1970 (3/5)

Only three songs in to my mini series and already I'm floundering with the concept of themed blogs; I've said before that lists, running themes etc. are an anathema to me. And do you wanna know why? I'll tell you why: the third song from 1970 that I've been singing like a madmancap isn't even from 1970. Yikes!

All this time I thought I was singing a Syd Barrett song from his 'A Madcap Laughs' album; turns out I was actually singing an Andy Ellison pastiche recorded some 35 years later. There never were such times.

So, to demonstrate what a chump I've been, here are the (offending) tunes in all their glory:

Exhibit A

Andy Ellison - Heather Lane (2005)

Exhibit B

Syd Barrett - Octopus (1970)

With your long blonde hair and your eyes of blue

It's always the way: I'm looking for a photograph of me wearing a particular shirt I once owned (long story) and I end up with (as it turns out) a much better photo of the Number One Son rehearsing with his band, Trippin' Over Wah. The image (above) captures him perfectly. It was taken in 2005. In 2005 James was famous. Seriously.

* Phill Jupitus played their single on  6 Music.

* Did I mention that Phill did his whole breakfast show from our house in July of that year?

* James was a Rock Star in Japan. His tee shirt said so.

* Trippin' over Wah were regulars at Nottingham's Boat Club - that reminds me, James once helped me do some research on one of the UK's most illustrious music venues for a future blog post I really must get round to writing.

* Another guitar hero, Gerry Laffy, painted James' picture that year (left).

* The police were regularly called out to their gigs.

* He was fighting off the babes with a shitty stick.

* Their debut, single, Tokyo Joe, still sells for silly money on eBay.

* I was their manager. Ably assisted by Ross Kenney (RIP).