The Sad Passing of Terry Callier (24/05/45 – 28/10/12)

Like many people of my age, I was first introduced to Terry Callier through his collaboration with Beth Orton back on her 1999 album Central Reservation. He also came highly recommended by a friend into dub and hip hop.

Terry Callier's voice was always the real draw for me. Soothing in its fullness, listening to his 1998 album Timepeace made me feel like I imagine a cat feels sitting in its favourite cardboard box, it never failed to transport me to a warm secure place.

His music is often referred to as jazz-folk. This has never really been a genre I've found myself dwelling on for too long, especially back in 1999 when dancing to electronic music in clubs with my friends generally got me distracted. Still, his songs were always reassuring to come back to, there was something earnest in his lyrics and voice which handed me my more quieter contemplative moments when they were most needed.

Thank you Terry Callier.

Here's one of my favourite songs from Timepeace called 'Lazarus Man'.

 

Terry Callier - 'Lazarus Man'

Gathering Festival Oxford

I'll be at the sold out Gathering festival in Oxford this Saturday. Aside from a great line up, it would be rude not to, it's about a 5 minute walk from my house. Seriously Oxford, you're spoiling me!

If you have managed to bag a ticket there are so many great bands to look forward to.
Here are just a few:


Dan Croll - 'From Nowhere'

  Clock Opera - 'Once And For All'

 
Lucy Rose - 'Middle of the Bed'

 
Spector - 'Never Fade Away'

 
Fossil Collective - 'On and On'

Bonnie 'Prince' Billy - 'I See A Darkness'

It's definitely a Bonnie 'Prince' Billy sort of a day. Here's his version of 'I See A Darkness' from the Now Here's My Plan EP released this Summer. Thanks for posting a link to the video Gareth. Love the rhythm and his little dances. Great song.

 

Bonnie 'Prince' Billy - 'New Partner' (Coney Island)

I don't know what he thinks he's wearing but this is a nice recording of 'New Partner' by Bonnie 'Prince' Billy.



Bonnie 'Prince' Billy - 'New Partner'

Kill Bill Vol 2. - 'Goodnight Moon'

Kill Bill Vol. 2 is one on a long list of favourite movies of mine. I like how Shivaree's 'Goodnight Moon' works with the closing credits. The determined look on Uma Thurman's face as she drives off with her samurai sword by her side in that cool old car on her way to track down and kill the ruthless Bill. The contrast between the cut throat killer and the caring mother she discovers herself to be once she arrives at Bills. Only two more years to wait until Kill Bill Vol. 3.