Author Topic: Sandy Denny  (Read 4930 times)

Sandy Denny
« on: 22 February, 2019, 09:32:15 pm »
Has their ever been an English female siger that's better or more English than Sandy Denny? I would give close second to Kathleen Ferrier and Kate Rusby.
The others have never written such haunting songs though.
"Who knows where the time goes" is quite remarkable, she wrote this as a teenager and teenagers don't normally think like this. It's a song that a middle aged person should have written.

https://youtu.be/DeZL2FXkGqI
I think you'll find it's a bit more complicated than that.

Re: Sandy Denny
« Reply #1 on: 22 February, 2019, 09:58:32 pm »
The Long Star and the Grassman is a great album. There is something about her voice that is heart wrenching, especially on “Blackwaterside”. An amazing voice.

Re: Sandy Denny
« Reply #2 on: 22 February, 2019, 10:06:47 pm »
I recently bought a new copy of the FC rising for the moon album. Brings back a few memories.
Get a bicycle. You will never regret it, if you live- Mark Twain

Redlight

  • Enjoying life in the slow lane
Re: Sandy Denny
« Reply #3 on: 22 February, 2019, 10:12:18 pm »
Mick Houghton's biography, "I've always kept a Unicorn" is well worth the read. She lived life to the full and, sadly, alcohol and other distractions took over. "Who Knows..." is a beautiful song and there are several others in her legacy that have stood the test of time.

As for modern successors - perhaps Emily Portman?
Why should anybody steal a watch when they can steal a bicycle?

Steph

  • Fast. Fast and bulbous. But fluffy.
Re: Sandy Denny
« Reply #4 on: 22 February, 2019, 10:28:05 pm »
One of my absolute favourite singers. I don't have words to do justice to her talent.
Mae angen arnaf i byw, a fe fydda'i

Re: Sandy Denny
« Reply #5 on: 23 February, 2019, 11:44:42 am »
Even towards the end of her career she was one of the singers you feel privileged to have seen.
“There is no point in using the word 'impossible' to describe something that has clearly happened.”
― Douglas Adams

Re: Sandy Denny
« Reply #6 on: 23 February, 2019, 12:04:04 pm »
"Who knows where the time goes"
This will be the "entry music" at my funeral.  I prefer the earlier version with the Strawbs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9L9ZYVBU2s

As a contrast, the "exit music" will be Don't Look Around by Mountain https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgNV647actU

citoyen

  • Occasionally rides a bike
Sandy Denny
« Reply #7 on: 23 February, 2019, 12:30:08 pm »
Who knows... is the main reason I’d pick Unhalfbricking for my desert island over Liege & Lief, though Matty Groves makes it a close run thing.

Her voice was remarkable, and yes, truly ‘English’ in the best possible way - with a kind of demotic quality yet so pure, rich and strong.
"The future's all yours, you lousy bicycles."

citoyen

  • Occasionally rides a bike
Re: Sandy Denny
« Reply #8 on: 23 February, 2019, 12:37:12 pm »
As for modern successors - perhaps Emily Portman?

I’m rather partial to Laura Smyth’s voice, which has some of the same qualities:

https://youtu.be/d0SNJgeIrEc
"The future's all yours, you lousy bicycles."

Steph

  • Fast. Fast and bulbous. But fluffy.
Re: Sandy Denny
« Reply #9 on: 23 February, 2019, 10:12:39 pm »
"Who knows where the time goes"
This will be the "entry music" at my funeral.  I prefer the earlier version with the Strawbs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9L9ZYVBU2s

As a contrast, the "exit music" will be Don't Look Around by Mountain https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgNV647actU
I have had an original vinyl copy of that LP since it came out.
Mae angen arnaf i byw, a fe fydda'i

PaulF

  • "World's Scariest Barman"
  • It's only impossible if you stop to think about it
Re: Sandy Denny
« Reply #10 on: 24 February, 2019, 06:35:39 pm »
I agree with everything above except that Citoyen is obviously wrong about Unhalfbricking :-) it should be Liege and Lief if only for Crazy Man Michael.

But redeemed by the call on Laura Smyth :thumbsup:

Redlight

  • Enjoying life in the slow lane
Re: Sandy Denny
« Reply #11 on: 25 February, 2019, 06:51:49 am »
I agree with everything above except that Citoyen is obviously wrong about Unhalfbricking :-) it should be Liege and Lief if only for Crazy Man Michael.

But redeemed by the call on Laura Smyth :thumbsup:

Ah, but Unhalfbricking has "A Sailor's Life".  :thumbsup:

I like both albums but I think I'd take "What we did on our holidays", which is pretty faultless, apart from Mr Lacey, which I can live without.
Why should anybody steal a watch when they can steal a bicycle?

citoyen

  • Occasionally rides a bike
Re: Sandy Denny
« Reply #12 on: 25 February, 2019, 07:35:37 am »
I agree with everything above except that Citoyen is obviously wrong about Unhalfbricking :-) it should be Liege and Lief if only for Crazy Man Michael.

