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Mark–Almond — The City
Album: The Best of Mark-Almond
Avg rating:
7.4

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3266









Released: 1971
Length: 10:24
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Well, I slept last night in the open
Down by a redwood tree
Yes, I slept last night in the open
Just to let, just to let, just to let my soul free
I don't want to know, I don't want to go,
I don't want to go back into the city.
It's just a long long long lonely taxi ride
Going nowhere.
Well, I slept last night in the open
(It gets so hot in the city)
Down by a redwood tree
(It gets so hot in the city)
Yes, I slept last night in the open
Just to let, just to let, just to let my soul free.
I don't want to know, I don't want to go,
I don't want to go back into the city.
It's just a long long long lonely taxi ride
Going nowhere.
Comments (380)add comment
my oh my.  RP...... you are a miracle..thank you thank you thank you.
Posted 3 months ago by billjacky    [ Reply ]
A choice cut from the old days.  I’ve had this album since it was released. Cool jazzy rock.
Posted 3 months ago by buddy    [ Reply ]
 ziakut wrote:

I normally like jazz and experimental music. This is 70s porn, noodling around. Dull to me.




From an expert in 70s porn, apparently.
Posted 4 months ago by TurtleMan    [ Reply ]
Imagine, it's the year before you're going to finish high school, and this is part of what you hear on the local, progressive-rock FM radio station (in my case, WHCN, Hartford, Conn.). Things have changed a bit, eh?
Posted 4 months ago by TurtleMan    [ Reply ]
This could've been recorded just about any time but I find it particularly gratifying that it's actually from my heyday. Not that I'd have ever heard of it if not for RP. Good follow up to Fairport Convention.
Posted 7 months ago by bimmerfan739    [ Reply ]

what an epic
Posted 9 months ago by DrMacDaddy    [ Reply ]
After hearing this on RP a year or so ago, I went hunting and managed to track down a pristine copy of this on vinyl from a charity shop, play it all the time now!
Posted 11 months ago by morganmike    [ Reply ]
cool....very cool...
Posted 11 months ago by TeeCee33    [ Reply ]
 Ditch999 wrote:

Quite a change from his Soft Cell days!



That's Marc Almond, the singer. This is Mark-Almond, the band, whose name was composed from the last names of its members 😁
Posted 1 year ago by valex    [ Reply ]
It's hard to believe but I remember hearing this on AM radio when it came out.
Times have changed just a bit.
Posted 1 year ago by everettwa    [ Reply ]
 Canadese wrote:

I'd say more lucky than old.


Why not both. 
Posted 1 year ago by Pjesnik    [ Reply ]
 flyingfish wrote:

Back in my college days I went to see Mark-Almond play in a club in Denver. I had just turned 18 and my girlfriend who was 17 had a fake ID. We got to the club a little late. Arrived at the club a little nervous about the fake ID but at the door we were asked if we were the people from CBS... I guess I nodded in my jeans, slippers and Lahaina Yacht Club t-shirt. We were escorted to the front row, offered free drinks and saw an incredible show. Thanks for the song and bringing back the fond memories.



Tthat's a great story/memory.
Posted 1 year ago by magnoliahaus    [ Reply ]
John Martyn cued up next?
Posted 1 year ago by chinaski    [ Reply ]
This could have been recorded yesterday by someone like Ray LaMontagne. I love it but I'm amazed that I never heard of the band back in the '70s.
Posted 1 year ago by bimmerfan739    [ Reply ]
 flyingfish wrote:

Back in my college days I went to see Mark-Almond play in a club in Denver. I had just turned 18 and my girlfriend who was 17 had a fake ID. We got to the club a little late. Arrived at the club a little nervous about the fake ID but at the door we were asked if we were the people from CBS... I guess I nodded in my jeans, slippers and Lahaina Yacht Club t-shirt. We were escorted to the front row, offered free drinks and saw an incredible show. Thanks for the song and bringing back the fond memories.



