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Keywords:
LSP (8), suspicious military establishments (1)
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Description:
Our entry for the Lost Songs Project - guess the artist(s) and album.
You probably thought they'd released everything by now, with all the reissues and pointless compilations, but nope. They missed this one. Which is a shame, because it's the only known collaboration between this band and another acclaimed artist whose career was just starting.
Me and Dick got it from an old reel-to-reel tape which we found stashed in a secret compartment in a toilet cistern at the Prince of Wales pub in Wimbledon.*
The story is that one of the key members of the band missed the bus and couldn't get to the studio in time for the session. In desperation they called in a guitarist who was working with his band and some session livestock in the studio next door. He was not especially well known at the time but became a legend in his own right soon afterwards. Despite a difference in genres, he did know the band slightly, having recruited their previous female singer for the early lineup of his own band.
The song was apparently dropped from its target album because of concerns over its controversial lefty political content and because a goat got loose in the studio during recording.
Full credits will be given at the grand denouement, but for now let's just say I'm very lucky indeed to have such a brilliant collaborator. Thanks Dick!
You get an extra five points if you can name the female singer (not appearing on this recording) who links the mystery band and the mystery guitarist.
* Order our new book in time for Christmas, "English Pub Toilets: The Golden Age".
Lyrics:
My name is Alfie Reynolds and in 1943
I was 19 going on 20 with my life in front of me
I was sent to Porton Down, a volunteer to be
To do my national service for my king and my country
They gave us food, they gave us rooms
There's snooker darts and beer
They said no need to worry 'cos there's nothing to fear
They gave us gas masks and a gun to see if we could shoot
While they pumped us full of mustard gas and told us not to puke
Porton Down, Porton Down, now who would you believe?
They fill you full of chemicals to see if you can breathe
Porton Down, Porton Down, you bastard Porton men
Kill you once, kill you twice, and kill you once again
Now 26 years passed me by but still they're dealing pain
Although you may not know it, it's happening again
They're shooting pigs with guns we hear, and calmly taking notes
While the only pigs that should be shot are those that wear white coats
They say the drugs are harmless and the ECT is fine
They say it's just an acid test and won't control your mind
The man who died here yesterday he left us with no doubt
Just classify the papers and never let the truth come out
Porton Down, Porton Down, now who would you believe?
They fill you full of chemicals to see if you can breathe
Porton Down, Porton Down, you bastard Porton men
Kill you once, kill you twice, and kill you once again
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brilliant &mdash 12/07/07 - 03:38:47 PM
I couldn't hazard a guess, but i find it thoroughly enjoyable. Your voice is in fine form and music is excellent. I esp liked the rockin end. 10's on the guitar work Dick. Cool lyrics. [ Reply to This ]
&mdash 12/07/07 - 05:58:17 PM
How did you guess Dick played the guitars? ;)
Thanks very much John for being firsties to listen and comment. [ Reply to This ]
Great Song &mdash 12/07/07 - 03:47:11 PM
Well worth the wait. Another tough one for me to guess. That guitarist is something, but he does seem to get carried away. Is that is hint to his identity?
Thanks
Bill [ Reply to This ]
&mdash 12/07/07 - 06:07:17 PM
Well, this guitarist has become known for doing some pretty innovative and far out stuff ... but that's all I'm sayin'.
Thanks for listening! [ Reply to This ]
right then rebsie &mdash 12/07/07 - 03:47:55 PM
you and dwl left some trails i see and i think i know this one but am researching...back later and by the by very great track...as expected. hats off x2 to mr. langford and rebsie [ Reply to This ]
&mdash 12/07/07 - 06:09:05 PM
ahh &mdash 12/07/07 - 04:12:50 PM
the long awaited track is with us. fairport convention? that is probably way wrong. but i get to find out tomorrow. great job guys, really driving and catchy. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Michael &mdash 12/07/07 - 06:16:47 PM
Good guess. As this is a late-ish entry we'll leave several days' commenting time before revealing everything, so you may have to be in suspenders (and bin bags) for a while longer.
I'm looking forward to finding out what everybody else's were though! [ Reply to This ]
Woot &mdash 12/14/07 - 08:05:01 AM
Congratulations Michael for being the first person to mention FAIRPORT CONVENTION. Quite right. [ Reply to This ]
I know this &mdash 12/07/07 - 04:22:57 PM
The Archies with Hank Marvin. Few people realise that Black Sabbath used to gig as The Archies as they couldn't get work any other way. Their version of Sugar Sugar was a wonder to behold and I'm hoping I can find the lost song tape for that one day.
