When someone describes themselves as a self professed 'English major nerd with a penchant for sci-fi TV shows' I'm already willing them to win and definitely have a foot in their camp. And in the case of Elle Cordova (aka Reina del Cid) I'm also, ever so slightly, in love. In love with her, her music, her guitar playing and her musical partner Toni Lindgren. Here they both are playing an intimate little set on Caffe Lena TV. (See how they overcome the 'false start': this is precisely why I find them so endearing.)
Runner in the Sun (2023)
Every Sunday morning under the moniker "Elle & Toni" on their YouTube channel they drink coffee (Coffee Cheers!) and play a new song (originals and covers). It's a great format. I've gone with three essential covers. The first is a classic Chuck Berry tune:
C'est la Vie (You Never Can Tell)
Next up I've gone for their version of a song that dominated the charts in 1971/2 and went gold in America for Melanie with sales in excess of 1M. Blimey!
Brand New Key
And finally, here is probably one of the sweetest, heart tugging versions of a Simon & Garfunkel song I think I've ever heard. Don't worry about the chit-chat at the beginning and the plug for Kyser capos, they soon get stuck in to the song...
The Sound of Silence
Very nice.
ReplyDeleteSuccinctly put, Rol.
DeleteThis explains the endless 'JM❤️EC' graffiti I see everywhere I go. There was me thinking it was the Nobel Prize winning author JM Coetzee expressing his enthusiasm for the guitar stylings or Eric Clapton
ReplyDeleteI fear it may be unrequited. I don't think she even knows I exist:(
DeleteYep, that's good alright, and so are they. Only slight fly in the ointment is hearing a cover, any cover, of Brand New Key, because it calls to mind The Wurzels' cover, which will now be stuck in my head for the rest of the day...
ReplyDeleteYou know how to burst someone's bubble don't you, Martin?!
DeleteAs soon as I realised you'd dropped the 'W-Bomb' I very nearly deleted your comment.
Note to anyone else thinking of repeating Martin's ill advised comment - you may find yourself barred from all future BlogCons. I will also blow my nose in your general direction. You have been warned.
Never heard of them until today, but they're quite wonderful. The Sound of Silence is absolutely gorgeous and Brand New Key is now a beautiful tribute given Melanie's sad passing.
ReplyDeleteCouldn't have put It better myself, TS.
DeleteFirst found Elle on TikTok. I too feel I have a case of unrequited love. Then found her songs with Toni. Then the YouTube, then the Reina el Cid music. I have definitely become a fan, envious of her talent, her wit, intelligence, and musical prowess.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Charlie. I'm guessing you quite like her too!
Delete