Judee Sill - The Kiss
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- Опубліковано 24 тра 2008
- Here is Judee Sill, recorded in London in February of 1973 for the "Old Grey Whistle Test" TV program on the BBC. There are other clips and songs from this session and the one before it, but sadly this is the only one that has been released, at least as far as I know.
Judee visited my radio program (The LA Litehouse) on KPFK in Los Angeles in early 1970. She sang a number of songs, and talked about who she was and where she came from well before her first album was released.
She was perplexing and enchanting all at the same time. She was determined to be successful as a musician, and by my reckoning, she seemed well on her way. Her songwriting skills and her sense of perfection were a wonder to behold. She was also a wild child and very much a rebel in her own way. She was 28 years old at the time of this recording. A very rare talent.
Sadly, it was all over in 1979 when she tragically passed away. - Розваги
Just ran into a guy at a downtown gas station who noticed my Judee Sill t-shirt and said he loved her music. Never in my life have i met someone who knew of Judee’s music- I asked him what his favorite song was, and he said “Lopin’ Along Thru the Cosmos”- which is also my favorite song. If I ever run into him again we need to be friends.
Just a cool story I wanted to share.
More to the point, where did you get a Judee Sill t-shirt?
Lopin along through the cosmos is her best song🙊
How did you let that guy leave without your phone number!
that would mean an instant "bromance" for me lol!
Discovered this artist today. It’s one of those musicians who turn your world upside down.
I'd say her music turned my life downside up.
Judee turns the Universe upside down for me. David I’m sure you agree. And though there’s some animus between you- I dare say without you, David Geffen, we may not have this utter genius - Judee Sill
There is something about this that is beyond scores and lists. It is utterly piercing. How lucky we are to have this magic preserved. The girl was a genius.
I'm in my 60's now - an old rocker - but as I get older the more I realise that this is my favourite song of all time. Sheer, unadulterated genius.
Are you still alive? Just saw your comment from 10 years ago you must be in your 70s now? Hope you fine 👍🏻
@@ayisigivadisi Yes, thanks, 74 next month but still alive and well! And still loving this, my all-time favourite piece of music. It's to be played at my funeral, along with "Who Knows Where the Time Goes" by Fairport Convention and "Complete Control" by The Clash.
@@mostermeyer Sandy Denny is another one taken from us way too soon! I adore her and her time with Fairport.
@@ayisigivadisi Hi - thanks - yes, 74 and OK
@@toucanne I saw Fairport in '69 - wonderful - all the Liege and Leaf songs
This Christmas Day I was at a family member’s house and was lying on the sofa staring at my phone. An article about Judee had been shared and I read it and then went on UA-cam to hear her. Clicked on this video, and it was the most perfect sound. I’d never heard this song before, but it somehow sounded so familiar. When the song finished it was Christmas lunch time and I went into the dining room and saw all my family, this song was still in my head and I accidentally just burst into tears, it was all so beautiful.
Aw this is so sweet! I love these moments!
And this is how UA-cam is justifying its existence, for videos as this to be forever up, and being able to viewed by anyone.
She was truly unique.
Oh. My. God. I never heard of her until today. This song had me in tears.
Andy Partridge says this is the most beautiful song ever written. It's certainly a contender.
Wow. He ought to know! It’s hard to argue with the man on this. What a song.
Paul Averitt confirms this on the HTWOW podcast
Quite possibly.
I love Andy and her
I know this because of Andy. May he be blessed for this. And Judee too.
Having sat next to Judee on another occasion while she did this song in a studio in Los Angeles, I can assure you this was just her and the piano, and just a slight amount of spring reverb added. This is what she sounded like naturally.
@donmussell12 If there’s any chance you see this 11 years later, I’m a composer writing a musical about Judee Sill’s life (with all her music re-orchestrated.) i would appreciate any anecdotes or little things you remember about sitting in with Judee in the studio. It will help my writing immensely. Feel free to email danielsswelltunes@gmail.com . Many thanks and bravo for having known this legend.
I discovered Judee Sill only 2 days ago - thanks to Top 2000 à Go-Go, traditional TV program in The Netherlands around the ending of the year - and I haven't stopped playing her songs since, especially The Kiss... I'm completely blown away by both composition and lyrics, which bring tears to my eyes. Especially the combination of context of her personal life and the genius poetry she mastered is just ashtonishing and deeply moving my soul/being. May she never be forgotten. Sincerely.... Gerrit
@@danielemondmusic are you still working on this project?
