Sad news this morning, with the announcement of Dory Previn’s death at the age of 86. The first thing I came across this morning at home was a useful comp from a few years back, “The Art Of Dory Previn”, which works well as a primer to this eccentric, wise and mostly undervalued singer-songwriter.

It’s often easier to compare women singer-songwriters with others of their own sex, though not always the fairest way to adjudge their talents. Playing again some of my favourite Previn songs – “Beware Of Young Girls”, “Doppelganger”, “Angels And Devils The Following Day” – it’s striking how better they match up against contemporary work by Leonard Cohen, David Ackles, perhaps Randy Newman, too, rather than, say, Joni Mitchell. A fine artist: please check her out today – “Beware Of Young Girls” is here, “Doppelganger” here – if you’re unfamiliar.

Apologies for the scarcity of blogs this week: we’ve been a little distracted by finishing up the next issue of our generously reupholstered magazine. The redesign is looking good, I think – though of course I would say that. I’ll be interested to hear your thoughts when it goes on sale at the end of the month, anyhow.

There has been time, of course, to put a few tunes on: much love, as a consequence, for the Ty Segall and White Fence hook-up, for the rejuvenated Dexys, and for Dan Auerbach’s gris-gris-heavy production makeover of Dr John. Elsewhere, though, it seems a particularly apposite week to point out again that I don’t always personally like all the records we play here and consequently include in the playlist. One or two tough spots to get through here, I found…

1 “Blue” Gene Tyranny – Detours (Unseen Worlds)