Bob Leslie
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Her Father Called Me Frankenstein Her Father Called Me Frankenstein
This is all true except he called me Lurch (anyone who can make a song with the word "Lurch" in it is welcome to try"!)
Hard Upon The Road Hard Upon The Road
My first pro travelling band incessantly toured the Scottish Highlands in a beat-up Ford Transit. At nights we'd camp out - half of us in the van, the others in a tent. It was hard upon the back never mind the road!
Just Like The Lone Ranger Just Like The Lone Ranger
I got a Lone Ranger suit for Christmas when I was 5. I pointed the gun at the kid with the Zorro suit and he hit me with his sword. Despite that, I still like the L.R.
You Make Me Nervous You Make Me Nervous
Musically and lyrically a homage to early rock'n'roll - mainly influenced by Bo Diddley, Big Bopper, Jerry Lee Lewis, and a bit of Sam Cooke. I play everything except drum machine.
The Star Harmonica Band (Jimmy Fletcher) The Star Harmonica Band (Jimmy Fletcher)
During the Depression in Glasgow, Jimmy organised unemployed young men into harmonica bands. They would busk around seaside resorts and collect enough to get by. Some made it into the theatres. Jimmy was the funniest man I ever met.
Take Another Chance On Love Take Another Chance On Love
Just another silly love song (hmmmm, heard that before somewhere . . .)
Just Another Stormy Monday Just Another Stormy Monday
A power ballad inspired by T-Bone Walker, T.S. Eliot, and a host of character-building experiences beginning with T (terrible, tortuous, tragic,tension-inducing - you get the idea)!
Pockets In My Shroud Pockets In My Shroud
This was inspired by the rising tide of lunatics, of all persuasions, who think the world's problems can be solved by war. It also owes a tip of the hat to my fellow Scot, Robert Service, and Country Joe McDonald.
Turn Your Back On Me, Baby Turn Your Back On Me, Baby
A true story - a lady whom I considered a good friend saw the relationship differently and things just went bad. I just heard she's getting married, so something worked out for her at least!
I Will Be There I Will Be There
This is for my two little girls. I was aiming at a country rock/Byrds type sound with strong upfront harmonies but everyone I've played this to says "David Bowie". I can't hear it myself.
Pines And Rain Pines And Rain
With an eye to chasing a publishing deal, I sat down to write a mainstream country narrative. I guess I don't have a mainstream bone in my body 'cause it turned out like this!
Blue's Not The Word Blue's Not The Word
I dug into memories of break-ups for this one. A heart-rending tale of woe . . .
Hello, Central Hello, Central
My old flame . . . My first serious girlfriend treated me far better than I deserved. I've often thought about trying to find her and tell her so . . .
Brand New Day Brand New Day
I saw an ad saying "What does freedom mean to you?" and the first line - "Freedom's when the bank blows up" popped into my head - I had just received one of their interesting letters! The rest of the song was just hard work and enterprise.
Only Standing Room Tonight To Hear Joe Durkin Only Standing Room Tonight To Hear Joe Durkin
This is in remembrance of a friend and brilliant musician who died recently.
Bitter Relics Bitter Relics
My first and (in retrospect) faintly ridiculous marriage to a French lady not noticeably convinced by vows of fidelity. Broke my heart she did . . . Yee Haw! ('Twas a long time ago and besides the wench paid for the divorce!).
The Edge Of Tomorrow The Edge Of Tomorrow
This is about all those still-unfulfilled 60's dreams- yes, I was a believer! I've tried to use some of the contrapuntal tension that Gillian Welch and David Rawlings are so good at. I play and sing everything.
Pellet With The Poison Pellet With The Poison
Another rock'n'rollish song with (hopefully) some narrative interest! The imagery was inspired by the great Danny Kaye film "The Court Jester". There's nothing like a "vessel with a pestle"!
To See You So Blue To See You So Blue
A song about a lost love who keeps screwing up her life after screwing up mine. My first "heavy" production! I play and sing everything except the drum machine and pattern bass.