Flawless pitch
Impeccable vocal phrasing while playing piano at the same time
Fascinating chord progression and melody
A timeless message that the world still needs to hear
Really good point about the vocal phrasing over the piano playing. It was more common place in the 70s. Floating a vocal melody loosely while paddling a regular rhythm with the fingers. Fortunately there was plenty enough of it to go back and listen to. :)
The world needs nothing.
Because it’s perfect as it is or because it’s beyond saving? And you know what that person meant by “the world” , right?
What is it that is so heartbreakingly beautiful about this? Words struggle to do it justice: it seems to embody the tenderness of a mother’s lullaby, the breathtaking wonder of childhood Christmases, the melting ecstasy of young lovers’ first union and an almost self-sacrificial devotional surrender. The perfectly measured delivery, the serenity and the irresistible conviction are so powerful, they explode in the emotional centre like all the things you always wished you could ever feel - and the aftershocks go on reverberating long after this devotional piece is finished. Perhaps it offers a glimpse of the union we all, deep down crave: the end of the Human Condition’s exile, the coming home at last, somehow captured here in the net of her music, her voice, her words. For me, it breathes with the same delicacy and restraint as the gorgeous Adagio from Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto (K622). Is this what we weep for? A brief glimpse of the ineffable we’re all denied? I’m relieved to see from other reactions that I’m not the only bloke who falls apart listening to this, even at the risk of having the piss ruthlessly taken, for admitting it and expressing it as best I can.
What is so heartbreakingly beautiful about ti? It describes an ecstasy that is rare and fleeting, actually an ecstasy that is not of this world. The power lies in its source , which is Sill as an individual artist. Her suffering was immense--as a drug addict, thief, and convict. All through that, she developed a profound Christian faith, and
the longing for salvation runs through all her music. This is one of the top ones, oh yeah.
One of the best comments i have read on here. Bravo.
You're not alone - even though I'm not a bloke.
MrCoalescent I entirely agree... it’s a strangely perfect song. I’ve only recently heard it and I can barely thing about it without crying. But it also feels like I’ve always known this song.
Oh yeah. The Mozart is profound. It does breathe like The Kiss. Love your words. Some of those things you said were very good
listening to this is a holy experience for me.
The beautiful comments here and the appreciation shown for her wonderful music gives me a little more faith in humankind
how no one has made a movie about her and her music is beyond me. her story needs to be told in full. lovely post, thanks
It would be so sad though.
@@brendanthompson2082 Perhaps but there's so much that could be said. If there's a musician whose life could be vividly portrayed on the big screen, it's Judee Sill. At the very least, there should be a documentary.
She had such an intense short life. I think her story does need to be told. Her songs are just amazing.
@Jeffrey Hittepole tempted to say lady gaga, who could pull off the look i think, and obviously the musical chops, though her vocal style is very different. but then again she already did something sort of similar with "a star is born"
An informative documentary that does a deep dive on her backstory and reveals new information about who she was, yes. A biopic that embellishes the already overwhelming sadness that was her life (and probably scrambles the facts up), no thanks.
Norah Jones and Chris Thile brought me here. I cannot thank them enough.
And I'll take you to *Kate Bush* "Moments of Pleasure." For my money up there with this. 👍
I'd never heard of her until 20 minutes ago. Now, I'm binging her stuff, and wiping away tears at how damned sad her life was.
Her great music transcends her tragic life. Keep listening.
That's what you do. Discovering a Judee Sill or a David Ackles is like a sudden religious conversion.
Me too..
Heartbreaking how we throw away genius because it doesn’t fit whatever shape we think it should. Judee feels somehow very present and very much having the last laugh. She is a shimmering memory 💖✨🙏
Beautifully said ❤❤
Man this just fecking sends me! - Here I am a 54 year old tough E. London guy & those opening two bars just turn me into a tear filled wreck!
you are not alone
Life is full of surprises.
