Richard Anthony - Si Tu As Besoin D'Un Ami

Richard Anthony - Si Tu As Besoin D'Un Ami (Come To Me) (C.Prior / R. Anthony / F. Gerald) del LP Columbia FPX 274 - 1964


Ayer me encontré con esta bella canción y pensé que te gustaría oirla.

Hijo de un sirio y de una inglesa, nacido en Egipto y de nacionalidad francesa, Richard Anthony llevaba ya siete años cantando cuando se publicó el LP que contiene esta joya. Y cantando sigue.

Ivor Raymonde, como siempre, perfecto en los arreglos y dirección de orquesta.

Si Tu As Besoin D'Un Ami, tierna, atómica y eterna, flota suavemente en el aire del tiempo, para ti.



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Yesterday I met this beautiful song and I thought that you'd like to have a listen.

Son of a sirian man and a british woman, born in Egypt and with french nationality, Richard Anthony was already seven years singing when the LP that holds this jewel was released. And he still keeps on it.

Ivor Raymonde, as usual, just perfect with the arrangement and conducting the orchestra.

Si Tu As Besoin D'Un Ami, tender, atomic and eternal, smoothly floats in the air of time, for you.





Si Tu As Besoin D'Un Ami


Si tu as besoin d'un ami
N'oublie pas, je suis toujours là
On a parfois dans la vie
Des moments où plus rien ne va

Quand on a perdu son chemin
Ou quand vient la fin d'un amour
Si on peut parler à quelqu'un
Un chagrin est déjà moins lourd

J'ai, moi aussi, comme toi
De la peine ou bien des ennuis
Et je voudrais quelquefois
Etre sûr d'avoir un ami

Je pourrais garder ton secret
Si tu veux pour toute la vie
Et je crois que je comprendrais
Ce que d'autres n'ont pas compris

N'oublie pas que je suis là
Ne l'oublie pas
Si tu as besoin de moi
Pense à moi



Je pourrais garder ton secret
Si tu veux pour toute la vie
Et je crois que je comprendrais
Ce que d'autres n'ont pas compris

N'oublie pas que je suis là
Ne l'oublie pas
Si tu as besoin de moi
Pense à moi...


(C.Prior / R. Anthony / F. Gerald)




http://rapidshare.com/files/453315558/Richard_Anthony_-_Si_Tu_As_Besoin_D_Un_Ami.mp3


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Funky Kings - Help To Guide Me

Funky Kings - Help To Guide Me (Richard Stekol) del LP Arista AL 4078 - 1976

Otra canción especial, perdida en otro LP perdido, en un blog perdido de un perdido. Una canción nocturna, aparentemente discreta, tierna, humeante, y con un encantador ritmo de tiempo medio. Sonido clásico americano de los 70. Un bala perdida que admite estar cansado de rodar solo, pero que no sabe muy bien cómo salir de ello.

Funky Kings, nombre tal vez poco apropiado, editaron un solitario LP, aunque llegaron a grabar un segundo, que nunca fué publicado, dadas las ventas del primero. Los tres motores del grupo, posteriormente, siguieron en el tenebroso mundo de la música:

Jack Tempchin, con varios discos desde 1978, el más reciente en 2007, amén de colaboraciones varias con Tom Waits, The Eagles, Glen Frey, Glen Campbell, Tom Rush...

El autor de este pequeño flash de neón, Richard Stekol, que antes de Funky Kings ya había publicado dos LPs con su anterior grupo, Honk (1973 - 1974), siguió en ello y en ello sigue actualmente vendiendo sus discos en su propia web.

Y el tal vez más conocido de los tres, Jules Shear, tuvo un cierto éxito con su grupo Jules & The Polar Bears, entre 1978 y 1980. Desde entonces ha seguido editando discos intermitentemente. Sus canciones han sido grabadas, algunas con éxito, por Cindy Lauper, Art Garfunkel, The Bangles, Iain Matthews, Roger McGuinn... También trabajó, entre otros, con Matthew Sweet.

"Help To Guide Me", el cálido sonido de una luciérnaga urbana.


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Another special song, lost in another lost LP, on a lost blog from a lost one. A nocturnal song, apparently discreet, tender, smokey, and with a charming midtempo rhythm. Clasical american 70s sound. A stray and easy living guy who admits being tired of rolling alone, but who doesn't really know how to get out of it.

Funky Kings, probably an unfortunate name, released a lone LP, though they recorded a second one which was never released given the low sales of the first one. The three main forces of the band kept on the gloomy world of music:

Jack Tempchin, with several solo records since 1978, last one in 2007, and also some side jobs with Tom Waits, The Eagles, Glen Frey, Glen Campbell, Tom Rush...

The writer of this little neon flash, Richard Stekol, who before Funky Kings had already released a couple of albums with his former band, Honk (1973 - 1974), kept on it and still does, selling his albums on his own website.

