ter and Gordon, died this weekend. I loved those guys - really loved their music - and owned all their records (45s and albums) when I was in Jr. and Sr. High. That Peter went on to produce some of my other soft rock favorites like James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt was a bonus because for a few magical years, Peter and Gordon gave me lots of fun.Sure, they were along for the ride the Beatles started - who wasn't? I started playing guitar because of the Beatles. And even though most of their hits were Beatles' related (read Paul McCartney) it was still fun. My favorite, however, was their cover of a Del Shannon song: "I Go to Pieces."
What teenage boy DIDN'T feel like this growing up? Their music gave expression to my sensitive side: I was never going to be one of the Rolling Stones - or even the Animals for that matter. And I wasn't interested in the bubble gum foolishness of Herman's Hermits and the real rip off kids from England... but Peter and Gordon? Two skinny guys - one with glasses - playing guitars and singing about love and heart break? They were my boys... (take a look at what kind of music Peter was producing just 10 years later... in-freakin-credible!)
Yeah, I soon moved on to the Yardbirds and Kinks - the Who and the Jeff Beck Group, too - given all the dope, weird and wildness, who wouldn't? But my heart was always back in the sweet harmonies of those who cherished the Beatles. And curiously, with significant other influences and ideas, I STILL love those sweet harmonies. Here's my current band doing our take on Coldplay's most recent tune: "Viva la Vida."
I give thanks for the sensitive men - and women - who have given me joy and sweet, sweet harmonies: Rest in peace, old friend, rest in peace.
GREAT POST :-) Love I Go to Pieces!
ReplyDeleteIt is good to know that we all listened to bubble gum music and survived to tell about it. One of my first bands played KISS, Def Lepard and Rick Springfield. That is when the other guys were taking a break to watch General Hospital- much to my annoyance.
ReplyDeleteI loved the Coldplay tune guys, great arrangement! Lot of sound for 4 people. If you guys got a channel on you tube you should send me a link for a subscription. I will look it up after I post this.
Don,
ReplyDeleteI just got mail that you subscribed to my YouTube channel where RJ's Videos and more are posted. It was special recording them and it will be even more special Sunday. James and the Band are awesome and they lift my spirit!
You know, my man, your words matter the MOST to me.. thanks for your support. I just read your words re: art and LOVED it. More from me on this soon.
ReplyDeleteYes, Peter and Gordon. And Peter's sister Jane is a fine actress. I also loved the silliness of Freddie and the Dreamers--Do the Freddie...
ReplyDeleteWaitaminute: did I see something about RJ on youtube? Where where where??
I'm so sad to hear of Peter's death. They were great together. I loved those guys.
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