SOTD #46 // Sam Amidon & Beth Orton: 'Thirteen' (Big Star Cover)

I’ve lost count of how many mix-tapes I’ve made in the past decade or so. Lots and lots. Before mp3′s came along and ruined the art of making an actual mix tape, there was nothing quite like sitting next to the hi-fi with a pair of headphones, quietly crafting away the perfect 45 minutes of a C90 – especially when you managed to get the last song to stop seconds before the tape ran out. Epic skills.

I’ve also lost count of how many mix-tapes I’ve made with Big Star’s “Thirteen” on. Especially when there’s been a girl involved. ‘Cos, let’s face it. 90% of all mix-tapes are created in order to impress a member of the opposite sex and “Thirteen” was always a great track to add in. The lyrics were some of the most adorable the late, great Alex Chilton ever wrote: “will you be an outlaw for my love?” // “tell your dad to get off my back” // “won’t you let me walk you home from school”….. Ok, ok – the last example could be construed as a little creepy, but Chilton did pen the lyrics through the eyes of a teenager. See, it’s the innocence I’ve always loved about this song. When Chilton sadly passed away a few weeks ago, it was the first thing I played after reading the news. (Followed by the equally amazing “When My Baby’s Beside Me”.)

If you’re (un)lucky enough to receive a mix from me nowadays, a regular name in the iTunes playlist will undoubtedly be a certain Mr. Sam Amidon. I’m not allowed to make mixes to “pick up chicks” anymore as that would simply break the laws of marriage*. Amidon is simply an artist I genuinely love to introduce to people. He’s an artist so cruelly over-looked in favour of the more popular nu-folk crooners that Pitchfork spits out on a weekly basis. And in the flesh, he’s probably one of the most mesmerising performers I’ve ever seen. In fact a good friend of mine was transformed into a life long fan after witnessing his live show just a few months ago; his face afterwards totally spell bound.

So put those factors together, and add in the extra vocal talents of Beth Orton (who also lends her voice on Sam’s new album I See The Sign – out on Monday) and you’re in for a bit of a treat. Enjoy.

Sam Amidon & Beth Orton: “Thirteen”

*I included “Thirteen” in the first C90 mix-tape I made for a girl who I met about eight years ago. She’s now my wife. It actually works.