Paul McCartney – One of These Days
I’m ashamed to admit how long I overlooked Paul McCartney’s solo work, and I was especially glad to find this sincere song. The simplicity of a man and his guitar is on full display here. One of These Days casts a spell with its dreamy, hopeful lyrics, and the wandering, naive voice carrying them. McCartney’s voice has always been melodic and reassuring, but in this relaxed and uncluttered context it takes on a particularly meditative quality.
Moondog – Do Your Thing
In my household at the moment we’re putting Moondog on at mealtimes. Listening with my daughter I stumbled across this wonderful, hymn-like gem. On one visit, my mother remarked that it was a soothing song. I responded with a satisfyied smile, before telling her a bit about Moondog, or “the Viking of 6th Avenue”. Blind from the age of 16, he is a fascinating figure in musical history. Do Your Thing is an uplifting song for a sunny day’s introspection. The simple vocal melody and surprisingly complex piano accompaniment complement each other perfectly.
Barrington Levy – I Can’t Wait Too Long
Such worshipful music – the song, the voice, the production – All for Jah! I Can’t Wait too Long is unhurried, but never loses hold of the mystical groove that defines reggae. Aside from the lazy, hypnotic drums and the full-bodied bass line at the bottom end, the song is effortlessly minimal, while throwing in the most pleasing and mind-bending musical grenades. Even Barrington’s gentle croon is left far back in the mix, as though his words of faith and peace are heard from far away.
Robbie Basho – Blue Crystal Fire
Acoustic maestro and rare genius Robbie Basho was born with synaesthesia: he saw all tones as colours. A proponent of Asian music and culture, he believed he was the reincarnation of a 17th-century Japanese poet, from whom he borrowed his name. Before his bizarre death in his chiropractor’s office, Robbie Basho was sure that his many compositions – some 15 albums – would not outlive him. Thankfully, great music outlasts us all. I find Basho’s warbling vocals to be soothing without exception – sombre and beautiful. That’s not to forget the subtle complexity of his strumming, which sounds at times as if there are multiple guitars. The simplicity of the song produces something truly hypnotising.
Silver Quintette – Sinner’s Crossroads
“Just as you are …” With Sinner’s Crossroads, meditation is movement. This gospel rendition, from 1956, anticipated the rock’n’roll that was about to be unleashed on the world. Who could stand still when this one starts up? Lead singer Roscoe Robinson is testifying his heart out, and the “congregational” backing vocalists are not passive in their response. I’m reminded of Pentecostal services I attended in my youth, when the powerful sound of the faithful singing could draw your feet in to the aisles. It’s a song for everyone!
- Eska plays the Roundhouse, London, on 18 August.
