Sixto Rodriguez – Psychedelic Music Genius (KJ Song Rec)

Sixto Rodriguez - Psychedelic Music Genius (KJ Song Rec) | Third Monk image 7

Sixto-Rodriguez-psychedelic-music-geniusSixto Rodriguez’s tale is one of the most unusual, sombre, yet incredibly heart-warming rags to riches stories I’ve ever encountered. Imagine being a struggling unknown musician in the United States during the 1970’s. Now, also imagine that unbeknownst to you, you’ve developed a cult following in South Africa and other nearby countries; your musical genius considered to rival that of Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones.

Sixto Rodriguez’s music is a blend of rock, folk, and psychedelic, with an emphasis on societal realities and their short-comings. This is the enigmatic story of Sixto Rodriguez, and this is his music. 

Sixto Rodriguez – I Wonder

You either live under a rock, or you walk in the sunshine. That’s pretty much how it goes. – Sixto Rodriguez

Sixto Rodriguez – Cold Fact Album

1.Sugar man 0:00
2. Only Good For Conversation 3:49
3. Crucify Your Mind 6:14
4.This Is Not A Song, It’s An Outburst 8:46
5. Hate Street Dialogue 10:53
6. Forget It 13:26
7. Inner City Blues 15:15
8. I wonder 18:41
9. Like Janis 21:15
10. Gommorah (A Nursery Rhyme) 23:51
11. Rich Folks Hoax 26:12
12. Jane S. Piddy 29:15

He’s more popular than Elvis in South Africa – Stephen “Sugar” Segerman

sixtoSixto Rodriguez’s recent resurgence on the American Music scene can be attributed to a documentary titled: Searching For Sugar Man (Directed by Malik Bendjelloul).

It’s an insightful, emotional, tightly spun 86 minute roller-coaster ride. Highly recommended.

If you enjoy Sixto Rodriguez and his music, consider going to see him in concert. His upcoming schedule can be found at his website: sugarman.org.

John Lennon – Watching The Wheels, Acoustic (KJ Song Rec)

John Lennon - Watching The Wheels, Acoustic (KJ Song Rec) | Third Monk

John Lennon –  Watching The Wheels
Album: Double Fantasy

John Lennon enjoyed his time away from center stage so much that he wrote a song about it. Watching the Wheels was released in 1981 after Lennon’s murder. This song is a great reminder of the simple beauty that can be found in everyday life.

John Lennon –  Watching The Wheels Lyrics

People say I’m crazy doing what I’m doing
They give me all kinds of warnings to save me from ruin
When I say that I’m o.k. well they look at me kind of strange
Surely you’re not happy now you no longer play the game

People say I’m lazy dreaming my life away
Well they give me all kinds of advice designed to enlighten me
Tell them that I’m doing fine watching shadows on the wall
Don’t you miss the big time boy you’re no longer on the ball

I’m just sitting here making the wheels run round
I really love to watch them roll
No longer riding on the merry-go-round
I just had to let it go

People asking questions lost in confusion
Well I tell them there’s no problem, only solutions
Well they shake their heads and they look at me as if I’ve lost my mind
I tell them there’s no hurry
I’m just sitting here doing time

I’m just sitting here watching the wheels run round
I really love to watch them roll
No longer riding on the merry-go-round
I just had to let it go…I just had to let it go