What a great story! Thanks!
Posted 1 year ago by bimmerfan739    [ Reply ]
best band ever!
Posted 1 year ago by 4wel    [ Reply ]
 tonyinnj wrote:





This has nothing to do with this excellent track but when I was a child we had some RCA 78s and I was fascinated by the dog  on the label bending an ear to the megaphone.  It was before I could read but my mother told me the dog was hearing his master's voice. Sadly I  concluded  his master had died.  Not true according to a Wikipedia article on Francis Barraud , the original artist.
Posted 2 years ago by Philipirata    [ Reply ]
 jpfueler wrote:


you need to expand your horizons a bit
This , This, This, and This are all the same guy's writing for the most part. 
You have good taste! I long for the day RP plays Nightwish...

Posted 2 years ago by libertinesupreme    [ Reply ]
 idiot_wind wrote:

Oh my. 

Back when bands use to experiment. 

Too bad bands in 2022 are so clueless. 



you need to expand your horizons a bit
This , This, This, and This are all the same guy's writing for the most part. 
Posted 2 years ago by jpfueler    [ Reply ]
What a wonderful song!  I had not heard this in years.
Posted 2 years ago by rhiangalthie    [ Reply ]
What a nice song to go out the door to at the end of the work week.
Posted 2 years ago by eyke    [ Reply ]
A big favorite of mine.  I've been wanting to hear this since your play of John Mayall and the Blues Breakers the other day brought it to mind.  I always play this when I make a late night half hour bolt to the mountains from the busy coast to sleep under stars in fresh air.  I'd do that now but dawn's too close to make the most of it.  I love that comeback at the end.  It gives me a 15 mph push. 
Posted 2 years ago by markthecarp    [ Reply ]
An incredible video transfer of Mark Almond from 2" Ampex videotape, the best videotape of the day back in 1972:
 
Posted 2 years ago by timmus    [ Reply ]
 everettwa wrote:

I remember hearing this originally on AM radio way back when. Hard to imagine hearing anything like it on any commercial radio now.



I once heard Eep Hour from Jerry Garcia's first solo album on an AM radio broadcast, although I cannot recall where and when. It took a bit of time to associate what I was hearing with the AM band. I had been tuning across the spectrum searching for something interesting and hit pay dirt. 
Posted 2 years ago by bam23    [ Reply ]
GREAT!!! ICONIC!!!   
Posted 2 years ago by eileenomurphy    [ Reply ]
amazing and good 
Posted 2 years ago by arserocket    [ Reply ]
Oh my. 

Back when bands use to experiment. 

Too bad bands in 2022 are so clueless. 
Posted 2 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
Found this vinyl new in wrap in 2020.  Dig it
Posted 2 years ago by obankenobi    [ Reply ]
Could we perhaps have a little chicka-chicka?
Or anything. from that album.
Posted 2 years ago by Greyerwrit    [ Reply ]
thanks Bill. Haven't heard Mark Almond in a long time. New York State of Mind is a favorite too. 
Posted 2 years ago by willjay    [ Reply ]
Quite a change from his Soft Cell days!
Posted 2 years ago by Ditch999    [ Reply ]
When the tambourine and distorted bass come in --- Frisson!
Posted 3 years ago by stevesaw    [ Reply ]
I always wonder what he did before Soft Cell 
Posted 3 years ago by mgkiwi    [ Reply ]
Gawd - haven’t heard this in soooo long. Always loved it. Wore out the vinyl. More pls BillG!
Posted 3 years ago by Montreal_Mort    [ Reply ]
 k1j2cat wrote:
I have this on vinyl from 1971. I played it  over and over for a long time. Still very satisfying listening.
 
There are a few songs that make me want to spin up the turntable - this is one. Why? I don't know, maybe it's just that it's such a sonic treat. Clean and simple, but yet....
Posted 3 years ago by stevesaw    [ Reply ]
Want to hear it again, please.
Posted 4 years ago by murrayn    [ Reply ]
 classicdrvr wrote:


That's funny, my dog was just waiting for something to pop out of the speaker port! I love it when they tilt their head to get a better listen.

