There has to be some explanation why the 70s was an unbelievable treasure trove of acoustic artists. And many of their songs are works of genius.
From time to time try youtube for “House at Pooh Corner” (Loggins and Mesina) and you’ll wonder why there are so few songs like that today.
Epica: “Run For a Fall”
Angel Eyes ~ Ella Fitzgerald.
Tomorrow is a Long Time ~ Bob Dylan
I just finished a biography of Townes van Zandt, in which I learned he toured Ireland often in the last years of his life. His first serious song was “Waitin’ Round to Die” and it was a joke, really, when he called one of his albums The Late Great Townes van Zandt. But he was young when he recorded “If I Needed You.” (We all were.)
The 50th anniversary of the death of the great Pedro Armendáriz was commemorated last weekend on a Spanish language TV station. Unlike other stars of the Golden Age, he could not sing. In Enamorada, he went to court Maria Felix. And brought the Trio Calaveras to sing Malagueña Salarosa…
Cancion Mixteca–which sounds homesick, even if you don’t understand the lyrics. The Chieftains,* et al*…
“Flower Duet”, from Lakme, by Delibes.
“True Love Never Runs Smooth” by Gene Pitney. European-sounding, mandoline maybe? Achingly beautiful and romantic, if you like that kind of thing.
Oh yeah! Adagio for Strings is the most beautiful music I’ve ever heard.
Opened this thread thinking of “Without You” by Harry Nilsson so I did a search and found your post.
“Without You” by Harry Nilsson (YouTube)
Actually written by Badfinger but Nilsson’s version won a Grammy in 1973. There are other covers—many, in fact—but Nilsson’s is still the best, IMO. An amazingly heart-wrenching song.
Can’t live if living is without you…
Thank you for this. And to all the other posters who have taken the time to share.
Rachmaninov: Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op 31
- YouTube (excerpt)
Sublime
Well I don’t know if anyone mentioned these two yet, since it’s such a long thread. But whenever I listen to these, and really listen to the lyrics I end up crying. They’re both poetry turned into ballad songs.
The Lady of Shalott~ Loreena McKennitt
The Highwayman~ Loreena McKennitt
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ig6JOQtxyTQ
Ali D’oro by Zucchero with John Lee Hooker
My daughter described this song as beautiful and powerful when I played it for her. I think that describes it very well.
Long thread, don’t know if this one has been posted. Marisa Monte, with her voice like liquid gold, sings one of the most achingly beautiful songs in the whole furshlugginer universe:
One of the best blues songs ever. Decoration Day ~ John Lee Hooker