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JOHNPRATT/KEYSTONEFEATURES/GETTYIMAGES
ACATHOLIC EDUCATION
Your excellent feature on Marianne Faithfull [June issue] stirred many memories – as I am also an ex-inmate of St Joseph’sConvent in Reading! I was a year behind Marianne at the convent and was also taught English by Mrs Simpson to A-level. She was a classic grammar school English teacher – well qualified, experienced and effective – but she had a tough job from 1963–’66 when our ears were tuned to the lyrics of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Joan Baez and Bob Dylan. She found a way through, however, and inspired me, as well as Marianne, with the Romantic poets. Marianne was certainly a known presence in the school by her fifth year. The quality of her voice had been recognised early on and the equally beloved Miss Bailey, our music teacher, worked with her. A year or two before she left, Marianne sang the solo soprano parts of the Messiah in a Christmas production – I was in the choir. Her voice was quite beautiful – strong and clear. We were all desperate to get out from the convent and away from boring Reading, which then had minimal entertainment facilities. London was only half an hour away, and older girls found their way to parties there. When Marianne left school to make her first single we all admired the classy escape tunnel she had made for herself, although when I heard her voice on the record it seemed rather thin to me and not like the stronger voice I had heard live at school events. I have been very sad reading about experiences she went through over the years, but she has emerged as the ultimate survivor and an inspiration to a younger generation. I will look forward to hearing her new album – Mrs Simpson would have been delighted that her teaching had inspired her most famous student to create a new work of art. Rock on, Marianne! Alison Skinner, St Joseph's Convent 1959–’66 Amazing letter, Alison. Thank you so much for writing. [MB]
ALEXTHEGREAT
Alex Paterson’s choices for My Life In Music [July issue] were inspired! Being of similar age, the good doctor’s selectionreminded me of my own youth. T.Rex’s “Get It On” was one of the first singles I ever bought 112 • UNCUT • AUGUST 2021
Convent escapee Marianne Faithfull at home in Reading, October 1964
– and I still love the evergreen Electric Warrior. I also purchased Alice Cooper’s Killer when first unleashed. I agree that the four classic Alice albums Alex mentioned are by far the group’s best. Bowie and Eno both go without saying – titans, especially during their ’70s heyday. King Crimson have always circumvented the prog label – my favourite album of theirs being the truly unique Larks’ Tongues In Aspic. With Kraftwerk’s status as one of the most inspiring forerunners of electronic innovation and Prince Far I doing what he did best on Under Heavy Manners, that just left Maharishi Mahesh Yogi to bring up the rear – whose philosophy I can totally relate to. And, yes, we do all need a little bit of love after what we’ve experienced this past year or so. Hats off to the Orb man for his exceedingly good taste! Pete Moore, Brighton
BOB’SFULLHOUSE
Well done, Uncut, for the brilliant Dylan At 80 feature. I’m not a massive Bob fan. So much so, I still maintain Nashville Skyline is his finest album, even though I gather it’s not highly regarded by devotees. Nevertheless, I reckon …Skyline is probably one of
the greatest (and shortest) records of all time. Anyway, when Uncut dropped on the doormat, I rolled my eyes when I saw Dylan was the cover star… yet again! But the feature turned out to be a revelation. The eyewitness reports from the multitude of people who have crossed his path over the years was a brilliant angle to tell the story from a new perspective. So hats off to the Uncut team for coming up with that idea and providing fresh insight on this iconic figure. Stephen Hope, Glasgow …Just a quick note to say thanks for a great magazine. Years ago I used to subscribe, but in 2009 I became a dad and so had other priorities. Only now do I find I have time to properly engage with music once more. The album of Dylan covers drew me in. I thought I’d heard all possible treatments, but what a collection! The interview with Stephen Stills also prompted me to revisit Déjà Vu, an album that I haven’t listened to properly for years, and goodness, what a feast for the ears that is. I’ve also sought out new music based on your reviews. It feels good to be back in the groove. Jason Rose, Musselburgh Good to have you back, Jason.
…I realise I’ve missed the boat for your July issue letters page; but regardless, praise where praise is due. I haven’t purchased a copy of Uncut for some time (no reflection on the magazine itself), but still have cherished copies – including Sounds Of The New West CDs from back in the day. I decided I couldn’t pass up on your June issue on such an occasion as celebrating Dylan’s 80th and was looking forward to the read. What I wasn’t expecting was to enjoy the CD, as for me covers rarely improve on the original tracks. Well, I haven’t stopped playing said CD! The interpretations are in most cases so different and unique compared with the original that it’s been great to hear songs I know and love done in a fresh and inspiring way. I also discovered that I’d missed out on Ambient Americana. I’ll be keeping my eye out for future issues now. Thanks for your work. Antony Taylor, via email Cheers, Anthony! High praise indeed. …Just got my copy of the June Dylan issue today. The CD is an absolute gem. Wonderful interpretations of Dylan classics! Congratulations on a great job to everyone involved in this project. This CD is a keeper. Andy Lachapelle, Plainville, CT
