"A Friend of Mine is Going Blind" album by John Dawson Read
(released in 1975, reviewed in 2007)
I have listened to many albums by many different musicians (including
all of Elton John's albums). The "Friend of Mine is Going Blind" album by
John Dawson Read is my TOP favorite album of all time! I am not
going to be able to give you a full reason why it is so good. You just
have to listen to it and enjoy it more than understand it. In a nutshell,
the music and lyrics are amazing. The album has truly taught me to be
more observant and more of a thinker.
This album would have easily
been rated a classic album of the 70's had the mainstream public
discovered it. I am thankful that I was able to discover it from an
"album cuts" radio station (WDVE Pittsburgh) in the 70's. That was the
ONLY place I heard JDR music on the radio. From there, I bought the
album (and the "Read On" album) from a mail-order company that listed
records (way before the Internet!). I will comment some on the songs.
1 A Friend of Mine is Going Blind
This teaches me to savor
and remember experiences in case they go away and how we can live
with our inadequacies by making the most of them (make lemon-aid
from lemons). It has some of the most intriguing guitar that I've ever
heard. I sometimes see the song as about JDR for he has gone blind in
the public's eyes (basically undiscovered). And, JDR sees, sings, and
plays guitar so much better than me! It makes me sing "won't you
sing Johnny Dawson Read"!
2 Tommy's Song (part 1) This song could
be about JDR too! This song reminds me that a theme for the album is to "observe &
feel" and throw "blindness & disguise" out of consciousness. Parts 1 and
2 of Tommy's Song are the beginning and ending threads holding the
album theme together.
3 Superficial Things I love the "Ba Da Da"
and trumpet in this song that has you humming along! This song
opened up my eyes that we are all wearing masks by habit, without
realizing it. This song wakes up our minds about that. Billy Joel tried to
reveal this message in his Stranger album. Tommy's Song (Part 2)
repeats the message of "superficial things": "I believe that I have seen a way through my
disguise". Ironically, versions of "Tommy's Song" are the
second and last songs on the album while versions of the
"Stranger" song are the second and last songs on Billy Joel's "Stranger"
album. However, JDR's album was released two years before the
"Stranger" Album.
4 Rain The instruments in this song add to the
drama and beauty of a rain event! Once again, JDR observes
something that many don't think much about. We're taught to run from rain
rather than enjoy its beauty. We can apply that to many things we run
from. But, this album teaches us to look past our habits.
5 Sallyally
Sunday There are so many interesting words here. The lyrics pick up
things we don't always notice or think about, like blue around boiled
eggs, sounds of seagulls, tupperware, and "our little street".
6 All the
Time in the World This reminds me that we can only observe if we
can slow down at times. I like the line that a "river runs a winding
course but never very fast". There is also a message that we need to
give troubles a little time to get through them.
7 My Time This conveniently continues from the
last song on time.
Everyone needs a time of rest and reflection after a busy day. I like
the lines of "it highlights the twilights of my life" and "let God and man
unwind".
8 Brief Relationship This song should be about
JDR for HE
"sang the sweetest songs I've never heard before"! The other lines
that highlight the song for me are "you got to me with every word you
said" and "I feel I am the wiser all the same".
9 Good Living This
song reminds me to keep positive thoughts and dreams. Good living is
attitude more than circumstances. It is summed up in the line of
"you're as rich as you feel". There are also nice messages about
valuing the people in your life and doing the best you can ("no-one
does better than that"). I've remembered these wonderful positive
thoughts throughout my life! This song can do wonders for people's
mental health including the line of "don't let your troubles get you
cause they'll get you if they can".
10 It' s Been a Long Long Day This
follows up to the My Time song for rest and reflection. We can
dream, think, and explore at times. It is NOT a waste of time. I
love the line of "getting high on what we find". The "too much on my
mind" line reminds me that it is sad that some people will allow for too
many projects. Less projects can actually mean more for your life. This
is not promoting laziness but just a happy medium.
