We continue our look back at the music of 50 years ago…..
It didn’t really break any new ground but in 1972, the 8th original LP from Gordon Lightfoot, “Don Quixote”, really didn’t have to.
Lightfoot was in strong voice and the songs were right in his wheelhouse. Songs about the pleasures of his Canadian homeland “Christian Island”, “Brave Mountaineers”, and, of course “Alberta Bound” (which Lightfoot sang during the Opening Ceremonies of the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary).
He deals with whales ( which was a popular subject at the time) in “Ode To Big Blue”. And he deals with the struggles of the traveling musician. He even gets a bit political (something he didnt do often with an anti-war song called “The Patriots Dream”
He also writes some of his classic love songs. “Looking At The Rain”, “Ordinary Man” and, especially “Beautiful” stand out.
But it’s the title track that really strikes home for me. “Don Quixote” uses Cervantes famous character as the means to address issues of the day. The lyrical wordplay is fantastic, as are the hopes and dreams expressed. Just as solid as any singer-songwriter song of the era.
Plus the playing on this record is tasty as well. His usual band of Red Shea, Terry Clements & Rick Haynes are here. Augmented by Ry Cooder’s mandolin and string arrangements from Bob Thompson and Nick De Caro.
It only made it to #42 on the Billboard charts but continued his ascent which would lead to many hit records in the next few years.
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