Funny you should say that - I was listening to Liege & Lief yesterday, inspired by this thread, and thinking what a particularly wonderful song Crazy Man Michael is.

Quote
But redeemed by the call on Laura Smyth :thumbsup:

:thumbsup:
"The future's all yours, you lousy bicycles."

nicknack

  • Hornblower
Re: Sandy Denny
« Reply #13 on: 25 February, 2019, 10:51:19 am »
But "Fotheringay" has "Banks of the Nile".

If we're talking about British female trad singers then June Tabor should get a mention. Instantly recognisable beautiful voice.
There's no vibrations, but wait.

Re: Sandy Denny
« Reply #14 on: 25 February, 2019, 11:03:16 am »
But "Fotheringay" has "Banks of the Nile".

If we're talking about British female trad singers then June Tabor should get a mention. Instantly recognisable beautiful voice.

A contemporary of Dennys you might want to look at Anne Briggs as well
“There is no point in using the word 'impossible' to describe something that has clearly happened.”
― Douglas Adams

PaulF

  • "World's Scariest Barman"
  • It's only impossible if you stop to think about it
Re: Sandy Denny
« Reply #15 on: 28 February, 2019, 08:05:06 am »
also Kitty MacFarlane is worth a listen for someone contemporary


https://youtu.be/rGpZ7CBSq7g

vorsprung

  • Opposites Attract
    • Audaxing
Re: Sandy Denny
« Reply #16 on: 28 February, 2019, 04:21:11 pm »
Has their ever been an English female siger that's better or more English than Sandy Denny? I would give close second to Kathleen Ferrier and Kate Rusby.


Kate Bush?  Beth Gibbons?  Julie Driscol?  Even Kate Tempest....

Re: Sandy Denny
« Reply #17 on: 28 February, 2019, 06:57:27 pm »
Sandy is probably MrsC's favourite singer.
I think the difference between her and many of her rivals is that she could do vulnerable as well as full-bore rock and all stations in between.
pcolbeck mentioned Kate Rusby. I agree she's got a lovely voice but it does tend to stay in the 'nice' end of the spectrum.
And I can't imagine June Tabor sounding vulnerable; wistful or melancholy certainly, but not vulnerable
"No matter how slow you go, you're still lapping everybody on the couch."

Mr Larrington

  • A bit ov a lyv wyr by slof standirds
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    • Mr Larrington's Automatic Diary
Re: Sandy Denny
« Reply #18 on: 01 March, 2019, 02:05:32 pm »
Alison Shaw of the Cranes may not be everybody's cuppa but she dies it for me.
External Transparent Wall Inspection Operative & Mayor of Mortagne-au-Perche
Satisfying the Bloodlust of the Masses in Peacetime

citoyen

  • Occasionally rides a bike
Re: Sandy Denny
« Reply #19 on: 01 March, 2019, 03:24:33 pm »
Alison Shaw of the Cranes may not be everybody's cuppa but she dies it for me.

Blimey. She used to do it for me 30 years ago but I'd long forgotten all about her.
"The future's all yours, you lousy bicycles."

Steph

  • Fast. Fast and bulbous. But fluffy.
Re: Sandy Denny
« Reply #20 on: 12 March, 2019, 06:59:08 pm »
Karen Mattheson (Capercaillie) is also up there.
Mae angen arnaf i byw, a fe fydda'i

Re: Sandy Denny
« Reply #21 on: 13 March, 2019, 11:36:40 am »
.......and is Scottish.....

Steph

  • Fast. Fast and bulbous. But fluffy.
Re: Sandy Denny
« Reply #22 on: 31 May, 2019, 07:02:50 pm »
.......and is Scottish.....
;D
Years ago on a skiing holiday we had a 'professional Irishman in our group. The instructors put together a video of the week, and set it to music.
"Bejabers, a noice bit of Oirish music!" (Yes: he really WAS that OTT)

Me: "They're called Capercaillie"

Him: "Which part of Oirland are they from?"

Me: "Skye"
Mae angen arnaf i byw, a fe fydda'i

Re: Sandy Denny
« Reply #23 on: 07 July, 2019, 07:01:43 am »
Sandy Denny had a lovely voice but I never had any interest in folky music.
For English female singers I like Ruby Turner and Beverly Knight.
Never knowingly under caffeinated

PaulF

  • "World's Scariest Barman"
  • It's only impossible if you stop to think about it
Re: Sandy Denny
« Reply #24 on: 07 July, 2019, 07:19:09 am »
.......and is Scottish.....
;D
Years ago on a skiing holiday we had a 'professional Irishman in our group. The instructors put together a video of the week, and set it to music.
"Bejabers, a noice bit of Oirish music!" (Yes: he really WAS that OTT)

Me: "They're called Capercaillie"

Him: "Which part of Oirland are they from?"

Me: "Skye"


;D