Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Donovan: Named Today to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame




PhotobucketFor me, hearing Donovan's music in the 70's from the 60's added further confirmation that I was born in the wrong decade. I didn't always understand this Glasgow-born poet's music (take this song, "Mellow Yellow", for instance) but "the British Bob Dylan" has his share of great songs, including "Hurdy-Gurdy Man", "Catch the Wind", "Sunshine Superman" and many others.

He stopped performing for a long while but apparently is still active here and there these days, and was on tour last year. A most deserving induction in my view and here's a bit of music to celebrate!

Here's also a link to a brief article and an eight minute interview of the artist from 2006. (from National Public Radio's "Here and Now" )
http://hereandnow.wbur.org/2012/03/28/mellow-yellow-donovan

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27 comments:

  1. doug noakesMarch 28, 2012 at 11:54 AM

    "E-lectric-O-Banana?" :-)

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  2. Iri AniMarch 28, 2012 at 11:59 AM

    I don't think you needed to understand the lyrics Doug, I just liked his lovely, sexy bedroom voice and the tunes were so bright and cheerful and bouncy, hehe. But Donovan was part of that pop-folksy era I think.

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  3. doug noakesMarch 28, 2012 at 12:01 PM

    I guess you're "quite right" about the lyrics, Iri Ani. Music like this has a cheerful life-affirming spirit to it that is irresistable. It seems like a very long time ago,, alas.

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  4. Iri AniMarch 28, 2012 at 12:02 PM

    It sure does seem a long time ago Doug "sigh"

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  5. doug noakesMarch 28, 2012 at 12:03 PM

    I second that motion, and it carries.

    "sigh"

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  6. EnglishLady EnglishLadyMarch 28, 2012 at 12:24 PM

    Loved this artist and his quirky songs x

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  7. doug noakesMarch 28, 2012 at 12:27 PM

    Thanks for dropping by to listen, Rosie.

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  8. EnglishLady EnglishLadyMarch 28, 2012 at 12:28 PM


    Thats ok, have a great rest of the day my dear hugs Rosie.

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  9. Astra NavigoMarch 29, 2012 at 5:24 AM

    This is long overdue, Doug.

    (Hey. "Season of the Witch" was a staple with me and the band back in high-school).....

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  10. doug noakesMarch 29, 2012 at 9:45 AM

    I am glad wear of like minds on Donovan's worth, Will.

    You've given me another song to "revisit". Thanks. :-)

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  11. Astra NavigoMarch 29, 2012 at 11:26 AM

    Hey.

    I recently played "Hurdy Gurdy Man" at a friend's party. Go figure....

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  12. doug noakesMarch 29, 2012 at 3:01 PM

    Interesting!

    There's a strange bit of synchronicity out here in Multiply-land.

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  13. chuck tMarch 29, 2012 at 7:02 PM

    You weren't VERY far from the "right" decade.
    LOL
    I was born a decade ahead of you, as I vaguely-recall-now-that-you-insist-on-reminding-me ... (LOL) ... and his bright, uptempo (and usually indecipherable) music is still something I recall in certain situations.

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  14. chuck tMarch 29, 2012 at 7:03 PM

    So, they inducted a total of 17 into the Hall this round.
    Doesn't that seem like a lot?

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  15. doug noakesMarch 30, 2012 at 9:12 AM

    True, Chuck. All too true. :-)

    I was nine when the 60's "officially" ended and certainly have memories of the music and the times. Of course it begs the question when did the creative energy in our society (USA) dissipate? In some places and some hearts, it never has.

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  16. doug noakesMarch 30, 2012 at 9:16 AM

    Good grief! I didn't realize they were sweeping so many groups and solo acts up in one year. At that rate they will run out of popular groups to induct by 2015!

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  17. Initiative StainMarch 30, 2012 at 9:15 PM

    Doug, he seemed so rather different - here again by way of my brother I would hear him playing albums and this one song called, "There is a Mountain" - I thought Donovan was so different. I don't know where one would place his music but this one song is one I always remember - yet it was a very freelance style of music. I visualize orange and yellow flowers when I think of Donovan. This is the song and the only one I now and then will hum to myself as it seemed to stick with me.



    Now I don't know where I would place his music yet wasn't he the on that first wrote "Rock On"?

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  18. doug noakesMarch 30, 2012 at 9:30 PM

    Yes that is a fun song Jack. Thanks for posting such a recent video of Donovan.

    I think David Essex did "Rock On" but who wrote it is a good question. Let me get back to you. *


    * I guess Essex wrote it too. Another great song.

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  19. Initiative StainMarch 30, 2012 at 9:35 PM

    Your most welcome and sure as from some reason I thought so but now that you mention David Essex I think
    your right but Donavan was "Freelance Pop Rock" from that era. There are so many old bands that are coming back with a tour or resurfacing. I ponder on why now as literally so many are Doug. If one goes from the 60's to 90's there may be a economic crisis yet that may be the reason. Just a thought.

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  20. doug noakesMarch 30, 2012 at 9:42 PM

    It's a good question Jack.
    My guess is there is a lot of rock and pop comebacks right now because these performers are seeing how much interest there is out there from older audiences with disposable income.

    Also, this one producer--Rick Rubin--seems to be able to get material out of older artists.

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  21. Initiative StainMarch 30, 2012 at 9:48 PM

    I believe so, mind you I don't know whom Rick Rubin is - perhaps someone shall share some insite.
    Great blog as the music area I am alway taken by when you do write on it.

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  22. Jim WestlakeMarch 31, 2012 at 7:56 AM

    At last, after trying for days I've been able to view the video. Music of my long lost youth. Thanks for posting Doug.

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  23. Aaran AardvarkApril 1, 2012 at 10:34 AM

    Good choice Doug, but there is life in the old dog yet ....I filmed him in a park local to me back in autumn 2010 here he is nowish.

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  24. Aaran AardvarkApril 1, 2012 at 10:35 AM

    Good choice Doug, but there is life in the old dog yet ....I filmed him in a park local to me back in autumn 2010 here he is nowish.


    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAFfav_QlMU&feature=plcp&context=C4884142VPvjVQa1PpcFNmpNfFBlBSu_RPcVrhiE3HAYy8ziHmUc0%3D

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  25. doug noakesApril 1, 2012 at 1:54 PM

    Rubin is a major music producer who has worked with a lot of older srtists like the late Johnny Cash and Neil Diamond and others on albums that bring their work back to its basics. I take it he's really in demand.

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  26. doug noakesApril 1, 2012 at 1:55 PM

    You're most welcome Jim. Glad you could finally see it.

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  27. doug noakesApril 1, 2012 at 1:58 PM

    I'll say he has, AA! What a great story-teller he is.

    Once again held-held history has scored a major coup! Thanks for the sharing.

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