Ivor Cutler - Shoplifters

Ivor Cutler (15 January 1923 -- 3 March 2006) was a Scottish poet, songwriter and humorist. He became known for his regular performances on BBC radio, and in particular his numerous sessions recorded for John Peel's influential radio programme, and later for Andy Kershaw's programme. He appeared in The Beatles' Magical Mystery Tour film in 1967 and on Neil Innes' television programmes. Cutler also wrote books for children and adults and was a teacher at A. S. Neill's Summerhill School and for 30 years in inner-city schools in London. He told Andy Kershaw on his radio show that he also gave private poetry lessons to individuals.
In live performances Cutler would often accompany himself on a harmonium. Phyllis King appears on several of his records, and for a number of years was a part of his concerts. She usually read small phrases but also read a few short stories. The two starred in a BBC radio series, King Cutler, in which they performed their material jointly and singly. Cutler also collaborated with pianist Neil Ardley and singer Robert Wyatt.
Cutler earned a faithful cult following. John Peel once remarked that Cutler was probably the only performer whose work had been featured on Radio 1, 2, 3 and 4. Cutler was a member of the Noise Abatement Society and the Voluntary Euthanasia Society. He retired from performing in 2004, and died on 3 March 2006. The reception room of his home contained a number of pieces of ivory cutlery, intended as a pun on his name.

[@paulwilliams9916]

He was my teacher at Fox primary school what an influence on my outlook on life . Thank you Mr Cutler!

[@Asilhan]

what was him like?

[@tabeccaletford408]

You were lucky to have him as a teacher

[@huwzebediahthomas9193]

​@@Asilhan
No doubt a total shoplifterrrrr...

[@huwzebediahthomas9193]

Magic Ivor, I am getting more and more like him as each day passes

[@fannycraddock99]

He was totally bonkers and I loved him!

[@huwzebediahthomas9193]

Not bonkers, just left field like. 🤓

[@ilricettario]

I’m so pissed, but this is quite good. I may change my mind later.

[@kildogery]

Hope you didn't.

[@jonathanmills1630]

An absolute treasure

[@superru7438]

My late father raised me on classics like Cutler and Python which he would play on his record player. Pretty sure that's what shaped my (slightly odd) sense of humour. this is n=one of my favourites only second to Gruts for Tea

[@tomtrana3449]

I first heard Ivor Cutler in 1974 on Robert Wyatt's Rock Bottom album with the song 'Little Red Robin Hood Hit The Road'.

[@Marco_Venieri]

Me too, that album is above all

[@MegaCirse]

I like this psychedelic, hypnotic sound, which makes me travel in another dimension; a sound of the 70s and exclusive to this era of transcendental meditation, musical experimentation and alternative ways of thinking!

[@hopebgood]

I only knew this bloke from the Beatles movie and that was all until now, but this sounds really hypnotic and calming. An interesting bloke. Unfortunately I read the vid info and was reminded about meeting Andy Kershaw. What a wanker. Swings and roundabouts, eh?

[@larryc7540]

Sir Paul McCartney was a fan of his work and also a friend.. He writes in his recent book "Lyrics" (Vol A-K, p. 99) about Ivor:
"I think the first line of 'Country Dreamer' is a nod to Ivor Cutler, a brilliant Scottish poet and songwriter who once described himself as an 'oblique musical philosopher'. Like me, he was a sucker for the surreal. I heard him on the radio once, possibly on John Peel's famous programmer. . . anyway, I rang up Ivor and said 'Do you want to go to dinner?' That's how our friendship stared. Ivor was in our film Magical Mystery Too as Buster Bloodvessel, and he wore a lovely little song called "I'm Going in a Field'. I love it to this day."

[@regplasma7906]

Ivor was brilliant.

[@hearditman]

Ivor was as mad as a brush. Gr8.

[@kc71]

Amazing.

[@huwzebediahthomas9193]

There was a man
playing his harmonium
in my apple orchard
his name was
SHOPLIFTERS.

[@martinlee8907]

Mad as a box of frogs ! - Great :0)

[@tabeccaletford408]

This is absolutely hilarious

[@primtones]

Reminds me of Kraftwerk the way he sings "shop lifters".

[@carlhilliard677]

1st heard this geezer on John Peel back in the day

[@dosserbusta]

Happy Birthday Ivor

[@JDOE20]

Good banter

[@TomtheShoppingbag]

this is cool and nice and also i'm gay

[@howardholloway5476]

respect

[@helloitismetomato]

same

[@Hal9000ize]

Oh you too?

[@iVenge]

no one gives a fuck that you take it up the arse... that’s your business.

[@AuthenticCelestial]

I'm glad

[@windowman929]

Your turn to roll a joint.

[@oharper26]

Anyone know if his stuff is public domain yet? ❤

[@scrunts666]

Magnificent nonsense :D

[@kildogery]

It's perfectly sensical.