I have just returned home after a long walk in the country with my young son. Days like these are the stuff of magic and wonder. We took some hot chocolate in a flask with a couple of sandwiches and set off. Hundreds of pheasants, a pair of buzzards, countless squirrels, a sow and her litter and to cap everything, two herons - one on the wing and one censoriously fishing a fast flowing river. The colours all around reflected the changing season and my thoughts basked in the present with one eye on the less forgiving months to come. With such thoughts in mind, I turned to music that best reflected the sights and atmosphere of the afternoon we had just enjoyed. I share with you the songs and music which came in to my head in no particular order:-
1. The Autumn Stone by the Small Faces
This song always has a sad feel for me because it was so obviously the beginning of the end for the group which holds such a high place in my affections. Their tenure was cut short on New Years' Eve 1968 as Steve Marriott decided to go his own way and form the new group Humble Pie. This song perfectly encapsulates the whimsical feelings which seem to dominate our thoughts are we contemplate another cold trip towards winter in the aftermath of another fantastic summer:-
http://youtu.be/Hy-maWYekKk
2. Our House by Crosby, Stills and Nash
This was but one of the songs which the Hollies preferred not to record. The songwriter Graham Nash became disillusioned with his erstwhile bandmates and through a chance meeting at the house of Cass Elliot, met up with the two troubadours Stephen Stills and David Crosby. There is no song which better embodies the idea of being safely ensconsed in front of a roaring fire while the elements do what they will outside. It speaks of domestic contentment as two people come to terms with the things that really matter in their lives.
http://youtu.be/c7goifK_2qY
3. English Rose by The Jam
The Jam were in their pomp during my formative years and this song is about as far removed from their normal style as you can get. It does though give us a glimpse of the songwriting genius of Paul Weller in a rare introspective number. It is plaintive, soulful and reflective and remains one of their greatest songs which is strange given its acoustic style. Paul Weller was a self confessed Small Faces fan and this ong is perhaps a nod to the Autumn Stone?
http://youtu.be/omXvnvhclMw
4. Nature Boy by Nat King Cole
Definitely unlike his normal material, this song shows a different side of Nat. It is a wonderful evocative piece which leaves everything to your imagination. It also features one of the defining voices of twentieth century music. It is haunting and magical.
http://youtu.be/Iq0XJCJ1Srw
5. Ma Vlast by Bedrich Smetena
This wonderful piece was written by the great Czech composer to depict the progress of the Danube as it weaved its way towards Prague. His hearing declined before he could hear it played so he never got to appreciate its splendour and majesty. This is a truly great piece to which I return with monotonous regularity.
http://youtu.be/kdtLuyWuPDs
6. Prelude de l'apres midi d'un faune by Calude Debussey
If there is a more mesmerising, magical piece of music than this, I have never heard it. While much is made of his more commercial successes such as Clair de Lune, this is the one which takes you to that other place. It is wonderful from start to finish and the opening flute lets you know that a special journey awaits.
http://youtu.be/9_7loz-HWUM
7. Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles
A lovely bittersweet vehicle which shows the fab four in a rather different light. Hardly surprising that it was written by the sensitive pen of George Harrison. This is a whimsical trip which hinted at the beginning of the end as the band began the slow process of exploring their lives after the hysteria.
http://youtu.be/n6j4TGqVl5g
8. Time of the Season by The Zombies
Featuring the peerless vocals of the remarkable Colin Blunstone, this song best encapsulates the magic of the the Zombies who, I'm pleased to say, continue to tour. Augmented by the mature keyboard arrangements of Rod Argent, this track seems somehow to take a piece of the sixties away with it. It is beautifully soulful and takes you to another place.
http://youtu.be/oc7b62El_fk
I hope you enjoy them as much as I do and look forward to their comfort during shorter winter nights.
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