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OPEN THREAD: Sixto Rodriguez

Wed, 05/22/2013 - 17:59 — james

When I was young, Rodriguez was big in Australia. I remember him being compelling to listen to. Then he just disappeared. I heard he'd walked away from the music industry but didn't realise it wasn't exactly voluntary. I had no idea that he was completely unknown in his home country, the US.

He was also big in South Africa. "Huge" would be a better word for it. His influence through his music is credited in having played a part in the downfall of the apartheid regime there.

He, at the same time had no idea of his fame elsewhere and gave up performing thinking he must have no talent and all because the record company did not promote his music and did not pay him his royalties for the sales that came internationally through the sheer quality of his music.

But at long last, at 70 years old, the truth is out and he is being recognised all over the world.

A Night In London ›
Wed, 05/22/2013 - 18:17 — james

Poppa don't allow new ideas round here

Perhaps some of the words of this song (and others) had some bearing on his music's suppression -

Fri, 05/24/2013 - 14:21 — McJ
McJ's picture

Great story, great music!

Great story, great music! Thanks James. smiling I am going to have to watch the documentary on this guy.

Fri, 05/24/2013 - 19:41 — james

Yes, it is

Yes, it is great music and I can thoroughly recommend the documentary (Searching For Sugar Man)

So here's a couple of more songs (I can't resist it!)

Sandrevan Lullaby

and one that is a cover but one that, for me, Rodriguez brings a certain poignancy to-

Enjoy and be inspired smiling

Fri, 05/24/2013 - 23:31 — McJ
McJ's picture

Another one :)

Another one. smiling

Rich Folks Hoax
The moon is hanging in the purple sky
The baby's sleeping while its mother sighs
Talking 'bout the rich folks
Rich folks have the same jokes
And they park in basic places.

The priest is preaching from a shallow grave
He counts his money, then he paints you saved
Talking to the young folks
Young folks share the same jokes
But they meet in older places.

So don't tell me about your success
Nor your recipes for my happiness
Smoke in bed
I never could digest
Those illusions you claim to have going.

The sun is shining, as it's always done
Coffin dust is the fate of everyone
Talking 'bout the rich folks
The poor create the rich hoax
And only late breast-fed fools believe it.

So don't tell me about your success
Nor your recipes for my happiness
Smoke in bed
I never could digest
Those illusions you claim to have going.

Fri, 05/24/2013 - 23:42 — McJ
McJ's picture

'Searching For Sugarman' Trailer

'Searching For Sugarman' Trailer

Sat, 05/25/2013 - 00:55 — McJ
McJ's picture

A politician speaking some truth about the banksters.

A politician speaking some truth about the banksters. smiling