James Varda – Sunday Before the War

Posted on by Opher

The late great James Varda is sorely missed. He brought a powerful new voice to his poetic images.

This was a song off his wonderful first album – Hunger.

It is rare these days to come across someone who really grabs you. James certainly did grab me the very first time I heard him sing. He also grabbed Roy Harper. He took him on tour with him. He rarely does that.

Sunday Before The War

I can’t help looking on the bright side
It’s just the way I am
And if I ask too much of you
I was raised a man
But all I want
All I want
I can’t have today
I’m going to ransack the future
And stowaway
On a large white ship
With tall sails
And I’ll sail on down
To where the water flows
Warm and pure
Sunday before the war

I always learn from history
I make the same mistakes twice
But I never meant to make my bed
In this house of ice
I can’t wait any longer
For the play to begin
I can’t wait any longer
For the curtain to climb
The sun about to shine
And cause the ice to thaw
Sunday before the war

In was standing by the shore
When a man stepped out of a shell
He said clear up all these pebbles
Or I’ll slam you in a cell
The laughing tide
The roaring waves
Rolled over him
I stayed by the shore
Sunday before the war

Rock album Recommendations – James Varda – Hunger

Posted on by Opher

537 Essential Rock Albums cover

This was number 39 on my essential albums list.

James Varda – Hunger
James was championed by Roy Harper and I was fortunate to catch this incredibly original singer/songwriter supporting Roy on one of his eighties tours. He seemed a little self-conscious but his playing was brilliant and the songs very different and interesting. I love lyrics that are complex and thought-provoking.

Hunger was recorded for Andy Ware’s Awareness label and has not been heard by a lot of people. This is a great shame because it is a set of intelligent, thoughtful and distinctive songs delivered in an entirely original manner. The production is excellent and does justice to James’ songs.

‘Just a beginning’ is a brilliant start to the album. It sets the tone. You know this is going to be one of those great experiences. ‘Whatever you’ve got I don’t want it’ James snarls. You get the impression that he is not impressed with the way this society is run. It is an album that doesn’t stop. ‘From the Bellevue Hotel’ continues with that same wafting voice and ominous chords. Seemingly there are a lot of bastards out there and it’s cold too. Then there’s ‘Sunday before the war’. There is no end to this vision, dream, – nightmare. Yet it is compelling. ‘This train is lost’ is a metaphor for all that’s wrong with this establishment nightmare. Not only are the lyrics brilliant but the music is equal to it.

What a shame James decided to leave music at this stage. This album should have been huge. It is one that I go back to again and again. It deserved to be followed up straight away with something of a similar standard.

James’ later work is very good but doesn’t compare with the power of this. His last album the superb Chance and Time was his masterpiece!