Like the old RCA Victrola logo..."Nipper" sitting in front of the horn of the
Victrola and the words "His Master's Voice" printed across the bottom...

Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.
 

Posted 4 years ago by tonyinnj    [ Reply ]
I agree....what a track! 
Posted 4 years ago by cdavies442    [ Reply ]
I have this on vinyl from 1971. I played it  over and over for a long time. Still very satisfying listening.
Posted 4 years ago by k1j2cat    [ Reply ]
Wow! I've never heard this one before. Makes me want to turn on my amp and start jamming! Who's with me?
Posted 4 years ago by alexandersmcmillan    [ Reply ]
Wonderful groove. Thanks Bill!
Posted 4 years ago by chinaski    [ Reply ]
letzte Woche John Mayall´s Turning Point, heute Mark-Almond mit eigener Band - klasse Auswahl - aber es gibt noch andere tolle Songs von denen außer diesem, der hier immer gespielt wird.
Posted 4 years ago by ger-man    [ Reply ]
Groovy.
Posted 5 years ago by bruceandjenna    [ Reply ]
Love love love the Jazz vibes
Posted 5 years ago by fitmartin    [ Reply ]
Ahhhhh,

Seems like the definition of cool/cruising slow down the road/top down breeze blowing/sun and neon lightning the way/no glasses needed cuz no ones looking

awesome song
Posted 5 years ago by DanFHiggins    [ Reply ]
Back in my college days I went to see Mark-Almond play in a club in Denver. I had just turned 18 and my girlfriend who was 17 had a fake ID. We got to the club a little late. Arrived at the club a little nervous about the fake ID but at the door we were asked if we were the people from CBS... I guess I nodded in my jeans, slippers and Lahaina Yacht Club t-shirt. We were escorted to the front row, offered free drinks and saw an incredible show. Thanks for the song and bringing back the fond memories.
Posted 5 years ago by flyingfish    [ Reply ]
 ziggytrix wrote:

Every single time this plays the dogs go crazy and race outside thru their dog door to go find the squeaking thing.

The only other song they respond to like that is the end of Beck's Jackass.
 

That's funny, my dog was just waiting for something to pop out of the speaker port! I love it when they tilt their head to get a better listen.
Posted 5 years ago by classicdrvr    [ Reply ]
I may have had this great album on 8-track tape... several lifetimes ago.
Posted 5 years ago by classicdrvr    [ Reply ]
 xnavy wrote:
I saw the band play this song. Gee I'm old
 
I'd say more lucky than old.
Posted 5 years ago by Canadese    [ Reply ]
 GypsyD wrote:
So, for 50- years, I thought Mark Almond was one guy. Thanks to RP for the Wiki. We live and we learn, no matter how late. Thanks, Bill! 
 
Ditto!
Posted 5 years ago by Canadese    [ Reply ]
There's some very good tracks on the first vinyl.
Posted 5 years ago by juanmoe    [ Reply ]
 kcar wrote:
Oh PSD, you promise me 

Kashmir with Led Zep

but there is silence

and I am bereft

damn you PSD 

 
{#Roflol} {#Clap}
Posted 5 years ago by skindy    [ Reply ]
So, for 50- years, I thought Mark Almond was one guy. Thanks to RP for the Wiki. We live and we learn, no matter how late. Thanks, Bill! 
Posted 5 years ago by GypsyD    [ Reply ]
lil chill tune kicked my ass!
Posted 5 years ago by ExploitingChaos    [ Reply ]
 Droidac wrote:
Ok, this song gets a 1 from me! The "squeaking" midway thru made think that my dog was killing a rabbit in the backyard, and I just pulled a header down the stairs as I was running to the back door!  I nearly broke my neck as I fell from the 6th step!

 
Every single time this plays the dogs go crazy and race outside thru their dog door to go find the squeaking thing.

