Posted on 04/09/2020 4:20:06 PM PDT by lee martell
For some reason, I awoke with this song on my mind today. Before my eyes parted, I was listening to the piano introduction. "She's A Rainbow" was recorded in 1967 and released on the Rolling Stones album, "Satanic Majesties Request". It took me a while (years, in fact) to move past that name, one with 'Satanic' in the title. Eventually, I saw it as just a marketing ploy to grab attention from the Beatles' Sargeant Pepper Album. The Beatles album was filled with light ditties and toe-tappers. The Stones wanted to exhibit the other side of that coin. Friendly competition among professional musicians.
The song, "She Comes in colors/ she's a rainbow" is beautifully done, simply done. It's mostly refrain that is repeated throughout the piece connected by a few instrumental bridges. The 'verses' act as preludes to the refrain. Opposite of what usually happens in popular music.
The main pianist on this cut was the late Nicky Hopkins. Nicky performed for many top acts of the time, including The Stone, The Kinks, The Who and Jefferson Airplane. His work here is almost Mozart like in it's smooth, though intricate overall effects.
Brian Jones appears on the Mellotron. John Paul Jones provided the string arrangements. John Paul Jones later became part of Led Zepplin.
The song achieves an eveness, a timeless, trancelike density toward the middle. This is followed by deliberate efforts to lighten the mood, with notes being played out of time or off key towards the end. This is then followed by a chorus of altered voices singing "La-La-La" like little children.
The Stones used many different session pianists. Two others were Billy Preston, when a bluesy, or gospel sound was wanted. Another was Ian Stewart who was actually one of the co-founders of the group but pushed out by the manager. The manager didn't this Ian fit the image the rest of the group did. Ian provided several Boogie-Woogie sessions for the group as one of his specialties.
That song was by a one name singer called Melanie, and was written by Neil Young. I recall Brand New Key came out during the Jim Croce, Maria Muldaur, Cat Stevens era.
I don’t know whatever became of Melanie.
Neil continues to issue (unrequested) directives to the White House.
no link?? wtf! lol...
You’re Jonesing for a Trump rally. That’s one of the songs played every time.
True Confessions: I am one of the last 17 Neanderthals who does not really know how to link data to this site.
My main interest is writing or reading the posts of others vs linking, so I am not that worried about it, but ‘one of these days’ I will probably need to learn the pattern. (I suppose).
I’ll ask somebody under 40 for help. Lol!
BINGO!
Melenie, had a big hit in 70, with “Lay Down” it’s popular name.
I posted it about 3 weeks ago, look up keyword Melenie.
The only song I remember of Maria Muldart’s is “Midnight at the Oasis”-it was okay for a pop tune. And I’ve always thought Neil Young was a loon-probably did too many drugs in his wonderbread years...
Thx. It’s a great song.
But it hasn't been played since 9/13/2004
So I'm playing it now. Will be the fourth listen. According to iTunes.
"Brand New Key" was written by Melanie herself.
Shock!!...So I’ve been operating on wrong data all this time.
Some DJ on the radio said it was Neil Young’s work.
I guess I was wrong. Shiver-Me-Timbers!
One other song I’m kind of certain he DID write was “Gonna take a lotta love’ by Nicolette Larson. That came out around 1979.
I always liked that song.
Yep, Neil did write “Lotta Love.” Neil has written a huge amount of good stuff. It’s a shame he’s a world-class asshole, though.
I’ll put that on my “Things 2 Do (someday) List”.
Thx.
Oh thank you! I plan to play this before I start reading in bed.
But his music is swoon inducing. Some of the saddest songs ever. Reminds me of an old friend, bonfires, innocence.
No one with a functioning brain gives a rat’s rearend what David Bowie’s girlfriend thinks.
My favorite Stones album. I always figured they laid off heroin and were on acid instead when they made it.
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