Alasdair Clayre?

[callmemadam]

I'm reading a book I can hardly put down: Ferdinand Mount's autobiography Cold Cream. I was interested in his mention of an Oxford acquaintance, Alasdair Clayre as 'the cleverest boy ever to have come out of Winchester'. What came of such early promise, I wondered? So I looked him up and found first, a sad story and then Adam and the Beasts. Not just a professor but a folk singer! I listened to the whole album on Spotify and he wrote some really beautiful songs. How could I not have heard of him? Anyone else got any info.?

Comments

[huskyteer.livejournal.com]

Just had a listen. God, isn't it lovely? I can see why you would like it - all the London songs. Bet you liked that 'Two Evenings' one, as I did. Some tracks reminded me of the Divine Comedy, others of the Bonzos.

Poor man.

[callmemadam.livejournal.com]

It's rare for me to stay glued to the computer in the evening just because I'm listening to something. I was really enchanted. Such a mixture: rather trad beautiful ones and the witty comment ones and yes I did like Two Evenings. There's one called The Train Song which isn't on that album but seems to have been covered by a lot of other people.

Unfortunately albums seem to be like hens' teeth and there aren't any CDs.

[lethe1]

I have never heard of him.
A friend of mine sent me an invite to Spotify a while ago, must check it, and the album, out!

[callmemadam.livejournal.com]

The only downside to Spotify is that every now and then advertisements break in. Quite bearable, I find.

Alasdair Clayre

[(Anonymous)]

He wrote the introduction to Folkert Wilken's book 'The Liberation of Capital' - for this alone he should be immortalised.

Re: Alasdair Clayre

[(Anonymous)]

Sure I can answer some questions. He was my uncle and his brilliance was a burden too. Read his poem "Philosopher Walking" for a hint. CDs were still available last time I checked. I hope so: I own the rights. In the US the Smithsonian produced them certainly.

Re: Alasdair Clayre

[callmemadam.livejournal.com]

How interesting! Thank you.