Welcome to Episode 7! This time we chat about two songs from the Beat-Club YouTube video performances, “Blind Alley” and “Ain’t That Peculiar” with insights from Alice, Jean, and June.
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NOTE: These podcasts will be produced once every two weeks at present. A lot of work goes into these and we’re looking for feedback from the fans to drive the direction of the podcast.
Good to have you back and playing air drums to begin the podcast. The 3 of you are fun together. Keep this going.
Next episode take a look at “Regular Guy” on Mother’s Pride. It could very well have been a Beatles song off of Rubber Soul. It’s one of the best ballads I have ever, ever heard. I think Nickey wrote it.
It is indeed a Nickey tune, and we will get to it!
Great. The whole song sounds just very “beatle-ish”, like mid 60s…maybe even White Album…but I pictured it on Rubber Soul. I am in no way comparing FANNY to The Beatles. Their rendition of Hey Bulldog is clearly all FANNY and a great tribute. That line…”from a small town somewhere north of here”. In other words…just a regular guy…not another rock star or groupie or even the equipment guys…a regular guy. Like Byron and me…just sayin’…LOL
Hi Steve,
“Regular Guy” can give my weepy eye corners….usually doesn’t spill over, but close. Nickey’s ALL OVER that song! It is so her! Another she brought to the band that gets me every time is “Old Hat.” She was just so effing brilliant, and I so wish she wanted to participate in the fun we’re having.
Maybe age and years may soften that tough “no, thanks” of hers. You never know, and I can always hope……
Alice
Yes we will!
Hello, Steve! So happy to hear you’re enjoying the podcast! And, yes, we’re having SO much fun together. Thanks for listening and stay tuned! š
Hi Steve! Sorry for only seeing this now! Thanks for your feedback! All best, Kristen
I NEVER thought that the first verse/whole song, āBlind alleyā was about Feminism in any way shape or form. However, I never evaluate anything with gender in mind, it simply does not hold any weight for me (or pop into my head for that matter). I thought the song was about the establishment not knowing what they are doing, hence āBlind Alleyā, but what do I know? Aliceās drumming is great as usual. Nickey is fantastic as usual. Juneās slide in, āAināt That Peculiarā is mad cool. Jean on bass, amazing. Another great podcast! I didnāt know about Byron maybe I should get Twitter? anyway, glad to hear he is doing better.
I chatted about it on Facebook a bit, and I think Kristen mentioned it on Twitter. And indeed, I’m back in the saddle again.
So good to hear from you Byron, sounds like you might be an Aerosmith fan?..lol
Hi Colleen! Yes, the song was about the establishment not knowing what they are doing. I think the misread of it being a feminist declaration was because the historians, journalists, and fans, look back on the time and how Fanny – an all-female band breaking down the barriers to a male genre – fit in to this during the Feminist movement. However, the beauty of Nickey’s lyrics is that they are applicable to many parties, whether as a movement or an individual. As always, thanks for your comments and insights. š
Kristen,
This is a great answer for Colleen. You put it far more succinctly than I could ever have done.
A
Are you guys still interested in Nickey Barclay questions?… I am. #NickeyNotes
Pass along anything you have for Nickey and I’ll pass them along.
I’m in the same boat as you. Anything “Nickey” is of great interest. It has more to do with the other 3 participate in the podcast aurally than me favoring Nickey. I love them all and I LOVE the music.
Yes, please! š
The entire Beat Club set is awesome and even though its mono on youtube you can hear everyone’s contribution so clearly. Just another day at the office for Fanny! For me,one of the best things ive ever seen and heard,so nice to have the opportunity to tell you.
Thank you, Neil! I will pass this along to June and Jean. And, of course, Alice will see it here. š
Thanks, Neil!
Imagine my surprise about 8 to 10 years ago, when I was sent that footage from someone at the Beat Club! I wept with the joy of us playing live and it having been captured. I am SO glad that The Beat Club decided to share it with the world a year or so ago. Well worth it!
Best,
Alice
‘Blind Alley’ could be released as a single today and easily make the charts…or should.
Stephen, I couldn’t agree more. I feel that way about many of their songs.
I love Fanny. The music got me through the passing of my beloved pet raccoon and the last episode of the TV show Lost. I just watched the Beat club on YouTube āfor the first time in a long timeā š what a beautiful performance. My CD player just broke so I ordered a new one coming soon, this way I can listen to all 4 albums again! Nifty, oh, how I have missed my Fanny! Ask Alice how she endured those lame drummer stools of the 70ās, those always hurt my bum. You should see how spoiled the kids these days are. My nephew has a back rest on his throne, now if only he could play the darn drums š the boy has no rhythm. His high school band director kicked him off snare and demoted him to triangle only. You canāt even see his face when the band performs but hey at least at home he has a back rest on his throne. Thanks a bunch, from Rock Island, IL.
