Ennismore – Colin Blunstone – What’s On The Table
Listen To Some Music With Us!
For today’s “What’s On The Table” we picked Colin Blunstone’s second solo album, after the Zombies disbanded in the late 60’s. “Ennismore” came out in 1972.
Most of you probably know how much we love the Zombies. We’ve already talked about how much we enjoy their album “Odessey and Oracle” at various points in time. But for this video we decided to pick something a little lesser known that is still connected to the band.
Please let us know your own thoughts, stories or questions in the comments below. The “What’s On The Table” series is all about sharing music with each other! Do any of you own the record? What are your personal highlights on this album?
We hope you are enjoying the weekend and send groovy greetings!
Mona & Lisa
You mentioned that you would sometimes play a record with your friends to see if it would make them cry. That is an interesting game. One of my favorite Paul McCartney albums is his 1997 “Flaming Pie” LP. There are 2 tracks on that album that I think would be very good candidates for that game. I will post a link to a video of each of them for you to check out. Let me know if either of them made you cry.
“Calico Skies” Paul wrote this beautiful love song for Linda – as she was very ill and would die from cancer shortly after the album was released: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2bd1zp_q6Y
“Little Willow” Paul wrote this song after finding out that his friend Maureen (Ringo’s first wife) had passed away from cancer. He hoped the song might help their children cope with her passing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvRoV_Mj0pA
Watching these videos still makes me cry… more than 26 years after the album came out.
You should check out the “Flaming Pie” album if you haven’t. It’s pretty great from start to finish.
I had never heard this album – but I really enjoyed listening to some of your favorite tracks from it. I have to ask… who’s idea was it to do that trippy 360 of you two going around like the record on a turntable? (at 7:40 in the video). I also loved it when Mona played some air guitar and then air drums (at 8:09) and then Lisa joined in with her own air guitar. It’s so nice to see you both having a lot of fun listening to your favorite records. Thanks for sharing this stuff with us – and I hope you keep doing these.
OMG! That really takes me back to some early 1970s compilation album with the song “Say You Don’t Mind” on it. Even at the tender age of 7 I could tell that his was an angel’s voice and his vocal range in this one song is a great indication of that.
I later encountered him on the Alan Parson’s Project album “Eye in the Sky” where he sang “Old and Wise”. If you haven’t heard his version of that song I’d recommend you look it up – it’s sure to bring tears to your eyes.
I never knew about the Rod Argent connection which just shows that you’re never too old to learn something new – even though I have an Argent album, “Nexus” and a Rod Argent album “Moving Home”. All of these musical connections is one of the things I love about music, bands and albums.
I really like these WOTT videos. I didn’t know of this album or Colin but I do really like the Zombies hits. I have heard some of Rod Argent’s music also. I like hearing your insight and reactions to the music you obviously care about.
Wow thank you ladies for this what’s on the table. I never heard this album but went on line and found it to order. This proves to me that the music from the early 1970’s is so good and is going on even today. My what good taste you both have, I am going to love this album and from the cuts you played sounds great to me. Can’t wait and I will report back to you.
Bill Isenberg
Like many here, I’m a great fan of the WOTT segment, and have enjoyed all the albums that the twins selected. I use to listen to the Zombies but never knew the name of the singer. However, when I started getting into the Alan Parsons Project I ran into the name Colin Blunstone and always thought that the voice sounded familiar. Thank you Mona & Lisa for sorting that out for me. I like the format of WOTT and the knowledge I gain has made me listen to a lot of albums that I have never given any serious consideration to but ended up enjoying. I love the passion that you show in everything you do. As always, stay groovy.
This is my first post, and I have been on this journey since Wish You Were Here was released. Like many here, I discovered you during the first covid-19 lockdown. Sorry it’s taken so long.
Hi girls, I’m someone who had heard various Colin Blunsdon tracks in the seventies but I wasn’t aware of the album or LP as we used to call them. Thanks for sharing this today, I don’t think you’ve shared an album I haven’t enjoyed.
It was fun hearing this for the first time. Thanks for the messaging, too, Mona. I finished H.S in 1972, and I have a reissue of Odyssey and Oracle. Will listen to it again tomorrow probably. Is Colin the Mel Torme of rock? I’m sure he’d like to think so!
This is a great idea. You young ladies are amazing knowledge and love of music. Thank you for sharing it.
Love the emotional connection you’re not afraid to show to this record! Great format – even us old rockers can (re) learn new things! Keep on growing – we love everything you do Mona and Lisa!! Mark
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I had not heard of the album, thanks for the tip! All the songs you played were great, Probably Time is Running Out is my favorite.
But I think Lisa is just making excuses, and she couldn’t resist kissing the handsome Colin! ?
