21 Comments
May 26Liked by Robert C. Gilbert

I was really looking forward to this, and you did not disappoint. Her vocal agility was one of a kind. So was her musicality, as you rightly illustrate. Interestingly, on Apple Music UK, Second Childhood is available, but her debut isn't (?). I love the other record you mention, It Looks Like Snow (her third, if I'm not mistaken). Her cover of Don't Let me Down is a proper journey. I need to get her records on vinyl!

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They should be easy to find. Strange what is available and what isn't available for streaming - just another argument for owning the records.

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Your theory about Akers’s possible influence on Phoebe Snow is intriguing. It’s certainly possible. I’ll listen to more of Akers with your idea in mind. Phoebe Snow has long been a favorite, and I will definitely be listening to her on the turntable this weekend. Thanks for another great post, Robert!

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Thanks, Andrew. It's long been my belief that Doris Akers influenced Phoebe Snow to some extent but again, this is just speculation on my part. Enjoy the music this weekend.

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May 24Liked by Robert C. Gilbert

It’s on the US Spotify.

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May 28Liked by Robert C. Gilbert

It's also on the Australian Spotify.

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Maybe this is naive, but I had always thought that everyone on Spotify would be available everywhere. Another illusion shattered!

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May 28Liked by Robert C. Gilbert

I thought the same!

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Gotcha - I'll clarify that in my next Substack dispatch.

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May 25Liked by Robert C. Gilbert

great songs, good writing

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Thank you, Jon - appreciate it.

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This is my kinda groove! Thanks for the learning moment. Sharing!

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Thanks, Thea!

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May 24Liked by Robert C. Gilbert

Second Childhood is on Spotify

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If it's there, I'm not seeing it. Could it be that I'm accessing Spotify in Canada?

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May 24Liked by Robert C. Gilbert

If you belong to a public library that is linked to Freegal, you can stream or download Second Childhood. It’s indeed great.

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My favourite of her albums.

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I bought "It Looks Like^ Snow" after hearing her version of "Shake Ground". Great soulful voice!

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She was a really dynamic singer - mesmerizing.

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Her version of "Rockin' Pneumonia and The Boogie Woogie Flu" was an outstanding revelation of her gifts for me.

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Hadn't heard it until a few minutes ago - it's really, really good.

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