The only other song they respond to like that is the end of Beck's Jackass.
Posted 6 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
I don't wanna hear, I don't wanna hear, I don't wanna hear, I don't wanna hear "The City."  The chorus is repetitive in an irritating way.
Posted 6 years ago by Baby_M    [ Reply ]
I had this on a small system a block from the beach in late 70s, along with Joni it was a cool Sunday morning with coffee and reading the paper.  Friend showed me the used record stores on Melrose in LA. Wasn't making much money at the time but life was great.
Posted 6 years ago by LAwolf8    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:
He's almost as good as his brothers Gregg and Duane!
(sorry, couldn't resist)

 
Certainly much better than the other Marc Almond...

Marc Almond 
Posted 6 years ago by Stephen_Phillips    [ Reply ]
God, I just love that false ending and slinky return.  It gets me every time.
Posted 6 years ago by RParadise    [ Reply ]

Diane Arbus photo of boy in park with toy hand grenade


Jesus, I am turning into ekin. Sorry, Bill. 
Posted 6 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
Please Please add these from the LP "To the Heart":

Medley: New York State Of Mind | Return To The City and Here Comes The Rain (parts 1 and 2)

Posted 7 years ago by folkrocker    [ Reply ]
SOFA KING KOOL!   Underground Radio Gold!
Posted 7 years ago by Wardleader    [ Reply ]
The piano and sax here are invasive to gray matter that is usually out of reach, and that earnest, honest, humble but subtly rumbling bass kicks all kinds of ass. I endlessly dig the way that the exquisite vocal arrangements trade expression so well with all the other instruments — the strings and drums kick butt, too! Wild, groovy ending! One of the best and most righteously casual Jazz tunes ever!
Posted 7 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
The piano and sax here are uniquely invasive to the gray matter that is usually out of reach, and the fact that they get so deep inside the Side That Wants to Feel So Good In Spite of The Other Side is due to the probably overlooked exertions of that earnest, honest, humble but subtly rumbling bass, which kicks all kinds of ass, and the way that the vocals trade duty of expression so well with all the other instruments — yeah the drums kick butt, too! — is WOW...perhaps beyond expression... One of the Best Jazz Tunes Ever, imo!
Posted 7 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
Wonderful relief from hearing constant drumming... Almost Jazz but not quite. Thank you, Bill.
Posted 7 years ago by Jamus    [ Reply ]
I was turned on to Mark Almond band back around 1979, so nice to hear them again
Posted 7 years ago by LAwolf8    [ Reply ]
Nice!
Posted 7 years ago by Angry_Old_Man    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:
He's almost as good as his brothers Gregg and Duane!
(sorry, couldn't resist)

 
I like it!
Posted 7 years ago by GeorgeMWoods    [ Reply ]
He's almost as good as his brothers Gregg and Duane!
(sorry, couldn't resist)
Posted 7 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
I will always stop whatever I am doing to savour this one. My vinyl copy has languished on a basement shelf with other Cheap Thrills-acquired discs. So pleased to have it served up afresh here on RP.
Posted 7 years ago by raenvald    [ Reply ]
Deep and intense these days. By the late 70's it was elevator muzak they made. A pity.
Posted 7 years ago by palatin8    [ Reply ]
Reminds me of the times I used to hear this highly-inspired and utterly captivating tune covered by a jazz-rock band called InnerCity that used to play Quinn's Pub down on Pearl Street. My buddy Kurt and I would get high outside in the alley between sets, and the beer flowed like nectar. The Pub's still there (Quinn sold it), and still cool, but --- no bands like these anymore!
Posted 8 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
I hear the Uber coming {#Motor}
Posted 8 years ago by the_jake    [ Reply ]
This brings back fond memories of driving around the country in a VW camper, Mark and Almond playing....
Posted 8 years ago by bcolmer    [ Reply ]
My daughter now has the LP~ haven't heard this in forever....still magical, still cool.  {#Cool}
Posted 8 years ago by gatorade    [ Reply ]
Oh PSD, you promise me 

