There is an endearing element amidst the population, born on these rainy islands, off the European continent. It is the capacity to produce amazing music bands that uplift the spirit of these islanders with ears to hear.
Once established here, then contemporary music lovers of the genre of rock or folk/rock world wide connect with the band. The British/Irish leanings towards passion, earthy lryics, substance over presentation make our hearts beat faster and make our body want to move and punch the air.
Who am I am writing about? The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, The Who, Queen, Pink Floyd, Sex Pistols, U2, Oasis, Coldplay, Anthony and the Johnsons and more. We may not describe all of these bands and others as our cup of tea but they communicate an original spirit, easily distinguishable expressions of their art form.
Our cousins across the Pond have mostly settled for lightweight pop presentation (Lady Ga Ga) at the expense of substance. I know there are exceptions over there. I am just a little hard pressed to name the rock bands.
Anarchy, protest and rebellion against the tedious conformity of suburban life on these island needs an antidote otherwise the human spirit get stifled.
We need rock music, wild festivals, and goodness me, the Brits and the Irish love their festivals. Sod the rain. Sod the wind. . Sleep rough. Never mind. Listen to music. The Music. The Music.
Move the body. Feel the freedom from the controlled environment of study, work and the lengthening dole queue. “Pay your bills and keep off the grass” sums up far too much of life on these islands.
No wonder, we need rock music to liberate the soul.
I would say we now have another amazing band to join the lineage on these islands of previous worthy bands stretching back for half a century since The Beatles first recorded “Love me Do.”
My grandson and I were watching on the box over the last couple or days or so some of the bands singing at the Glastonbury Festival.
On came, Mumford and Sons, a folk/rock band out of London. Within a few chords, I found myself on my feet in the front room. Wow. Real passion, spiritual sensitivities, lyrics with depth and a raspy voice work together to make great music.
“I’ll find strength in pain/And I will change my ways/
I’ll know my name as it’s called again”.
“Love, it will not betray, dismay or enslave you
/It will set you free”
I spent a delightful hour late last night on You Tube watching and listening to their songs on their debut album last year, titled Sigh No More. Believe me, it is not a one song album. The Cave, Winter Wind, Roll Away Your Stone, Little Lion Man and White Blank Page (surely an anthem in the making) and the other material touch the spot.
These talented four young guys employ a range of instruments – guitar, drums, banjo, mandolin, double bass. You might even find on You Tube the clip of them in India hanging out with Indian musicians for a worthy fusion of two music traditions.
Here’s a link and join the 24,000,000 plus who have listened on You Tube to Mumford and Sons. See in right hand column the band’s other songs on You Tube.