Contenido de esta entrada:
El álbum Whatevershebringswesing
Entrada anterior de Kevin Ayers: 1970: Soft Machine, Kevin Ayers y Syd Barrett
Entrada anterior de Mike Oldfield: 1969: Dos barcos que se separan
Siguiente entrada de Mike Oldfield: 1973: Tubular Bells de Mike Oldfield (I) - Antecedentes y grabación
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En anterior artículo comentamos que Kevin Ayers, a principios de 1970, reunió a una banda a la que llamó The Whole World (El Mundo Entero) para hacer una gira de su reciente álbum debut Joy of a Toy que incluía a un joven Mike Oldfield. Después de una gira por el Reino Unido, Ayers llevó a Whole World al estudio para grabar el álbum Shooting at the Moon, que fue producido, como el anterior, con Peter Jenner. El álbum fue publicado en octubre de 1970.
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| Portada del álbum Shooting at the Moon |
The whole world fue una banda errática que no se adaptaba bien al directo, y Ayers tampoco se sentía capaz de soportar el ritmo de vida de las grandes giras. La banda se separó tras una breve gira, sin resentimientos, y Ayers invitó a varios de sus músicos a tocar en su próximo álbum incluyendo a Mike Oldfield. Este artículo lo dedicamos a ese álbum que se titulará Whatevershebringswesing, que si separamos las palabras se podría traducir: Traiga lo que ella traiga, nosotros cantamos.
El sencillo Butterfly Dance
El 9 de octubre de 1970 todavía con The Whole World lanzó el sencillo Butterfly Dance con el tema Puis-Je?, una versión en francés de May I?, como cara B. Inicialmente ambos temas no se incluyeron en el álbum Shooting at the Moon pero si como bonus tracks en la reedición en CD de 2003.
En directo en la BBC en el programa de Bob Harris el 17 mayo 1972:
Letras:
Everything you do is true as long as you believe it
And everything you say is play and that's how you should treat it
And everyone is high until there's something makes them low
That's when you should stay, that's not the time to go
No, no, no, no, no, no
That's when you should stay and let your love just flow
Lady lady won't you come here quick
This whisky and wine is making me sick
I want you now and I don't t care why
You crazy beautiful butterfly
And it could take all night to get a single thing right
It could take all day to find something to say
Ask me a question and I'll tell you a lie
Ask me another, I'll spit in your eye
Don't like to leave you but I know I can't stay
So just keep lovin' in your butterfly way
And it could take all night to get a single thing right
It could take all day to find something to say
Too much and too many things on my mind
Can't make a story of things I can't find
Rock and roll music playin' in my head
Gonna keep on dancin' till I drop down dead
It could take all night to get a single thing right
It could take all day to find something to say
Lady lady won't you come here quick
Cause these evil drugs are makin' me sick
I want you now and I don't care why
You crazy beautiful butterfly
And it could take all night to get a single thing right
It could take all day to find something to say
Magical margaret
You know you're so high above
You fill my head with music
My heart with love
And it could take all night to get a single thing right
It could take all day to find something to say
Magical margaret....
Magical butterfly
PUIS-JE?
Enlaces:
Enlaces:
Puis-je? - Kevin Ayers
Letras:
J'etais perdu dans la rue
Fatigue et mal au cul
J'ai vu un petit cafe
Avec une fille dedans
Et je lui disais
'Puis-je m'asseoir aupres de toi
Pour te regarder?
J'aimerais la compagnie de ton soleil
Je ne veux pas plus que ca
Non, ca n'est pas une grande histoire
Encore un beau sourire
Et apres ca je peux partir
'Puis-je m'asseoir aupres de toi
Pour te regarder?
J'aimerais bien la compagnie de ton soleil
El álbum Whatevershebringswesing
Una vez disuelto The Whole World, en 1971, Kevin Ayers se unió por un tiempo al grupo Gong de su amigo Daevid Allen (estuvieron juntos en la primera época de Soft Machine), durante su gira por el Reino Unido. Entre marzo y agosto de 1971 Ayers grabó su siguiente álbum en solitario en los estudios Abbey Road de Londres acompañado tanto de músicos de Gong (Didier Malherbe a la flauta y saxofón soprano) como de su anterior banda The Whole World (Mike Oldfield a la guitarra y el bajo, David Bedford a los teclados, y Robert Wyatt armonías vocales). El álbum fue producido por Kevin Ayers y Andrew King.
