For you today: A great acoustic version of what is possibly my favorite Cult song! That’s a tough spot to hold since much of their work is pretty amazing. I heard somewhere this is Ian Astbury’s least favorite song. If that’s true I’m glad he performs it anyway. Can you guess the radio station that hosted this performance? lol
I wrote a story for you as well. I hope you’ll enjoy!
Credits below.
Hot sticky scenes you know what I mean
Like a desert sun that burns my skin
I’ve been waiting for her for so long
Open the sky and let her come down
Black-clad women fully covered, except their feet
Bare-chested men, painted torsos dried in the heat
Together start singing, softly at first
Asking to quench nature’s hot thirst
Facing each other from separate lines
Stamping in rhythm, moving in time
The men’s white feathers swaying, calling the wind
Turquoise jewels shining light as it’s dimmed
Singing, beckoning back the clouds
Banished by the sun’s scorching shroud
Their voices building a crescendo
Rolling thunder, echoing tempo
A wild stallion leads a band
Kicking up thick froths of sand
Galloping in reply from the west
Mirage-like shimmer on the hill’s crest
The mustangs’ power, racing command
Their fate intertwined with this parched land
Ripples across these arid dunes
Echoing ancient timeless tunes
The mares encircle the dancers
Slowing to a dulcet canter
Their hooves in unison keep the beat
Measured by bare and moccasined feet
Stallions at full gallop; whirl a blur
Reaching with waves of sand up to her
Dust and cloud expand and rise
Filling the bright empty skies
The lead stallion rears with a loud neigh
His band vanishes, hidden gateway
A heavy drop swirls on chief’s headdress
He raises his hands; they have been blessed
Here comes the rain
Here comes the rain
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[Lyrics in italics, from “Rain,” by The Cult. Written by: Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy. Acoustic version, performed live. Original release: Love.]
Video posted to youtube by user angelo Niko
Note: The poem in between the italicized lyrics is my original poem.
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Normally I’m a bit wary of acoustic versions of rock songs but this one was done very well. Thanks for sharing.
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I’m delighted that you liked it! I was impressed too, especially since the original is so electric — for lack of a better term. Thank you for reading, as always 🙂
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Fantastic, I love The Cult, such a great track.
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Awesome! I’m so glad you like it! They’re one of my all-time favorite bands. 🙂
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Mine too, Ian Astbury has such a unique and amazing voice. Personal favourite track is Soul Sister, but everything they have released has been phenomenal.
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He’s a one-of-a-kind talent. Soul Sister is another great track…there are so many!
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Quite the discreet logo in the background – nice song choice & nice poem Danica!
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That logo made me laugh out loud when I first saw it… the banner ad at the bottom of the screen is over-over kill. Thank you, Geoff! 🙂
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Rain …bottom line electric or acoustic is a classic track! Surprises me that Wolfchild would classify this as not one of his fav’s as its been a Cult live staple for decades! Great band…every album always pushing forward and never really making the same record twice!
Great Post!
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It is, absolutely! They really are fantastic — such a unique sound and you’re right, they never just churn out cookie-cutter albums.
Thanks very much, Deke! 🙂
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Really like the poem, Danica. Really very visual. And not a bad song choice, too.
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Thanks so much, J! I’m really glad you like it. 🙂
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BTW – the visual was very strong for me…the image was with me for a couple of days before I started writing.
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I think that’s a great way to write. Kinda makes it easy, huh? The words are there, cause the image is there… you know what’s happening… but yeah, I really liked this.
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Exactly right! All I had to do was translate the image to words… the challenge was capturing it properly and doing it justice.
Thanks again! That makes me very happy. 🙂
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Nice choice, Dani. And because I know I haven’t said this to you yet, Happy New Year!
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Thank you, Rob! I’m so glad you like it! Happy New Year to you as well! 🙂
I’m re-vamping my site…ao much admin stuff, lol…. I hope you’re enjoying a wonderful day!
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I’m having a great day. I want to attend the demonstration’s in Washington on Inauguration Day so I may take a short break. I’m interested in how you change your site. I’ve been planning some changes for months.
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I’m glad! Let me know how the demonstrations go… or update with a post (or a few)!
I changed themes, it’s similar but different enough… I’m also streamlining: fewer categories and post tags. It’s an experiment to see if this makes site navigation easier, and maybe encourage readers to click some older posts.
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Blogs get a bit bloated over time. Downtime for maintenance isn’t a bad idea.
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You’re right! This is the first overall maintenance I’ve done and I’m already feeling better for it.
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Nah, not for me. I love the unhinged silliness of the original too much. I’ve always thought it’s a very sexy song this one. Sexy and very silly!
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I remember you and your “I Love Lorraine”! 🙂
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Here is your post: I Love Lorraine
Please click the link for Mr. 1537’s review of the same song, “Rain” by The Cult!
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I thank you!
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My pleasure!
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My favorite has to be ‘she sells sanctuary’ I did see them live in 82. When they were the southern death cult…..yes I’m old.
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That’s an excellent choice! I love that one too. What an amazing show that must have been. I didn’t know of Southern Death Cult, so thank you for that.
I’ve seen them a few times and they’re amazing every time.
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The Cult are one of the greatest British Rock bands ever, in my estimation. This is also one of my favourites (of many) among their impressive catalog.
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Absolutely! Choosing a favorite isn’t easy when everything they’ve put out is indeed impressive. They still sound fantastic — even unplugged. After coming across this one I was thinking an acoustic album would be a welcome addition to their catalogue.
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