This limited edition, blue 7" vinyl single comprises two songs recordedlive at the October Gallery in London on October 5, 2003. Both of thesongs are done in the intimate "voice and piano" style familiar fromCurrent 93 releases such as Soft Black Stars and Hypnagogue,with Maja Elliott providing the musical accompaniment. Side A has DavidTibet tackling the singularly epic "Time of the Last Persecution," thetitle track from underappreciated singer-songwriter Bill Fay's materful1971 concept album. Fay's original version had all the dramaticorchestral swells of a sixties Scott Walker production, augmented bymind-blowing fuzz guitar and a truly monumental climax. For all theoverblown majesty of the original, however, the song holds up amazinglywell with the minimal arrangement by Tibet and Elliott. Tibet's voiceis a perfect instrument to portray the resigned dread of Bill Fay'sArmageddon scenario: "It is the time of the last persecution/And Caesarshall be raised/He will ask for his feet to be kissed by yoursister/And your children will fear at his name." It's as if Tibet andFay are spiritual songwriting partners, as both share the same affinityfor hallucinatory visions of Gnostic Revelation. Side B is a fine butunremarkable rendition of "Black Flowers, Please," a track off Swastikas for Noddyand a perennial live favorite. For the version of "Time of the LastPersecution" alone, however, this single is worth tracking down. - Read More
