Comments on: John Martyn

By: doug w

doug w — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 15:43:59 +0000

Even with my praise for On The Cobbles, I recommend you keep keep your expectations modest. While it closed his career on an upward arc, the heights he found in the 70s were just too extraordinary to regain.

I much enjoyed Simon’s recollections though disagreed with his claim of “I’d Rather Be The Devil” as JM’s signature song. Such an argument is bound to be more subjective than canonical, but I’d always figured that John was most closely tied to “Solid Air”, a song which he fully wrote.

Am doing relatively well, will update in a separate mail.

By: me

me — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 18:03:12 +0000

Doug - long time! It's been more than a couple of years hasn't it? Good to hear from you. How are you doing? Will have to check out On The Cobbles as I don't know it at all. Simon Reynolds has written a nice remembrance on blissblog.

By: doug w

doug w — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 01:53:49 +0000

Colin/Peter, I share your perspectives on JM’s work and your sadness with knowing that there will be no more. Colin’s observation of Martyn’s “openness to possibility and an astonishing ear for beauty” explains perfectly JM’s continued resonance. My own discovery of the man’s genius was in my final year of university and I recall how the Island Life vinyl reissues of Solid Air and One World (as well as a tape of Grace and Danger, which I’ve always viewed as the last safe harbour before navigating into his 80s era) offered hope through the shortened days of a Canadian winter. Was amused yet somehow gladdened by his 90s incarnation as lounge god, marked by the Portishead cover and Talvin’s remix of “Sunshine’s Better.” Moreso, I was greatly encouraged by On The Cobbles, and I suppose that if we must accept this ending, then Cobbles remains a fine set of last words from the man.

Peace go with you, John.

By: peter

peter — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 21:48:38 +0000

lovely post…was surprised by how upset i was…though i think it’s pretty much a miracle that he got to 60 considering the fact he caned it pretty thoroughly for decades. those albums you mention are the ones that do it for me too as you know…there are a few gems in the later stuff but they’re but brief candles in a dark netherworld of fretless basses, nasty synths, horrifying saxophone wheedling and phil collins. but as you say, it’s impossible to tire of the good stuff. which is why i’m off to listen to ‘live at leeds’…

By: kek

kek — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 20:55:34 +0000

John Martyn…jeez, yeah…