I was 14 when I first heard "The Final Cut". 
I wasn't a happy 14 year old. A scrawny tangle of complexes and inadequacies, I was unable to find my feet and fit in.
When I stumbled upon Roger Waters' lyrics I was taken aback by his spectacular sensitivity and depth. Pink Floyd seemed to be tackling themes in ways that I sensed no other band was able to do. 
"The Final Cut" particularly so. 
I wasn't aware that it was their final album (for the time being at least). I found it a bit too sombre, but loved it nonetheless.
The titletrack was so meaningful and sad. It talked of depression, masturbation (!), loneliness, insecurity, suicidal thoughts. I just found a friend I could relate to.
This was in 1990-91. Thirty-two years later I decided to record my insultingly poor version of it. I hope you like it.

Recorded in April 2022 at La Habitación Gris, Asturias, Spain, using my Fender Strat, piano, strings, accordion and drum machine.

The Final Cut

My daughter and best mate Alexandra introduced me to Bebe Rexha. 
What a belter of a voice she's got. And what a performer.
And so I recorded a version of "I'm a Mess" for Alex to sing.
And here she is, recording her first lead vocals ever.

[Recorded in November 2022]
[Used Zoom r8]
[Keyboard sounds from SynthOne: "Space is Deep" and "Quackers" two octaves down]

I'm A Mess

I first heard this track 30 years ago (believe it or not, I was too young while The Smiths were still active). 
What a riff. No wonder Johnny Marr is one of my top 3 guitar heroes.
As for the subject matter, there's no question it's about boobs. 
I recorded this sorry home-made version on 26th December 2022. Thought I'd pair it with a photo of a weird trinket/ceramic statue. It used to belong to my grandad Vincenzo and, whenever I went round his flat, I'd always find it quite baffling (as well as out of character - he was very serious). That statue is now with me, and I'm still baffled by a lot of things.

Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others

Everything is going tits up at the moment.
But if someone had told me, 30 years ago, that I'd have been able to record "Ask" by The Smiths in its entirety, I'd have been over the moon. 
Scant consolation, but so I did on 26th December 2022.
One of the best Smiths songs in my book.

Recorded on Zoom 8.
Photo model: Alexandra, la niña mejor del mundo.

Recorded in Asturias on 29th/30th November 2023.
Choir: Johnny & The Bunch of Ejits

Back in the 90s I desperately tried to form a band which would sound like The Housemartins. No-one, no fookin chance.

Sheep

Originally by Elvis Presely (1960).
Self recorded, mixed and produced at "Useless Hobby Studios", Asturias, in February 2021.

Photo: my Italian relatives in the 1950s (from my late grandad's family album).

Fame and Fortune (Elvis Presley)

Asturias, España
Birmingham, UK
Hamburg, Deutschland
Savona, Italia.

Owner of a 50s Vintera Fender Stratocaster.
Proud father of Alexandra.

The Final Cut

Claude

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