The One Album I Listened to in 2005

 

2005. What was that about? The only album I can remember buying that year was Paul McCartney's "Chaos and Creation in the Backyard." I haven't bought a Paul album since the 1970s, but I was pulled in by the album's title as well as the front cover photo by Mike McGear, Paul's brother. I think Mike was (or is) a remarkable photographer at the time, and his images of his brother, as well as the other members of the Fab Four, are

classics.

Not only is this my favorite Paul album, but a total surprise that he came up with something special in the 21st-century. It's mostly Paul by himself, with some extra musicians, such as Joby Talbot, who worked with the arrangements for The Divine Comedy, and that aesthetic comes through on the recordings. It's a shame that Paul didn't work with Neil Hannon, because I think those two would make some sonic magic. Nevertheless, the decision to have Nigel Godrich behind the production was an excellent choice. Rumors are that he really pushed Paul on the writing as well as his lyrics. The album has all the classic Paul touches, but as an older man, he reflects in an interesting manner on his life through these songs. Therefore, it matches perfectly with the front cover. Paul as a very young man, or teenager, with a guitar in his backyard somewhere in Liverpool. A remarkable album. What's sad is that there were other things happening that were new musically, but I somehow missed the boat. I regret that I wasn't into Sunn(((O.

"Telstar: The Joe Meek Story" a play by Nick Moran with James Hicks (Oberon Modern Plays) 2005

 

Of all the mediums, besides the music, of course, a theatrical play would be best to tell the narrative of Joe Meek.  For one, I can't picture him being outside of his apartment/flat/studio.  I think at least 90% of the photos I have seen of Meek's in the studio working or posing in front of his recording equipment, which also has tons of reel-to-reel tapes thrown on the floor.  In a manner, he reminds me of looking at photos of the painter Francis Bacon in his tiny and messy studio.  Meek and Bacon share a sexual orientation as well as a love for being in their studios making art/commerce. Their work is enormous and went beyond their studios. Still, in an everyday life situation, both were chained to their work and studio. 

Nick Moran with James Hicks (that's the billing on the book cover) is a very accurate and crystal clear series of Meek snapshots at work. Dealing with the issues of rent with his understanding landlady, who he eventually murders in the act of insanity, as well as with his love/artist Heinz, and the various and somewhat dedicated musicians who worked with Joe.  In a way, the Meek narrative works itself as a play.  Joe Meek being in the studio was a total theater experience.  It seems he was always on the brink of complete disaster, but on the other hand, he was a genius.   Not the greatest songwriter, but truly a master of sound and how it conveys emotions and sexuality to the listener. Although I suspect he wasn't aware of France's Musique-Concrete composers, he did use similar techniques of using noise. Such as throwing pebbles into a toilet.  Also capturing the pounding foot-stomping from his staircase for the amazing "Have I The Right" by The Honeycombs. 

This is a somber narration, but putting together such a fascinating group of people in the Meek studio, therefore his world, is an excellent read.   The chances for me to see this play on stage are probably non-existent; still, I get the show after reading the play.