This has been an exciting week in my musical journey. The week started with a sentimental favourite of mine: “Famous Blue Raincoat” by Jennifer Warnes. I am a moderate Leonard Cohen fan; I listen to him occasionally. Jennifer Warnes toured with Cohen and appeared on his albums as a backup singer. In 1986, between Cohen’s tours and albums, she recorded her own album, Famous Blue Raincoat.

The record spans much of Cohen’s career, from his 1969 album Songs from a Room to his 1984 album Various Positions (on which Warnes sang), and even two songs (“First We Take Manhattan” and “Ain’t No Cure for Love”) from Cohen’s then-unreleased album I’m Your Man.

Famous Blue Raincoat got me hooked the first time I heard it, and 40 years later, I am still fixated on this record. It is not just a collection of Best of songs. It is Jennifer singing her heart out to a man who tutored her and encouraged her to record his songs. I am glad he did, because this album is an amazing interpretation of a selection of Leonard Cohen’s songs. I think this would qualify as a desert island recording, magic, pure magic.

Doc Watson was another record that I thoroughly enjoy listening to. Doc’s guitar picking is second to none, his choice of songs on his self-titled album is excellent, and he is a darn good singer as well. He is a master at reinterpreting the music of others, giving them a shot of Doc Watson that sets his songs apart.

I enjoy Jim Weatherly’s music for a couple of reasons. First is his ability to write darn good songs. I could type out a list as long as this page, showing people who have recorded his songs. It is an “A” list that includes “Midnight Train to Georgia”, recorded by Gladys Knight & the Pips. He could probably have lived comfortably just off the royalties of that one song. The third reason is his name, Weatherly. I have been trying to connect him to my family tree with little success.

Last but not least or mostest are The Who.

A Quick One/Sell Out

Who’s Next

Meaty Beaty Big And Bouncy

The Who By Numbers

Who Are You

Face Dances

Live at Leeds

I have been listening to The Who since 1975, which is when I bought the album A Quick One/Sell Out. They are still a good listen. I don’t have a favourite so the compilation Meaty, Beaty,Big and Bouncy along with Live At Leeds hit a lot of good song.

A couple of other albums that I listened to this week are:

Warpaint, ST

Waterboys, A Pagan Place

Weather Report, ST

Wet Willie, Drippin’ Wet

Wheatland County Rhythm & Bluegrass