11 An Hour's So
Long When You're Dying This is an interesting song about how an
hour of work is always longer than an hour of playing. With the right
thoughts, work can turn in to play. If you focus on the tough parts,
time goes slow (dying). When you think about the good parts (like
music), the time goes fast (flying). It seems that JDR learned about
this to enjoy performing in concert! I have flown in many dreams while
sleeping. I look forward to more flying!
12 Tommy's Song (part 2) This
song closes the album nicely with another Tommy's Song
bookend! It reminds us of the theme of the album to "observe & feel"
and throw "blindness & disguise" out of consciousness.
There is a little
"observation & disguise" in each song. In the "Friend of Mine" song, there
is observing nature before it is disguised with blindness. For the
"Superficial" song, there is the observation of what is real behind the
disguise of customs and habits. For the "Rain" song, there is the
observing of the "kiss" of amazing rain, hidden by the disguise of
running from it. For the "Sallyally" song, there is the observation of a
getaway and seeing even the smallest details by not letting them be
disguised by the bigger events. The "All The Time" song has observation
by allowing time for observation while the disguise is walking away
from time by thinking you don't have time for time! The "My Time" song
has the observation for the need for personal time to rest and reflect
which can be disguised by thinking that it is a waste of time. The "Brief
Relationship" song has the observation of others' talents which can be
disguised if we are focused on ourselves. The "Good Living" song has
the observation of positive attitude which can be disguised by dwelling
too much on the negative. The "Long Day" song has the observation of
discovery which can be disguised with too many other projects. "An
Hour's So Long" has the observation that time has different measures
which can be disguised in length by what rules our thoughts.
I'll pick
some favorites on the album although all the songs are good. My
favorite is "A Friend Of Mine Is Going Blind", a wonderful sing-along
song with amazing words. Next, I like "Superficial Things" for about the
same reason, a great sing-along song with words that really make you
think! "Good Living", "My Time", and "Rain" are the next favorites. They are
just wonderful songs and so is the whole album! Thanks for recording
it JDR! It is amazingly inspiring in melody and words. May many more
people discover the album!
"Read On" album by John Dawson Read
(released in 1976, reviewed in 2007)
The Read On album follows nicely in the footsteps of the "Friend of
Mine Is Going Blind" album! It continues with observations and
discovery that many of us are too busy to notice at times. Had the
public recognized JDR music in the 70's, I believe the "Read On" album
would be a highly rated album from that decade. I would truly be less
observant, and less of a thinker, if I hadn't heard this album.
I am
thankful that I was able to discover it from an "album cuts" radio
station (WDVE Pittsburgh) in the 70's. I will comment on the songs.
1
One Road for Angels This song reminds me that a rough road still
has the benefits of experience and learning. The unknown, like JDR,
can be talented but just unnoticed. There really is NOT an "easy way".
Anything worthwhile takes time.
2 If All Things Must Change I must
admit that when I first heard the line about "blood runs cold in your
veins", it was freaky. But I've gotten older and realize more that all
our blood will stop and get cold someday (how "grim"). But, I have
since asked Jesus to be my Savior and look forward to the next life
(when I'll actually be flying!). This is a beautiful song and I will
probably have it played at my funeral (as well as "Such is the
Mystery"). A great line in the song is "that some things never
change"! Love does not die!
3 Til Tomorrow The choir at the
beginning echoes a vast space to me (like outer space). I like the
message that we can enjoy the amazement of something without
worrying about how to explain it! That great message is also nicely
shown in the "Such is the Mystery" song later in the album. The words
that stand out to me are "oh, what a show, so why should we know"
and "it seems only right for dreams, maybe it's better that we do".
4
Me and You This is another thoughtful song that seems to say to
face the truth, be patient, and see love.
5 Old Cold Shoulder This is
a comical song! It shows the danger of alcohol but it could relate to
any struggles a relationship will have at times.
6 Take Him Down My
eyes were wide the first time I heard this song for it told me that John
CAN "sing us all a rock song"! You can dance easily to this song! There
are nice bits of piano, drums, and brass in this song. The song reminds
me of Hollywood theories that look for certain ages and appearance
while overlooking talent.
7 Some People are Crazy This has
contagious guitar at the
beginning which I usually whistle to, before realizing it. This song
seems to describe the differences of a persistent giver and selfish taker. But, they
are neither totally that way, and they aren't totally crazy either!
