Dear
readers, this week,
B is for *B*eatles’ Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Band –
and other iconic records that
have proved definitive/major turning points for other music stars. So, in their own words (and apologies:
you’ll have to improvise the musical accompaniment!), here they are:
Brian Wilson (The Beach Boys)
- 'Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Band' (above):
“‘Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ from the Beatles’ album
– to this day I am still very jealous of the Beatles and the whole Sgt
Pepper album. When I wrote the songs for Pet Sounds I was trying to emulate
what they had done on that ‘Sgt Pepper’ track. After I heard it I was jealous
of their fame, John and Paul’s singing and their group harmonies. I
don’t think what I did was anywhere near as good as ‘Sgt Pepper’. Maybe other
people consider me a genius but I don’t, not on their level.”
Ozzy Osbourne - Procol Harum’s 'A Whiter Shade of Pale':
“‘A Whiter Shade of Pale’ by Procol Harum. It taught me when a
song is perfect, not to attempt a poor copy. It’s been covered by so many
people and I was tempted – but it’s been over-covered, so I decided not to. And
I’ve learnt I was so right. It’s difficult with covers, even doing one of your
own material.”
Brian May of Queen – Buddy
Holly’s 'That’ll be the Day':
“Ah the sound; the sound of those guitars and the wonderful
harmonies... Yeah, I think a good part of Queen was born right there.”
Labrinth – Shirley Bassey’s 'Goldfinger' (James Bond)
“The James Bond soundtracks; all of them are amazing,
every single one of those changed my life. I am talking about the old-school,
I’m talking about Shirley Bassey, I’m talking about ‘Goldfinger’, man, of
course. I was listening to them the other day and I was just, like, totally
going out of my head. I just think the way they used to create music back in
the day, it was magical, it was a special thing.”
Suggs - Peggy Lee’s Is that all there is?
“ ‘Is that all there is – because is that all there is?’ It
sounds like a sad song because it’s about a girl and her house burning down and
stuff. She keeps saying ‘Is that all there is?’ – but basically it’s a song of
keeping going through hard times. I think it’s a really great song.”
Lemar - Al Green’s ‘Let’s Stay Together’
“Al Green’s ‘Let’s
Stay Together’ – that made a big difference to me. You know, for many years I
was listening to music and – I don’t know – something about his voice really,
really, resonated with me and as a result I learnt the song inside out and I
found similarities between his voice and mine, so maybe that was the thing.”
ANY RECORDS THAT RECALL OLD FRIENDS/FORMER
COLLEAGUES?
And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who visited or commented.
Enjoy!
XOXO NORA & LOLA:)
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