I had all but given up on ever owning a cassette from Lost Armor Records. After many half-assed attempts and late openings of email notices that always resulted in sold out endings, I just quit. Cassettes are released in very small editions and there is a dedicated fan base that follow the label closely and buy releases very quickly. I am not that fanatic or dedicated to the cause and therefore eternally late to the release party. I like Myst’s work but had relegated myself to never actually owning a physical copy. C’est la vie.
So the other day I checked the junk folder in my junk email account and there’s a notice from Bandcamp that Lost Armor has a new release.
Now at this point, after almost 2 years of fruitless attempts at nabbing one of these, I would typically delete the email without bothering to open it, there hasn’t really been a point to make the effort. But this time, out of curiosity I took a look. It had been sent the evening prior and by the time I had opened it almost 14 hours had passed so, I wasn’t expecting anything when I clicked on the ‘check it out here’ link. I was completely shocked to not see the ‘Sold Out‘ header which I’m normally greeted with and it took another minute to realize what was happening, a fortunate moment was in front of me, an opportunity to at last own a Lost Armor.
A ship privately owned and crewed but authorized by a government during wartime to attack and capture enemy vessels.
The captain or a crew member of such a vessel.
Stan Roger’s 1976 sea shanty ‘Barrett’s Privateers’ has been in my head for days now, but not his fantastic rendition. Instead, the catchy, fast moving 2011 cover by Alestorm has been trashing the crew quarters of my mind.
A tragic tale of a young fisherman lured by easy riches to board the scummiest vessel he’d ever seen and soon be fated to become the last of Barrett’s privateers.
What a tale Stan!
Barrett’s Privateers
Stan Rogers Fogarty’s Cove 1976
Alestorm Back Through Time 2011
Oh, the year was 1778 How I wish I was in Sherbrooke now A letter of marque came from the king To the scummiest vessel I’ve ever seen God damn them all! I was told We’d cruise the seas for American gold We’d fire no guns, shed no tears But I’m a broken man on a Halifax pier The last of Barrett’s Privateers
Oh, Elcid Barrett cried the town How I wish I was in Sherbrooke now For twenty brave men all fishermen who Would make for him the Antelope’s crew God damn them all! I was told We’d cruise the seas for American gold We’d fire no guns, shed no tears But I’m a broken man on a Halifax pier The last of Barrett’s Privateers
The Antelope sloop was a sickening sight How I wish I was in Sherbrooke now She’d a list to the port and her sails in rags And the cook in the scuppers with the staggers and jags God damn them all! I was told We’d cruise the seas for American gold We’d fire no guns, shed no tears But I’m a broken man on a Halifax pier The last of Barrett’s Privateers
On the King’s birthday we put to sea How I wish I was in Sherbrooke now We were 91 days to Montego Bay Pumping like madmen all the way God damn them all! I was told We’d cruise the seas for American gold We’d fire no guns, shed no tears But I’m a broken man on a Halifax pier The last of Barrett’s Privateers
On the 96th day we sailed again How I wish I was in Sherbrooke now When a bloody great Yankee hove in sight With our cracked four pounders we made to fight God damn them all! I was told We’d cruise the seas for American gold We’d fire no guns, shed no tears But I’m a broken man on a Halifax pier The last of Barrett’s Privateers
Now the Yankee lay low down with gold How I wish I was in Sherbrooke now She was broad and fat and loose in the stays But to catch her took the Antelope two whole days God damn them all! I was told We’d cruise the seas for American gold We’d fire no guns, shed no tears But I’m a broken man on a Halifax pier The last of Barrett’s Privateers
Then at length we stood two cables away How I wish I was in Sherbrooke now Our cracked four pounders made an awful din But with one fat ball, the Yank stove us in God damn them all! I was told We’d cruise the seas for American gold We’d fire no guns, shed no tears But I’m a broken man on a Halifax pier The last of Barrett’s Privateers
The Antelope shook and pitched on her side How I wish I was in Sherbrooke now Barrett was smashed like a bowl of eggs And the Main truck carried off both me legs God damn them all! I was told We’d cruise the seas for American gold We’d fire no guns, shed no tears But I’m a broken man on a Halifax pier The last of Barrett’s Privateers
So here I lay in my 23rd year How I wish I was in Sherbrooke now It’s been 6 years since we sailed away And I just made Halifax yesterday God damn them all! I was told We’d cruise the seas for American gold We’d fire no guns, shed no tears But I’m a broken man on a Halifax pier The last of Barrett’s Privateers
‘Common People’, created by the alt-rock band Pulp was released in 1995. In 1995 there would have been zero chance that I would have ever, ever been exposed to it…zero.
10 years later however…
I would discover it on William Shatner’s ‘Has Been’ album, which makes far more sense.
Produced and arranged by Ben Folds, spoken word by Shatner and vocals by Joe Jackson.
The song kills. By the end of it you’ll be on your feet, punching the air and playing it again, and again, and again…
William Shatner ‘Common People’ Has Been 2004
She came from Greece She had a thirst for knowledge, She studied sculpture at Saint Martins College That’s where I Caught her eye.
