what Frank is listening to #92 – LINDISFARNE – Fog on the Tyne – (Phillips) – 1971
Well this is a first … almost.
After the variety of English albums I have commented on here we have the first authentic English music album. This is English folk … or perhaps semi authentic as it is English folk rock (of sorts).
It is easy to draw a line from Donovan, Bert Jansch, Ewan MacColl, and other English folkies down to Lindisfarne. Though I suspect that they were influenced by The Band and Bob Dylan in spirit if not in sound (just as the Beatles were – Harrison being more than an enthusiastic supporter of The Bands music as evidenced in the later "stripped down" Beatles) as there are some traditional sounding songs not done in a traditional way. If you cross The Band (with English accents) with The Byrds (without the harmonies) we have this.
But at least they are drawing from English folk as opposed to American folk. I don't want to get into a discussion of whether English folk just ripped off Celtic folk melodies either, though there is evidence to that end. Though I suppose truly authentic English folk music would be jigs, reels and sea shanties.
There were many bands in England around the same time digging (sic) in the same paddock – ie: forgetting the sonic excesses and getting back to the basics. Some were exploring English traditional folk (Lindisfarne, Incredible String Band, Fairport Convention, Pentangle, Steeleye Span), some were were doing more contemporary English folk (Ralph McTell, Nick Drake, John Martyn), some were doing blues but from an English perspective (Jackie Lomax), some were doing American country with English themes (Ian Matthews Band, Brinsley Schwarz, the quieter Rolling Stones tracks from the early 70s), some were incorporating both traditional American and English elements (The Kinks "Muswell Hillbillies" LP (their best album IMHO ))
In any event there was a lot of great songs that came out of the era and I find it a lot more interesting than attempts by English acts to just ape the Americans.
Lindisfarne were named after a island off the coast of Northumberland in Northern England (they were from Newcastle upon Tyne).
Allmusic had this to say: "Lindisfarne barely commands more than a footnote in most rock reference books. During the early '70s, however, Lindisfarne was one of the hottest folk-based rock bands in England, with chart placements on two of their albums that rivalled Jethro Tull, and had them proclaimed one of the most important groups of the decade. With a sound that mixed plaintive folk-like melodies, earthy but well-sung harmonies, and acoustic and electric textures, the group seemed poised for international success, when a series of unfortunate artistic decisions, followed by a split in their lineup, left them bereft of audience and success".
Best Songs
- Meet Me on the Corner – very Ralph McTell.
- Together Forever – a country-ish jaunt
You and me, sittin' on a bench, watchin' the day go by
no one payin' us any attention, not even to ask us why.
Sunshine in our eyes, we're watchin' it set and we're watchin' it rise
you and me sittin' on a bench, watchin' the day go by.
no one payin' us any attention, not even to ask us why.
Sunshine in our eyes, we're watchin' it set and we're watchin' it rise
you and me sittin' on a bench, watchin' the day go by.
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January Song – very Dylan with an English accent.
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Passing Ghosts – has Robyn Hitchcock heard this? I dare say he has.
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Fog on the Tyne – a great track … all the way down to the cow bell. It became the bands "signature tune".
Sittin' in a sleazy snack-bar snuckin', sickly sausage rolls,
slippin' down slowly, slippin' down sideways, think I'll sign off the dole.
'Cause the fog on the Tyne is all mine, all mine
The fog on the Tyne is all mine
The fog on the Tyne is all mine, all mine,
the fog on the Tyne is all mine.Could a copper catch a crooked coffin maker, could a copper comprehend,
that a crooked coffin maker is just an undertaker who
undertakes to be a friend.
'Cause the fog on the Tyne is all mine, all mine
The fog on the Tyne is all mine
The fog on the Tyne is all mine, all mine,
the fog on the Tyne is all mine.Tell it to tomorrow, today will take it's time to, tell you what tonight will bring,
presently we'll have a pint or two together, ev'rybody do their thing.
We can swing together, we can have a wee wee, we can have a wet on the wall,
if someone slips a whisper that its simple sister slapped them downand slavered on their smalls
'Cause the fog on the Tyne is all mine, all mine
The fog on the Tyne is all mine
The fog on the Tyne is all mine, all mine,
the fog on the Tyne is all mine.
And …
It's all very laid back with more than a touch (in mood) of The Byrds circa "Sweethearts of the Rodeo". There are some really good songs on this LP and not one bad song, though, there are a batch of songs that all sound alike. Still, when they are good they are good. I will tape a couple (or three) and sell.
Sounds
Meet Me on the Corner
Together Forever
January Song
Passing Ghosts
attached
Fog on the Tyne
Bio
Website
(originally posted:26/09/2009)
