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If he’s in some battle slain
Then I shall die when the moon doth wain
And if he’s drownded in the deep salt sea
I am true to his memory
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Odetta - Every Night
Odetta counted both Bob Dylan and Rosa Parks among her biggest fans, and she was a huge influence on the 60s folk music movement. She covered songs of many genres and origins with flair and authenticity. For instance, I never would have guessed that this one is a Paul McCartney original – she truly makes it her own. That high note on the chorus… just exquisite.
~ For Black History Month, I’ll be featuring Black music and Black musicians from all different genres, countries, and eras on my blog all month. Check out those tags if you want to diversify your music taste! ~
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Sometimes I’m in the mood, I wanna back up against the wall
Sometimes I’m in the mood, I’m gonna sleep in my pony’s stall
Sometimes I’m in the mood, I ain’t gonna do nothing at all
Then again, then again, then again, then again
Oh babe, I’m in the mood for you
Odetta
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Vote for the artist you think is the cuntiest of all (or of the two.)
Odetta (1930-2008) solo
Songs: “Take This Hammer,” “Rock Island Line”
Defeated Opponents: Mick Karn
Propaganda: “Her nickname is the ‘voice of the American civil Rights movement.’ I’m 99% certain that qualifies you to be a bad bitch.”
Nina Simone (1933-2003) solo
Songs: “Feeling Good,” “Mississippi Goddam”
Defeated Opponents: Sandy West
Propaganda: see visual
Visual Propaganda for Nina Simone:
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Vote for the artist you think is the cuntiest of all (or of the two.)
Mick Karn (1958-2011) Japan - bass
Songs: “Suburban Love,” “Automatic Gun”
Propaganda: “one of the greatest bassists in pop music history + one of the few to pull off the ‘no-eyebrow’ look. new romantic icon despite hating the label (and glam rock before that)”
Odetta (1930-2008) solo
Songs: “Take This Hammer,” “Rock Island Line”
Propaganda: “Her nickname is the 'voice of the American civil Rights movement.’ I’m 99% certain that qualifies you to be a bad bitch.”
Visual Propaganda for Mick Karn:
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There’s a battle raging somewhere
And its thunder shakes the ground
A terrible silence when it’s over
Only Death makes such a sound
And I see
Yes I see
On the last day of July
Yes I see
Oh I see
It’s the last day of July
Something’s moving in the shadows
What is this that’s drawing nigh?
It’s the Reaper moving silent
Could it be someone’s time to die?
But I see
Yes I see
On the last day of July
Yes I see
Oh I see
On the last day of July
Clouds are gathered, storm is coming
There’s a tempest drawing near
When the darkness has passed over
Then a new day will appear
Oh I see
Yes I see
On the last day of July
Yes I see
Yes I see
On the last day of July
There’s a battle raging somewhere
And its thunder shakes the ground
A terrible silence when it’s over
Only Death makes such a sound
And I see
Yes I see
On the last day of July
Yes I see
Oh I see
On the last day of July
It’s the last day of July
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Incense burning on Odetta’s guitar as she performs at the Mariposa Folk Festival in 1970. Photos by Doug Griffin.
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odetta performing “take this hammer, "the midnight special,” and “gallows pole” in 1963 (video is linked to start with the latter track)