She told me that her dad was loaded I said, “Well, in that case I’ll have a rum and Coca-Cola”. She said, “Fine” And then in thirty seconds’ time, she said “I want to live like common people I want to do whatever common people do I want to sleep with common people I want to sleep with common people like you.” Well, what else could I do? I said “Oh, I’ll see what I can do.”
I took her to a supermarket, I don’t know why, but I had to start it somewhere So it started there.
I said, “Pretend you’ve got no money.” And she just laughed and said, “Oh, you’re so funny.” I said “Yeah? Well I can’t see anyone else smiling in here.
Are you sure? You want to live like common people You want to see whatever common people see You want to sleep with common people You want to sleep with common people like me?”
But she didn’t understand, She just smiled and held my hand. Rent a flat above a shop. Cut your hair and get a job. Smoke some fags and play some pool. Pretend you never went to school. But still you’ll never get it right, ‘Cos when you’re laying in bed at night, Watching roaches climb the wall If you called your dad he could stop it all Yeah.
You’ll never live like common people. You’ll never do whatever common people do You’ll never fail like common people. You’ll never watch your life slide out of view And then dance, and drink, and screw Because there’s nothing else to do.
Sing along with the common people. Sing along and it might just get you through. Laugh along with the common people. Laugh along even though they’re laughing at you And the stupid things that you do. Because you think that poor is cool.
Like a dog lying in a corner They will bite you and never warn you Look out They’ll tear your insides out.
‘cos everybody hates a tourist Especially one who thinks it’s All such a laugh. Yeah and the chip stains and grease will come out in the bath
You will never understand How it feels to live your life With no meaning or control And with nowhere left to go You are amazed that they exist And they burn so bright whilst you can only wonder why.
Rent a flat above a shop. Cut your hair and get a job. Smoke some fags and play some pool. Pretend you never went to school. But still you’ll never get it right ‘Cos when you’re laying in bed at night Watching roaches climb the wall If you called your Dad he could stop it all.
You’ll never live like common people! You’ll never do what common people do! You’ll never fail like common people! You’ll never watch your life slide out of view And then dance, and drink, and screw Because there’s nothing else to do!
I want to sleep with common people like you I want to sleep with common people like you I want to sleep with common people like you
One of my favorite songs by The Vandals, there are many, this is one.
It’s paired up with such an excellent video that I must insist you watch and listen here: The Vandals: I Am Crushed
Who among us has not felt this way? None I say.
The Vandals ‘I Am Crushed’ Hollywood Potato Chip 2004
Oh, I am crushed. And I am devastated. And contemplating suicide but I don’t have the nerve. And what’s the rush? It all should end real soon. And so I’ll just keep waiting and I’ll listen to them say, “You’ve got your life in front you,” and so I must reply. “That is just more bad news ’cause I’d really rather die.” Than limp around in agony, reliving all the tragedies and face another day.
Oh I am crushed. And I am devastated. And it’s something I can’t mend, it ain’t going away, soon.
I hurt so much. And I cannot explain it. It seems like there’s a purpose but I still don’t understand. But that’s my luck. So I’ll just wait in pain. And though it doesn’t help I have to listen to them say, “keep looking at the bright side,” oh that just hurts my eyes. And if you really care then you would simply let me die. And leave here with some dignity but it just keeps on making me face another day.
Oh I am crushed. And I am devastated. And it’s something I can’t mend and it ain’t going away, soon.
‘In the long litany of sword-wielding mass murderers that populate the pages of a thousand lesser fantasy novels, Elric of Melniboné is far and away the coolest, grimmest, moodiest, most elegant, degenerate, drug-addicted, cursed, twisted and emotionally weird mass murderer of them all.’
I like the description and don’t find this article odd at all.
*eyebrow raised
The Elric Saga: Stories I’ve once started, never finished and continually remind myself to revisit…at some point.
I was hot on reading them some time ago and did manage to finish, mostly, Book 1. And not unlike ‘The Stars My Destination’ I ended up feeling I missed something, not understanding the praise placed upon this series or the idea of the Eternal Champion.
I feel that the last couple of years have brought on a new found sense of purpose and maturity into my life, a broader state of mind in understanding.
Certainly this is age related but also I feel an expansion of consciousness is at work as well. Nothing profound, just a bit more grace in my thinking.With this has come a re-reading or first time reading of many many books, I feel that I’m final ‘ready’ to digest those ideas properly.
Watch out Delany, I’m coming for you.
So Elric…
I’ve been jonesing to read the saga lately and, of course, I did not bring the books on our trip here. This isn’t the first time I’ve wanted to read them and simply did not have the books to read. At some point in the past I collected up a complete set determined to be ready for the next time Elric beckoned. Well wouldn’t you know, that urge to read them is here again and alas my tomes are locked away upon a mountain side.
*sigh
This urge is always brought on when I hear one of two songs that were inspired by Elric, both of which have been mercilessly earworming their way through my head this week.
