On Sunday Maureen and I bussed in to town for Robert Forster’s new album launch, also a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Rocking Horse Records. Congratulations Warwick and co!!
Listening to the jingly-jangly guitar I experienced a benign sense of wellbeing associated with the many years of hearing that style of music being played by friends at home. The songs Robert played us had a theme to my ears and I think the reason they charm are because they are unabashed love songs. Nothing could be more charming than repeated declarations of love (toxic love-bombing aside). He said they were recorded with his Swedish band five years ago. I know since and perhaps during that time there have been worrisome family health matters, these songs of love may stem from that experience. I like to imagine that they may be his way of being vulnerable of sharing that love connection with family, with us.
It’s the kind of writing men can make when they decide to open up their hearts. We’ve been able to experience the spectacular and public way Nick Cave has done this. Imagine how much our world could change if more men of that generation used heart intelligence to inform their lives and the way they forge connection with minorities, women and each other. A steady positive loving regard for themselves and others. A humane masculinity.
A Man Prayer.