Terry Callier - Sign Of The Times (Elektra)
We seem to be on the same wavelength this evening, Matt. :) Has anyone
heard
the new remixes LP of Terry Callier stuff? Opinions? I had a listen to
the
couple of audio clips up on Piccadilly but couldn't be persuaded based
on
that - although what I heard sounded very very tasty. Conversely, does
anyone have a definitive release for the uninitiated?
"Sign of the Times" is Terry doing a more disco-ish-thing, kind of an
awkward sound for him to be honest but that is still great one IMHO,
but not representative of his best work. I think the 12" I played
was from 1976 or so. The LPs to have are his classics on Cadet (killer
chicago label, Terry Callier is a chicago resident still BTW)... the
best 3 LPs in a row were originally on Cadet and all from early/mid
70's.
Occassional Rain LP -- wow this title track is just sooo powerful,
emotive, earnest
What Color Is Love LP
I Just Can't Help Myslef LP
I'd probably recommend them in that order, too. I think there might be
represses? maybe try http://DustyGroove.com - they like him there.
The original pressings on Cadet go for huge sums on eBay. Speaking of
Dusty Groove I think they have this compilation CD of his best stuff
called "Essential: The Very Best of Terry Callier" and I can't
recommend this comp. enough. You can probably get it at Amazon too I
bet. It's expensive but worth it!
His stuff when he moved to Elektra was not as good, it was like they
tried to make hits out of his stuff and it was just too earnest for
that. He's an album guy. The songwriting is sooo brilliant, I mean
it's powerful stuff. He was one of those guys that didn't quite fit
into a category, jazz, folk, soul, and has always been extremely
popular in London even since early in his career. It's not really
electronic music in any way, come to think of it. But his voice and
emotion and simple beautiful arrangements hits a chord in people.
Anyway a lot of newer nu-jazz and house/electronic music people have
discovered him or had him sing for them over the years, esp. folks in
London. He worked with Beth Orton, and I think Roy Davis Jr, etc.
Mark Mac of 4Hero has always cited him as an influence too, I think
they worked together at least once too. Haven't heard much of these
new remixes so do tell me if they are worth picking up. But I'll be
playing the old LPs as long as my needle can track them, they're just
really powerful.
peace,
Matt MacQueen
