ELUSIVE GODDESS- Mary Hopkin (Apple, 1971)
Mary Hopkin possesses one of the most achingly beautiful voices in creation. You wouldn’t be blamed, though, for only remembering her for the Paul McCartney produced debut single, “Those Were the Days” from 1968. That song was ubiquitous and sold a million and a half copies in the US alone. She and the cute Beatle followed it up with “Goodbye”, which also hit big. Then, this, her second album, produced by future husband Tony Visconti, was recorded. After, that… relative silence, until 18 years later with the release of 1989’s “Spirit”. She is quoted as saying that Earth Song Ocean Song was the album that she wanted to make, and so she refrained from scratching the Show Business itch, dedicating herself instead to raising her children. She made some appearances, and even starred in a BBC 1 TV series, but, mostly she took charge of her own choices, as opposed to being formed and manipulated by others.
This is indeed a definitive folk music showcase, lovingly produced by Visconti, with covers by Cat Stevens, Ralph McTell (Streets of London), and string arrangements by the majestic Richard Hewson (of Beatles’ and Nick Drake fame). It is an obscure gem by one of England’s finest folk muses.
Mary Hopkin was victimized by her massive early success. “Those were the Days” was an anomalous monster pop hit for the 18 year old, unrepeatable and out of sync with its own times. Mary’s hope of establishing a respected recording career after that was akin to Henry Winkler’s struggles to escape the popular effect of being The Fonz. He did it eventually, with Bill Hader’s BARRY, but it took over 40 years of trying.
Put the Welsh goddess Mary Hopkin on the roster of the greatest British female folk vocalists like Sandy Denny, Jacqui McShee, Shirley Collins, Anne Briggs, June Tabor, and Maddy Prior. Discover and enjoy.
Tracklist:
International
There's Got To Be More |
Silver Birch |
How Come The Sun |
Earth Song |
Martha |
Streets Of London |
The Wind |
Water, Paper & Clay |
Ocean Song
