RIP Richard Swift

[Neige]

https://pitchfork.com/news/richard-swift-dead-at-41/

A very talented multi-instrumentalist and songwriter.

I wasn't aware of the Black Keys and Shins connection, but I've enjoyed his 2009 solo album, The Atlantic Ocean, quite a bit over the years:

[Mike Boom]

Wow, shocked at this, wasn't aware he was ill - great talent and wonderful songwriter - Dressed Up For the Letdown is a fine album.
RIP Richard.

[sloopjohnc]

I heard about this yesterday. Apparently, he was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness pretty recently.

[Ghost of Harry Smith]

Was sorry to hear about Swift's passing, he played with a lot of fine musicians and I admired his solo stuff too which often seemed in thrall to the influence of Nilsson, much like contemporaries such as Liam Hayes/ Plush.

I first came across Swift on his solo albums, then he and Damien Jurado sang a bunch of excellent covers together for the Aquarium Drunkard blog. See https://aquariumdrunkard.com/2013/11/25 ... s-vol-1-2/ (though I notice they've deleted all the MP3s and their old posts so they must be legally available from other services).

Also Aquarium Drunkard has re-posted a mixtape Richard Swift made for them, all 45rpm wonders and/or obscurities from his 7-inch collection. It's fun listening and a nice tribute to a guy who had great taste. https://aquariumdrunkard.com/2018/07/03 ... 1977-2018/

They haven't added a tracklisting but I found a partial one in an earlier reader's comment:

Richard Swift presents PLAYING DUMB - a mixtape
Link Wray & The Wraymen – Slinky
Lee Rogers – Our Love is More
??? Never Hurt Again… ???
The Marketts – Out of Limits
The Cougars – I Wish It Would Rain
The Isley Brothers – There’s No Love Left
Link Wray – Bo Diddley
Bermudas – Donnie
Jackie Ross – Everything But Love
Paul Humphrey & His Cool Aid Chemists – Detroit
Little Milton – Can’t Hold Back the Tears
Link Wray & The Wraymen – Soul Train
Tyrone Davis – Can I Change My Mind
Melvin Bliss – Synthetic Substitution
The O’Kaysions – (I’m a) Girl Watcher
Bo Diddley – Gimme Gimme
Diana Ross & The Supremes – Come See About Me
Bo Diddley – Craw-Dad
Shades of Blue – Happiness
??? My Baby, She’s Too Much ???
??? Sax/Piano instrumental ???
Little Richard – Keep a Knockin’
David Seville – Don’t Whistle at Me (Baby)
Lonnie Mack – Memphis
Chubby Checker – Hooka Tooka

[Diamond Dog]

I only have a twofer of his, which includes The Novelist/Walking Without Effort. A fine double set.




I believe I came across him playing on one of the KCRW live radio sets (which are also well worth the investment).

RIP.