And probably the better known of them, Jules Shear, had a certain success with his own band Jules & The Polar Bears, between 1978 - 1980. He has been releasing, since then and intermittently, some solo albums. His songs have been recorded, some with success, by Cindy Lauper, Art Garfunkel, The Bangles, Iain Matthews, Roger McGuinn... He also worked, among others, with Matthew Sweet.

"Help To Guide Me", the warm sound of a urban firefly.




Help To Guide Me


I need your help to guide me
After all these years of living alone
I need your help inside me
Won't you take this wanderin' boy back home

Well, there's a ring around the moon tonight
And everything is still
And your lingering love's a drivin' lullaby
Oh baby

It's speaking right into my heart
Across my windowsill
And I can't run and it won't let me hide

Cause I need your help to guide me
After all these years of living alone
I need your help inside me
Won't you take this wanderin' boy back home


(Richard Stekol)




http://rapidshare.com/files/430241005/Funky_Kings_-_Help_To_Guide_Me.mp3

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Teddy Robin & The Playboys - Don't You Try To Love Somebody Like Me

Teddy Robin & The Playboys - Don't You Try To Love Somebody Like Me (Norman Cheng) Diamond 263 - 1968

La multicolor explosión beat de finales de los años 60, del siglo pasado, alcanzó todos los rincones del globo, incluyendo el sudeste asiático. Hong Kong no fué una excepción al fenómeno y, siendo por entonces todavía territorio británico, el influjo anglosajón era todavía más patente. Grupos como The Lotus, Mod East, Joe Jr. & The Side Effects, The Mystics, The Menace o The Anders Nelsson Group, mantenían animado al personal local con sus discos y actuaciones en directo.

Pero tal vez los más conocidos y con mayor número de fans incondicionales eran Teddy Robin & The Playboys. Un grupo muy jóven formado por el cantante Teddy "Robin" Kwan y sus dos hermanos, William y Raymond, junto al guitarrista y principal compositor del grupo, Norman Cheng, y el batería Frederick Chan. Fueron la sensación, no sólo en Hong Kong sino en gran parte del sudeste asiático. Dejaron grabados cuatro LPs y un montón de singles y todavía hoy su recuerdo flota en el aire de aquellas latitudes.

"Don't You Try To Love Somebody Like Me" es una encantadora canción, escrita por Norman Cheng, que aparecía en la cara B del single "You'd Better Cry" y que, todavía hoy, impresiona por su emotividad, colorido y arrogante candidez. Una canción que parece imposible que nadie pudiera componer en estos tiempos tan descreídos y ciegamente pragmáticos. Una canción que sin duda habría sido todo un éxito internacional si tan sólo hubiera salido de Inglaterra o los USA. Una canción realmente atómica.


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The multicolour late 60s beat explosion, from last century, reached each and every corner of the globe, including Southern East Asia. Hong Kong was not an exception to this phenomenon and, being then still a british territory, the anglosaxon influence was still more evident. Bands like The Lotus, Mod East, Joe Jr. & The Side Effects, The Mystics, The Menace or The Anders Nelsson Group, were keeping amused the local mob with their records and live gigs.

But those most popular and with the greatest number of unconditional fans were Teddy Robin & The Playboys. A quite young band formed by singer Teddy "Robin" Kwan and his two brothers, William and Raymond, together with guitarist and main composer of the group, Norman Cheng, and drummer Frederick Chan. They were the real sensation, not only in Hong Kong but in most parts of South East Asia. They left four LPs and a whole bunch of singles and, still nowadays, their memory is floating in the air in those latitutes.

"Don't You Try To Love Somebody Like Me" is a charming song, written by Norman Cheng, which appeared on the B side of the "You'd Better Cry" single and which, still right today, is still impressive by its emotion, colour and arrogant naivety. A song which seems impossible that anyone could write in these so disbelieving and blindly pragmatic times. A song which no doubt would have been a great international hit if it only came from the UK or the USA. A really atomic song.




http://rapidshare.com/files/421197954/Teddy_Robin___The_Playboys_-_Don_t_You_Try_To_Love_Somebody.mp3.html




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Joe Jeffrey - My Pledge Of Love

Joe Jeffrey - My Pledge Of Love (Joseph Stafford) Wand 11200 - 1969

Parece ser que Joseph Stafford era de Buffalo y que, a finales de los 60, era un habitual de los garitos de Cleveland, Ohio. Algún ejecutivo de Wand, alguna noche de copas, debió escucharle y se encendió la bombilla. "My Pledge Of Love" fué rápidamente grabada en las cuatro pistas de Audio Recording de Cleveland, bajo la dirección de Alan Klein, y obtuvo un considerable y fugaz éxito, con el nombre artístico de Joe Jeffrey.

Le siguió todo un LP y unos pocos singles más. Aunque nuestro hombre no consiguió repetir la jugada y pronto volvió a los humeantes lugares de los que procedía. Y nunca más se supo.