Hello Chip! Love your comments, including your nephew being “demoted” to the triangle. š So happy to hear how much joy Fanny brings you, and hoping the podcasts do too. š
Hi Chip,
I actually nicked a metal stool with a back from the WB soundstages where we were fortunate to rehearse in the early days. I loved it! As the universe is full of irony, that stool was stolen from me at one of our US tour stops, so I guess it all equals out in the end, right? I don’t remember my drum stool being uncomfortable at all, and it wasn’t THAT padded. Maybe I was too busy moving my bum for it to get sore? LOL! If I started to play seriously again, I’d look for something with a back, I can tell you that!!!
I have a great triangle story that we might just have to tell one day. It goes back to second or third grade Alice in All-City Elementary Band…….
Best,
Alice
wow.. this recording of ‘blind alley’ just knocks me out. every moment is absolutely stellar for every member of the band.
Hi Lynne! Isn’t it a killer song? It truly stands the test of time. Definitely one of my Fanny faves.
This Beat-Club recording more or less captures what I happened upon in Birmingham University Students’ Union in 1971(?); an excellent blues-rock band setting up, tuning up, checking sound and rehearsing. An EpiFanny! I remember they had gathered quite an enthusiastic crowd by the time they were finished, and needless to say I stayed for the gig. There had been posters up for a few days, but this then little-known band far exceeded anyone’s expectations. I’ve been a Fan ever since.
Part of Fanny’s appeal, especially to the student audience, was that they could just have walked in off any campus; they were obviously intelligent, unpretentious, approachable and passionate about music. You still are. I never got the impression that the band name was an impediment, by the way.
I was astonished to hear that Nickey really hadn’t intended Blind Alley to be a revolutionary song. Those lyrics put it up there with Won’t Get Fooled Again, a must-play for every encroaching election. That impassioned organ solo was performed with one hand while standing, singing and steadying the mike, ready to jump to the piano. Wow. Was Nickey always like that, seemingly unable to stop playing for more than a minute at a time? She riffs on the Ain’t That Peculiar melody during the first make-up break, and plays some nifty ragtime during the second.
The session also captures the group dynamic: Nickey perhaps something of a mother hen, typical keyboard player impatient with perfectionist guitarists who need to re-tune; Alice and June a team within a team, with pragmatic Alice mediating, while Jean is the calm, relaxed moderator. If I got any of that wrong, my apologies. Then there’s the sheer joy on everyone’s face as tensions vanish and it all comes together in tight, exhilarating music. A priceless historical document showing creative people at work.
Hello, Dave! I think I may have a picture of that Student Union’s gig! It was sold out. And how great to hear how excited everybody was over Fanny, including you. As for Nickey’s lyrics on “Blind Alley,” I think you’re right in the interpretation. What we were saying on the podcast was that it has since been interpreted as a feminist declaration, but it wasn’t meant that way when it was written. It was indeed intended to be revolutionary (a la The Who), and Nickey did tie it to politics. We’re going to be discussing this aspect of the lyrics at a later date (closer to the US election), so stay tuned! All the best, Kristen
Hi, Kristen.
Wow, I’d love to see that photo. What a night that was. š
Fanny certainly had no need of any -ism, though I can see why feminists have adopted them as poster girls.
I look forward to further discussion towards election time.
Hi Dave,
There’s no way I’m going to get to all of your points, but you are spot on with the group dynamic (although I’d choose a different adjective than “mother hen” for Nickey). I never did understand why guitar players took so long to tune the damn guitar. It’s only six strings! It’s not a harp! C’mon, girl! Snap! Snap! LOL
You must be talking about a 1971 gig in Birmingham. After that first tour, we weren’t so “little-known,” and might not have had the luxury of that kind of leisurely sound check/rehearsal. I’m so glad you were there. England was SO kind to us, and I agree with you re: the name. After the first “tee-hee,” and our reply, “Okay, listen to this….” all of that stuff around the name fell away. Some people nowadays, comment that, “I imagine the name was a bit of a drawback,” and other like-minded parrots, but I don’t remember it being that much of an impediment as well, so thank you for that!
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I really do appreciate it!
Kindest goodness.
Alice
Hmm, Alice.
I was trying to be diplomatic about Nickey. That look at Jean while June is tuning up says it all…
I wish you had spent more time in the UK. You fitted into the scene so well.
Fingers crossed for election day…
Best,
Dave
Itās becoming a regular thing of goodness, dropping by for these podcasts! Thank you all for the parts of yourselves you put into them! May the Groove be with you.
Reporting from parts unknown, seeking refuge from the slings and errors of outrageous tuna, fending off insect hoards, wrangling twin Roblox obsessions, a broken laptop (that daddy tried to fix and only sealed its doom) and just this past weekend making like the Beatles: fixing a hole where the rain gets in (unfortunately in my roof). This is the worst What I Did On My Summer Vacation, ever! Peak 2020!
But Iām here to hear and Iām glad for the comradery!
