As an artist, I feel an obligation to look for beauty in the world and draw attention to it. Beauty deserves praise, and people benefit from giving praise where it is due.
To that end, I would like to call your attention to the man in the red hat. No, that is not the late Gene Scott, and no, this is not the beauty that I spoke of earlier. The man in the red hat is Gerry Rafferty, and it is his music to which I would like to call your attention.
Let me back up a bit… 1978. Disco was all over the radio, and punk had fought back, kicking and gouging. The New Wave had not yet broken. I had my favorite songs, like everyone, but there was one song that could turn me in to a road hazard every time I heard it on the car radio: Gerry Rafferty’s "Baker Street", which sported the most arresting hook and spine-tingling sax line ever devised in pop music. I often pulled over just to listen to it (ah, to be 17 again…). It was completely unique, and sheer genius.
So a couple days ago I’m poking around on Google, playing a round of "Whatever Happened To…" when I thought of Rafferty and decided to see what he’s been up to lately. Fortunately he has been making music, and his skills have not dulled, but matured. His new release, Another World, is a masterpiece. You want to talk about melodic structure? Vocal harmony? Spiritual depth? You don’t listen to this music, it just washes over you. But I’m gushing.
You can find out more about Mr. Rafferty and his music at his website, which features several free music downloads, including two traditional Christmas carols. If you have ever heard the National Anthem butchered by a showy vocalist (and who hasn’t?) you will appreciate his beautiful, understated harmonies.
Did I mention he also has a free download of his rendition of the Kyrie Eleison?
Enjoy…
“Did I mention he also has a free download of his rendition of the Kyrie Eleison?”
Interesting, Tim. Do you know if Rafferty is Catholic? He’s British, right? So I guess he could be Anglican.
I was a huge fan of Baker Street & really liked the album that followed, too – Snakes & Ladders, if memory serves. Then I discovered punk. (SIGH) After I grew tired of that madness, I returned to the melodic stuff but kind of forgot about Rafferty.
Still, Baker Street is one of the rare songs from that era I refuse to turn off if it comes on the radio! Thanks for the reminder – I’ll definitely check his new stuff out!
“Whatever’s Written In Your Heart” was always a favorite of mine. Haunting. Another big fav off mine is “Moonlight & Gold” from his North & South album (which I only have on vinyl, and my record player hasn’t worked in over a decade).
I agree about the road hazard part but, in my case, it arose from rage, not ecstasy. ‘Baker Street’ was one of the most over-played, uninspiring tunes ever, ranking right up there with ‘Stairway to Heaven’ and ‘Jumping Jack Flash’.
In a completely opposite vein from Sven, I could never get enough of Baker Street. Thank you, thank you, thank you for telling me the name of that song. I have heard it on the radio since I was a kid, loved it to death, and always wanted to get it but I could never find out the name of the song.
As they say, Sven, to each his own.
I do agree with your assessment of Zeppelin, though. I don’t care if I never hear one of their songs again.