8 Such is the
Mystery I've heard a lot of songs and this is quite frankly the best
song I have EVER heard by any musician! Whenever I see a beautiful Summer day, this
song comes to mind. I quickly memorized the words in the 70's and
have sung the whole song many times whenever I've seen or thought
about beautiful days. Cliff Richard's cover version has a nice instrumental at
the end but the JDR version is best and classic! The message for me is
to be the best you can be, instead of looking for all the answers, and
let some answers eventually fly to you! There are all sorts of mysteries,
including the mystery of why more people didn't find out about JDR in
the 70's.
9 Days of Sweet Remembrance This is good timing to
follow a Summer song with an Autumn song. I first heard the "Read On"
album in the Autumn so it is easy to relate to this song as well as
"Autumn woods" in the "Thinking" song. It reminds me of how times
with people can change just like the seasons change. The wind chimes
remind me of the Autumn wind setting in and the emptiness of
Summer going away. I wonder if the girl in the "you really got to me
somehow" line is the same girl in the "Some People are Crazy" song.
10
Thinking That is very appropriate to have a song called "Thinking"
since JDR is a thinker who allows his listeners to think more about
thinking! There is more great music and words here! Thoughts can
take you places safely. Where would we be without thought and
creativity? I don't think I want to think about that! As was revealed in
the "Miracle on 34th Street" movie, thoughts can take you to a whole
new nation, called the "imagination"!
11 He Told Me This is an
interesting "Dear John" letter type of song. There have been other
songs with this theme like "Can't You See" and "Best We Leave It Over".
JDR is a good candidate for eloquently leaving bad news! In this song,
you almost wonder if the bearer of bad news might be trying to steal
the girl!
12 Days of Sweet Remembrance Reprise The
reprise is
appropriate here for as Summer ends, the album ends also. The last
thought on the album is that remembrance has only just begun. Who
would have known that the next recording would be a nearly 30 year
wait! There is something interesting at the end of this song when you
play the phonograph version of the album. The wind chimes continue
until the very end! There is about a half inch area just before the label.
It allows the needle to revolve around the record about a turn and a
half (enough for the phonograph to recognize it and return the needle
arm back to the beginning). The wind chimes continue to play in that
area! I didn't even know that was a recordable area! I don't know if
that area has been recorded on any other albums.
What an enjoyable
album! It has taught me to be more observant! Thank you for sharing
your music JDR! My favorite on the album, of course, is "Such is the
Mystery". Other favorites are "Thinking", "If All Things Must Change", "Til
Tomorrow" "Days of Sweet Remembrance", and "Take Him Down". It is too
bad that more people did not find this album.
As a "play on words" final statement, I am "thinking" that
"such is the mystery" for "he told me" that "some people are crazy".
They show the "old cold shoulder" to unknown music and "take him
down", "til tomorrow" when "things must change" where "me and you"
will find "one road for angels" where MANY will discover the album for
the first time so that we'll have NEW "days of sweet remembrance"!
"Now... Where were we?" album by John Dawson Read
(released in 2005, reviewed in 2006)
I have listened to the latest “Now… Where were we?” album and love it! It continues smoothly
from the two prior albums. Just like before, the words stand on their own. The music stands
on its own. Then with the words and music together, it is even greater! In fact, I know of
no other music, than JDR music, where the words speak so much to me. They capture ideas,
thoughts, and visions that I too busily miss or take for granted otherwise.
1 Days of Sweet Remembrance Reprise
It is appropriate
to start track 1 with the “Days” reprise from the last album, 29 years ago.
It has felt like a “Summer over” since the long
wait for a third album.
2 A Note from Inside
I love how the wind chimes continue from track 1 to track 2 with
the Winter wind! The “roll on the day” line strongly invites you to sing along!
3 Ship to Shore
Track 3 has
a very attractive guitar, sounds just a little like a Seals & Croft song, has a great
melody, and nice humming. The “shore” in the song reminds me of a dependable person waiting
out of sight.
