Beehive Recommends - Daisy McCrackin

We are reliably informed that Daisy McCrackin was born in San Francisco and now lives in Los Angeles.

So what else can I add, well having read her bio on MySpace her original move to LA was to develop an acting career, with some notable Hollywood credits to her name including 3000 Miles To Graceland (with Kurt Russell and Kevin Costner.) She also had the honor of being one of Michael Myers teen victims in a Halloween sequel from 2002 (no wonder she switched over to a music career), however clearly her artistic yearnings eventually led her away from LA for a while as she slowly developed her song writing and guitar skills.

Having listened to her debut release 'Rodeo Grounds' I have to say there is something special about Daisy and her music. I would imagine she will appeal to both folk and indie fans alike, the comparisons are there (from Joni Mitchell to Beth Orton) however she has a unique and very intimate style that has a personal and charming edge.

Listen:
'tell her'



Websites: MySpace, Official.
Buy: Daisy McCrackin

Her bio goes on: Back in Los Angeles, Daisy moved to the fabled Rodeo Grounds arts collective in Topanga Canyon, where she bathed in the deep and salty waters of authentic expression daily. Inspired by the eclectic community of artists living by the beach, serving as a muse and creating by the moment, Daisy took up painting, and continued to labor at the guitar. Immersed in a supportive environment that encouraged her artistic exploration, Daisy wrote songs and improvised instant ballads ‘round the famed campfire, holding her fellow creatives captive while dazzling them with hilarious impromptu outpourings of quirky lyrics, sung to sweet, simple melodies. Still too shy to share her “serious” songs, Daisy stuck to modeling by day, and making her cohorts laugh by night. Finally, after an intense song-writing jag Daisy sang a somber, personal song to a close friend who advised her to quit her day job and dedicate herself full-time to music. She played her first live show in 2006, and was dubbed “an instant rock star” in an LA Weekly review, which reported that Daisy “stole the show.”

Sandy Denny - Newcastle Guildhall 1972

This is the second in our new occasional series under the banner 'Rarities and Collectors Items' where the audio might not be first class but the interest factor is likely quite high.

It's over thirty years since Sandy Denny passed away, and yet her influence as a folk singer and artist has remained down the years, her ability to interpret anything from traditional folk too folk rock setting the benchmark for those that have followed.

This is a beautiful set recorded by a member of the audience who edited out the gaps and some applause however retained her conversation with the audience along with the songs. Being a small venue and with a respectful audience the intimate nature of the concert can be felt and heard.

Performing on October 12th 1972 at the Guildhall, Newcastle, England this is the much missed Sandy Denny.

Source: Audience recording

Sound Quality: Very good for audience recording and era mp3@320kbps.

Genre: Folk, Electric Folk.

Set: Majority of set.

Set List:

01. Itll Take A Long Time
02. Bushes And Briars
03. Sweet Rosemary
04. It Suits Me Well
05. Late November
06. Quiet Joys Of Brotherhood
07. The Sea Captain
08. The Sea
09. The Lady
10. John The Gun
11. Late November

Comments:

From wikipedia:

Sandy Denny (6 January 1947 – 21 April 1978), born Alexandra Elene Maclean Denny, was an English singer and songwriter who has been described by Allmusic's Richie Unterberger as "the pre-eminent British folk rock singer". She emerged in the mid 1960s while still a teenager, performing on the folk revival scene where she displayed her mastery of traditional singing and interpretation. Her song, "Who Knows Where the Time Goes?", written during these early years, has been covered by numerous artists and is regarded as a classic of its type.

Sandy Denny's renown grew after her death, and her songs have been covered by many other artists. She is considered a founder of the British folk rock movement and perhaps its most important female singer and personality. It has been suggested that her effortless and smooth vocal delivery still sets the standard for many of today's female folk-based singers.

Over a ten year career Sandy Denny left an extensive legacy and remains influential. She is remembered for the crystal-clear purity but also the strength of her voice as well as her pivotal involvement with the British folk rock movement, where, as a member of Fairport Convention, she moved the band away from west coast American cover versions and into performing traditional material and original compositions. She is also noted for her duet with Robert Plant on Led Zeppelin's fourth album in 1971, on the song "The Battle of Evermore", and to date she remains the only guest vocalist on a Led Zeppelin album.

Download link in comments below or click on the picture.

Buy: Mp3's at Amazon.co.uk - Sandy Denny

Beehive Recommends - Julian Shah-Tayler

Julian Shah-Tayler is a solo artist who writes, produces and performs his own music. His EP - "Un Ange Passe" (dedicated to the memory of Christine Shroy-Hull) is released on 1st January, 2010. His debut album, “Coito Ergo Sum” is due for release spring 2010 on Impossible Thing Records.

Julian has played guitar in 'Whitey' co writing the smash hit “Wrap It Up” which has been featured in Whip It, GTA 4, Sopranos, Kyle XY and CSI Miami. He has also played keys & sang with Siobhan Fahey (Shakespear’s Sister), and played keyboards & sang on Joaquin Phoenix’s solo album among others!

Having listened to a number of his his songs, I reckon he could well break through in 2010, which would be deserved as his song writing and performance is quite stunning. The melodies and variety of styles he uses along with first class production have really gained my attention.

Listen:
'Communication'



Websites: MySpace
Buy: Impossible Thing Records

The debut solo EP “Un Ange Passe” in tribute to Christine Shroy-Hull who left us on the 6th September 2009 and features on the cover.