Yes, as said elsewhere, you are not alone.
awww thats beautiful I am sure she is pleased ....bless your heart
Hey man, you're from London? It's weird that you use the word, "Feckin'". Very Irish, altogether
I just discovered her today on Play Music. Now I'm broken. I can't believe I never heard her in the 70s. I feel robbed and heart broken.
I discovered and bought this album just before she died. Then, there were none of her others around to find or purchase. I am so sad she is gone, and I never got to hear her live.
Discoveries happen, dude)))
Don't be broken. I'm sure she would have wanted you to be inspired; the Turtles covered her song Lady O ... be inspired.
Bit over the top with your reply.
Like the song Vincent....."This World was never meant for one as Beautiful as You"....RIP
I’m obsessed with her voice
Don't know how you get through this without shedding a tear. Her life itself was a union of opposites. The sublime delicate spirituality of her artistic expression and the crude manhandling of Pop purveyors who couldn't remotely understand her unique gift. The songs end displays Judee in supplication to the firmament she later makes reference to. Hands down by her side, head bowed. Rest in Peace, Angel. I trust your gifts are appreciated fully in a place a lot more enlightened than this one.
Verse 1]
Love rising from the mists
Promise me this and only this
Holy breath touching me, like a wind song
Sweet communion of a kiss
[Verse 2]
Sun sifting through the grey
Enter in, reach me with a ray
Silently swooping down, just to show me
How to give my heart away
[Bridge 1]
Once a crystal choir
Appeared while I was sleeping
And called my name
And when they came down nearer
Saying, "Dying is done,"
Then a new song was sung
Until somewhere we breathed as one
And still I hear their whisper
[Verse 3]
Stars bursting in the sky
Hear the sad nova's dying cry
Shimmering memory, come and hold me
While you show me how to fly
[Verse 4]
Sun sifting through the grey
Enter in, reach me with a ray
Silently swooping down, just to show me
How to give my heart away
[Bridge 2]
Lately sparkling hosts
Come fill my dreams, descending
On fiery beams
I've seen 'em come clear down
Where our poor bodies lay
Soothe us gently and say
"Gonna wipe all your tears away"
And still I hear their whisper
[Verse 1]
Love, rising from the mists
Promise me this and only this
Holy breath touching me, like a wind song
Sweet communion of a kiss
Thank you for writing her lyrics out for us as unfathomable and relentless ly infinite as they are ...they need to be posted and heard by us over and over again.
Isnt she an Angel
thank you for posting these gorgeous lyrics.
Just learned of her this minute scrolling through my Pinterest homepage! I’m in disbelief that at 70 years old I have never heard of Judee Sill. I believe that God has blessed me with this discovery. She’s absolutely amazing….🙏♥️Beautiful voice and song! 💫✨
Sublime in every way. Kissed by a divine muse. Rest in Peaceful Power, Judee. and... forever thank you.
She strikes me as being so sad. I never knew who she was before this but was struck by her. She's totally herself with the glasses and minimal makeup. She's so very real. I feel like I'm witnessing something so very private that she's sharing. Shame she didn't make it bigger. Definite talent there.
One of the most beautiful melodies ever written - it soars and dives, and takes you on a journey, just through the notes. Worthy of the greatest classical composers.
how can she cry so deeply and sing at the very same time...
... she breaks me...
=(
Speechless, I am. Never heard of her until now. She was a genius.
+harmoniabalanza I just realized this is a religious song, or a song about human union (or attempted unton) with the divine. But its genius is that it works as a romantic song too.
+harmoniabalanza All her songs are that way. She kidded around when she called them 'occult cowboy songs' but she strikes spiritual gold when she sings about love. She was just too shy to say it.
Listen to Lady-O on her self titled album. Serious talent!!!
The word genius is often misapplied, but not to Judee Sill.
I saw her perform once, when she opened for those "snotty rock stars" Graham Nash and David Crosby (I understand why she was frustrated at being put in that role, but those two guys were about the least snotty people in the business). I was captivated by her voice and presence and the mystical imagery of her beautiful songs. There was a feeling of an undercurrent of sadness and tragedy about her, and sadly, her life did end tragically not too many years later.
People say she couldve achieved much more....
She achieved this......and this is more than enough, I would of course wish on her a much longer life but what she gave us (the beauty) is more than enough.
Andy Partridge sent me here. Thank you Andy. You're right - Judee is astonishing.