4 The Sun's on Saucalito
Track 4 has a nice stereo affect with different guitar sounds in each speaker.
It reminds me of how much nature does inspire songs! This song sounds like something John
Denver might have written.
5 Sunday, My Child and Me
Continuing with nature in track 5, it feels like you’re in the
country, just listening in the open air. The "La La" echoes make for a nice exit at the end
of the song.
6 Green Glass Boat
It is great timing to follow with track 6 since it is another escape song.
I translate "Green/Glass/Boat" to "Nature/See/Float", which matches a thought in various
JDR songs.
7 Once Upon a Time
It is nice to hear some piano in track 7. It reminds me a little of an early Bee Gees song,
kind of like “In the Morning”. I am more thankful for my parents after hearing this song!
8 I am With You Mary
What a nice touch with the sax in track 8! This song seems like a nice tribute to strong
ladies! I married a farm lady who has since learned how to fence.
9 Really Some Party on Sunday
Track 9 reminds me of
almost an “Old Cold Shoulder 2”! It is a fun song that could be about different things but
mainly about over-doing something, that demands rest later.
10 Can't You See
I like the guitar on track 10
and it reminds me of guitar straight out of the “Read On” album. The words are probably the
gentlest and kindest “Dear John letter” I’ve ever heard!
11 This is My Life
It is so fitting to finish track
11 with JDR's son singing. I can hear traces of JDR’s voice in Chris’ voice and the guitar
sounds great. The torch has been passed nicely. To borrow words from the “Once Upon a Time”
song, JDR has “paved the way for those who live after him, thank God that someone cared”!
I like all the songs. It is tough to pick a favorite. If I have to pick, I’ll
pick “Ship to Shore” as my favorite, followed closely by “I am With You Mary”,
with a bullet, climbing fast! Like in the past albums, there are so many phrases in the
lyrics that jump out and touch you! Thanks go out to you, JDR, for sharing your music
before and now!
"Rough Cuts" album by John Dawson Read
(released in 2006, reviewed in 2006)
What a year that 2006 has been! After loving the
"A Friend of Mine is Going Blind" and "Read On" albums since the 70's,
I always hoped that more JDR music would surface. After an amazing
long wait, I've heard the new "Now... Where were we?" album in January
and the new "Rough Cuts" album in December of this year. Pinch me!
Is it real? Not only is it real but it is real good! I would have settled for
decent new music but this continues with the great words, guitar, and
music like before!
The "Rough Cuts" album does not have a lot of
instruments but it doesn't need all that extra. True music stands up on
bare parts. It allows the words and guitar to stand out more so that it
is not masked as much. It reminds me of when Elton John performs
solo concerts with just his piano. Less is more!
The guitar is very good
in "Rough Cuts". Some of the music sounds like it has nice pieces of
banjo in it, though that just may be the way the guitar is played. I'll
comment some on each song:
1 Hey Baby Don't You Cry
This has beautiful guitar and sounds like it could be one of Bob
Dylan's best songs. But it was written by JDR! It gives a message that
security and money should not be a priority ahead of reality.
2 Just the Way I Am
Continuing with the subject of reality, this song has a
message of taking the good with the bad and that you can't always make
major changes in adults. Now I know that the words from the JDR web
site come from this song! The words are "Got my guitar out, singing
my heart out".
3 Girl in a Million
This is a beautiful love song.
Nothing spells love more than forgiving and believing in someone. The
girl in this song truly loves her man. The words remind me of the
words in the "She Believes in Me" song performed by Kenny Rogers.
4 Suzanne
It is nice to hear piano, for a change, in a JDR song.
Suzanne should stay after hearing this song.
5 Best We Leave It Over
If Suzanne leaves, this could be the song she could sing. This is
another good "Dear John" letter by JDR following from the footsteps from his
"Can't You See" song on the previous album.
6 When I'm With You
This song has very thoughtful and insightful lyrics. Parts of the music sound
like the music in the "Days of Sweet Remembrance" song. The song
seems to boil down to you're at your best peace when with the ones
you love.
