Super Songs Simply Sung

Unreliable Recollections from Jimmy McKenna (subject to amendment should more reliable facts come to light)

Cover image by Graeme Wheatley

Over the years I’ve recorded a lot of his songs using various four track Portastudios. Many of these did not subsequently get the big studio treatment, and sometimes even for those that did there is always something that gets lost when a song is revisited.

10 2 5 – Autumn 1981 Weekend Session – I borrowed a 4 Track Portastudio for a whole weekend and was able to record several songs with the assistance of Peter Scott’s drum box and his Korg mono synthesizer. The song is about having to work when your heart is not in it.

People Keep Winding Me Up – well I’m not perfect, but close. Samantha Stansfield added back vox.

Dreams of Violence – I had been reading an article about the Me Lai Massacre in Vietnam and this sparked this song. Gavin Bell made his debut on bass with this and he did very well. Recorded on 4 Track Portastudio at Durham Street Studios.

Maybe Next Time – I could never have been a Politician! and this song explains why. Recorded on 4 Track Portastudio at Durham Street Studios.

It’s So Hot – This teenage angst fantasy takes place down the beach on a very hot day. Originally recorded during Autumn 1981 Weekend Session, this version was recorded on 4 Track Portastudio at Durham Street Studios.

Change the World – In 1981 Peter Scott was surprised that I should came up with this defiantly positive song virtually the moment we had given up on DisGuise. It was first recorded with Peter as part of the Autumn 1981 Weekend Session. This version recorded on 4 Track Portastudio at Durham Street Studios with Emma Fisk on violin.

Stranded in the Snow – Recorded as part of the Autumn 1981 Weekend Session.

This Machine Can Kill – version 2 (and a full band version 3 is on the Tortured Art album). Peter Scott and I once performed this live and a fan later asked me what it what all about. Being headfirst in domestic bliss I said it was about a defective Washing Machine! I didn’t mean it honest. Samantha Stansfield added back vox.

(Why Do You Keep) Waking Me Up – So in 1980 I was in the bath! and bathroom acoustics were quite nice. I found myself doing an Elvis Presley impersonation which became intro. It was first recorded with Peter Scott as part of the Autumn 1981 Weekend Session. This version was comprises the 1981 intro and new main song recorded on 4 Track Portastudio at Durham Street Studios.

Don’t But Me – a little bit of nonsense

Cover Me in Roses – there is some true incidents in here, but I am alright.

Too Old to Rock – I hear the song by Jethro Tull of this name and suddenly I had done one myself. Recorded on 4 Track Portastudio at Durham Street Studios.

I Luv Yer Baby – a bit of gentle bluesey rock – lead guitar from Andy Power. Recorded on 4 Track Portastudio at Durham Street Studios.

Your Sun Will Shine – a teenage angst song from the perspective of the older (err more mature) sibling.

See You Later – a special pop song for me. Another from the Autumn 1981 Weekend Session – guitar from Peter Scott

You Are My Doll – Another from the Autumn 1981 Weekend Session with super slide guitar from Peter Scott.

This Machine Can Kill – version 1 – Recorded by Michael Dixon