I used to think that the world was not ready for Judee at the the time but I winder if the world will ever be ? We are not exactly evolving these days................
Freezencrash Yes She was a visionary
She was, INDEED, a visionary. This is one of the most beautiful, powerful songs ever written.
When you discover an artist of Judee Sill's stature it's a rare joy.
It's hard to define why she is such a good musician. For me, it's the strength of her writing but also her voice is exquisite and unique. It's clear that she had a huge talent tragically cut short.
When I first heard Judee I could not stop listening to her songs for days and the more I listen to a song such as Kiss or Pearl the more I hear. In the same way, when I first heard Nick Drake I felt like I was finding a friend. The depth of the emotions the music creates stays with you just like the first time you heard The Beatles or Bowie. They enrich your life.
Not wanting to change the subject from the amazing positive strength of Judee's musical legacy. However, it occurs to me that to many of the musicians and artists I deeply love have been badly affected by the criminalization of an aspect of their private lives. I'm thinking of Billy Holiday, Charlie Parker, Chet Baker, and countless others. It seems to me that far too many artists have been damaged by the terrible effects of backward thinking prejudiced laws against drug users.
So many artists have died over the years from the endless war against drug users. A global war that can not be won until evidence-based treatments rather than value-based treatments are used and we stop treating the people who take drugs as criminals rather than people that need medical treatment.
There is very good news is if treated properly a lot can be done to mitigate and reduce the horrific effects of criminalized drug use. Criminalization weaponizes the damaging effects of drug use across the world. It is one of the most devastating results of drug use. Take away the criminalization and treat the drug user with humane harm reduction in the same way we treat other medical issues and the evidence shows results are very good.
The human cost over the past 50 years is incalculable and the results of the war on drugs are appalling. The growth due to criminalizing drug users shows global growth in use, organized crime, and of cause drug use globally. It has spread across America to South America to Africa, Asia, and China, and Russia over the past 50 years. Causing havoc to the communities and political processes. Lots of these countries had almost no drug problems before the criminalization of drugs. This is the direct result of the war on drugs that have been to fund criminal global violent organizations on a massive scale. It has given the worst elements of society the ability to make huge amounts of money all over the world. Just saying no is a facile slogan of the ignorant it requires much more thought and compassion. But it is not complicated on a basic level to decriminalize drug use and treat people with medical treatments instead of sending them to prison and taking away their hope.
Nah, man we are talking about self destructive acts, nothing to do with prejudices or laws:"chemicals that ultimately disconnect you from God. Furthermore coke or heroin are not the same as weed. But even weed, as benefitial as it can be in certain very specific situations, is not as benign as you would think as it consumes and takes away the willpower and ability to focus from millions of humans worlwide, also leading them to harder drugs, more turmoil, more chaos, deepening depression. The war on drugs is a corrupt circus yes, and they are not actually fighting drugs but promoting them. Your advocating for chemicals and pharma producs and substances in general to "mitigate" mental health problems is flawed, since the problems arises from spiritual health actually. If anything our modern world is way, way too drugged.
I feel as though I just stumbled upon treasure
You did.
This genius blows the mind, heart and soul is the world right or wrong. I think right- through the deepest of values
I love the album version of this song with Judee's vocals double-tracked, but I've never found a version of this song quite like this performance--I have a feeling I may not be alone in this. It's truly one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard in the whole realm of music. Too bad this couldn't be released as a 45 or something...
You're right of course. This is species apex, put-it-on-a-deep-space-probe-worthy songwriting and performance. It is literally shockingly good, in that it puts me into a kind of shock to listen to... I go numb and cold at its terrible perfection. An absolute, unmitigated masterpiece.
perfectly said Mark
The double tracking takes away from some of her studio performances. Its completely unnecessary.
You should check Susanne sundfor's version ;)
@CARSON TUCKER I think Mike meant a 45 of this performance. There is a single 45 of the studio recording.
How can I love Joni Mitchell for all these years but never know of this wonderful artist until now?
I’m 51 and only discovered this in the last few years.. it restored my faith in music that I can still, by accident, come across old fantastic songs like this. The recorded version vocals are wonderfully spooky and ethereal.
