How have the Neolithics influenced Rock 'n' Roll?

common era Jan 24, 2008 12:24:29

I have just posted this over on Unsung, but thought it would be worth posting here too.

As some of you already know, I am currently attending Central Saint Martins College of Art where I am enrolled on the MA Communication Design course.

As part of the program I have to submit a 10,000 word thesis on a subject of my own choosing, but it also has to relate back to my professional practice.

I am attempting to tie in my love of ancient British sites into both the practical work, by producing guide books to various sites in the Peak District [spent 3 amazing days last week up on Stanton Moor], and also the academic side of my studies and this, hopefully, is where you come in...

Can you think of any ways or examples of how neolithic, bronze and iron age culture has influenced rock 'n' roll?

This could be in any way, shape or form, whether its band names, cover art, stage sets, songs, fashion etc.

There is of course the classic tale of Black Sabbath wanting to have a larger than life replica of Stonehenge as a stage set, only to find that it was too big to be used when it got to America and it is believed that it is still currently in a shipping container in Boston harbour.

Also, if you know of any reading I should be doing to help me on this then please let me know! Any ideas will be greatly appreciated!

Andrew

wysefool Jan 24, 2008 15:52:09

Replying to common era

Oooh! I'm sure TMA'ers can list lots. I'll start with:

1. Hawkwind - stonehenge free festivals +'this is hawkwind don't panic' album cover (plus I think I've got a 'Hawkwind - live at Stonehenge + Watchfield' bootleg?) + other hawkwind albums....

2. Queens of the stone age

3. Ten Years After (cracking band) - Stonedhenge

4. Ultravox - Lament

5. Afro Celt Sound System

6. David Bedford - Star Clusters + Nebulae

7. XTC - english settlement

and then there's Celtic music and instruments.....

WFx

(having brain ache, but sure this has come up before deep in the threads)

sam Jan 24, 2008 19:00:58

Replying to common era

I know there is a Clannad and a Paul McCartney album featuring stones in the artwork - I think the Macca one was called standing stone. There's a track by Jethro Tull called "stone circle" too.

Can you count Elton John's Circle of Life?

And no, I don't have these albums, honestly, but spent many years working in music retail.

sam

sam Jan 24, 2008 19:15:52

Replying to common era

and I forgot, there was a live Nirvana one called Druid Jam or Druids Jam, that had stones on the front.

sam

Hob Jan 24, 2008 20:10:12

Replying to common era

If you're up for a slightly peculiar definition of the term rock'n'roll, you could get a bit gothy and have 'Hollow Hills' by Bauhaus.

Chris Collyer Jan 24, 2008 20:19:57

Replying to common era

A few more -

Cover art - Hawkwind, Electric Tepee - Nice painting of Castlerigg in the gatefold.
Video - Harvest by Clinic, Swinside/Sunkenkirk Circle
Title/Lyric - Men-an-Tol by the Levellers

DaveF Jan 24, 2008 23:17:33

Replying to common era

Sommeone already mentioned Spinal Tap

They have a song called Stonehenge - the stage show is complete with fake stones and midget druids when I saw them at Live Earth

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3PTVQ6UJ8U&feature=related

Sisters of Mercy - Floorshow lyrics

http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Floorshow-lyrics-The-Sisters-Of-Mercy/37A9DBC4D291F88148256F7F0010DDF9

I'll have a further think

common era Jan 25, 2008 10:55:15

Replying to common era

Yes, Spinal Tap definitely first came to mind and will be covered in my ramblings on the subject. Good excuse to watch the film again!

Many thanks for all the great suggestions, its hugely appreciated.

A. x

Kozmik_Ken Jan 26, 2008 21:52:02

Replying to common era

There's also...

Stonehenge by Culture Shock
Hymns to the Stone by Acrimony

Hawkwind are a bit of a seam to be mined here too! The lyrics to 'Lord of Light' - "Stones that measure the silvery light"... plus their Atomhenge stage set. Stonehenge Decoded. Not to mention that whole Stonehenge Free Festival thingy.

Kilmartin House produced a CD of supposed Neolithic music too. Hit it with the swan bone flute solo!

ocifant Jan 30, 2008 08:44:23

Replying to common era

For a definitive list of Albums, songs etc, get yourself along to http://allmusic.com and use the search facility with relevant words.

A search for 'stone' in the song title brings forth a plethora of possibilities. Even 'megalith' pulls up a few! There's a mine of useful information there. Search by Artist/Album/Song and the world's your lobster, my son! :-)

common era Jan 31, 2008 11:35:10

Replying to common era

Brilliant! Many thanks to all.

Basically right now I am looking for jumping off points. In the end there may not be enough material to write a decent dissertation about this, but I won't know that until I start the research and start making connections. It'll be interesting to see where this ends up.

I have 3 months to get the first draft done, so no pressure at all...

tomwatts Jan 31, 2008 13:33:59

Replying to common era

Sorry...............

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rock-Caveman-Tommy-Steele/dp/B0007SME3G