7 Take Him Down
It is great to hear a different version
of this song! It almost sounds like it could be the first time it is played before it is
put on an album. It also has some extra lyrics not on the "Read On"
album. It is: "slow down, turn around, start it all again, take a quick
tip, let me tell you like a friend, that if you stop this messin', you'll get
a better job at the bank". It reminds us that to be a musician, besides
talent, you need to have bravery (which some may call craziness).
8 As Far as the Horizon
This is another great song about nature and
love. I like the line of "where the water meets the sky".
9 James (The Confession)
A lot of thought is put in this song. It gives me a
message that society will tend to glorify the redeemed villain and
forget about the victim, and the victim's friends. The guitar plays
perfectly as a horrific reminder for villains to think twice on who they
harm and how much damage it makes. It also reminds villains that
victims can see through their mask.
10 Moneymaker
This song
reminds me of people that we've all seen that watch their money more
than they watch people. The line that sums it up in the song is "too
much money and too few friends".
11 Downstairs (The Wedding)
These are classic words about what many people have gone through
but you don't see it talked about, until this song! This is the anxious
moments of the "drama before the drama" of walking down the wedding
aisle. It draws the sharp line between childhood and adulthood. I like
the line of "you're beautiful in every way".
12 Someday
This
song switches to the walls of a home with a pondering of what the
future holds for the home and for whom.
13 Come the Snow
The snow in our lives is going to come but we don't have to think about it
all the time. This song is structured a little like "Such is the Mystery"
and I like how certain notes are held in the song.
14 Green Glass Boat
This is a fine alternate version of this song that is also on the
previous album. This song could mean almost anything
about escapism and discovery. As I listened to this version of the
song, it reminded me of how long JDR music has escaped us and how
new JDR music has been discovered recently. It's like it was on a long
trip at sea in a bottle!
15 Take Him Away from Me
This song
sounds a little like another Dylan song. It gives me a message of an
out of sight and out of mind topic.
16 Thin Lizzy
This is a nice
blues and "blue grass" track! It gives the message that gambling needs
a limit. This is a live track from an RTE TV show called "Me and My
Music". Hopefully, that television show will become available someday
so that we can all see a video of JDR singing!
It is nice to see some
up-tempo songs like tracks 1, 7, 15, and 16. Although I'm partial to
the ballads, the up-tempo songs have been good too. It reminds me of
a basketball coach that sees a player gun a 3 pointer. The coach says
"no, no, ... yes" when the ball goes through the hoop. I found myself
thinking that when hearing the up-tempo songs, "no, no, ... yes",
sounds good!
I'll attempt to pick some favorites on the album.
Favorites can change. When I look at my review from last January on
the "Now ... Where were we?" album, my favorites were "Ship to Shore"
and "I am With You Mary". Though those are fine songs, my favorites
are now "The Sun's on Saucalito" and "Green Glass Boat". With that
said, my favorite on the "Rough Cuts" album is "Green
Glass Boat". Next I like "Girl in a Million". Third favorite is a tie among
tracks 1, 2, 6, 8, and 13. Thank you JDR for your music! It is
very enjoyable music even though many still don't know about it. Also,
thank you for sharing the NEW music! It was too good to not let go of!
It makes me, and others, so glad that we're still around to hear it and
pass it on to future generations.
"One Life" album by John Dawson Read
(released in December 2011, reviewed in December 2011)
The “One Life” album continues the fine tradition of John Dawson
Read music with thoughtful words, interesting guitar sequences, and
nice melodies. The theme of the album speaks to me about
appreciating what you see, dwelling on being yourself more than
impressing, and looking towards the future with a positive attitude.
John describes the theme, in the CD jacket, about “optimism, faith,
and appreciation of the everyday”.
1 A Book and a Beer
The beginning chords sound a little like Jim Croce’s “Time In A Bottle” song. It has a nice
message that mellowing and slowing down with age is OK, and it is fine to look back too.
There is nothing like looking at scenery of the past (his stream and fields) to remember the
past and think about the future. I like the line of “time out to take it all in”. It reminds
us that the past is for getting “comfortable in your skin” and then the “good bit begins”
for the future! So, it is not over, just different.