Por aquel entonces, Mike Oldfield había pasado de ser bajista a ser el guitarrista principal y sus magistrales solos ya le habían dado una notable reputación. Durante la grabación Oldfield se familiarizó con una variedad de instrumentos, como percusión orquestal, piano, Mellotron y clavecín, y comenzó a escribir y tocar sus propias ideas musicales. "Champagne Cowboy Blues" compuesta por él sería incluida en el álbum de Ayers. Ayers volvería a colaborar con Mike Oldfield en 1987 cuando cantó la canción Flying Star del álbum Islands de Oldfield.
La canción también la incluyó Ayers en su repertorio apareciendo en su álbum Falling Up publicado en febrero de 1988.
Elogiado por NME, Record Mirror y Rolling Stone, el álbum Whatevershebringswesing realizó todas las aspiraciones musicales que Ayers había albergado desde sus inicios en Soft Machine.
Al igual que con la mayoría de los álbumes de Ayers, una colisión de estilos dispares enfrenta al oyente, pero en este caso funcionan con un efecto extremadamente poderoso. La canción principal que da título al álbum, con el acompañamiento de guitarra de Mike Oldfield y las armonías desgarradas de Robert Wyatt se convertiría en un estándar para la producción posterior de Ayers en los años 70.
Muchos críticos y fans han citado a Whatevershebringswesing como su álbum favorito de Ayers y sigue siendo hasta el día de hoy un éxito de ventas en su catálogo.
El álbum fue lanzado en noviembre de 1971, aunque algunas fuentes lo retrasan hasta enero de 1972 con Harvest (nº de catálogo SHVL 800).
La portada es un diseño de Adrian Boot y consiste en una canasta volcada con huevos que eclosionan bebés humanos, con "No Eggsplanation" escrito en la contraportada. Esto demuestra el sentido del humor de Ayers.
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| Contraportada del álbum |
El interior de la carpeta muestra una foto de Adrian Lyne en la que aparece Ayers con su novia de entonces Margaret, bañándose en lo que puede ser un río o un lago.
Enlaces y letras
CARA 1
A1. There is Loving/Among Us/There is Loving - 7:22
El álbum comienza con "There Is Loving/Among Us" acompañado por el dramático arreglo orquestal de David Bedford y el fuerte bajo de Oldfield.
Enlaces
Letras:
[a. There is Loving]
[Instrumental]
[b. Among Us]
[Verse]
Everything you do is true
As long as you believe it
And everything you say is play
And that's how you should treat it
And everyone is high
Until there's something makes them low
[Chorus]
That's when you should stay
That's not the time to go
That's when you should stay
And let your love just flow
[c. There is Loving]
[Instrumental]
A2. Margaret - 3:20
"Margaret" es una melodía psicodélica de ensueño y relajada sobre la entonces novia de Kevin. Muchas de las canciones de Kevin en ese momento eran sobre ella. Este definitivamente muestra su amor por ella.
Enlaces:
Letras:
[Verse 1]
Margaret, you're such a magical child
I found that the first time you smiled
And the more I get to know you
The more I am amazed
To find in someone
Such tender loving ways
[Verse 2]
And just like everybody sings
When the sunshine makes them high
I sing this grateful love song
From a flower
To a butterfly
From a flower
To a butterfly
From a flower
To a butterfly (to a butterfly)
A3. Oh My - 2:59
"Oh My" es una canción optimista con letras concisas que también se refiere a su novia. La música detrás de ella es muy inglesa e infantil
Enlaces
Letras:
[Verse 1]
Oh my, I really try
But I just don't get anywhere
Yeah, you might say it only seems that way
And I could find something everywhere
And maybe I agree with you
But I'd just like to say this, too (ooh-ooh!)
It's all very fine, if you're really divine
And everybody wants you bad
You can take what you please with the greatest of ease
And nobody will let you be sad
[Verse 2]
Oh my, the days roll by
I make no connection at all (no, no!)
I drink this wine in the bright sunshine
A-waiting for a star to fall
And I must be like a million souls
Who've got nobody at all
To warm their heart and give them a start
Spinning in the bright blue sky
And the wings of love that could take them above
To places where the penguins fly
[Chorus]
But oh my, do I get high
Lady, when I'm next to you
You're so crazy and wild, such a happy child
You make a lot of loving, too (I should say so!)
[Verse 1]
Oh my, I really try
But I just don't get anywhere
You might say it only seems that way
And I could find something everywhere
And maybe I agree with you
Mmm, but I'd just like to say this, too (ooh!)
It's all very fine, if you're really divine
And everybody wants you bad
You can take what you please with the greatest of ease
And nobody will let you be sad
[Chorus]
Oh my, do I get high
Lady, when I'm next to you
You're so crazy and wild, such a happy child
You make a lot of loving, too
[Outro]
You know you do
Videos:
A4. Song From The Bottom Of A Well - 4:37
Song from the Bottom of a Well combina un arreglo explosivo, de nuevo con Oldfield, con la críptica letra de Ayers "This is a song from the bottom of a well / There are things down here / I've got to try and tell". Ayers tiene una voz profunda e inquietante en la canción.
