MOJO 284 / July 2017
IN HIS FIRST IN-DEPTH interview since the tragic death of his son Arthur, Nick Cave considers 30 years as a Bad Seed, the impact of grief on his life and work, and what the future holds. Meanwhile, our famous covermount CD is Murder Ballads – 15 songs that informed and inspired Cave’s darkly dramatic oeuvre. Also in the issue: Brian May remembers the rivalry, artistry and excess of Queen; Elton John’s stellar 1970 is examined; we dive inside Mick Fleetwood’s intimate photo album; Jason Isbell and Peter Perrett celebrate the straight life after years of addiction; and Billy Bragg writes on skiffle – British youth’s first DIY music explosion. Plus: Fleet Foxes’ epic new opus; Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry returns to conquer; Dave Davies, on acid; Carl Craig’s aural orgasms; and all back to Hank Marvin’s!
CONTENTS MOJO 284
COVER STORY: NICK CAVE Thirty years a Bad Seed, Cave has been to the edge and returned with music of rare richness. But when his son died in 2015, life suddenly seemed beyond the power of art to process. Coming back to the page is taking dedication, “magic” and a great, great band. “I feel a real urgency that I need to make another record,” he tells Keith Cameron.
FREE CD: MURDER BALLADS 15 dramatic tracks that inspired Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. Artists include: Leadbelly, Hank Williams, Nina Simone, John Lee Hooker, The Louvin Brothers and Odetta.
BRIAN MAY The frizz-wigged guitar god undergoes The MOJO Interview, unburdening on grief, depression, hedonism and ego war in the empire of Queen. In 3D!
ELTON JOHN The transfiguration of Reg From Pinner into America’s Favourite Rock Star happened over two nights in LA in 1970. Tom Doyle brings that moment to life.
JASON ISBELL How the former Drive By Trucker spun off the straight and narrow, got back behind the wheel and drove himself to become the most decorated artist in country rock.
FLEETWOOD MAC A glimpse of the blues-infused dawn of the band, via Mick Fleetwood’s private photo album. Peter Green, Willie Dixon, Smith’s crisps and cola: the glamour!
PETER PERRETT Back from living death, The Only Ones’ dark explorer reaches for the light on an extraordinary new album. “Life is a one-time opportunity,” he reminds us.
REVIEWED Fleet Foxes / New Order / Ride / Songhoy Blues / Kendrick Lamar / Roger Waters / Dan Auerbach / Kevin Morby / The Unthanks / Ho99o9 / Chuck Berry / Richard Dawson / Tumbleweed Records / Shel Talmy / U2 / Can / Dion / Esquivel
PLUS Billy Bragg on skiffle / Lee “Scratch” Perry reanimates Super Ape / Don Letts forms, then leaves BAD / The best of Popol Vuh / Dave Davies “bends time”/ Savoy Motel bring back the boogie / Farewell Allan Holdsworth, J Geils, Sylvia Moy and James Cotton / All back to Hank Marvin’s!