continues for me I feel like the, (metaphorical), dark clouds are lifting and the sun is beginning to break through. Intense and passionate, (whatever the situation), I tend to immerse myself in the joy and the pain of existence and am always looking to engage with the project of living rather than watch it pass me by. I don’t believe in the afterlife and have witnessed how short our time on this beautiful rock can be. Not for me to look back and wonder what might have been so the “what if” question is never asked. Music for me doesn’t imitate life it opens a dialogue and last weeks theme has delivered a space for reflection and resolution.

Today’s cut kicks off a week long tribute to a Cat who has been an important and valued guide over the past few months the inspirational Terry Callier whose qualities are beyond doubt and question. A poet who stands tall in an age where it seems to me many are retreating to Plato’s ‘cave’ of illusion and appearance.

Highlighted from his 1973 set ‘What Colour Is Love’

Listen Tune. 

“Is it wrong or is it right,
Is it black or is it white,
What colour is love,
Is it here or is it there,
Is it really everywhere,
What colour is love,
Is it strong like the mountains
Or deep like a fountain,that’s flowing free
And what about me,
How can you receive,
If youre not a believer
Is it blue like the sky,
And does it really reach that high,
What colour is love,
Is it near or is it far,
Is it distant like a star,
What colour is love,
Does it glow like an ember,
And do you you remember,
If love doesn’t last,
Does it live in the past,
And a heart cannot live,
If a heart isn’t giving,
When it’s over does it show,
Does it leave an afterglow
And I really want to know,
What colour is love?