There are only two types of story, at least if you go by Shakespeare: comedies and tragedies.
Actually, some argue there's a third: histories, but they tend to be one of the former in disguise. Actually ii: if you study writing as much as I did in my misspent youth, you'll find there are many different numbers given to how many basic stories there are: 7, 10, twenty-something... but, as usual, I digress. Let's just stick with two for today, shall we?
Americana is one genre of music where storytelling is all-important and one of its foremost practitioners is the great Todd Snider, an artist who was introduced to me by the DJ Bob Harris. Many other favourite artists found their way into my record collection via Whispering Bob, so I was very sad to see his late Saturday night Radio 2 show end last week after 20 years. It appears to have been his decision to quit (he's still presenting his country show on the network) but I'm sure a large part of his decision will be down to the way Radio 2 have messed him around over recent years. He'll leave a big gap in my record collection... I even thought of doing a Top Ten Artists I Discovered Through Bob Harris... but then I decided no one else would be interested (not that that's ever stopped me before).
Anyway, back to Todd Snider, the storyteller. I'm showcasing two Todd story songs today, one a comedy (that really does make me chuckle), one a serious tragedy. You'll have to listen to them to find out which is which. Go on, I'm not going to do all the work for you...
10. Todd Snider - You Think You Know Somebody / Talkin' Seattle Grunge Rock Blues
I love Beer Run by Todd Snider
ReplyDeleteI know a few Snider songs, and I like what I hear. Am on the lookout for some of his albums - when the budget allows. Still hopeful I will find a gem in a discounted second hand shop one time, but they are awash with late 90's mainstream stuff at the moment!!
ReplyDeleteAh, yes, the hope of the charity shop CD surfer. We know that well!
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