Boards
Roy Orbison
is there a more unassuming genius? i'm so moved listening to Black and White Night and watching some of the videos from it. the stories behind it and how humbled and appreciative he was that many artists came and performed with him is unbelievable, a true gentleman. Billy Idol, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits, k.d. lang, Elvis Costello, Kris Kristofferson - all playing with him, as well as Elvis' old band.
there's something about his songs that capture the terror of being in love which is both triumphant and vulnerable. there seems something very taboo about what he's singing about even though it's just doomed relationships - as if you shouldn't admit to feeling like this, it's in his voice. 'running scared' might just be the greatest two and half minutes in popular music - the look on springsteen's face at the end of it sums it up really.
some choice moments:
In Dreams: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4CQy33GDJ8&feature=related
Running Scared: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6MH05zjb24
Oh, Pretty Woman: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uw0fngpM2GY
It's Over: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHxgWvZV0Uc