I was given 'Heart Food' album when I was touring U.S.A in 1972. It was such a contrast to all the other stuff that was around . I used to play it after gigs to bring me down to earth. It is still one of the best albums of all time in my opinion.The kiss still takes my breath away after 40years. What a sad short life she had but what a legacy she left us to enjoy .
Who were you playing for, if I may be so bold?
I was touring with Vinegar Joe
I was touring with Vinegar Joe
This is the best song I've ever heard.
I've never heard a better one, nor better performed.
That is truly a piece of art. What a beautiful, otherworldly voice. And a brilliant song. She had already been through so much sadness by the time you see her here; and six years later she would be deceased. I hope she had some happiness while she was here. May here soul rest in peace.
Great ans wonderful discovery for me today.
She was stunning. Her music laid waste to my soul. An outlaw before it was stylish. And yet as a friend she was generous and FUNNY! A joy to know. And a cruel loss.
+Lucky Stoller You were fortunate to have known her
+Lucky Stoller How did you know her? Tell us more.
+Lucky Stoller yes tell us more
+kw9919 She was a close friend of my best friend when we were all in high school---not that any of us went all that much. We went to coffee houses to hear Judee sing instead. We helped to midwife her songs as she birthed them and she let us sing her sublime harmonies. On the albums though, its all her, every part. No one had her voice with its high clear but guttural soul and its Texas twang.
+Lucky Stoller wow
I feel so sad for her. She was so talented and yet she had such a horrible time. She deserved better than what she got.
Yet she kept an hareem of female fans as sex slaves in her Los Angeles mansion. Bytheway, she liked big helpings of sausage and cheese too.
@@selwyngreenfrith9768 something like that. overstatement will get you somewhere, I guess. this song is still pure heart (with side portions of sausage and cheese, I suppose. Something to balance against the aching beauty of it)
She took her own life, her sadness complete. I weep.
Long-time musician/singer here, composer, whatever, this is very nearly, if not entirely, an incomparably beautiful, sublime song, "The Kiss", that I only discovered a few years ago (and i thought i had heard everything..?) i'm praying that Erin Moran, aka 'A Girl Called Eddy', will cover it and make the world whole again with the sheer brilliance of it's re-emergence to comfort the human family..... God rest you safe and close-by, Judee Sill, everyone who doesn't know you yet, still loves you..! I don't at all think it's an overstatement to consider this one of the most beautifully and heartfully-crafted songs of all-time..?
Ohhh yehhh love
Finally ….A new documentary debuts about “ a mostly forgotten 70’s troubadour” on April 12th, 2024 on Amazon and Apple TV …definitely worth checking out based on this exceptional and ethereal classic….
“Lost Angel: The Genius of Judee Sill”
Heartbreaking story!
💔💔💔
Thank you Radio 4 for highlighting the talent of Judee Sill.
Breathtaking, celestial, astonishing. A masterwork by a true Mystic. RIP Judy Sill🌹
A year since I was here last - wept then too. I hope her God found her and took her in. Bless.
She will be in Paradise - that voice could sing again. Lovely beyond words, Psalms 37:10, 11
such a unique playing style. Subtly syncopated bass lines which work together with well crafted melodies. Piano and voice harmonise beautifully in an orchestrated way. I have never heard anybody accompany themselves with such amazing craftsmanship. Makes me cry.
we are so lucky to have this recording, hopefully forever.
An extradentary talent who glowed so brightly for a criminally short period of time, Judee has gained so many fans since her tragic death and deservedly so. Shame we only have the two albums but both bristle with beautiful songs sung with an assured confidence belying her complicated life. She may never have gained fame and fortune while alive but time has brought her to the attention of many new generations of music fans. A women who will always burn bright to those that know her music. Thank you Judee.
I have absolutely no words.
Thanks for all these beautiful comments! I'm 59 and I just heard this song and this artist for the first time today, which knocks me out! She is so serious in her intent and the result is overwhelming. Such beautiful classically informed writing and playing (her touch on the piano is stupendously great) and that singing, with not one iota of vibrato. I am in love with this song.
Who else came from watching "Outer Range" to hear the original version of this beautiful song? Simply Beautiful ❤️
This is a beautiful and sad song,I found it very moving and all the more sad when i read about her life story and her sad and lonely death
utterly beauty, so touching...
