Wednesday 7 December 2011

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Richie Havens - 'Here Comes the Sun'

MIDWEEK CRISIS, there is a dark cloud hanging over you, come to WEDNESDAY CLUB we've got Richie Havens he's got 'something' for you.
RICHIE HAVENS - Here Comes the Sun(1971)

RICHIE HAVENS - Here comes the Sun(2009)

Here is a quiz question for you: who opened Woodstock in 1969? I can hear a loud communal shout of Richie Havens (all of my 16 viewers) and you would be right. Richie Havens is one of the originals of the folk club's scene in Greenwich Village in the early 60's and sung in the same places as Dylan, to mention a name.
"...remember woodstock?..."

I first heard this song when I found it in a bargain bin of old 7 inch singles (what's a 7 inch single?) in 1971 and it just knocked me for six. I even loved all the clicks. It must be my favourite introduction of all time.

I lost the single through time and always wanted to get hold of the song again. There was a version on a 60's compilation but without the introduction. How could they?!

I was in Bangkok a couple of years ago and on the last night of our holiday we were watching a boring film staring Richard Gere 'The Hoax' when suddenly the song came on. I later found it was on the sound track! I had it at last and it sounded as good as I remembered.

I have included this version as well as the above two. Although they are great, the version I first  heard is still the best, in fact it is still one of my favourites tunes of all time. It actually comes from his album Alarm Clock (1971) which I now have and it is excellent.

RICHIE HAVENS - Here Comes the Sun(1971)

More Wednesday Club sunshine

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WEDNESDAY CLUB - Richie Havens - 'Here Comes the Sun'
4/ 5
Oleh

4 comments

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sfw
7 December 2011 at 09:05

Ever since your "Just Like A Woman" post i've become a bit obsessed with Mr Havens - These two have just increased it!

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11 December 2011 at 11:30

The 1971 version makes an otherwise unexciting song for me, truly exciting. The guitar intro is worth the effort you've gone to finding it. Love the bongos too.
2009, poor Richie with much less vigour but still a solid version!

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jrc
11 December 2011 at 16:04

nothing cures the wed boredoms like an unbelievable guitarist. what else yo got, old pa?

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13 December 2011 at 22:07

Amazing! I never heard this before and he can play, 'Here Comes the Sun'
with soul! Thank god for Richard Gere!

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