Brian Eno has a reputation for being a very clever man who thinks far more about his music than most of his peers do. He could almost be regarded more as a musical scientist than a typical musician or – God forbid – Rock Star. And with all these preconceptions comes the suspicion that everything he does musically must be pre-planned and thought-out in immaculate detail before he ever picks up an instrument or touches a dial on the mixing desk.

In fact, in many ways, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Yes, he deserves the ‘egg-head’ moniker he’s sometimes given because he does intellectualise and pontificate about his music (and other people’s) more than most musicians or producers will ever do in one lifetime. But the result of all this intellectulising is, paradoxically, not some kind of pre-planned blueprint, detailing exactly how his music should take shape or should sound. Instead, if he plans anything, it’s how to allow randomness into, and to, shape, his music.

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I’m going to argue that the two minutes and thirty six seconds that is ‘Linden Arden Stole The Highlights’ is the absolute climax of Van Morrison’s recorded output.

Van had been a recording artist for ten years or so by the time ‘Linden’ appeared. In the Them and then as a solo artist he had released songs in a wide variety of styles. But the common link running through everything was a very rare intensity of emotion and expression.

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The saddest, loneliest but most beautiful piece of music Neil Young has ever produced. And that is saying something. The song I always return to when I’m sad but, critically, can see beyond to a better time.

Sad as in lonely, being apart, missing, apart from the one you love. But beautiful also because you can’t stay sad for too long on a beach near the ocean even if you are alone. It’s too inspiring, too beautiful a place and just as the tide always turns so he will eventually see a future and be together again.

Set anywhere else this is utter despair. Set on a beach it is life-affirming. 

Released 1974.

Available on the CD ‘On The Beach: Amazon

Yes, it is a real song. By one Ivor Cutler. Scots poet, singer, musician , author and generally wonderful human being. This I believe is his masterpiece. A piece of poetry set to wonderful music that has always made me smile and cry at the same time. Smile because of the surreal imagery he magics out of thin air (as he always does). Sad because in no more than a few words he makes me feel the pain of outliving someone you truly love and have lived life with.

Released 1974.

Available on the CD ‘Dandruff’: Amazon