We here at Power Pop wish a very happy birthday to John Murphy of Shoes.
In the last year and a half, I have logged probably a couple hundred hours talking with John, who is a charming guy: funny and warm, generous with his time (though admittedly a little meandering in his conversation), and has a memory so detailed that his nickname has become "Johnny Gingko." I can't tell you the number of times he's filled in a missing plot point or mentioned in passing something which opened up a whole new episode (which is why I have to declare this thing done: it will never really be finished).
In any case, today is his natal day, and we wish him a good one.
You should plug his solo album, Cantilever (2007). The songs "I'm a Tool for You" and "Never Let You Go" are just a couple of the keepers on that fine CD. It's like hearing the Shoes playing in a much larger room.
ReplyDeleteAh -- Cruel Shoes.
ReplyDeleteA sneaky Steve Martin reference.
:-)
Faze,
ReplyDeleteThat's actually Jeff's solo record, but you're right: it's terrific.
Dang, I love these guys even still. I have a letter from Jeff in my copy of "Shoes Best" and have bought the CD's as the years have past.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Mr. Murphy! (And whoever posted those Shoes videos must be some sort of god.)
ReplyDeleteJohn is a cool guy....did some design work for him around the "Propeller" era.....i was on the Shoes mail list from like 1977 until way after I moved away from home....still have tons of those postcards and stuff they sent over the years.....jim
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