Itās touching to hear the rock and roll dreams of the youthful Dr. K. All I can say is awwwwwwwww! It’s a shame she never achieved stardom, but she made “history in other ways! š
I made a note. I think itās a Fred Astaire quote (maybe), something about falling down a flight of stairs takes style? I doubt he really said that. But I did it once. Fell down a flight of stairs. Stalking around the upstairs of the farm house we grew up in, with a blanket over my head trying to find my brother. Dumb kid. Tumbled down the stairs (imagine my surprise when that last footstep met only air), crashed through the door, and made my dad drop his scotch on the kitchen counter.
His reflex was to scream. āGoddamn it! What the hell are you doing?!ā
The anger in his voice didnāt register with me, or his fear at being startled though his hand was shaking, and neither was there any concern for me, as I untangled myself from the blanket miraculously unharmed, so I just answered his question.
āPlaying ghost.ā
***
Anyway, thank you for this lovely comment section. I type and type and when I get to 500 words, I get a lollipop from a little machine on my desk! Itās fantastic! ?
Peace
Jim
Jim,
I’m coming back to check in on the older episodes, now that I have a little breathing room (Kristen and “stitched” together EP 11 today), and I have to tell you what joy it is for me to read your comments and to know that we give you joy in exchange. Your words never fail to touch me, and I can see the little you saying “playing ghost” with such clarity, its almost painful….a lovely story. I AM sorry that your father dropped what must have been a good glass of scotch, though.
As always, you’re in the groove.
Alice
Ah, Jim! You just made my whole day in reading your reply. Grateful for you! I’m right there with you on it being the worst What Did I Do on My Summer Vacation ever, and I’m clawing my way to the finish line of the season in hopes of new (cooler) times. I’m almost there! As for my not having achieved “stardom” with my pursuit of being the 5th Fanny member- it’s funny, but it was never about that. It was about being part of a tight band who played incredible music and who inspired me to become a better me. So, getting to do these podcasts with Alice, Jean, June, and Byron is equally as rewarding. And congrats on reaching 500 words and the lollipop! What flavor? š
It was butter scotch. Not my favorite, but tasty still.
I agree re: Fanny “stardom.” I must confess that was just a cheap writer’s trick to get to “history” and score mad pun points, but it may have been a dud! š
Your heart toward Fanny is evident in the work you’re doing here! Keep it up and hang tough! Things can only get better!! 2020 will be over soon!
Wow! Great episode! Maybe the best, so far. So glad I hung on through the outro and got to hear the āshits and giggles!ā
I gotta say, despite the many self-deprecating comments about their singing voices, here on the site and in Juneās book, I think you guys had great vocals! Your range, as a band, is impressive. Think of the very different, and complex emotional registers of Blind Alley and Aināt That Peculiar; and you nailed them both!
Really great to āhang outā with you all for a half hour of my vacation as I sit back looking over Cape Cod Bay! Waves crashing in the background + coffee in my hand + sun rising behind me + Fanny in my headphones = Nirvana (the state, not the band)
Peace!
Dave
Hey Dave! Thanks for the compliments to the lady’s vocals, and I couldn’t agree more. It’s natural for any artist to knock their own talents, it comes with the territory, but Fanny’s vocals are always outstanding. Thanks for listening!
Dave,
“Waves crashing in the background + coffee (tea, for me) in my hand + sun rising behind me……”
Nirvana indeed!
Thanks for being there to enjoy this world along with us.
Love,
Alice
After MANY spins of each of the first three albums, I truly can’t understand how Changing Horses didn’t shoot straight into the top 40 upon its release. That has SUCH a classic 70’s rock sound that it should have been destined for SOLID GOLD! (yes, an homage to a possibly tipsy Alice). I was wondering if the band ever opened concerts with that selection. I would think that would have had the audience on their feet from the get-go . . .
I agree! “Changing Horses” was pure Top 40 ’70s rock. We’ll ask Alice and the rest if they played it in concert.
Hi John,
I don’t remember if we ever opened with “Changing Horses,” but I know we played it frequently on tour, and for many tours. It was that kind of a rabble-rowser. It always worked!
“Possibly tipsy Alice” – most assuredly, as we discuss in Episode 11.
Best,
Alice
I’m enjoying these podcasts so much. I downloaded the audio of the Beat-Club performance. Such a shame it was never released. If I were running the label, I’d be trying to put that out on vinyl – would make a fantastic sounding mini album. I think I’ll play a track on the Cobwebs And Strange.
Great footage. The driving force here are Nickey and Alice. Nickey leads (why is Jon Lord coming up in my mind ?). Alice never loses sight of her. We know June is great guitar player, but man listen to that bass…
I canāt believe it but Iāve gone through 7 episodes in 24hrs. Itās so good. Love hearing Alice reminiscing. This band reminds me so much of Badfinger. A way different band playing live than in the studio.