In uncertain economic times, or all times for some pursuing art, one finds ways to make their own entertainment at the lowest cost. While this 1972 video from a French television program reveals that The Pentangle reached at least a modest level of commercial success, at least in Europe, it evokes for me a certain DIY aesthetic and house party intimacy.

The song opens with a perfectly timed drum beat surprisingly not provided by a machine. The bass drum is fitted with a rolled up blanket, to soften the volume when accompanying acoustic instruments. Bottles and glasses of red wine rest on the Orange amplifiers, used because they were available at the time, not because the band was trying to evoke another era. A bearded, banjo-strumming Bert Jansch (appeared at Johnny Brenda’s in 2008 I believe), provides restrained accompaniment to Jacqui McShee’s vocals. The banjo sound is carried via microphone, not a direct input. All the technological choices were made out of necessity, and not for appearance’s sake.

As the song’s protagonist makes her own wedding dress, I’m reminded of the Philadelphians I have met, who, in seeking to distinguish or express themselves, or because of financial constraints, have carried on traditions of in-home dress making, clothes repair, and knitting. In the end, the bride-to-be is non-committal, and content to continue her rhythmic and meditative sewing. At this point I think of my friends who are most attractive to me because of their kinetics and refusal to settle for mediocrity in any part of their lives. They equate success with experiencing the world and not with meandering through the corporate muck. Many of these friends have moved on: to Ireland, Vietnam, Venezuela, Brooklyn. I wouldn’t want them any other way however, because it is their transience which makes them so vital.

– Philebrity commenter Brendangling

Today’s Vibe is a new regular post category on Philebrity, named after our long-lost podcast series, which we really need to dig up and listen to again. In these posts, we will discuss things — songs, people, colors, vibes — that we are into on that particular day. If you feel like you know what today’s vibe is and would like us to consider it, share it with us by emailing tips[at]philebrity[dot]com with “TODAY’S VIBE” in the subject header.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 28th, 2009 at 11:22 am.