Esta canción, como todo lo bueno, me enganchó la primerísima vez que la escuché. Para cuando entra el bajo realmente, casi a mitad del asunto, ya estás en marcha del todo y te vas deslizando hacia ese lugar que habría que visitar más a menudo. La letra, en este caso, no es poesía profunda. Ni falta alguna que hace. Al fin y al cabo, trata de una de las pocas verdades absolutas de la vida.

Tal vez Mr. Stafford todavía la cante de vez en cuando, mientras conduce algún anónimo autobus en Cleveland.



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It seems that Joseph Stafford was from Buffalo and that, in the late 60s, he could be often seen in the venues of Cleveland, Ohio. Some Wand executive, some night out, probably heard him and the light bulb shone. "My Pledge Of Love" was quickly recorded in the four tracks of Audio Recording, Cleveland, under de production of Alan Klein, and was a sizeable and fleetinf success, under the artistic name of Joe Jeffrey.

A whole LP and a few more singles followed. Though our man could not repeat the story and soon was back in the smoky places where he was coming from. And nothing was ever heard from him again.

This song, as all good things, got me hooked at the very first time I heard it. When the real bass guitar appears, already almost halfway through the affair, you're already in full motion and sliding to that place we should visit quite more often. Lyrics, in this case, ain't no deep poetry. No need anyway. After all, the song deals about one of the few absolute truths in life.

Maybe Mr. Stafford still sings it from time to time, while driving some anonimous bus in Cleveland.





My Pledge Of Love


I woke up this morning baby
I had you on my mind
I woke up this morning baby
You know that I felt so fine
You know I need you
You know that I love you
This is my pledge of love to
My pledge of love
My pledge of love
Darling, darling, darling to you
Yeah, to you, yeah

I woke up this morning baby
I had you on my mind
I felt so much love this morning
Little girl, little girl you feel so fine
You know I need you
You know that I love you
Darling this is my pledge of love
My pledge of love
My pledge of love
Darling, darling, darling to you
Oh yeah, to you Yeah yeah

Sky gettin dark above me
Baby I need your lovin'
Got to have all of your lovin'
Baby I want your lovin'
Baby (baby), baby (baby)
Baby (baby), baby (baby)
Baby (baby), baby (baby)
Baby (baby), baby (baby)

I woke up this morning baby
That's when I caught your name
I felt so much love this morning
Little girl, little girl for shame
You know I need you
You know that I love you
This is my pledge of love to
My pledge of love
My pledge of love
Darling, darling, darling to you
Yeah
Got to have your lovin'
Baby you know I want your lovin'
Little girl...


(Joseph Stafford Jr.)






http://rapidshare.com/files/416922526/Joe_Jeffrey_-_My_Pledge_Of_Love.mp3.html

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Motherlode - When I Die

Motherlode - When I Die (William Smith / Steve Kennedy) Revolver REVS 002 / Buddah BDA 131 - 1969

Cuando vi la portada de este single, tuve que comprarmelo. Afortunadamente, "When I Die" resultó ser una brillante canción de pop soul que, a través de los tiempos, siempre acaba reapareciendo en mi memoria, y me trae una pequeña sonrisa y un poco de paz.
Y sigue intacta esa colorista guitarra que guiña el ojo.

Motherlode fué un fugaz grupo canadiense (a excepción del cantante y organista, el negro americano William Smith) que obtuvo un relativo éxito con esta canción, su primer single. Para cuando su segundo LP se publicaba en 1970, el grupo ya había dejado de existir. Pero "When I Die" siempre estará ahí.



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When I first saw the cover of this single, I just had to buy it. Fortunately, "When I Die" happened to be a brilliant pop soul song that, through the times, always ends up reappearing in my memory, and brings me a little smile and a bit of peace.
And still intact that colourful guitar that winks an eye.

Motherlode was a fleeting canadian band (excepting the organist and singer, black american William Smith) which had a relative success with this song, their very first single. When their second LP was released in 1970, the group had already ceased to exist. But "When I Die" will always be there.




When I Die


When I die I hope to be
A better man than you thought I'd be

It's been hard to make you see
What kind of man I'm tryin' to be

All I ask for you to try
To understand what it means to me

It's not hard to understand why you
Get discouraged all the time
I keep tryin' not to worry, but I
Can't help feelin' lost in you

But I lo-o-o-o-ove you
Love you
And I need you

Time goes by and you'll find
That we'll achieve a love sublime

When I die I hope I'll be
The kind of man that you thought I'd be

It's not hard to understand why you
Get discouraged all the time
I keep tryin' not to worry, but I
Can't help feelin' lost in you

But I lo-o-o-o-ove you
Love you
And I need you

'Cause I love you and I want you
'Cause I got to, got to have you
'Cause I, 'cause I need you

When I die I hope I'll be
The kind of man that you thought I'd be

Be (the kind of man that you thought I'd)...



(William Smith / Steve Kennedy)





http://rapidshare.com/files/415879427/Motherlode_-_When_I_Die.mp3.html

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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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