Monday, July 16, 2012

Monday Morning Music Shuffle - Calling Mr. Oswald Mix

Back at it with my face set toward the distant horizon, and my mind distracted by bright and shiny objects..

As per usual, we kick-off the week with a stroll down (16G) memory lane with some of the many fine songs in our archives.

First up is a song that takes us all back to 1977, which in and off it's self was an interesting year in music. Bands with debut albums that year include: Television (Marquee Moon), The Clash, The Sex Pistols (Never Mind the Bullocks..), and the album which contains today's song.  Less Than Zero was the first single from Elvis Costello's landmark album My Aim is True. It was the song he was supposed to play on Saturday Night Live on December 17, 1977. The Attractions started playing Less Than Zero, before Elvis stopped them and launched into Radio, Radio which he had been told not to play.

The song was written as an angry response to an appearance by Oswald Mosely, the former leader of the British Union of Fascists on BBC television.  Costello later rewrote the song for American audiences to make it about Lee Harvey Oswald.

Bret Easton Ellis borrowed the title for his debut novel.




Next up, is a song by the later folk singer/songwriter, Kate Wolf.  Here in California is off here 1980 album Close to You, and also appears on the posthumous compilation album, Gold in California.  Dave Alvin recorded a cover of this song for his West of the West album in 2006.





Finally, we have another song released in 1980.  It's Skateaway by Dire Straights off  their 3rd album, Making Movies.  I've been in love with this song for a very long time. 

 



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