Shadow of My Mind (Peter Frampton) - 3:52 rating: ***** stars
A couple of years back a friend convinced me to go see Peter Frampton at a small, local club (The Birchmere). I hadn't seen Frampton since I was a junior in high school (yes, I saw the "Frampton Comes Alive" tour). I hadn't bought a Frampton album, or listened to a Frampton song in decades. And in spite of my initial reluctance, it turned into one of the best shows I've seen in years.
Like all of us Frampton had aged (the golden locks were hone), but he'd done so with grace and a pleasing sense of humor. He talked to the audience and played a mix of the hits and newer material and it was just a fun evening. I was so pleased that on the way out I bought a copy of what was then his new album "Hummingbird In a Box: Songs for a Ballet". And that album sat on my shelves for five years. And out of the blue I heard this song and it the lyrics seemingly describing middle aged contentment just struck a chord with me (I celebrated another birthday on April 22nd). Add to that, one of his prettiest melodies and some dazzling slide work ... what's not too like?
Here's the YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty779xP5Wxk
I'm the The Man Who Murdered Love - 3:49 rating: ***** stars
I'll readily admit to having totally overlooked XTC's 2000 "Wasp Star: Apple Venus Volume II" collection when it came out. And I probably would never have discovered it had it not been for an XTC cover band I saw at a local venue. The group played all of the XTC hits and near misses and out of the blue played this amazing slice of blue-eyed soul. A month later I still can't get it out of my head. Never would have thought that Andy Partridge and company could sound so soulful.
Here's the YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CSc4SAFWD4