2 A Fine Line
The beginning chords remind me a little of the “Sun’s On Saucalito” song. More than ever,
we live a fast pace with a fine line where we can choose going forward with “Heaven on the
right” (glass is half full). The “alone on the phone” also seems to speak to missed
opportunities about people meeting, or anything new. It can be a fine line between definite
or almost.
3 After All This Time
Like the “Fine Line” song, this song also seems to talk about missed opportunities. Like the
“One Life” song, it reminds us that life is not always fair. There are some people that we
never get over or stop thinking about. The words of this song remind me of Barbara
Mandrell’s “Years” song. I like the line of “life will not paper over cracks”. I found myself
unconsciously whistling during the catchy instrumental at the end of the song. You can feel
the emotion of the song in John’s voice, especially on the line of “life can be hard”.
4 My Heart Belongs to You
It is fortunate that “something” was tugging at John’s shirt sleeve since this is a
wonderful love song! It is so often true that men, for whatever reason, delay telling their
feelings and don’t tell them often enough.
5 Cold Comfort
Paranoia, depression, and disaster can happen though we can hang on and wait for better
things. There is a “cold comfort” (faith) knowing things can get better and the pain will
subside. I like the description of a sunset where you can “paint a hundred pictures as the
sun descends”. There is a nice beat with this song where I found myself drumming to it.
6 One Life
From the very first listen, this song just reaches out and grabs me! There is so much
emotion, beautiful words, and wonderful melody, all brilliantly crafted with John and
Guy’s hands. I love humming to the instrumental parts. We live one life on earth and life
is not always fair. Though you hold on to what you’re given, count your blessings (double
points for loved ones), and do your best with faith (last line of “you did it right”). I
like the line of “it’s not the winning, it’s how you play”. I especially like the line of
“giving without thinking” which is basically unconditional love, which allows God to save
us, just for the asking. I can see John thinking about his children while writing this
song. I can see our Heavenly father telling us similar words to this song. As the song
says, “some lives are just amazing”. Some songs are just amazing, like this song!
7 Seven Silver Buttons
There is a bonding in groups and a special bonding when the group is working with
important information or life threatening conditions. It helps to have symbols (silver
buttons) to honor the others that moved on.
8 So Much More
The beginning chords sound a little like the “Best We Leave It Over” song. Grandma Moses
needed to hear this song in case she thought she was too old to start painting. We all
need to avoid the “too old” label. It is not over, there is always “so much more”, and
“don’t let go”. The youth wants to be heard but later it is about quietly doing right and
appreciating more, where being recognized is not the main issue. It’s about being true to
yourself and others. This could be a good song to help people avoid suicide.
9 England
The music of this song reminds me a little of the "Moneymaker" song. Anyone’s homeland can
have problems. You can leave but the homeland is still sweet when you visit it again, in
person or in memory. England is also special because the popular language of English comes
from there.
10 Footprints in the Snow
We can dream of new and unique adventures. The grass can seem greener there though honesty
is a key. The words here remind me of the Prodigal Son story in history.
11 Look For Me
A person’s spirit never leaves you so you’re really never alone. This song is helpful to
those living long distances apart and for missing those who have gone to the next life.
This song has a nice melody and instrumental interludes. I like the analogies of where
the spirit will be like “the song inside you”, “the wave dancing on the sea”, and “wind
waving from the tree”.
12 A Second Time
It sounds like interesting dueling guitars in this song. The line of “never burn your
fingers if you never light a fire” reminds me that we need to get back on the horse at
times, at least in our minds. You just have to take chances at times. The line of “I’m on
a wheel and I go where it goes” reminds me of listening to the inner voice.
13 Four in the Morning
This song reminds me a little of the “As Far As The Horizon” song. Anything unfamiliar can
feel like 4:00 in the morning, cold, dark, still, feeling like forever until daylight. It
does not feel real with a long wait for reality. Cyberspace is not quite real. Home is
warm and real!
My favorite song on the album is the title song of “One Life”. What a special song!
Honorable Mention songs to me are “My Heart Belongs To You”, “Look For Me”, “After All
This Time”, and “England”. All the songs are enjoyable! Thanks go out to John for creating
the songs!