Anyway, they were recording their latest album and they heard this bloke in the next studio that sounded like Hendrix. "Feck me" they collectively said "we've gotta get this guy on our next left wing political song".
What a surprise then when they went into the studio to find Hank playing the guitar. Hank was also rather surprised as he'd taken off his afro wig and was wearing a sensible cardigan with his kaftan folded neatly on the back of a chair.
"Bugger me" he said "I'm caught bang to rights, OK lads what do you want in order to keep my secret?"
"Hank, er Jimi" said Archie "would you play on one of our songs?"
"As long as it's not about Satan"
"Done"
And he was.
Cheers
Dick
[ Reply to This ]
&mdash 12/08/07 - 06:55:44 AM
Porton Down &mdash 12/07/07 - 04:47:33 PM
Goodness !! ... fairport incredible lost song
but do I remember her name you told me once ??
Dick playin instead of Thompson ?? ..one of the best
songs I heard tonight ..cant be planxtey or incredible
strings band ...this Rock it's sound like comin from Full House LP . Deeeeep Bow !! [ Reply to This ]
&mdash 12/08/07 - 07:01:30 AM
I'm so very glad you enjoyed it Feter. I'll have to wait a few days before telling you whether you're right. I could quite believe that Dick would make a good substitute for Mr Thompson, though that wasn't quite the intention here. ;) [ Reply to This ]
And ... &mdash 12/14/07 - 08:11:44 AM
... of course you were right Feter!
Dave Swarbrick's fiddle playing was the missing element. [ Reply to This ]
No clue... &mdash 12/07/07 - 04:57:48 PM
...but a fine, fine little ditty it is.
...wait...
Oh, man...great lyrics...these tunes just ring so many rusty old bells...looking forward to hearing who this is (are)... [ Reply to This ]
Rusty bells &mdash 12/14/07 - 08:13:27 AM
Twudn't be &mdash 12/07/07 - 05:03:45 PM
'The Pogues' oi'm lisnin' to now would it? Love this, especially when it takes off. I couldn't stop meself from reeling round the room and I haven't even had a drink, M [ Reply to This ]
With Kirsty on vocals? &mdash 12/08/07 - 07:34:13 AM
Indeed it 'twuldn't. It's a very good guess though. Think of another singer with a Sahf London accent.
Thanks for listening, Maurice, it's appreciated. [ Reply to This ]
Well tickle me arse with a feather &mdash 12/07/07 - 05:46:51 PM
this is one fine tune you've got here Rebsie - take no offense at the previous comment about the weather. You're gonna send me off to Wikipedia in a minute - but not until I throw in with the Fairport crew and the missing Richard Thompson. I presume you're Sandy Denny having replaced the fair Judy Dyble? That's where my trail runs cold - or - I'm completely off base. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Bud &mdash 12/09/07 - 02:14:35 PM
Well, I can't say in too much detail how well on the path you are ... but I will confess I've been slightly misleading on one point in the introduction. Although the replacement musician is a guitarist, the "missing" band member isn't ... it's someone who plays an instrument which neither of us can play. (Shh, I didn't admit that in public.) [ Reply to This ]
Fairport it is &mdash 12/14/07 - 08:02:35 AM
OK, all is revealed and you were pretty much right and certainly heading the right way. You get five points for naming Judy Dyble!
It was Dave Swarbrick who was missing, rather than Richard Thompson. But an excellent guess anyway. [ Reply to This ]
Yes great guitaring! &mdash 12/07/07 - 06:34:33 PM
good instruments and lyrics, a story, a song and a joy to listen to! BONUS :) [ Reply to This ]
&mdash 12/08/07 - 07:24:22 AM
Thanks for listening, Arachnidzone. Though I have to admit to being scared of spiders. [ Reply to This ]
At first... &mdash 12/07/07 - 06:50:56 PM
the opening guitar made me think Cat Stevens, but this certainly is not :)
This sounds so familiar that I just know I'll be kicking myself when I find out who's lost song this is. Really nice track you two! [ Reply to This ]
&mdash 12/10/07 - 05:29:40 AM
Yeah, I can't sing like Cat Stevens, being the wrong gender an' all ... but you are in approximately the right time period. Thanks for listening! [ Reply to This ]
At last! &mdash 12/07/07 - 07:06:26 PM
So glad you found time for this. Sounds awfully like a long lost Fairport Convention number - Perhaps it got re-worked in to Matty Groves? As for the missing singer - Judy Dyble - I think she was on the first couple of albums and went on to work with guitarist Robert Fripp. I'm guessing the album is Liege & Lief.
