nessus@mit-eddie.UUCP (Doug Alan) (04/11/85)
[Space is what I need, it's what I feed on] Since I posted an article on Roy Harper last week, I have found that a new Roy Harper album has come out, and is in fact readily available as an import. Tower Records in Greenwich Villiage had a whole pile of them out on display! Of all the Roy Harper albums I have heard, I think this is the best. It is a truly great album! (This belief was strongly reenforced when my mother said "My god, this makes even Kate Bush's screaming sound good.") So if you've considered giving Roy Harper a try, now is the time. Get this album before they're all gone. The album is actually by "Harper+." (Roy Harper & Jimmy Page). Roy Harper writes and sings the songs and plays guitar and other instruments. Jimmy Page plays guitar and does a wonderful job (no, I don't like Led Zeplin, The Soggy, or The Slimedrippers). The title of the album is "Whatever happened to Jugula+.: An ordinary man writing songs for ordinary people -- File under Science Fiction". There are some albums that I would buy even if there was no music on them -- they'd be worth it just for the lyrics. These include albums by Kate Bush, Pink Floyd, Roger Waters, Laurie Anderson, Peter Gabriel, Captain Beefheart. With all of these people, you also get music that is just as good as the lyrics too! Roy Harper belongs in this list. His lyrics are a paragon of poetic power. Following are some lyrics from the Harper+ album. This is from "Hangman" which appears to be a protest against capital punishment: Hangman oh hangman How sleepless is your bed I can't believe my own ears My heart is full of lead That you'd apply and get the job Of pulling off my head And leave me kicking in the darkness Splattering the walls with blood Hangman oh hangman You're working in the shade For creatures of the jungle Whose message is displayed In graphic tones of blood revenge All down the civil blade And you're the greasy little monkey Who murders to be paid ... We are creatures of darkness Killers of time Creattures of darkness Bodies in lime This is from "Hope", and is a message to someone of the future: When you look at me From your own century I may seem to be Strange archeology But when the winds blow From this direction You may sense me there In your reflection I think I feel you But I will never know As the swallows leave And the children grow I wanted to live forever The same as you will too I wanted to live forever And everybody knew ... As I think of you From this dark century It will always be With generosity That we both may share The hope in hearing That we're not just Spirits disappearing Well I've worn out my fingers, and probably your eyes, so that's all for now. "You'll never know what lies behind these public alibis, I've turned my revolt into style..." Doug Alan mit-eddie!nessus Nessus@MIT-MC P.S. If you haven't yet bought and profoundly enjoyed Kate Bush's "The Dreaming", a pox on your goldfish, all of its descendents and codescendents.