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Photograph by Bob Gentry 8/5/99
A Thought for Today
Don’t try to fast-forward your life, you’ll get
there soon enough.
There’s a lot about “Seasons in the
Sun” in today’s edition of Ask Rod, but a lot seems to have happened with the
song in the past several weeks. Both The R. M. Message Center and the Stanyan By Mail
Message Boards are full of items about it (including some very knowledgeable reports from
friends in England who have been tracking the new single by Westlife.) Every other letter
from my own mail speaks of something specific regarding “Seasons.”
SEASONS IN THE SUN IS NUMBER ONE
Hi Rod, Today, Westlife
are the new No 1 in the U.K. charts with their single "I Have A
Dream"/"Seasons In The Sun"
It is very ironic for Cliff Richard who they replaced at number one, because today of all
days, he has just given a concert that was transmitted live on television. You have helped
spoil his day. Shame! (or not). Best wishes, Alex Butler
Dear Alex, Thanks for bringing the early Christmas news to me. What a great present when
one of your 'kids' (that’s what I call my songs) brings home the gold --- and for a
third time. I only wish the songs' other dad, Jacques Brel, was here with me to celebrate
our “Seasons” in this season. I know he’d be as thrilled with disbelief as
I am. As much as we both loved the song and the thoughts that went in to it, neither of us
ever thought it was ‘hit song' material.
I have no desire to rain on my old friend Cliff Richard’s parade, but I know neither
of us will take it personally.
This is the first time I've heard of a double CD single and I'm anxious to hear what
Westlife did with Abba's "I Have a Dream'" it's not on the album so I haven't
heard it yet.
Despite 4 hit singles in a row from their first album, Westlife have yet to have any
product released in the United States. The recording Wade sent me is a high priced Virgin
Records import. I hope this means that RCA/BMG plans a special launch for them in the
United States.
The Irish band’s sound and talent seems first rate and I’m sure their Celtic
treatment of the song has helped enormously in making it a success yet again. Cheer and
thanks, Rod
MORE SEASONS
Dear Rod, Just a quick
addendum to my note to you of 29.11.99. I am sure you will know already but you look all
set for a UK No 1 hit here with this new version of your beautiful classic "Seasons
in the Sun". Westlife are very big here but the song is always king. There is not an
artist in the world who can survive without good material.
It's strange I was talking to you about "Rock Gently" and George Michael and
then I got to hear this cover! Maybe the floodgates will open and there will a whole new
generation of Rod M. fans! They should be so lucky - we hope!
Still look forward to hearing of any possible concert here in the U.K. Finally today I
must tell you that still after all these years "I'm Not Afraid" sends those
glorious shivers all over me - I just love the whole piece spiraling into ecstasy with
those fabulous strings at the end - were they arranged by the great Arthur Greenslade?
Great arranger and so empathic towards your material. Bless You, Steve Edgely
(Editorial Note: This letter was the first to elude to Westlife's recording of
"Seasons." It came shortly after another note from Steve [that I haven't
answered yet] concerning his thought about George Michael recording "Rock Gently.)
Dear Steve, I hadn't heard anything about Westlife's recording until you mentioned it.
Shortly afterward several letters arrived from England apprising me of the fact and if
you've been keeping up with The Flight Plan, you'll know that last week was the first time
I heard (and liked) their recording. It was only released officially last Monday and a
week later it's number one.
I hope you’re right and the renewed success of the song leads to a brand new
“Seasons in the Sun” in England for me. It’s no secret to anybody how much
I’d enjoy the chance to tour Great Britain again.
The idea of George Michael recording “Rock Gently” is a great idea –
particularly in the light of his most recent album, where he does a retrospective on songs
from the later part of the century we’re just now leaving. Wish I knew how to get in
touch with him, alas I don’t.
Yes, I think my heart could stand another hit from the old catalog.
As for “I’m Not Afraid,” I love singing it. I can’t wait for the
chance to stand at the mike and open the second half of a concert after the eight bar
piano introduction by singing “one afternoon, I came to hear you sing a soft song
into my ear.” Over the years many arrangers contributed to “I’m Not
Afraid.” The first large-scale orchestral arrangement was done by the great Don Costa
for “New Ballads,” but Arthur conducted it more often than anyone. And,
you’re right, Arthur had a great affinity for my work and he contributed most of the
best arrangements of my songs and instrumental pieces. Arthur arranged all of the tracks
for “Listen To The Warm,” “Lonesome Cities,” “Greatest Hits,
2” and dozens of other albums. Without his inspired work “Odyssey”
wouldn’t have endured the way it has.
Arthur Greenslade arranged and conducted my first guitar concerto which was premiered at
The Hollywood Bowl and my Piano Concerto #3, which was commissioned for the 25th
Anniversary of The Royal Philharmonic. His great heart always came through in each of the
arrangements he did for me, classical or pop. He did most of the complex work for my
gothic musical “The Black Eagle.”
As a composer I knew what I wanted as a ‘riff’ or a ‘hook’ and nearly
always how the strings should sound and where and when I wanted them to come in, but
Arthur provided the color and fleshed out any ideas I had into reality. Wait. That
doesn’t give him credit enough. Arthur was and is an original. We almost never
quarreled over an arrangement and I was never less than inspired and amazed at the first
run through of one of his charts at the hundreds of sessions we did together. I’ll
never forget his arranging and conducting for my scores to “Joanna,” “The
Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” and “Scandalous John.”