Great post!
Peter [ Reply to This ]
Hurrah! &mdash 12/14/07 - 08:17:49 AM
Blimey Peter, you're absolutely spot on in every detail. I'm very impressed. :)
Congratulations on a brilliant bit of deduction. [ Reply to This ]
Fairport rulez &mdash 12/07/07 - 07:27:57 PM
Love this - especially the elctric ending! Lyrics fantastic - the ovine lines at the end were bleating fantastic!
Neil [ Reply to This ]
&mdash 12/08/07 - 07:20:20 AM
Thanks Neil. It's hard to get decent session livestock these days ... you have to know the right farmers. [ Reply to This ]
great &mdash 12/07/07 - 08:15:22 PM
a great tune - the singing is great - the guitar is great - wow
no idea where this is lost from however [ Reply to This ]
&mdash 12/11/07 - 09:19:05 AM
fair enough &mdash 12/07/07 - 08:54:11 PM
I too would have to consider Fairport Convention. Memory is a bit hazy has been some years.
some dang ripping electrics Dick. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Vic :-) &mdash 12/08/07 - 04:55:19 PM
hehe.... &mdash 12/08/07 - 05:45:35 AM
&mdash 12/11/07 - 09:03:10 AM
Hi &mdash 12/08/07 - 12:20:45 PM
Fantastic story... Fantastic song... Fantastic performance...
Great stuff... I loved it...
Well done [ Reply to This ]
Thank you &mdash 12/10/07 - 05:36:24 AM
Excellent! &mdash 12/09/07 - 10:45:11 AM
Thanks Cat &mdash 12/09/07 - 02:06:30 PM
:D &mdash 12/09/07 - 06:07:25 PM
I'm so thrilled to hear it!
That means I can happily look forward to more collaborations :) [ Reply to This ]
Yes indeed &mdash 12/10/07 - 05:34:40 AM
I've lost count of how many songs we've got on the go, but you can certainly expect to hear plenty more from us. :) [ Reply to This ]
I missed out &mdash 12/10/07 - 07:18:00 AM
on the guessing but this is a great song.Very soulful vocals and great guitar work.The tempo change in the middle is fantastic.Great work. [ Reply to This ]
&mdash 12/11/07 - 09:08:03 AM
Thanks very much for stopping by for a listen. The tempo change mid-song is one of the wonders of GarageBand 4. [ Reply to This ]
an era &mdash 12/10/07 - 08:49:16 AM
You really caught the flavor and the times of protest with this tune. It shows the longevity of the old ballad forms of old still holding water in telling tales.
Your description reminded me of those parody stories often done by the Python gang or the recent ones by Rob Reiner "spinal tap" and particularly "A Mighty Wind" 2003. (hope you saw that one)
That guitar build at the end is so cool how it transitioned from acoustic to electric to bleeting sheep.
Was that another experiment they did turning Dickie into a sheep while holding strings of his electric guitar?
[ Reply to This ]
Thanks Damien &mdash 12/11/07 - 09:15:39 AM
What makes you think the story is a parody? ;)
Actually, I used to be a keen actress and I got bored with writing biographies for theatre programmes so I would always include at least one made-up play in my list of performances, such as a murder mystery farce called "Dial T for Trousers". Nobody ever picked me up on it. [ Reply to This ]
How did I miss this one? &mdash 12/10/07 - 10:15:34 PM
Great tune! I don't know the group sadly (if it is FC then you are clearly great ambassadors for them). Like how the folk feel evolves into the lively electric ending.
Thanks!
Doug [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Doug &mdash 12/11/07 - 09:00:36 AM
You probably do know the group ... but I'm glad you enjoyed listening anyway. I hoped this one might be your kind of thing. [ Reply to This ]
Now you have me going again!! &mdash 12/11/07 - 10:45:20 AM
Right then! I'll dust off the brain cells and see what emerges.