Kashmir with Led Zep

but there is silence

and I am bereft

damn you PSD 
Posted 8 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
Mark Almond was certainly one of my favourite groups in the early 70:s,but until this very day, I have never heard anyone play them on the radio. I'm not surpised to hear them here on RP! Great! I'm happy now! 
Posted 8 years ago by felakuti    [ Reply ]
Very nice! 
Posted 8 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
Damn special. 
Posted 8 years ago by SECA_Alan    [ Reply ]
Lovin' the coda!
Posted 8 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
They came  be known from John Mayalls 'Turning Point' album. 
Posted 8 years ago by Dutchoneill    [ Reply ]
                     Driver's Seat

           I never been to this part of town
   I think all the tourists knows me by my name.
Posted 8 years ago by twoplain2sea    [ Reply ]
 Highspirits wrote:

why, because you didn't know the name was from two guys, Jon Mark and Jonny Almond?    I think zillions of folks never got it either.  no worries.    They were so cool and maybe ahead of their time.

 
Yes, like me! {#Ask}
Posted 8 years ago by PaoloManana    [ Reply ]
Every time my Cat Squeaky hears the seagull in this song he wakes up and looks around...
Posted 8 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
Loved this in the 70s and now adore it.  Could here it once a day.  Bliss!
Posted 8 years ago by ronniegirl    [ Reply ]
I enjoy this. It's got a groove; a slight edge, even; but it's also tastefully mellow in all the right ways. Y'know, those were different times.
Posted 8 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
An oldie but a goodie.  Nice.
Posted 9 years ago by buddy    [ Reply ]
 Highspirits wrote:

why, because you didn't know the name was from two guys, Jon Mark and Jonny Almond?    I think zillions of folks never got it either.  no worries.    They were so cool and maybe ahead of their time.

 
Thanks, kind of you so say so. Good song isn't it! 
Posted 9 years ago by ScottishWillie    [ Reply ]
Wow....have not heard this in a looooong time.   Love it though....sounds great!
Posted 9 years ago by jamescwolf    [ Reply ]
Thank you for this, never heard about it. It's simply amazing...
Posted 9 years ago by yeshetarchin    [ Reply ]
new one on me. groovy
Posted 9 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
yup, way cool man
Posted 9 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
 ScottishWillie wrote:

I heard this tune a few weeks ago and quickly looked at my phone to see who it was. When I saw Mark Almond my first thought was wow he really has found a brilliant new sound. I hadn’t realised he was so talented and versatile.

On hearing it a second time I’ve visited the website and now feel like a fool. 



 
why, because you didn't know the name was from two guys, Jon Mark and Jonny Almond?    I think zillions of folks never got it either.  no worries.    They were so cool and maybe ahead of their time.
Posted 9 years ago by Highspirits    [ Reply ]

I heard this tune a few weeks ago and quickly looked at my phone to see who it was. When I saw Mark Almond my first thought was wow he really has found a brilliant new sound. I hadn’t realised he was so talented and versatile.

On hearing it a second time I’ve visited the website and now feel like a fool. 


Posted 9 years ago by ScottishWillie    [ Reply ]
Wow Mark Almond is far more diverse than I thought!


Posted 9 years ago by akdavey    [ Reply ]
 sans wrote:
Cool 70s porn, noodling around!

 
{#Roflol}{#Drool}

I made a similar comment about another song...and then found two more posters mentioning the same thing about two other songs...

With a nod to Arlo Guthrie, I don't think it's a revolution yet, but it sure feels like a movement.

As for this song...dunno if this would inspire me to the heights of performance, if ya know what I mean.  
Posted 9 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
 bam23 wrote:
The bird calls attracted my cat. She has pretty good taste, as I doubt she ever heard this piece before. Whereas I heard it lots on FM radio back when FM meant something.