I love these “WOT” videos. Unfortunately I cannot see this one. Is it normal (in France) that I receive this message:
“Video not available
This video includes content from SME, which blocked it in your country for copyright reasons.”
Yupp… I was air Guitaring and drumming alongside with Mona and Lisa, but their bonus of having finger extensions naturally, well, I just couldn’t quite keep up, close though, but not quite…. Gave it my all?
Love hanging with you girls by the turntable and seeing your reactions.
Never heard this album but musically very interesting and diverse.
I’d rather see you two play air instruments than actually see most people play. I have to dig through my old vinyls to see what treasure I can find. Most of my old vinyl records are Beatles’ bootlegs I bought in college…
I think “What’s on the Table” is a keeper, hope it continues. I had never heard “How Wrong Can One Man Be” and like it. Makes we wonder what old LP records we have hidden away.
Go dig through them – this lockdown is the perfect time to get out the old records! 🙂
I’m not familiar with this album but I can see why you like it. I really like the wott sessions! You girls are so remarkable in your interplay with each other and how you can slip into the music so effortlessly! (singing, harmonizing, and of course air drumming and air guitar!) I know I’ll never get to sit with you in person but this is the next best thing! You’re the grooviest!
No, YOU’RE the grooviest! Thanks a lot we appreciate it! That was exactly our idea behind these videos, to hang out with you all a little and enjoy some music and tea. 🙂
I don’t drink much tea but I hope it’s ok if I have coffee!
Hello girls… I really like this section- What’s on the table-
I like the suggestions and informations about the albums and it’s also good to see you talking, smiling, making jokes and remembering your stories.. It’s like talking to friends. thanks dear girls. Stay safe ..and Stay groove.
Yes I like it you ladies have picked a good one my Favorite Album that I treasure is days of future passed by the moody blues
I never heard this record before but I did very much enjoy what you played of it. What I enjoyed the most of course was watching you both respond to it and share your thoughts. You make these WOTT segments so entertaining. I could watch and listen to you without end. I can only imagine you having a live television show of your own packed full of MLT music, musical guests and lots of other interesting variety (like baking cookies, art, photography, fashion, technology, etc.). Papa Rudi and Michaela would join in too of course. You would never run out of material and your personalities and talent would provide the recipe for endless success!
Very cool ladies. Can’t say I recall that one though. Probably listening to too much hard rock like The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and The Who at the time, although I was listening to the likes of CSN&Y. I especially liked that you included the “off camera” uncleaned vinyl start. Have you considered reviewing a CSN&Y album, or even something like “After The Goldrush” from Neil Young? I’m really enjoying these “What’s On The Table” segments. ?❤️
We’d absolutely love to do a Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young album for one of these videos. We have a couple on vinyl so it’s probably only a matter of time! 😉
Another lovely pick ladies. I’m sure I heard this back in ’72, because it does sound familiar, but I don’t remember it that well. I do remember Argent having a hit that year (“Hold Your Head Up”), but what I remember most about ’72 is that it was the first time since 1963 that there were no Beatles or former Beatles in the Billboard Top 100. Thanks for rediscovering this one for us.
That’s a sad bit of trivia, but on the other hand, imagine being consistently in the Top 100 for nearly a decade. Rod Argent must have been working a lot that year since he produced and played on Ennismore, too!
Being kinda tight with the Zombies, do either of you know why they picked that name for the band? I’ve often wondered but never knew. I like your “table” segments. Stay well and of course groovy!
We had noo idea until you asked that question and we googled it 😉
… When Argent was asked about the origins of the band’s name in a 2015 interview with PopMatters journalist J.C. Maçek III, Argent said, “Well, we chose that name in 1962 and, I mean, I knew vaguely that they were, sort of, you know, the Walking Dead from Haiti and Colin didn’t even really know what they were.” Argent explains, “It was [original bass guitarist] Paul [Arnold] that came up with the name. I don’t know where he got it from. He very soon left the band after that.” However, Arnold also left his mark with the name. “I thought this was a name that no one else is going to have. And I just liked the whole idea of it. Colin was wary, I’m sure, at the beginning, I know, but I always, always really, really liked it.” …
Since you like the Zombies there was one song around 1967 or so actually called “I Love You”. It didn’t chart all that much…..but an LA band called People did a cover of it and it became a minor hit in the US……..reached around #14 on Billboard. It might be a song you would like. Mike.
The ‘People’ version of “I Love You” was also a minor hit in Australia in 1968. I remember it well.
We only heard the People cover a few years ago but I think the song actually suits that more psychedelic sound very well! Not sure that we’d ever cover it but it’s a good tune 🙂
I’ve never heard the album but I did like two of the songs.
Andorra, and Times Running Out. Love the references to Time of the Season.
