"Strange Weather"

Marianne Faithfull:  "Strange Weather"

Secondhand Vinyl Album

Purchased at the Fargo Record Fair

Original Release Date:  1987  

My Rating:  5 Stars

Side One

Stranger Intro

Boulevard Of Broken Dreams

I Ain't Goin' Down To The Well No More

Yesterdays

Sign Of Judgement

Strange Weather

Side Two

Love Life And Money

I'll Keep It With Mine

Hello Stranger

Penthouse Serenade

As Tears Go By

A Stranger On Earth

   I'm happy to report that, for the most part, I'm able to shop for vinyl among others without fighting. Please note that I wrote, "for the most part."  Unfortunately, sometimes wishlists overlap.  It's these occasions that can get a little competitive...a titch intense...okay, freak'n cut-throat. However, what can one expect when dealing with hard to find, often out of print albums?  Sometimes a collector just has to get aggressive.

   Thankfully, I didn't have to resort to violence when finding Marianne Faithfull's, "Strange Weather," at the Fargo Record Fair.  At the time my father was distracted by his own quest for treasures.  Actually I just yelled, "SQUIRREL!" and pointed in another direction before hastily paying for this album and stashing it in my tote bag.  Like I said folks, vinyl shopping can get rough. I wasn't about to give this selection to my equally interested father.  

   While I do feel slightly guilty for hoarding a prize both of us would certainly covet, I have to state, "I'M SO HAPPY I DID!"  "Strange Weather," is an album featuring Marianne Faithfull's unique, and often haunting, interpretation of a selection of songs whose origins range from the 1930's to the 1980's.  The most notable pieces on this album include a stark a cappella version of Leadbelly's, "I Ain't Goin' Down To The Well No More," the serene bohemian feel of Bob Dylan's, "I'll Keep It With Mine," and the ballroom swank of, "Penthouse Serenade."  Mostly this blogger was amazed at how cohesive an album Faithfull was able to accomplish, despite the wide range of material she covered.   Of course, having the the help of one of my favorite guitarists, Bill Frisell, along the way sure didn't hurt.  

   Yep, it's albums of this quality that don't make me feel so bad about not sharing with dad.  Besides, he owes me for all of those Donovan records he stole from me.

-r.