Radio Owlsnest Episode 42

“Welcome to my faithful OwlHead brethren and sistren”. We gather here today to share episode 42 in the continuing saga of ‘bonkers’ songwriter podcasts. All who pass here - surrender all sense of decency, normalcy and decorum. On this month’s show, I’ll be spinning some exceedingly rare retro demos, including an unheard collaboration with the fine songwriter/singer/artist Dana Glover. It’s a taste of soulful southern gospel - sprinkled with a touch of modern production … a track that rather interestingly conjures up images of Italy and a young fashion model’s life 😳.

I’ll play a demo that hinted at my rockstar alter ego ... a song that Starship made their own on their 1989 album, “Love Among the Cannibals”. The lyrics were written by Bernie Taupin, and he makes another grand appearance as my lyricist in this episode, when I play you a song I think is in the top 5 of the best songs I’ve ever written… now that’s quite a statement!

I dig out of the dusty archives a track I wrote with a band called “Eden,” fronted by the wonderful Australian singer, Karen Eden. This truly is a rarity and I was thrilled to discover it again while rummaging through my ancient cassettes, DATs and analog tape vaults. It’s a dangerous, dirty archeological job, but someone’s gotta do it….

I spend a little time trying to turn you on to some bands and artists that are “under the radar” that have hugely influenced me. I hope that I can lead you on to discovering more about these fine artists and their incredible music. This section of the show made me aware of my love of the Gaelic tradition and aesthetic.

I try to keep the Celtic atmosphere and vibes flowing when I spin a song I wrote about my mother’s and father’s youthful courtship. Be warned, OwlHeads, high romance is at the fore here!

And I have great pleasure playing you an 8 track demo that I wrote with the superlative songwriter Jon Lind, which was eventually recorded by the majestic Earth, Wind and Fire. A definite high point of my career.

AND AND AND, my friends!.. That’s not all. To top the cake off, I’ll play you a brand new song that is in the process of being created and born - a tribute to my love of “Motown” and that magical era of the Detroit sound, when those platters of the 60s touched our souls and moved our feet.

So, lay back with me, my feathered fellowship, and journey back once again into the retro world of “Pagey’s” songs, musings and demos…

It’s a well known fact: We OwlHeads have exceptional hearing! 🦉Martin