by Chris Harris Few songs in popular culture ignite atmosphere as instantly as The Animals’ 1964 recording of “House of the Rising Sun.” From the very first slow, circular arpeggio of Hilton Valentine’s guitar, the listener is dropped into a world of regret, temptation and inevitable downfall. Eric Burdon’s vocal, rough, soulful and full of … Continue reading Why “House of the Rising Sun” Endures as One of Cinema’s Most Powerful Songs.
Category: Music and Culture
The Stranglers & Eight Idiots in a Mini Metro: My First Gig and a Near Death Experience.
The Stranglers played the Brighton Centre on the Feline Tour on the 17th of March, 1983. It was a day that, if there’s any justice, should be carved on my headstone. It was my first gig. At the time, I was in the first year at Haywards Heath Sixth Form College. My brother was in … Continue reading The Stranglers & Eight Idiots in a Mini Metro: My First Gig and a Near Death Experience.
Cut the Crap: The Clash’s Final Album—Bad Legacy, Decent Artifact?
When you think of The Clash, you probably picture The Clash, Give 'em Enough Rope, London Calling, Sandinista! and Combat Rock, albums that turned righteous anger into transcendent art. You don’t usually think of Cut the Crap. Yet, in the decades since its release, this much maligned record has developed an odd cult following. Some … Continue reading Cut the Crap: The Clash’s Final Album—Bad Legacy, Decent Artifact?
The Rights of Fans. 