Enlaces:
Letras:
[Verse 1]
This is a song from the bottom of a well
There are things down here I've got to try to tell
It's dark and light at the very same time
And the water sometimes seems like wine
[Verse 2]
I learned some information way down here
That might fill your heart and soul with fear
But don't you worry, no, don't be afraid
I'm not in the magical mystery trade
[Verse 3]
My imagination begins to purr
As things don't happen, they just occur
Softly crackling electrical smell
There's something burning at the bottom of this well
[Verse 4]
Sitting here alone, I just have to laugh
I see all the universe as a comfortable bath
I drown my body so my mind is free
To indulge in pleasurable fantasies
[Verse 5]
There's something strange going on down here
A sickening implosion of mistrust and fear
A vast corruption that's about to boil
A mixture of greed and the smell of oil
[Verse 6]
This is a song from the bottom of a well
I didn't move here, I just fell
But I'm not complaining, I don't even care
'Cause if I'm not here, then it's not there
CARA 2
B1. Whatevershebringswesing - 8:13
La canción principal destaca por el solo de bajo extendido de Oldfield al principio y su trabajo en la guitarra en el resto. También a destacar los coros de Wyatt.
Enlaces:
En directo en la BBC en el programa de Bob Harris el 17 mayo 1972:
Letras:
[Verse 1]
I'm looking 'round madly
For something to find
That might give me a front
To put something
Something behind
[Verse 2]
Just bouncing this ball
Up and down the hall
But it's full of best wishes
And suffocating fishes
And all
[Chorus]
So let's drink some wine
And have a good time
But if you really want to come through
Let the good time
Good time have you
It's what you've got to do
[Verse 3]
You said it was foolish
For me to be sad
But I'm very hungry
And you
You're very well fed
You're such a fat lady
[Verse 4]
And I'm talking to you
Just for something to do
'Cause I'd much rather kiss you
But I know
I'm gonna miss you again and again
I know I'm gonna miss you
[Chorus]
So let's drink some wine
And have a good time
But if you really want to come through
Let the good time
Good time have you
It's what you've got to do
Yeah, let's drink some wine
And have a good time
But if you really want to come through
Let the good time
Good time have you
It's what you've got to do
[Verse 5]
I sing to the island
That sings in your head
'Cause I know you'd much rather be there
Be there instead
I know you'd rather be there
[Verse 6]
But you won't find the answer
Even when the wind blows
'Cause the answer, my friend
Is in front
Right there in front of your nose
Everybody knows, it's their nose
[Chorus]
So let's drink some wine
And have a good time
But if you really want to come through
Let the good time
Good time have you
It's what you've got to do
B2. Stranger In Blue Suede Shoes - 3:24
"Stranger in Blue Suede Shoes" es un coqueteo del amor de Ayers por el rock and roll, se convertiría en un elemento básico de su repertorio en vivo en los años venideros, una canción que volvería a grabar dos veces esa década. La letra se basa en los puntos de vista de Kevin sobre la vida: Anima a los demás a divertirse, no preocuparse por nadie más y hacer lo que aman. El riff de piano es una clave de la canción, lo mismo con el efecto en la voz de Kevin.
Enlaces
Versión en directo (del álbum June 1, 1974) :
Letras:
([Verse 1]
I walked into this bar and the man refused
He said, "We don't serve strangers in blue suede shoes
We don't give credit and we don't give way
We have to think about what the people might say
You know what I mean?" I said, "Sure, man."
[Verse 2]
Oh, he gave me a smile that was sickly and wet
And I offered him one of my cigarettes
He took it, afraid that he might appear rude
Then proceeded to sell me some second-class food
Nice guy. Meet 'em everywhere
[Verse 3]
He said "My oh my, I have suffered too long
And this cigarette seems to be very strong
I don't make the rules, I just get what I take
And I guess every rule was made to break
You can take what you like, it won't hurt me
'Cause I'm just working for the company"
From the green cigarette, he took a long drag
And said "I think I'll pack my travelling bag
I'm tired of cheating and wasting my head
And filling the boss's bags with bread
I want to get out in the sun and rain
And feel the wind on my skin again
The world is large and I've got time yet
And by the way, thanks for that cigarette
Thank you very much"
[Outro]
You know I feel like a new man
Yes I do
I don't know why
I'd just like to say
Thank you very much indeed
It's a beautiful day
I think I'll be on my way right away
I'd like to say
Thank you very much
Yes, I'm getting the hell out of here
Yes, I am
Bye bye
That's the end of the message
Thank you very much
Bye bye
Yes, bye bye!
