Every few years, I go on a Roy Harper jag. Every one of his records fascinates me for one reason or another. Some are better than others and all are interesting. Last week or so, "Folkjokeopus" became my favorite, after "HQ" held that spot for years. Though, at any given time "Stormcock" will be the go to Roy Harper record.
As you may or may not know, Jimmy Page graces many of Roy's records and his playing is often a revelation, especially if all you've known is what he's played with his other more famous band. The one record that was billed as a Roy & Jimmy record is 1985's "Whatever Happened To Jugula," or just simply "Jugula." Knowing their history, "Jugula" was a bit of a disappointment at the time, but an older, wiser me, now truly appreciates what's going here. The track "Elizabeth" was a favorite then and is still, an absolute beauty. Jimmy shines on this one.
6 comments:
Sal, I always appreciate you giving Roy some attention as most folks are probably not very familiar with him. I've always considered him the "British Bob Dylan" as both are true poets who happen to couple music with their poetry.
I've always been a fan of Jugula due to Page's involvement and it's nice to hear him throughout most of the album.
I don't know how much of a Roy completist you are - he's contributed to a couple of tribute albums for Bert Jansch and Jethro Tull that are worth checking out.
Randy
Sal, I hope you'll always be as open to reevaluating ME and my foibles and failings as a person as you are to music. I need the second chances.
As for music, I'm not nearly so generous, but I try!
What a great song…thanks, Sal
I hadn't listened to Roy Harper for too long, so thanks for the prompt. Elizabeth is a great song, though I'd like to hear it with clearer production. So I'm listening to another album of Roy's today, Valentine, which features another tune with Jimmy Page, Male Chauvanist Pig Blues. That song is a full-band ripper, but most of the rest is quiet folk songs. Lovely.
- Paul in DK
I played "One Of Those Days In England" recently, and it still sounds great.
Valentine's "MCP Blues" features Roy, Jimmy, Ronnie Lane, and Keith Moon.
Followed up with the entire Folkjokeopus album and was mesmerized….really!
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