Oct 21, 2009

The one(s) nobody sings

Congrats to our friend Kevin who runs the inspirational London Nobody Sings blog. He has a great story over at Zani regarding the hows, whys, and wheretofores, of TLNS story.

"Having quickly collated a long list of London songs, it became apparent there were no conclusions to be drawn about a specific London voice or sound, except that its musical map and make-up is as wonderfully mixed-up and messed-up as the city itself. That’s actually got to be a good thing. You name it, and it’s represented in a London song. Every emotion and pretty much every location have been sung about. Either by a born and bred Londoner or an adopted son or daughter.

Certain things did emerge as the project developed. Certain sorts of music proved to be rich sources of London songs, for example. The music hall tradition, about which the great Colin MacInnes wrote so vividly in his Sweet Saturday Night, is a real treasure trove of London songs, with some wonderfully witty words. From Albert Chevalier’s Knocked ‘Em In The Old Kent Road to Gus Elen’s Postman’s Holiday to George Formby Snr’s Looking For Mugs In The Strand. And there are plenty more where they came from."
Continues here.

While you're at it, don't forget to visit the New York Nobody Sings.

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