 
I can picture your cat looking around. And I, too, loved those days of FM, like KSAN!!   and love this transporting music !
Posted 9 years ago by Highspirits    [ Reply ]
Normally i am not a fan of Jazz, but this is a very fine work, which i like a lot!
Posted 9 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]

Great song. 

I've been on that long long lonely taxi ride for what seems like forever, and so far it does indeed go nowhere. 


Posted 9 years ago by Laowai    [ Reply ]
One of the finest vinyl recordings ever. The sound quality gives you the "I am there feeling."
Gotta spin it when I get home.  
Posted 9 years ago by jsd52756    [ Reply ]
 GeorgeMWoods wrote:
Who says jazz and rock can't get along?

 
I believe it was either Walt Whitman or Isaac Newton who said that; I think they were mistaken in that regard.
Posted 9 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Lunch time listening ... 
Posted 9 years ago by Brooky    [ Reply ]
{#Crown}
Posted 9 years ago by CCinSB    [ Reply ]
Who says jazz and rock can't get along?
Posted 9 years ago by GeorgeMWoods    [ Reply ]
Groovy. Thanks, RP.
Posted 9 years ago by Ulises    [ Reply ]
I saw the band play this song. Gee I'm old
Posted 9 years ago by xnavy    [ Reply ]
Of course, if you slept in the open by a redwood tree these days, you'd probably get shot by a weed grower...

This got a lot of turntable time back when. '78?  Wow, 1971.   Losing track...
Posted 9 years ago by Bobert_ParkCity    [ Reply ]
Bill- Hearing these great old tunes, among so much stuff I otherwise would never hear, is what makes RP such a treasure. Had the good fortune of seeing these guys live back in Detroit in the day. RP makes my day! Day after day!!
Posted 9 years ago by motoman55    [ Reply ]
Love these nuggets.  I owned this when I still had vinyl.  Great stuff.
Posted 9 years ago by Bobert_ParkCity    [ Reply ]
You gotta love RP for playing musical gems like this, I know I do! What kind of radio station dares to play these rarley heart tunes nowadays?
Posted 10 years ago by bruud    [ Reply ]
The bird calls attracted my cat. She has pretty good taste, as I doubt she ever heard this piece before. Whereas I heard it lots on FM radio back when FM meant something.
Posted 10 years ago by bam23    [ Reply ]
Cool 70s porn, noodling around!
Posted 11 years ago by sans    [ Reply ]

Great stuff. After hearing it for first time in years, clicked RP's link to Amazon and bought my own copy of CD. Thanks for the reintroduction to tunes long ago forgotten.


Posted 11 years ago by Kokoloco53    [ Reply ]
Holy crap, will it never end?!
Posted 11 years ago by plaid    [ Reply ]
never heard this before, sounds great, thanks.  I like repetitive trance etc etc however this sounds fresher to my ears than some contemporary stuff - like the fusion elements
Posted 11 years ago by suesblues    [ Reply ]
 ziakut wrote:
I normally like jazz and experimental music. This is 70s porn, noodling around. Dull to me.
 
(Bad 70s porn dialogue floating in my head...)
It is a bit...relaxed...but I'm in a more tolerant mood tonight than the last time I heard this, when I invited a fellow listener to put his LP on the fire. 

Reminds me of "White Bird" by It's a Beautiful Day this time around...a temporary reprieve from the "3" I gave it. 
Posted 11 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
 ziakut wrote:
I normally like jazz and experimental music. This is 70s porn, noodling around. Dull to me.
 
I happen to like this, but I love your description of it!
Posted 11 years ago by lshinkawa    [ Reply ]
I normally like jazz and experimental music. This is 70s porn, noodling around. Dull to me.
Posted 11 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
The Duke and now this.  This is why we Luuuurve RP.  Merry Christmas and thank you so much to you Bill and to Rebecca - you do one helluva job! {#Notworthy} {#Good-vibes}
Posted 11 years ago by Pedro1874    [ Reply ]
Brings back exquisite memories. Yum.
Posted 11 years ago by janep    [ Reply ]