John Martyn - On the Cobbles
Posted by: j8hn on 29 April 2004
Despite the dreadful accident of last year John's turned in a superb new album. A kind of Best Of[not] that showcases many of the styles he's innovated over a long illustrious career. Lovely to hear his Mutron guitar, folkysmokyJazz and widedeep synth pads again. And that voice - peerless and beyond description.
Production is sympathetic and the sound is tight with characteristic deep powerful bass.
You do have to sit thro yet another "Goodnight Irene" though despite help from Mavis Staples, neverless a 5* album, a must for fans and a nescessity for all u chillOut queens.
Production is sympathetic and the sound is tight with characteristic deep powerful bass.
You do have to sit thro yet another "Goodnight Irene" though despite help from Mavis Staples, neverless a 5* album, a must for fans and a nescessity for all u chillOut queens.
Posted on: 29 April 2004 by Bubblechild
Thanks for this - I had no idea there was new material in the pipeline. I don't know much about John Martyn, but have Solid Air - which I like a lot - and One World - which I like even more, mainly because of the groovy production and Steve Winwood's keyboards.
I will have to give On the Cobbles a listen.
I will have to give On the Cobbles a listen.
Posted on: 29 April 2004 by Simon Matthews
J8hn
I absolutely agree. This album is just brilliant. I would always reserve the judgement of 'clasic' status to weeks if not months of repeated listens. With this album it occured at some point during the second run through.
I think that the return to the guitar (opposed to the keyboards for glasgow walker) as the song writing instument of choice really shows. His playing and that of all the musicians is just so fluid and full of mojo. It does indeed feel much more integrated to the sound of his best work than more recent albums and I believe that many of the tunes are right up there with the best of his work.
It was a horrible thing to learn of John's accident last year. I dreaded that this would mean the end of recording and touring for him. I am so glad to be proved entirely incorrect.
I think that it is quite possible to imagine that the experience acted to focus his talent on the job in hand. Either way, the album is just so f....g good that I cannot recommend it highly enough.
I absolutely agree. This album is just brilliant. I would always reserve the judgement of 'clasic' status to weeks if not months of repeated listens. With this album it occured at some point during the second run through.
I think that the return to the guitar (opposed to the keyboards for glasgow walker) as the song writing instument of choice really shows. His playing and that of all the musicians is just so fluid and full of mojo. It does indeed feel much more integrated to the sound of his best work than more recent albums and I believe that many of the tunes are right up there with the best of his work.
It was a horrible thing to learn of John's accident last year. I dreaded that this would mean the end of recording and touring for him. I am so glad to be proved entirely incorrect.
I think that it is quite possible to imagine that the experience acted to focus his talent on the job in hand. Either way, the album is just so f....g good that I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Posted on: 29 April 2004 by Simon Matthews
I noticed on Johns web site that bbc4 have a documentary on him, to be broadcast on May the 28th. It covers the period of his rehabilitation and has interviews with collaborators old and new as well as the man himself obviously.
He is the definition of a an artist of great influence,importance and creative energy yet without any real commercial standing. Think of the polar opposite to dido and you get the picture.
He is the definition of a an artist of great influence,importance and creative energy yet without any real commercial standing. Think of the polar opposite to dido and you get the picture.
Posted on: 29 April 2004 by woodface
I have really started to get into John Martyn but strangley I am not that keen on Solid Air! I prefer One World, Grace and Danger and God Bless the Weather. I have been looking out for when the documentary is on so thanks for the tip. I understand he has had one leg amputated but assumed it was drink related.
Posted on: 30 April 2004 by j8hn
Hey Simon
tnx 4 the tipguess it'll b the usual bbc4 friday night thing?
Off to c John 2nit in Bournemouth - might report back!!
tnx 4 the tipguess it'll b the usual bbc4 friday night thing?
Off to c John 2nit in Bournemouth - might report back!!
Posted on: 30 April 2004 by Rasher
I had Sky+ put in last week. Looks like it might pay for itself already. Thanks for the tip Simon.
Posted on: 30 April 2004 by Simon Matthews
This posting has no other purpose than to keep this thread near the top!
The more people who might be tempted to buy this album the better. It REALLY is that good.
The more people who might be tempted to buy this album the better. It REALLY is that good.
Posted on: 30 April 2004 by Bhoyo
I have an enduring memory of John M from way back in Nineteen Canteen, performing on the bloody awful OGWT (Whispering Bob era). He and the magnificent Danny Thompson had just finished playing a couple of lovely, tender songs when they both looked at the camera and barked in unison "Give us the money!"
Sadly, I don't think anyone did.
Davie
Sadly, I don't think anyone did.
Davie
Posted on: 30 April 2004 by Martin Clark
Thanks j8hn, I'll look out for that one.
Must say I enjoy The Church with One Bell, his 'covers album' which spans an eclectic choice of songs, from Portishead via Dead can Dance and Randy Newman to a stunning cover of 'Strange Fruit' - in fact I recommend picking it up for that one track.
Must say I enjoy The Church with One Bell, his 'covers album' which spans an eclectic choice of songs, from Portishead via Dead can Dance and Randy Newman to a stunning cover of 'Strange Fruit' - in fact I recommend picking it up for that one track.
Posted on: 30 April 2004 by Colin Lorenson
John Martyn memories
c. 1976. Saw him in the pub beforehand having a few jars, then downstairs at Eric's in Liverpool just along from the Cavern. Smoky, dark, small club playing solo in his Echoplex days. Bottles of beer on the floor and dubious cigarettes a'plenty. Think I was high from 20ft away. Ever wonder why he slurred his lyrics?
Amazing.
Colin Lorenson
I'm just feeling that way. I don't know why.
c. 1976. Saw him in the pub beforehand having a few jars, then downstairs at Eric's in Liverpool just along from the Cavern. Smoky, dark, small club playing solo in his Echoplex days. Bottles of beer on the floor and dubious cigarettes a'plenty. Think I was high from 20ft away. Ever wonder why he slurred his lyrics?
Amazing.
Colin Lorenson
I'm just feeling that way. I don't know why.
Posted on: 30 April 2004 by DJH
I saw John Martyn play in Belfast, and several times in Birmingham - some of the best concerts I ever went to. IMHO, his most enduring album is Inside Out, with Sunday's Child, Stormbringer and Road to Ruin all worth investigating.
Posted on: 03 May 2004 by Jack
Saw John Martyn at Liverpool University (twice I think) and Liverpool Philharmonic....all great concerts many years ago.
I see he is on tour again and about to play Liverpool in the next couple of weeks...any reports from the tour so far?
Thanks for the new album recommendation...will have to put it on the list!
Jack
I see he is on tour again and about to play Liverpool in the next couple of weeks...any reports from the tour so far?
Thanks for the new album recommendation...will have to put it on the list!
Jack
Posted on: 04 May 2004 by woodface
Bought it, like it but not a classic. I think existing fans will definitely enjoy it but those new to him will probably wonder what all the fuss is! I think John Martyn is an aquired taste, you will probably either love him or hate him. Still all told one of the better albums of this year.