Billy Childish, poet, painter, musician, bluesman, punk rocker, but most of all amateur “The amateur always beat the professional hands down because he does what he loves. The amateur is free to explore is free to explore and express himself because he doesn’t have to hide behind his status.” Billy Childish was/is a member of the Milkshakes, Headcoats, Mighty Caesars, William Loveday Intention, The Buff Medways, and many more.
Billy Chidish – The Ballad Of Hollis Brown
Sub Pop – SP151
The Ballad Of Hollis Brown / Grizzerly Bear
One could describe Billy Childish as a punk hiding in the disguise of a folk artist, or a folk artist hiding in the disguise of a punk, depending on the release. This single was released in 1992 on Sub Pop and presents Childish at his most lo-fi blues side. Side A, recorded with Bruce Brand on drums and Johnny Johnson on harmonica, is a haunting and dark song from Bob Dylan’s third album, “The Times They Are A-Changin’”. Childish’s raw voice is ideally suited for conveying the drama of poverty. Originally a folk song, it has become a crude and brutal Bo Diddley-sounding tune. Childish would later record numerous albums of Dylan covers with his group, The William Loveday Intention, each better than the last.
Side B is a 1966 song recorded by Benny Richardson, an African American inmate at Ellis Farm Prison in Texas. It’s an acapella work song that follows a question/answer pattern, featuring Medway Delta Choral Society (featuring Kyra and probably Holly Golightly).