Bye bye!
Videos:
En la televisión española en 1987:
B3. Champagne Cowboy Blues - 3:56
Intento de Kevin de hacer música country. Tiene un solo muy agradable de Mike Oldfield una vez más. Un poco de violín interesante. Pero lo más destacado, es el pequeño fragmento del coro de "Joy of a Toy"; aparece tan inesperadamente y realmente atrae al oyente de nuevo.
Enlaces:
Letras:
Verse 1]
Champagne, getting high again
Makes me think of you
Sunshine and this crazy wine
There is loving, too
I don't care how or why
[Verse 2]
One thing that I think I've learned
Loving must be free
So much energy is burned
In pointless jealousy
I just want to sing for you
Yes I do
[Solo]
[Verse 1]
Champagne, getting high again
Makes me think of you
Sunshine and this crazy wine
There is loving, too (somewhere)
I don't care how or why
As long as I'm high
Champagne, yeah
[Outro]
Goodbye old horse
Thank you for the use of your body
Hope you had a good time
You got a bit of use out of mine
Goodbye old horse
B4. Lullaby - 2:14
Piano suave, flauta (Didier Malherbe de Gong) y una cascada al fondo. El ruido de la cascada continúa infinitamente en los vinilos mientras no vuelva el brazo fonocaptor a su sitio.
Enlaces:
Letras:
[Instrumental]
El sencillo Stranger in Blue Suede Shoes
El 27 de agosto de 1971 se lanzó el sencillo Stranger in Blue Suede Shoes con el tema Stars en la cara B con Harvest (nº catálogo HAR 5042). Sirvió como adelanto del álbum. Todavía aparecía acreditado The Whole World. El lado B, 'Stars' fue una canción que no se incluyó inicialmente en el álbum.
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| Portada del sencillo en España. |
CARA B
STARS
Enlaces:
Letras:
What can i give you, girl
Something that you've never had
Something that'll make you glad...
In your heart
What can i show you, girl
Something that you've never seen
Yeah, somewhere that you've never been...
Never been before
What can i tell you
Something that you've never heard;
Can i find a special word
To say what i mean
And, i'm feeling like a million
Sparkling stars;
Floating in the magic of what you are
'cause i'm feeling like a million
Sparkling stars;
Floating in the magic of what you are
What can i give you, girl
I can give my share of time;
That's the only thing that's mine
To give
What can i show you, girl
I can show you all i see
And if you'll believe in me
I won't let you down
What can i tell you
I can tell you anything;
But i know i'd rather sing
Rather sing the song
And, i'm feeling like a million
Sparkling stars;
Floating in the magic of what you are
'cause i'm feeling like a million
Sparkling stars;
Floating in the magic of what you are
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| Portada del sencillo en Holanda |
CARA B
FAKE MEXICAN TOURIST BLUES
Enlaces
En directo en BBC in Concert (Hampstead Theatre Club, 20 Septiembre 1972):
Letras
Hey, mister, would you like my sister
Her name is juanita
I think. you'd like to meet her
She's a little bit risky
Drinking always whiskey
But she's really a tiger
Take you right inside her
Hey, mister, got another sister
Her name is dolores
She likes pretty colores;
She's a little bit silly
Eating always chili;
But she's very sexy
Take her home in a taxi
Hey, juanita, juanita banana
Hey, juanita, would you hold my banana;
I'd like it now, I don't mean manana
Hey, brother, what about my mother
She's only just forty
She's especially naughty
She knows a lot a tricks
More than the younger chicks
And if you don't like my mother
I got a very nice brother
Ambas canciones fueron incluidas en una colección que Harvest lanzó ese mismo año de rarezas de Ayers y lados B titulada Odd Ditties, que este sencillo ayudó a promover.
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| Portada del álbum Odd Ditties |
Créditos
Kevin Ayers – voz, guitarra, bajo
David Bedford – teclados, arreglos orquestales
Mike Oldfield – bajo, guitarra
Robert Wyatt – armonía vocal ("Whatevershebringswesing")
Dave Dufort – batería
William Murray – percusión
Tony Carr – batería
Didier Malherbe – saxofón, flauta
Gerry Fields – violín
Johnny Van Derrick – violín
Bruce Malamut – fliscornos, metales incidentales, ingeniero asistente
Técnico
Andrew King – productor
Kevin Ayers – productor
Peter Mews – ingeniero
John Barrett – ingeniero
Adrian Boot – diseño
Adrian Lyne – fotografía
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