“The Pubs of London”
(Written and arranged by Reynold D. Philipsek 1994 copyright Zino-Rephi Music BMI)
Guitars, vocals, keyboards-Reynold
Drums-Steve Read-Smith
Bass-Luke Kramer
Trombone-Zane Schaefer, Lowell Larson
Engineer-Stymie Seamans
This song’s lyrics were derived from a list of pub names from the London phonebook. My friend (the late Peter Martinsen) was working as a recording engineer in London at the time and during a visit I began to develop the idea for this song. We were staying with Pete and his wife Geraldine at their apartment near Hampstead Heath.
Peter and I decided to try and visit as many of the named pubs in this song as possible. We did not make it to all of them but did visit many of them which required a lot of train changing, tube stops and walking. Peter was working for the Virgin Records label at the time which was a dream job for him. (Unfortunately, Peter passed on way too young.)
I was recently reminded of all this because Mary and I also spent New Year’s Eve with Pete and Geraldine (1994-1995) in Dartmoor (Two Bridges Hotel) shortly before Pete’s untimely demise. So I will probably forever acquaint New Year’s Eve with this song.
Musically, I really tried to capture the late sixties English pop vibe that got me hooked on music in the first place. I think Stymie and all of the involved players helped make that happen.
Headphones help “bring out” some of the more subtle parts and stereo imaging in the overall mix.
Happy New Year.
Be well.
Be kind.
Love,
Reyn