Arthur Greenslade was and always will be the major musical arranger/conductor of my
concert and recording life. Even though I often had to share him with Shirley Bassey.
AND NOW FOR "THE PUNK VERSION"
Dear Rod, Once you write
'em and put 'em out, you never know where they'll go. I was surfing around and found this
mp3 file of "Seasons in the Sun" by a punk rock group. I uploaded it to my area
for awhile to give you the chance to download it if you like.
It's by a group called Me First and the Gimme Gimmes. Here's what the All Music Guide says
about them: "Punk's premier cover artists, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes are a
conglomerate of some of the most recognizable faces in new-school punk. Drawn together by
a mutual love of '60s and '70s music, the Gimme Gimmes work exclusively as a cover band.
Their repertoire include songs from such acts as Neil Diamond, Billy Joel, and John
Denver.
Singer Spike Slawson formed the Gimme Gimmes in 1996, drawing in the talents of NOFX
bassist, Fat Mike, LAGWAGON’s singer/guitarist Joey Cape, NO USE FOR A NAME’s
guitarist Chris Shiflett and LAGWAGON drummer Dave Raun
Never originally aiming to put out a record, the band made appearances on punk compilation
albums through much of the year. In 1997, however, the band began releasing singles named
after the singer they had covered. They produced Billy, Diamond, Paul, Denver, and Barry
in this manner. Finally, the group produced their first full-length effort, "Have a
Ball,” in late 1997. The band still performs whenever its members aren't busy with
their other bands, and makes plenty of guest appearances on punk compilations. The group's
second full length CD, "Are A Drag," came out in June 1999. -- David Cornelius,
All Music Guide"
Just thought it might be an interesting listen. Be careful they do ruin it a bit. Take
care, Eric
Dear Eric, Once I heard and got over the Terry Jacks version of "Seasons in the
Sun" I was prepared for anything, even cover versions by the likes of Pearls Before
Swine, The Beat Farmers and Andy Williams. I thought this approach by Me First & The
Gimmie Gimmies was great fun. I liked their S&M Pavarotti-like vocal approach to it
and the Wagnerian arrangement. Honestly classical without pretense. I have to get my hands
on their CD’s, they truly belong in my collection, so Spike if you're out there
somewhere let me know how I can find them. I'll make a deal with you; in exchange I'll
make a guest appearance on your next CD. Believe it or not, one of my unfulfilled dreams
is to lay down a track with a punk band.
Thanks for bringing this one to my attention, Eric, and very special thanks for the
exhausting work of putting all of my songs on MP3. Love, Rod
THE BIG SEND OFF
Dear Rod, Did you know
that both The New York Times & The Times of London has reported that the most
performed songs at funerals are now “My Heart Will Go On,” “Seasons in the
Sun" and “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life?” Sincerely, Angelica
McMurray
Dear Angelica, Whatever happened to “Abide With Me, “His Eye is on the
Sparrow” and “Goodnight, Dear Lord.” I do agree that Eric Idle’s
“Always Look on the Bright Side” is the way to go. Warmly, Rod
CHRISTMAS CHEER
Holiday Cheers! I hope
this finds you safe, warm, and not fighting anymore around the house. I have been keeping
up with your site, and I'm convinced, you really don't have much time to do much of
anything else, do you?
The Christmas tree is bought, (not yet up) and my son arrives home from college tomorrow,
so the season around our house is beginning. Of course, like you, I'll be working through
the holidays. Golf pro just doesn't have normal holidays. He's always working when
everyone else is off. I love it when someone comes into the pro shop and tells me it's
great being off, isn't it!??!
Hey, here's an idea. Ditch California and all that wonderful sunshine and come to
Laurinburg. I'll teach you to play golf... or at least show you the beauty inside my
little piece of the world. I know you can't do such a thing. But consider it an open
invitation. No hassles. No one pressing you for time. You can borrow my little computer to
check in from time to time.
Seriously, I just want to wish you the best for the season... and all other seasons as
well. Take care , my friend... Mike Greenway
P.S. Do you like beach music? The Myrtle Beach kind; not that Cal. stuff. Let me know
where to "ups" some and I'll send it. It'll make your foot tap!
Dear Mike, Your invitation to ditch it all and come to Myrtle Beach is carefully being
considered. The temperature here at the house, however, has evened out considerably and it
finds the household very much more in the Christmas spirit than a week ago at this time.
Wreaths adorn the front gates and are in all the windows out front Poinsettia plants bloom
as the scent of cedar and pine and the sound of carols on various CD players fill the
house.
Bob Gentry’s dad was in town and Edward, Charlie and I took him to dinner Saturday
night. At midnight we all went down to see Bob and his group Moisture as they made their
debut at The Roxy on the sunset strip in Hollywood. They were terrific and the crowd was
on their feet for them.
In case you think this is the only item not to include a reference to “Seasons in the
Sun", Moisture closed the show with it and brought the house down. Bob even sang the
correct lyrics.
I should have taken up golf long ago. Most of my musician friends find it the best way in
the world to relax. As to Myrtle Beach music, I’d love to hear it. My address is Box
G, Beverly Hills, CA. 90213
Happy Holidays to you Mike and to your family from me and mine. Affectionately, Rod
I hope all of you are enjoying the sights, sounds and kindness of the season and that
tonight, as always, you’ll sleep warm.
- RM 12/20/99 Previously unpublished |