I heard about Judee Sill in the early 90s since Shawn Colvin covered Rugged Road on her album Cover Girl. Only decades later did I discover the true magic of Judee. Very hymn like sacred songs. She was a petty criminal in her early years and music was finally her calling. She died feeling unappreciated and unrecognised, killed by drug use which is very sad.
That is stunning 😮
Heard this song over and over for over 40 years--still get goose bumps and a lump in my throat
So we may cry with joy and relief at even the hint of this union with essence presence. Some music does this! The emotional response to music is mysterious, but even the memory of an exultant sax solo, the Adagio from Mozart's clarinet concerto or the sound of Ry Cooder's chord-work can raise goosebumps. So add magical lyrics to incandescent music and there's a chance that some alchemy may occur to move you momentarily through some portal. That's the mysterious and wonderful thing.
One of the most beautiful songs, secular or otherwise, I've ever heard. The imagery alone is amazing.
✨ ✨🌟staaarrrs bursting in the skyyyy, hear the saaaaaddd novas die and cry. Shimmering memory, come and hoooold me ✨✨✨✨
this is one of my "all time" favorite songs. 🐰❤️🎸🎵🤝✌️
I love Judee Sill. I love how when she's done with this fantastic song how she stops playing and puts her head down. So beautiful.
"I've seen 'em come clear down
Where our poor bodies lay
Soothe us gently and say
'Gonna wipe all your tears away.'"
I hear this and feel a holy breath touching me.
I see so many people, like myself, commenting on having never heard of Judee Sill before. I'm currently 51, have been deeply into all sorts of music my whole life, and I'm another that missed the boat; or in this case, the cruise liner. I'm completely blown away...so original and beautiful. Thank you Andy Partridge for shining the light on this one.
Her life would make a good movie. Great song.
Absolute masterpiece.
*Let's spread the word here people!!!!!!*
A million thanks for this. This song practically breaks me.
This is so beautiful.
Her other songs are very good, but this one--this particular song--is transcendental.
'the donor' is another
If that doesn't move you, you've got a hole in your soul.
Sweet communion with Judee Sill !
This is the Gold Standard of postwar popular music.
This live version is even better than the one on the album
Can make me tear up
Such an incredible talent
Gone way too young
Agree. What a precious document this is.
Judee Sill was the kind of artist that evokes great emotion in the listener. Her songs can move you to tears,. The lyrics are a bit far out at times but her song structure is so much more than the genre she was categorized in. A true songwriter , The Kiss is much more than even she thought it was. A timeless piece that I can only describe as a buried treasure. Her two completed albums are masterpieces that have influenced a number of people.
Have watched this several times now and cannot get through it without shedding a tear.
This song is profoundly beautiful. Why is it known by so few people?
+Jezz B Maybe because people prefer junk to excellence.
Welcome to the world.
People don't bother to explore music enough - I've been reading music magazines for 40 years especially the ones in the UK I've learned a lot over the years
*In tears. What an enchanted performance of a remarkable song!*
A documentary has been made of Judee Sill's life. "Lost Angel, the Genius of Judee Sill" has its world premier Nov. 13 at DOC NYC, a documentary film festival in NYC. Hopefully it will be picked up and distributed all over so that we can all see it!
ethereal, haunting, spiritual, thankyou judee,
Here I am again, tears rolling down my face, with no idea how something so tender can be so strong.
Just discovered her today. I'm so glad I did. What a beautiful song and a talented artist!
i can't stop watching this.....i grew up in her era and can't believe i missed this talent ...
t
One of my all-time favourite songs , it's so breathtaking. RIP Judee.
Just discovered something wonderful.
Heard this as a teen and loved it straightaway.Still love it to this day,67 now!
Never heard anything quite like this in pop music.
I have returned to Judee after a while. How hauntingly beautiful her voice is! sadly missed but joyfully heard again. 💕💕
This extraordinary song levels me, every time. I am grateful to see and hear it.
Me too bud, youre not alone. Beautiful person who's life went array, nobody has EVER expressed all emotions so beautifully.
What a beautiful voice and lyric. Sounds from heaven from a person who lived a life of hell.
Thomas Walsh
7
Oh Judee...this is one of the most beautiful songs we've ever heard. Bless your heart and soul whereever you are now.
Greatest songwriter ever
Simply Beautiful.... her music will live on and on........