Posts Tagged Songwriter
Archive
March 21, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
On: Giving Up Everything
Elton John had it wrong – or rather Bernie Taupin if you prefer. Sad songs are not the ones that say so much – it’s only a special type of sad song; where there’s hope peeking through, where there’s an attempt at stoicism – the head being held high, an aim to move on, an attempt at rebirth or a […]Archive
March 17, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
The 1001 Albums Challenge # 44: John Prine – “John Prine”
John Prine – class act. Songwriter’s songwriter. I feel like everyone knows this. Or should. Some don’t – but then they’ll know some of his songs at least. Like Sam Stone, famously covered by many and perhaps in particular Johnny Cash. But the original is here. This is Prine’s first album and I say all […]Archive
March 8, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
Sweetman Podcast: Episode 106 – Andrew Fagan
Welcome to episode 106 of Sweetman Podcast with support from our sponsors – T Leaf T, Yeastie Boys and Le Petite Chocolat. I nabbed a wee chat with Andrew Fagan – he of the Mockers and of course his own career, poetry, songs, a life on the seas – a stint as a radio programmer and DJ, first as a Kiwi […]Archive
February 28, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
Art Garfunkel: What Is It All But Luminous
What Is It All But Luminous: Notes From An Underground Man Art Garfunkel Knopf; First Edition edition Something like starting from the beginning feels like the right thing to do… Do you remember that clip of Art Garfunkel talking absolute-fucking-balderdash between takes in the studio? For his memoir he’s essentially done the same thing. Why […]Archive
February 1, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
The Marlon Williams Showcase: Make Way For Love Gets Previewed in Sydney, Monday, January 29, 2018
I was in Sydney for a few things – a chat on the radio, a Foo Fighters/Weezer gig, but mostly to catch up with friends and family. It turned out to be a more “work-related” long weekend than anticipated. Some meetings with various industry people – chatting about books and things and meeting two key […]Archive
January 19, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
The 1001 Albums Challenge # 27: Loretta Lynn – “Don’t Come Home a Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind”
Of all the artists/albums I’ve covered in this series so far, and along with Elvis Presley and perhaps Dusty Springfield, I’m most familiar with the work of Loretta Lynn. I’ve heard plenty of her records, I have a few. I like a lot. But…I hadn’t ever heard this one. I knew the song already. And […]Archive
January 8, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
I (Still) Keep Forgetting He’s Gone: The Great, Great Songs By Warren Zevon
There’s a track on the last (to date) Dirty Three album called Sometimes I Forget You’ve Gone. It’s quickly became one of my favourite pieces of music ever – certainly my favourite by the Dirty Three. It’s got a bit of competition, obviously – but what a lovely thing it is. A showcase for Jim White and gorgeously evocative (to me […]Archive
December 14, 2017 by Simon Sweetman
Sweetman Podcast: Episode 94 – Adam McGrath (The Eastern)
Welcome to episode 94 of Sweetman Podcast with support from our sponsors – T Leaf T, Yeastie Boys and Le Petite Chocolat. I had a terrific chat with Adam McGrath of The Eastern. Adam is also a solo artist – with his debut solo record due out early next year. But for the last half-decade and more he’s been the frontman […]Archive
December 3, 2017 by Simon Sweetman
Songwriter Profile: Chris Knox
From his time with The Enemy and Toy Love through to Tall Dwarfs and his solo career, Chris Knox has been a hero to many, domestically and abroad, for his passionate performances, his writing and his ethos: a DIY song-craftsman. The image of Knox as the man in the stubbies and jandals is a crucial […]Archive
November 25, 2017 by Simon Sweetman
Songwriter Profile: Don McGlashan
Don McGlashan played French horn and percussion in the Auckland Symphonia. He would leave classical rehearsals to play punk-infused music and was a member of From Scratch; the idea being that instruments were created from scratch. Here McGlashan’s classical percussion training would give way to PVC pipes being hit with jandals. His songwriting first announced […]Archive
November 7, 2017 by Simon Sweetman