Songs You May Have Missed #816

23 Jan 2026 Leave a comment

by Ed Cyphers in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: ,

Donovan: “Hurdy Gurdy Man” (Live) (1990)

Donovan wrote his top 5 hit “Hurdy Gurdy Man” in Rishikesh India, as he tells the story in this live version, which includes a previously unrecorded third verse contributed by Beatle George Harrison.

Donovan has said he originally wanted the song to be recorded by Jimi Hendrix, and it’s not far-fetched given the studio session that produced it included three guys named Page, Jones and Bonham, and may have been responsible for the formation of Led Zeppelin.

There’s no electric guitar bombast here, however.

This version is from a live album, a live compilation really, variously titled Donovan Rising, The Classics Live, 25 Years in Concert, and Atlantis, depending on the continent–confounding for the pre-internet vinyl collector. (I collected it at least twice).

See also: https://edcyphers.com/2012/05/07/recommended-albums-16/

See also: https://edcyphers.com/2012/02/22/songs-you-might-have-missed-18/

See also: https://edcyphers.com/2025/12/17/recommended-albums-102/

Songs You May Have Missed #815

10 Jan 2026 Leave a comment

by Ed Cyphers in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: ,

Kany Garcia: “Aguita e Coco” (2022)

Of 6-time Latin Grammy Award winning Puerto Rican singer and songwriter Kany Garcia, Billboard Magazine said the following:

Her husky tone seems built for a sideways glance at breakups, sex, aging and human indifference. What has set Garcia apart from other pop divas on the charts, other than writing her own songs and ability to play guitar, is her blend of commercial melodies with lyrics that are sometimes bracingly personal, even if the story isn’t always about her.

In the same year of this song’s release, Garcia was recognized at the Latin Recording Academy’s annual Leading Ladies of Entertainment event, which recognizes “indelible impressions and contributions to the Latin entertainment industry”.

Sounds like serious stuff, but this particular song is just a bit of lighthearted (and damn catchy) fun.

The chorus, translated:

I’m going with you, swimming in the deep
Now they call me and I don’t answer
I take you like coconut water
Little by little, we go crazy

Songs You May Have Missed #814

10 Jan 2026 Leave a comment

by Ed Cyphers in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: ,

Gary Louris: “By Your Side” (2025)

Gary Louris is best known as the front man and main songwriter of the Minnesota-based Jayhawks. Concurrently with his work in that band, he’s released albums as a charter member of Golden Smog, along with solo work.

He’s also recorded with Lucinda Williams, John Hiatt, The Wallflowers, the Black Crows, Counting Crows, and Uncle Tupelo among others, and written songs for Grammy-winning albums by Tedeschi-Trucks Band and the Dixie Chicks.

On his third solo outing, Dark Country, Louris sounds more reflective than ever.

The love song “By Your Side” is sung from an age-worn perspective while musically analogous to 1970-vintage Neil Young.

See also: https://edcyphers.com/2016/05/04/songs-you-may-have-missed-588/

See also: https://edcyphers.com/2012/10/25/songs-you-may-have-missed-206/

See also: https://edcyphers.com/2013/01/30/songs-you-may-have-missed-312/

See also: https://edcyphers.com/2015/06/24/recommended-albums-63/

See also: https://edcyphers.com/2025/06/11/songs-you-may-have-missed-782/

See also: https://edcyphers.com/2017/12/17/songs-you-may-have-missed-624/

Songs You May Have Missed #813

10 Jan 2026 Leave a comment

by Ed Cyphers in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: ,

Edie Brickell: “Take a Walk” (2003)

Edie Brickell evokes early 70’s Aretha or Roberta Flack on this track from 2003’s solo Volcano album.

A lilting invitation to get out of the house and numbing routine.

See also: https://edcyphers.com/2021/04/07/songs-you-may-have-missed-689/

Songs You May Have Missed #812

06 Jan 2026 Leave a comment

by Ed Cyphers in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: ,

Charanga Cakewalk: “Amor Profundo” (2006)

Classic Rock: I like it. I love it. I want less of it.

If you grew up embracing what typical American radio offered and find yourself beginning to succumb to taste lock as you reach a certain age, give Michael Ramos and his cumbia lounge project Charanga Cakewalk a try.

Austin-based Ramos, has worked and/or performed with Paul Simon, John Mellencamp, the Rembrandts, Kris Kristofferson, and many others. He knows his way around the rock scene.

But Chicano Zen, like Ramos’ other Charanga Cakewalk albums, is an engaging blend and juxtaposition of Tex Mex, tejano, flamenco, cumbia, salsa, merengue, ska and reggaeton with electronica and lounge elements.

It’s a calculated blend of modern cool and retro cool, and a truly a unique amalgam of sounds.

Songs You May Have Missed #811

04 Jan 2026 Leave a comment

by Ed Cyphers in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: ,

The Last Hurrah!!: “Melodie Grand Prix 63” (2011)

This catchy, enigmatic tune I found in my special little drawer of Norwegian pop mp3’s sent me searching the usual sources to hear more of the band’s music.

It was a frustrating experience as all I could find was a straightforward, steel guitar-based country band with the same name.

H.P. Gunderson

Then more scrolling revealed the fact that the “country” band was a more recent incarnation of this Bergen, Norway-formed H.P. Gundersen project. The later lineup featured a combination of Norwegian and American musicians.

Apparently exploring lavish arrangements melding West Coast psychedelia, Nordic pop and Asian folk and employing drone guitar with open tunings, tambura and bouzouki wasn’t interesting enough.

The sound of steel guitar and fiddle was calling.

Anyway, even the country-influenced material sounds interesting in the hands of Gunderson. But this song, with Heidi Torsvik on vocals, is from the earlier incarnation of this ever-evolving band.

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