Over the last couple of days I have had a steady stream of irate comments and e-mails from irate Elkie Brooks fans, incensed by some remarks I made in my previous post. A number of these comments pointed out that Elkie is a fine singer.
I agree. I never said she wasn't. What I said was that personally I thought her version of "Only Love Can Break Your Heart" wasn't very good. That's my opinion and it hasn't changed. This on the other hand - from her early days in Vinegar Joe with Robert Palmer - is very good indeed.
"Rock 'n Roll Gypsies" - Vinegar Joe
"Angel" - Vinger Joe
My favourite comment was from a gentleman called Franco, who raised the tone of the whole debate with these remarks: "I could say you look like an old onion with a beard. But I don't need to put anybody down to feel good".
"An old onion with a beard". Like Oliver Onions, perhaps?
"Same Situation" - Oliver Onions
And of course onion, like vinegar, is a popular crisp flavouring.
"Cheese And Onions" - The Rutles
I discovered Vinegar Joe in a cutout bin in the mid-seventies, long before Palmer hit big. Always considered the album one of my secret treasures. Glad to see someone else is a member of their fan club.
ReplyDeletePbilly
Elkie Brooks was Vinegar Joe. Palmer was in the background.Elkie has recorded some great stuff recently. Her version of "Dylan's "Groom still Waiting at the Altar" is superb. As is "Out of the Rain" by Tony Joe White.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip-off. I'll check those out.
ReplyDelete