It was a couple of years back that I discovered to my surprise that two legendary bands had ties to Elric. There are others but I’m just going to mention two of them here, they’re the ones I listen to on a regular basis.
Both quite good in my opinion.
And though not a substitute for the books they’ll have to tide me over until I’m reacquainted with my stash.
Deep Purple ‘Perfect Strangers’ Perfect Strangers 1984
Crunchy organ intro by the late Jon Lord sets the tone for this lament to Morcock’s doomed hero.
Masterful lyrics credited to Gillan, Blackmore and Glover but I have a feeling most of it was driven by Blackmore’s influence.
Gillan’s wizened voice commands mournfully strung lyrics like: ‘I know I must remain inside this silent well of sorrow’.
There is a wonderful layer of mystery to this song and I can imagine someone not knowing of Elric and later discovering it was inspired by a book would be compelled to seek it out to read.
The Perfect Strangers single was released with the B side, ‘Son of Alerik’. A smokey atmospheric instrumental to get lost in, featuring Blackmore and Lord. I think this would pair well with an Elric read..give it a go.
Also, check out Blackmore’s Night…if you’re so inclined.
Jon Lord…\m/
Bardic Blackmore
Perfect Strangers
Can you remember, remember my name As I flow through your life A thousand oceans I have flown
And cold, cold spirits of ice All my life I am the echo of your past
I am returning the echo of a point in time And distant faces shine A thousand warriors I have known
And laughing as the spirits appear All your life Shadows of another day
And if you hear me talking on the wind You’ve got to understand We must remain perfect strangers
I know I must remain inside this silent well of sorrow
A strand of silver hanging through the sky Touching more than you see The voice of ages in your mind, oh-oh-oh
Is aching with the dead of the night Oh, oh, oh, precious life Your tears are lost in falling rain
And if you hear me talking on the wind You’ve got to understand We must remain perfect strangers
Blue Oyster Cult ‘Black Blade’ Cultösaurus Erectus 1980
I associate BOC with the song ‘Veteran of the Psychic Wars’ which I first listened to on the ‘Heavy Metal’ soundtrack sometime in the 80’s. I played those albums over and over and over and over. So much so that I eventually started having weird dreams with Psychic Wars as the background music. I was haunted by the pounding drums, eerie synth, hopeless lyrics and ended up not being able to listen to it for a long time as it always produced dark, depressing thoughts and imagery in my head. I suppose that’s precisely the intent of any successful anti-war song or writing.
I’ve never been a huge BOC fan, especially considering ‘that one song with the cowbell’ that everybody knows being what they’re best ‘known’ for but, after listening to ‘Black Blade’ I’ve been more inclined to spend time with the band.
Black Blade is a type of song I love; one that conveys a compelling story without being overly obscure, artsy fartsy or require a masters degree in literature to understand. That said however, I’m not suggesting it’s simple either. I find it to be quite clever and the perspectives it takes are compelling. It sings of The Black Blade and the poor sod wielding it or it of the wielding poor sod and like ‘Perfect Strangers’ I feel that one would be eager to find the source of the lyrics after listening to them.
But the coolest part about this song, aside from the skill and musicianship that I cannot properly convey in any meaningful or intelligent way other than to say ‘It’s cool, I like it!’ is that Moorcock wrote/co-wrote the lyrics…’nuff said.
And as it turns out, Moorcock also wrote/co-wrote the lyrics to ‘Veteran of the Psychic Wars’…hmmm.
Veteran harkens back to the band ‘Hawkwind’ (post Lemmy) and their Eternal Champion inspired album ‘Warriors on the Edge of Time’, which Moorcock also help write…double hmmm, hmmm.
And while we’re talking about Hawkwind, check out the album ‘The Chronicle of the Black Sword”‘ another Elric inspired album with a small assit from Moorcock on one song. I like this album as well.
Black Blade
I have this feeling that my luck is none too good This sword here at my side don’t act the way it should Keeps calling me its master, but I feel like its slave Hauling me faster and faster to an early, early grave
And it howls! It howls like hell!
I’m told it’s my duty to fight against the law That wizardry’s my trade and I was born to wade through gore I just want to be a lover, not a red-eyed screaming ghoul I wish it’d picked another to be its killing tool
Black Blade, Black Blade Forged a billion years ago Black Blade, Black Blade Killing so its power can grow (grow, grow, grow, grow…)
It’s death from the beginning to the end of time And I’m the cosmic champion and I hold a mystic sign And the whole world’s dying and the burden’s mine And the black sword keeps on killing ’til the end of time
Black Blade, Black Blade Bringing chaos to the world we know Black Blade, Black Blade And it’s using me to kill my friends Black Blade, Black Blade Getting stronger so the world will end Black Blade, Black Blade Forcing my mind to bend and bend
I am the Black Blade Forged a million billion years ago My cosmic cycles are for eternity Carving out destiny Bringing in the Lords of Chaos Bringing up the Beasts of Hades Sucking out the souls of heroes Laying waste to knights and ladies My master is my slave You poor fucking humans