It will be released on iTunes , all download sites and special edition CD mail order via Impossible Things Records on 1st January 2010

Anyone that buys the special edition EP CD from the Impossible Things Records website will also get a new recording for them by Julian. It might be a specially recorded song, a live favourite, a version of a song from the EP or something else, but available to no-one else in the world (unless they upload it themselves.. Ask for something specific, but be careful what you wish for!!

Some reviews so far:

“Wetter is Massive, It will make (Julian) a star” – Alan McGee (Oasis/Primal Scream/My Bloody Valentine)

“Very Impressed” – David J (Bauhaus/Love and Rockets)

“This guy has massive talent” – Boom Boom Chik

“An infectious solo release..steps away from acclaimed success” – Mojophenia

Shirley Bassey - Electric Proms 2009

This is Dame Shirley Veronica Bassey, performing live with the BBC Concert Orchestra at the Electric Proms, Roundhouse London, England on the 23rd October 2009.

One of the aims of Beehive Candy has been to provide variety and diversity in musical styles and genres. This has ensured that those who contribute tend to listen to music they might otherwise just pass by. Shirley Bassey is a superb live performer and this concert both reminds us of some of her wonderful hits across decades and that really good artists can appeal to audiences across different generations.

It was announced in July 2009 that Shirley Bassey was recording a new album, with David Arnold as producer. By September 2009 artists who had written songs for the album included Manic Street Preachers, Gary Barlow, KT Tunstall, Pet Shop Boys, Kaiser Chiefs, John Barry and Don Black. The 11-track album, entitled The Performance, was released on the 9th November 2009.

Shirley Bassey headlined at the BBC Electric Proms in her only full live set of 2009.

Source: FM Radio Broadcast.

Sound Quality: Very good stereo mp3@256kbps.

Genre: Popular Music.

Set: Full Set.

Set List:

01 - Introduction by Paul O'Grady
02 - Diamonds Are Forever
03 - I'm Still Here
04 - Talking With Audience
05 - Apartment
06 - Never Never Never
07 - Kiss Me Honey Honey
08 - Almost There
09 - After The Rain
10 - What Now My Love
11 - Big Spender
12 - Talking With Audience
13 - The Lady Is A Tramp
14 - Talking With Audience
15 - Performance
16 - As Long As He Needs Me
17 - Something
18 - Light My Fire
19 - Talking With Audience
20 - The Girl From Tiger Bay
21 - I Am What I Am
22 - Talking With Audience
23 - Goldfinger

Links: Official site HERE.

Comments:

Quoting from the BBC electric Proms website: "BBC Electric Proms was proud to present a true British legend. Dame Shirley Bassey graced the Roundhouse stage with a unique performance celebrating 50 years at the top of show business. Dame Shirley was joined on stage by the BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by Mike Dixon, performing some of her most famous tracks alongside new songs from her forthcoming album, 'The Performance'. The show will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 2.

Britain's most successful female artist ever, Dame Shirley Bassey is rightly famous for her commanding renditions of classics Big Spender, Light My Fire and Something. Her Bond themes - Goldfinger, Moonraker and Diamonds Are Forever - are perhaps the finest in the series. This evergreen artist continues to influence a new generation of musicians. In 2007, at Glastonbury festival, Arctic Monkeys paid tribute to the Dame performing a version of Diamonds Are Forever. The same song was reworked by Kanye West for his hit Diamonds From Sierra Leone.

At the Roundhouse, Dame Shirley Bassey was joined by Tom Baxter, Richard Hawley and the Manic Street Preachers' James Dean Bradfield. Dame Shirley treated the Roundhouse to numbers from her much-loved songbook whilst premiering new work. Said the artist, "What I'm most looking forward to at the BBC Electric Proms is performing songs from my new album 'The Performance' for the first time - it really will be a special moment for me." It is worth noting that this was Dame Shirley Bassey's only live show this year. BBC Electric Proms is delighted that she chose to celebrate 50 years of song with this very special intimate concert".

Download links (two) in comments below.

Buy: Mp3's at Amazon.co.uk - Shirley Bassey

Aerosmith - The End Of The Summer Nights 1988

This is Aerosmith on the final night of their US 1988 tour. The gig took place at the Pacific Amphitheater, Costa Mesa, CA, USA back on the 15th September 1988.

The album 'Permanent Vacation' was released in September 1987, becoming a major hit and the band's bestselling album in over a decade (selling 5 million copies in the U.S.), with all three of its singles 'Dude (Looks Like a Lady)', 'Rag Doll', and 'Angel' reaching the Top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100.

The group went on a subsequent tour with label mates Guns N' Roses who have cited Aerosmith as a major influence. The tour was reportedly 'intense at times' because of Aerosmith's new struggle to stay clean, amidst Guns and Roses well publicized rampant drug use.

Source: Soundboard.

Sound Quality: Very good stereo mp3@192kbps.

Genre: Rock.

Set: Full Set.

Set List:

Disc 1
01 Rats In The Cellar
02 Same Old Song And Dance
03 Heart's Done Time
04 Let The Music Do The Talking
05 Permanent Vacation
06 Lord Of The Thighs
07 Rag Doll
08 My Fist Your Face

Disc 2
01 Come Together
02 Milk Cow Blues
03 Perry Solo
04 Draw The Line
05 Dream On
06 Dude (Looks Like A Lady)
07 Sweet Emotion
08 Mama Kin (with Axl Rose & Slash).

Links: Official site HERE.

Comments:

Circulated as a double 'silver disc' CD, this was the final night of the tour and Axl Rose & Slash guesting on the final number. This version was rather fittingly entitled 'The End Of Summer Nights'.

Reloaded 21/June/2015 link in comments.