Reflections

Marmalade

The other day, Beth and I heard “Reflections of My Life” by Marmalade, a 60’s Scottish band.  Marmalade was another underrated band that mostly got lost in the shuffle.   “Reflections of My Life” was a pop masterpiece,  however.  It merges a great song with superb production, making it a true powerhouse that sold over two million records.  Even if that was their only record, that was enough for me.

Starting out as The Gaylords (named after a post-WWII Chicago street gang) in 1961, the band’s name eventually evolved into  Marmalade.  After years of struggling for a hit, they became the first Scottish band to hit #1 in the UK with their remake of the Beatles’ “Ob-La-Di,Ob-La-Da” in January 1969.  Later that year, they switched record labels and “Reflections of My Life”  became the first recording they made for Decca.  It features great arrangement and  dynamics, a backward guitar solo made by physically turning over the eight-track tape (explained in this article),  and great heartfelt vocals.  Who could ask for more?

Although they still survive in name, Marmalade began splitting up in the mid-70’s, the last original member (Graham Knight) leaving in 2010.  Their former lead singer, Dean Ford, released a splendid newer version of “Reflections of My Life” in 2014.   Marmalade also recorded the original version of “Lovin Things”,  a song covered later quite successfully by the Grassroots (virtually note-for-note!).   If you aren’t familiar with Marmalade, check out their greatest hits here.   If  “Reflections of My Life”, doesn’t move you, I don’t know what will.

Self-Reflection

Finally, a little self-reflection took place this past weekend.  It was just a little over a year ago I decided to start making videos for my music-mainly out of necessity.  It was a whole lot of trial and error and, believe me, there is still a lot to learn.

There is a new channel on Roku–  Peachflicks – that has graciously added two Skyypilot video albums- “Klondike- Remixed-Remastered” and “Songs In The Night” for their subscribers.   Peachflicks features videos and films originating in Georgia and I am honored to be included.  If you have Roku, please add the channel and check them out.  You can also subscribe online. – Peachflicks.com

It’s a new day!

©  2018  J. Mark Witters     Skyypilot.com