The Turtles - Lady O

The Turtles - Lady O (Judee Sill) White Whale 334 - 1969

Cuando en 1969, tras una fructífera carrera con grandes éxitos como "Happy Together" o "Elenore", The Turtles grabaron "Lady O", ya no existían como tales. Cinco años con los clásicos avatares y excesos de un grupo de rock a toda máquina habían pasado su factura, y la banda se había separado recientemente.

El bajista, Jim Pons, tuvo la idea de grabar una última canción, a modo de despedida digna, que equilibrara los últimos singles del grupo, un tanto erráticos.

Todos estuvieron de acuerdo y así pues, se decidieron por esta gran composición de una joven californiana (1944) llamada Judith Sill. Ella no había grabado todavía ningún disco, pero andaba ya intentando colocar sus canciones aquí y allá. Jim Pons y John Beck (de The Leaves) se hicieron cargo de la producción, contando con el precioso arreglo de cuerda de Bob Harris.

La voz principal del grupo, Howard Kaylan (en la foto, en el centro), cantó acompañado por los coros de Mark Volman y Al Nichol. La propia Judith se encargó de la guitarra acústica, y no se añadió ningún instrumento más. El resultado, fastuoso. Ahora The Turtles sí podían descansar en paz.


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When in 1969, after a fruitful career with big hits like "Happy Together" or "Elenore", The Turtles recorded "Lady O", they were no more. Five years with the classic vicissitudes and excesses of a rock band in full steam had taken its toll, and the group had recently split.

Bassist, Jim Pons, had the idea of recording a last song, as a more honorable farewell, which could amend the last singles of the band, a bit too erratic.

Everybody agreed and so, they selected this great tune by a young californian (1944) called Judith Sill. She hadn't still made any record herself, but was already trying to sell her songs here and there. Jim Pons and John Beck (ex - The Leaves) handled the production, with the beautiful string arrangement of Bob Harris.

Usual lead singer of the band, Howard Kaylan (centre in the photo), sang and members Mark Volman and Al Nichol la-laed. Judith herself played the acoustic guitar, and no other instruments were added. The result, greatness. Now, The Turtles could finally rest in peace.




http://rapidshare.com/files/408955299/The_Turtles_-_Lady_O.mp3.html



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LADY - O

While you seat and seek a crescent moon
is layin' at your feet,
with hope that's made of sand,
you don't think you can
but you have held it all in your hand,
Lady - O

I've been tryin' hard to keep from needin' you
but from the start,
my heart just rolled and flowed
I've seen where it goes
and still somehow my love for you grows,
Lady - O

So on my heels I'll grow wings,
gonna ride silver strings,
but I'll see you in my holiest dreams,
Lady - O



So on my heels I'll grow wings,
gonna ride silver strings,
but I'll see you in my holiest dreams,
Lady - O

I've been tryin' hard to keep from needin' you
but from the start,
my heart just rolled and flowed
I've seen where it goes
and still somehow my love for you grows,
Lady - O


So on my heels I'll grow wings,
gonna ride silver strings,
but I'll see you in my holiest dreams,
Lady - O


(Judee Sill)



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Judee Sill - Lady O

Judee Sill - Lady O (Judee Sill) del LP Asylum SD 5050 - 1972

Tres años después, en 1972, Judith conseguía editar su primer disco con el nombre artístico de Judee Sill. Era el primer album que pùblicaba la legendaria marca Asylum. En él se incluyo su propia versión de "Lady O", muy parecida a la de The Turtles ya que se utilizó casi el mismo equipo y el mismo planteamiento musical, incluyendo el delicado arreglo de cuerda de Bob Harris, que tan buenos resultados habían dado. Aunque siempre es definitivo escuchar una canción a quien la ha escrito.

Judee Sill sólo llegó a editar un segundo LP, al año siguiente. Tras grabar las maquetas para un tercero, que no vió la luz hasta más de 30 años después, Judee desapareció de la escena musical, seguramente ayudada por las escasas ventas de sus preciosos discos, su carácter dificil y sus devaneos con drogas varias. Murió de sobredósis en 1979.


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Three years later, in 1972, Judith finally released her first record under the artistic name of Judee Sill. It was the very first album of the legendary Asylum label. It included her own recording of "Lady O", quite similar to the one of The Turtles as almost the same musical scheme and team were used, including that touching Bob Harris string arrangement. Though it's always definitive listening to a song sung by its writer.

Judee Sill only managed to release a second LP, the following year. After recording the demos for a third, which remained in the can until more than 30 years later, Judee disppeared from the musical scene, most probably helped by the low sales of her precious records, her difficult character and her ravings with several drugs. She died of overdose in 1979.




http://rapidshare.com/files/408957847/Judee_Sill_-_Lady_O.mp3.html



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