Let There Be More Light

Introduction

This came about because I saw Pentangle's "Light Flight" on a National Trust Folk compilation album track listing. I then thought of all the songs that have light in their titles, and thought there is definitely a playlist there.

The title is taken from Pink Floyd, and that song will close the list.

Pentangle - "Light Flight" from "Basket Of Light"

I first heard this as the theme to the BBC series "Take Three Girls", and I liked it, but at the time, I did not investigate the song further. I now have several of their albums, including "Basket Of Light" which is on my player quite regularly.

I think The Stranglers were more than enamoured of it when they wrote "Golden Brown".

Hawkwind - "Lord Of Light" from "Doremi Fasol Latido"

Just an excellent slice of cosmic heavy space rock from Hawkwind's third album. I love the black and silver artwork, and it is part of my vinyl as well as digital collection.

Nazareth - "Light My Way" from "Rampant"

This is my favourite Nazareth album, dominated by Manny Charlton's excellent guitar and electronics, and Dan McCafferty's wonderful voice.

Listening to this is tempting me to put the whole album on.

Led Zeppelin - "In The Light" from "Physical Graffiti"

This is just pure magnificence, though the intro goes on for almost three minutes, well over a third of the song, but it is still absolutely perfect.

Be Bop Deluxe - "Kiss Of Light" from "Modern Music"

Maybe it's an excuse to include Bill Nelson's guitar, but his work is always amazing, and this is perfect for this playlist.

Todd Rundgren - "I Saw The Light" from "Something/Anything?"

Rundgren is a musical genius. On "Bat Out Of Hell", Meatloaf provided the presence, Jim Steinman provided the songs, and Todd Rungren provided the sound.

The Doors - "Light My Fire" from "The Doors"

From their eponymous first album, this still sounds like a dangerous slice of temptation today.

Manfred Mann's Earthband - "Blinded By The Light" from "The Roaring Silence

Manfred Mann covered Dylan in the sixties, but Earthband hooked onto Bruce Springsteen, although they still covered the odd Dylan song.

The Beatles - "The Inner Light" a single from "Past Masters"

A beautiful song from George with obvious Indian mystical influences.

This is a wonderful initiative, though not sure if it is still going.

The Material World Foundation, created by George Harrison in 1973, is today donating $500,000 to the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund, Save the Children, and Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) charities, which are providing much needed aid and care during this COVID-19 pandemic.

WITHOUT GOING OUT OF MY DOOR, I CAN KNOW ALL THINGS OF EARTH.

WITHOUT LOOKING OUT OF MY WINDOW, I COULD KNOW THE WAYS OF HEAVEN.

Olivia Harrison said, "These lyrics sung by George are a positive reminder to all of us who are isolating, quarantined or respecting the request to stay in our homes. Let’s get and stay connected at this difficult time. There are things we can do to help, and we invite you to share your Inner Light."

The Inner Light Challenge:

Material World Foundation will donate another $1 (up to $100,000) for every one of you who shares their own "Inner Light" moment on social media using the hashtag #innerlight2020

This can be a verse, a chorus, or a line from the song, sing it, play it, hum it, strum it, paint it, knit it, chant it, plant it, pray or meditate and post it to social media.

Remember to hashtag #innerlight2020

Rolling Stones - "Shine A Light" from "Exile On Main Street"

A little pseudo gospel from The Sones on their finest album.

Pink Floyd - "Let There Be More Light" from "A Saucerful Of Secrets"

This closes the playlist, the opening song from Pink Floyd's second album.

It was a transitional album on which Syd Barrett left, and Dave Gilmour replaced him.

My observations.

Conclusion

Thank you so much for reading, and I hope you found something you enjoyed.