Merry Christmas! Today, we’re going to talk about dead people.
Tis the season to be jolly.
Day 25: A song you like by an artist no longer living
2020: “Crosstown Traffic”, Jimi Hendrix
You remember when I did my October monthly and I referenced an obscure compilation CD from Q Magazine? My Mum used to bung it on a lot in 2001 and I know this because Jimi Hendrix’s “Crosstown Traffic” ended up being one of the most played tracks in my early childhood. Between that and listening to “The Changingman” by Paul Weller and “Lust for Life” by Iggy Pop, I think I had a rather eclectic taste in music when I was a toddler. Not bad for the fact I wouldn’t truly give a toss about music for another couple of decades.
But yeah, “Crosstown Traffic”. One of the many fine examples of the guitarwork of Jimi Hendrix.
2025: “Forever J”, Terry Hall
A few Christmases ago we lost Terry Hall, which was a crying shame. A very talented bloke as evidenced by the many eras of his career. From the Specials, to Fun Boy Three, to the Colourfield, he was turning in greats left and right.
And I think fans of his would agree that continued into his oft-forgotten and short-lived solo career. Unfortunately, it never really got off the ground when it came to the charts, hence the fact that this song, his debut single, barely scraped into the top 100. And frankly, it baffles me considering not only the reputation Terry had carved out for himself in the preceding fifteen years, but also the who’s who behind the track – Produced by Ian Broudie of the Lightning Seeds, co-written by latter day Smiths guitarist Craig Gannon, and drums and bass provided by ex-La Chris Sharrock and wandering Bunnyman Les Pattinson respectively. Not only that, Damon Albarn would work with Terry on a sister EP the following year, and Pulp would remix “Forever J” (Although to middling results in my opinion. If it ain’t broke…).
Given all that, I can’t quite get my head around how this didn’t fit in with the Britpop scene which was coming into bloom around the time Home was released. “Forever J” may not have resonated as much given it could be regarded as a bit too straightforward and poppy for Terry, but the man pulls things off quite nicely. A sweet performance that counters his typically sour demeanour. Also, I guess that today, being told that ‘you’re no Mel Gibson’ would be taken as a compliment.
Underrated song, underrated album. And for me personally, a lucky find – Home was deleted after release, and I somehow found it amongst the CDs at a local market stall. Don’t think I’ve been so quick to buy an album in my life.
Right then, I’ve got meals to tuck into and crackers to pull with my Mum and Dad. Hope you have a lovely Christmas Day!
A-Side Glance 