Malvina Reynolds’ classic 1962 anti-nuke anthem presented here in an arrangement based on the Searchers’ 1964 cover version. Celso Alberti wasn’t enthusiastic about the “Be My Baby” rhythmic concept and experimented with more adventurous alternatives before reluctantly concluding that the song was, in fact, “calling for” it. Radical compression and equalization, along with extensive use of a Moogerfooger MuRF pedal, contribute to the unorthodox production, while Amy X Neuburg’s vocals add pop punch.
lyrics
Just a little rain falling all around
The grass lifts its head to the heavenly sound
Just a little rain, just a little rain
What have they done to the rain
Just a little boy standing in the rain
The gentle rain that falls for years
And the grass is gone, the boy disappears
And rain keeps falling like helpless tears
And what have they done to the rain
Just a little breeze out of the sky
The leaves nod their heads as the breeze blows by
Just a little breeze with some smoke in its eyes
What have they done to the rain
credits
from Hologramatron,
released May 27, 2010
Amy X Neuburg: vocals
Michael Manring: bass
Celso Alberti: drums
Gino Robair: dumbec, kendang
Barry Cleveland: electric and acoustic guitar
supported by 49 fans who also own “What Have They Done to the Rain”
Mark Wingfield is always recommended listening for fans of Jazz or Fusion guitar (among the names usually dropped you'll find Alan Holdsworth, Terje Rypdal, Pat Metheny). Nevertheless, this isn't just pure Jazz. I seem to hear more traces of progressive rock than in his other recordings, but probably that's just an early impression... Carsten Pieper
A killer live experimental rock LP from Chris Forsyth with the rhythm section of Sunwatchers, full of blistering energy. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 30, 2021