Cheers,
Doug [ Reply to This ]
Wow &mdash 12/11/07 - 06:34:09 AM
Rebsie- your sound has really evolved and Dick is obviously a strong collaborator.
Guitar reminds me of Jimmy Page (I'm probably well off the mark). Wicked fun song!! (Off to the LSP page to see what this really is!) [ Reply to This ]
&mdash 12/11/07 - 08:54:49 AM
Thanks Adam. Nice to hear from you, it's been a while!
Dick is the perfect collaborator for me in a lot of ways and I'm very lucky to have him.
We haven't yet put the answer up on the Lost and Found page because this was a late entry and we're allowing extra time. It'll be up soon though! [ Reply to This ]
OK... &mdash 12/11/07 - 12:31:29 PM
How about the group is Fairport Convention, the guitarist that came into the session was Robert Fripp, and the previous FC female vocalist he recruited was Judy Dyble (their band being Giles, Giles and Fripp, later to evolve to King Crimson).
By now I'm so far out on a limb it's a long fall if my guess is wrong. :o)
Doug [ Reply to This ]
Sorry for butting in but &mdash 12/14/07 - 06:40:24 AM
yes you got it perfectly right Doug! Congratulations!
The opening section is a blatant rip-off of 'Come All Ye' (the first track of L & L) and the second part was inspired by the ending of Matty Groves.
Cheers
Dick
[ Reply to This ]
Thanks Dick &mdash 12/14/07 - 07:58:21 AM
I was just about to say that! :)
Well done Doug. See, I knew your knowledge of the genre would set you in the right direction. [ Reply to This ]
Truth be told &mdash 12/14/07 - 03:01:21 PM
You are quite right, I do like the genre very much but am no expert as it was before my music listening time. I did a little digging on line and found the bits and pieces of the answer and threw together my guess. For anyone interested, there is a very good article on the whole folk-rock movement at: http://www.popmatters.com/music/columns/lankford/020814.shtml
Once again Dick and Rebsie, excellent piece!! And a fun one to track down.
Thanks,
Doug
PS - I'm off to the library to borrow some of their Fairport Convention CDs thanks to your influence. Cheers. [ Reply to This ]
Cracking &mdash 12/13/07 - 02:30:30 PM
Well, I'm clueless (frequently), but whatever, this is such a great track - wonderful instrumentation and mix, and Rebsies voice right in me ear.
The Levelllers?? With a female singer???
steve [ Reply to This ]
Well I was gonna go with Jethro Tull &mdash 12/14/07 - 10:11:21 AM
Dick standing in with guitar work for flute you for female to male vox. I knew it wasnt right. I have really been awful with all the LSP stuff though. lol.
Anyway you cut it, its a wonderful track and par for the course in your new dynamic duo ( in solo as well for ya both). Isnt synergy fantastic?
Seriously though I can hear ol' Ian the bard singing the holy hell out of this one and can so easily hear the flute taking the guitars lead or even better.. dueling with it. Betcha Dick would love that :) . [ Reply to This ]
Thanks for posting &mdash 12/15/07 - 08:41:30 AM
your source material at the Lost and Found. What a great piece you and Dick put together. [ Reply to This ]
Wow, nice peice of folk rock &mdash 12/16/07 - 09:49:26 AM
I was too late to guess as just come back from holiday, however its a very good track. I have seen Fairport Convention at Cheltenham Town Hall, and the sound engineer got everything wrong and so they could have sounded so much better, but it did not detract from their skill and great songs.
Another great collab, look forward to many more. [ Reply to This ]
Exceptional &mdash 12/21/07 - 08:04:51 AM
An exceptional song that i've missed (until now). Glad I looked back.
Extraordinary backing, great lyrics and vocals, suits your voice perfect Rebs. I have no chance whatsoever to guess band, but I am sure it is the best track on that record. [ Reply to This ]
Excellent song &mdash 12/28/07 - 04:09:23 AM
My guess was Fairport but I don't get any points as any old fule can come along after the result has been announced and claim he has lost his winning ticket!
Superb song though. [ Reply to This ]
Great &mdash 03/05/08 - 01:43:21 PM
Wow... what a great sound.... I like your voice... It's great vocals here... A sing a long song... I'm glad that i heard it... Happy song... Thanks for sharing... [ Reply to This ]
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