Lisa’s explanation of the ending to Time of the Season was surprising using the Nylon Strings to imitate the organ. Then again, I should know by now, that nothing you all do should surprise us.
Thanks again LADIES!
I hope all of Team MLT has a wonderful weekend.
I never heard this album before, so I had a listen to the whole album on youtube just now. It’s so very easy going, and Colin Blunstone has such a rich beautiful voice. Great variety of instrumentation throughout the album with violins, saxophone/horn, and classical guitar sounds. As you mentioned, the album has some wonderful ballads, and the ones that really stood out for me are “I’ve Always Had You”, “Times Running Out”, and “How Could We Dare To Be Wrong”. They are beautiful! I notice some Spanish influence in his music. I also really liked “A Sign From Me To you”, and “Andorra”. They both have that Zombies Time of the Season feel. It is a great album, and I can see why it is one of your favourites.
I really love seeing your musician reaction to the different songs in the video! 🙂 Thanks for this, really enjoyed it, and looking forward to future What’s On the Table episodes!
P.S. I thought the red lips on the album cover was a nice touch actually. Gives the black and white background some punctuation! Perhaps they should have thought of doing that on the original album art cover back in 1972. 🙂
We’re glad that you got the chance to check out the whole album! There are so many interesting moments on it, and you’re right – quite a few Spanish touches! We almost always love it when artists combine several influences on one album, like Rod Argent’s jazzy organ playing and that Flamenco guitar!
The whole album is so sweet, you can listen to it all day! Love that organ, and Flamenco guitar sounds 🙂
Your passion and love of music is infectious ladies. Love it.
Was the lamb meant to be in this video?
Lampibampi’s appearance is from one of MLT’S Advent Calendar pictures.
Lampibampi had all kinds of adventures during the Advent Calendar. ?❤?
Ah cheers Rick. I can never keep up!
Love it! I was playing drums in a local band back in the seventies. (When I could actually keep time.) ? And, I used to love playing the drums on “Time of the Season.” It was one of our most requested songs for a while. Good memories. I was around nineteen.
I really love that you love the music I grew up loving. So Groovy!
Love to you and your parents and MLT team! ?❤ ?????
That’s cool – we didn’t know you were a drummer at one point! 🙂 The drums to “Time Of The Season” are so out-of-the-box, I loved playing them when we did our recording!
Mona,
Thank you for your response! Love the little bit we get to see of you playing drums. Would love to see more! ?????
Saw The Zombies last summer and their voices and playing were fantastic! That’s a great album.
I saw them three years ago, performing the entire O&O album in celebration of its fiftieth anniversary. Up until then I only knew their hit singles, but now I’m a much bigger and better-rounded fan.
Glad you both got a chance to see them live! You’re right, their voices are still amazing and the whole band was on fire last time we saw them!
Well.. That was entertaining… Nope, can’t say I had never heard of the album, then again in 1972, I would of been 4.. Lol… But I enjoyed the songs you featured from album…. Reminded me sort of along the style of of Denny Doherty’s solo album stuff of which Denny put out a little later on in the 70s…. This is cool, Groovy….. My ears welcomed it…. ?Thankyou…
Also loving the guitar mugs… Tunefully Tasty Tea in the mugs, I hope?☕?
Perhaps, in a future WOTT segment, you could do Denny Doherty’s solo stuff or…. Dave Mason and Cass Elliot collaboration albums…. All are good, I have them on CD though….. Looking forward to your next WOTT, whenever it will come by next… You made my Friday Fab?
1968 was a great year Jacki 🙂
After the last “What’s On The Table” I thought this might be my favorite feature ever in the Club, and you’ve pretty much solidified that…this album came out when I was 14, and can you believe a 14-year-old could miss something like this? It’s like I had the attention span of a teenager or something…but I did and now have to check out the whole thing.
“How Wrong Can One Man Be” sounded a little Paul Simon-y, which is cool, and even with the short bits you were able to play, the really good musicianship is obvious. Perhaps I’m unconventional, which is a nice way to say weird, but what usually strikes me first is how well musicians play their instruments; that’s what grabs my attention so I might miss the point of a song at first, grooving on the music alone. Plenty of that here I think, seeing how you two air-play these tunes!
I also mentioned last time about trying to keep from droning because these segments are such a blast, so thanks and for future perhaps “Fresh Cream”, part of the first wave after the boys arrived here in the States.
Hi Dale! Good to know that you like this WOTT feature so much. We’re thinking about posting one of these every other month so there’ll definitely be a few more coming!
We don’t have “Fresh Cream” on vinyl but once this ruddy lockdown is lifted and stores are opening again we’ll sure keep an eye out for it. We are keeping our fingers crossed that all the independent record shops in our area will have survived and we’ll do our best to support those that have!