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Sunday 4 November 2018

Single Song Sunday

It has been a while since we've done one of these, but Single Song Sunday is back. This time out we are featuring Donovan's hippy standard, "Hurdy Gurdy Man".

We start with the original release from 1978,and then the rest proceed in chronological order. First comes Argentina's answer to Sonny & Cher who rushed their version out the same year, then Eric Mercury (no relation) injects a bit of soul into proceedings with this take from his 1969 album "Electric Black Man".

Next comes what is possibly my favourite version, by Steve Hillage from 1976 - heavy but still hippy, and check out the live version in the clip which goes full freak out. And we finish things off with a cover that rocketed to number 98 in the UK charts in 1990.

There are plenty of other versions out there but frankly they are all crap. And despite extensive searching I have been unable to find a Mandatory Reggae Version. Apologies.

"Hurdy Gurdy Man" - Donovan

"El Hombre Del Organito" - Barbara y Dick

"Hurdy Gurdy Man" - Eric Mercury

"Hurdy Gurdy Man" - Steve Hillage

"Hurdy Gurdy Man" - Butthole Surfers

8 comments:

  1. Not often you see Steve Hillage round these parts!

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    Replies
    1. ...some might say that's still too often.........

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    2. Any more of that, young man, and you'll get a whole week's worth

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  2. There's a version of this by Brix E Smith & Nigel Kennedy.

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  3. Replies
    1. I found references to that version but couldn't find a copy. If you have one, it would be great to hear it

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    2. Not sure where I got it but the album Not So Old Fashioned is here... http://schnickschnackmixmax.blogspot.com/2012/05/eartha-kitt-not-so-old-fashioned.html

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