I was at this gig, when I was a student and it was the most amazingly atmospheric night of my life. Jake played The Poor Sod that night like a man on the edge of doom. It will stay with me forever. Poet and Genius. Always with me. Sing him to your children. Finding this was like being overwhelmed by a profoundly moving gift. Cheers. Ax
He once said Poor Sod was one of his favourites. I often wondered if he got some inspiration from G Brassens' Le Petit Cheval which tells the story of a life lived, ultimately well, in a harsh landscape. Jake's song is much bleaker though, no redemption there. Shades of Old Molly Metcalfe.
Many thanks for this, particularly nice to have a live version of 'Our Dog' - it's really about human relationships of course. I had just moved to a job in Bristol in 1990 and was staying near Monmouth, I think Jake may have been living there at the time.
I have some Jake Thackray cds....I love listening to him. He was brilliant, so clever and an absolute pleasure to listen to and watch.....his expressions were almost as amazing as his songs! My only regret is that I never got to see him perform in person. So, so BRILLIANT!
Back in our Boys Grammar School days the Headteacher kept us back to read the riot act regarding our poor singing at assembly.. Our solution was to go in the next day and sing the hymn as loud as possible in the style of Jake Thackray. At the end of assembly he clearly didn't get the impression but said 'I don't know what was going on back there but at least it was loud. Jake is a true legend. Thanks for posting.
What a revelation. I thought I had heard all that I would ever hear from Jake. Here he is, mellow and mature with two humorous and thoughtful songs plus an insightful look into his personality. I envy your talent Jake.
Not seen this clip before. Priceless! Just had to share it on a friend's wall who adores waifs & strays and has a similarly 'nice' dog. Thank you for this, made my evening.
Jake Thackray, I first came across him on BBC TV programmes of "Parkinson" and "That's Life" in the early/mid 70s...even as a kid, I was taken by him. To encapsulate the essence of what he was about (to me) was this: he would semi-talk/sing of the "abstract" elements of life incorporating the classics in a poetic performance, showing us "the funny, sad, and quirky aspects of life"....I am sure John Hegley was influenced by this great man, who is sadly missed.
I feel very privileged to have found out about this man. I'm a big fan of Jaque Brel and Jake seemed to personify the English European sophistication that pop music eclipsed. Takes a lot to redeem Yorkshire directness to someone unacquainted to it, this man did it in spades.
Still love this man. So, so underrated. Cannot understand why he does not have a bigger fan base, But I will always be one...
I was at this gig, when I was a student and it was the most amazingly atmospheric night of my life. Jake played The Poor Sod that night like a man on the edge of doom. It will stay with me forever. Poet and Genius. Always with me. Sing him to your children. Finding this was like being overwhelmed by a profoundly moving gift. Cheers. Ax
Wish I had been there...The Poor Sod is my favourite song of his...I heard it on an excellent LP called Jake Thackray and Songs recorded in 1980.
As in the Adrian Scarborough? 😂 Completely agree about Thackray though. Can’t stop listening to his stuff after months ago discovering it.
He once said Poor Sod was one of his favourites. I often wondered if he got some inspiration from G Brassens' Le Petit Cheval which tells the story of a life lived, ultimately well, in a harsh landscape. Jake's song is much bleaker though, no redemption there. Shades of Old Molly Metcalfe.
Something special about tape footage that's been digitised. The feeling you've captured something rare and fleeting.
Oh I miss Jake! That was priceless!
Many thanks for this, particularly nice to have a live version of 'Our Dog' - it's really about human relationships of course. I had just moved to a job in Bristol in 1990 and was staying near Monmouth, I think Jake may have been living there at the time.
I have some Jake Thackray cds....I love listening to him. He was brilliant, so clever and an absolute pleasure to listen to and watch.....his expressions were almost as amazing as his songs! My only regret is that I never got to see him perform in person. So, so BRILLIANT!
Back in our Boys Grammar School days the Headteacher kept us back to read the riot act regarding our poor singing at assembly.. Our solution was to go in the next day and sing the hymn as loud as possible in the style of Jake Thackray. At the end of assembly he clearly didn't get the impression but said 'I don't know what was going on back there but at least it was loud. Jake is a true legend. Thanks for posting.
What a revelation. I thought I had heard all that I would ever hear from Jake. Here he is, mellow and mature with two humorous and thoughtful songs plus an insightful look into his personality. I envy your talent Jake.
Not seen this clip before. Priceless! Just had to share it on a friend's wall who adores waifs & strays and has a similarly 'nice' dog. Thank you for this, made my evening.
Thanks Jake, you made my day today. I have a dog just like this.
Jake Thackray, I first came across him on BBC TV programmes of "Parkinson" and "That's Life" in the early/mid 70s...even as a kid, I was taken by him. To encapsulate the essence of what he was about (to me) was this: he would semi-talk/sing of the "abstract" elements of life incorporating the classics in a poetic performance, showing us "the funny, sad, and quirky aspects of life"....I am sure John Hegley was influenced by this great man, who is sadly missed.
I feel very privileged to have found out about this man. I'm a big fan of Jaque Brel and Jake seemed to personify the English European sophistication that pop music eclipsed. Takes a lot to redeem Yorkshire directness to someone unacquainted to it, this man did it in spades.
Jake was more into Georges Brassens.
Thanks so much for this, Ron. Brilliant, as are all the other vids. What a gem this man still is. xx
Absolutely Love this, never heard these before
I've never heard this couple of songs they're great.
People who think of Jake think of Jake twice...
Me too. I've seen him play live dozens of times, and got all the cds - but these were new to me! Excellent, but so sad he's no longer with us.
Bwahahahahahaaaaaa - I had a dog like that. Jake Thackray is pure genius....
His guitar playing is exceptional, have a listen to "On again" or "Brother Gorilla " and I think you will agree.
WHAT A BLOODY LEGEND!!!!
WOW ! More ! More !
Is there more footage of this gig? Amazing!
yes -more at VRC0237. VRC0238. VRC0239. VRC0503. VRCo504🙂
Thanks! @@BristolRon
Huge fan. Doesn't look well here. The inner demons look like they have taken hold sadly.
John Watterson is keeping his work going --fakethackray--Brilliant
D'you know what his his inner demons were about?
@@blackmore4
Sadly, alcoholism.