Mary Hopkin Discussion Thread

I don't think there's an all purpose Mary Hopkin thread on the forums, so I thought I'd create this.

I own a few of her albums (Post Card and the Those Were the Days compilation album) and a few Apple singles. I enjoy listening to her because her voice is remarkable. Paul did well in signing her to Apple.

What do you all think? Favourite single? Favourite album?

 

I adore her versions of two Donovan compositions on her debut album-- "Lord of the Reedy River" and "Voyage of the Moon." Her crystalline voice suits their ethereal beauty perfectly. Kate Bush also later covered "Reedy River" but I still prefer Mary's version. Haunting and gorgeous.

A really great talent. Wasn't she married to Tony Visconti for a time?

 

Yeah, for ten years (1971-81). If I'm not mistaken I think he produced a few of her songs as well.

 

I love her version of "Goodbye". In my opinion, it's the best song that Paul ever gave away.

 

Lovely track from the little known concept album "The King of Elfland's Daughter," by two ex-Steeleye members. (Song starts at 1:30)

 

A classic. BTW, the entire "Post Card" album (which Those Were The Days is on) is great and I have yet to get more of her catalog including the album with this song on it.

 

She did a lot of covers of McGuinness Flint tunes, and her versions are all better than theirs.

 

This is worth a purchase. Has most of her main singles and a few others that are great to listen to.

Edit: I believe this is what you were referring to. Great LP.

 

the only Mary Hopkin in my collection AFAIK...

 

Favorite LP:


Favorite guest spot--a choir of Marys--good match for a Tony Visconti production!

 

Her and Donovan were a good match from the start.

 

I saw a copy of Earth Song/Ocean Song at a local record store. Kicked myself for not having bought it, but then again I didn't have much in my pocket.

 

Love everything she did for Apple, have not heard anything subsequent. Those Were The Days is of course an all time classic, but overall her 2nd album Earth Song Ocean Song was my fav.

 

Love this little B-side from 1971.

 

Mary Hopkin speaking to Goldmine magazine in 2007.

 

I heard "How Come the Sun" on the radio back then and immediately went out and bought Earth Song. Always been a big fan.

 

I don't recall that she was too thrilled about the material she recorded. Bit of a McCartney "project". Maybe she a little more control with the last album.

 

Here's a live version of "Those Were The Days" from 1972, with a very different arrangement featuring, I believe, a string quartet.

 

Earth Song Ocean Song is a great mix of excellent songs, excellent singing, and the matchless stand up bass of Danny Thompson. This album set me off in 1972 in search of more British Folk, where I found Fairport Convention, Sandy Danny, and Richard and Linda Thompson. Quite a sign-post for me.

Then there's also that string of wonderful singles from 1969 to 1971.

I'll always be indebted to Mary for broadening my musical horizons beyond the Fabs.

 

For anyone who is interested in her dresses
Mary Hopkin auctions off swinging 60s memorabilia - BBC News

 

I just got this lp recently but haven't listened yet. Now I have another reason to.

 

Favourite songs:

1. Temma Harbour

2. Knock Knock Who's There

3. Those Were the Days

 

Wasn't Richard Hewson (the guy who beautifully orchestrated this single as well as "Those Were The Days") the same fellow who plastered strings and choirs all over "The Long And Winding Road" a year later? Paul must have liked his work (even on "The Long and Winding Road") since he used him to do the orchestrations for his "Thrillington" album.

 

Agreed.

Temma Harbour is a real gem.