Heard It Through The grapeVINE

Branching out from our Inkwell Spotlight is music aficionado John McGovern ‘17. In addition to Inkwell, you can find McGovern at the History Club or jamming out to 60s and 70s rock, folk and blues music. He explained that although the Inkwell doesn’t necessarily influence his musical interests, it still serves as a creative outlet that can push him to contemplate music.

As a well-rounded musician who dabbles in both guitar and piano, McGovern explained that he enjoys exploring new instruments and musical stylings. McGovern is notably a member of a band called The Jimmys — comprised of himself and two of his friends, Jimmy Portanova ‘17 and Michael Roche ‘17. Through his band, McGovern has had the opportunity to collaborate with his friends by composing songs together, in addition to recording and mixing them as well.

“It’s a pretty good time,” said McGovern. “We mainly play rock and folk, but sometimes we like to goof off and try rap or funk.”

“Anna (Go To Him)” by The Beatles

“I enjoy the very simple style of the song, sticking to the songs of the early 60s, but with the added emotion provided by a scratchy-voiced John Lennon. This is probably one of my favorite songs from the early Beatles era.”

“Village Green” by The Kinks

“I really like the vibe of this song, as it is very nostalgic for another time; using orchestration to bring the listener to the village green the writer is talking about. It feels almost comical, as if the song was meant for a musical or show, while at the same time remaining serious.”

“Mirror of Love” by The Kinks

“The song is just so odd and funny that I can’t help but love it. Combining New Orleans jazz with the already bizarre writing of Ray Davies, Mirror of Love is a recipe for slight confusion, but overall enjoyment.”

“Cut My Hair” by The Who

“I really like the craze of storytelling in songs during the early 70s, and this song from the album ‘Quadrophenia’ really captures the main character, displaying feelings of not fitting in and wishing he could be somewhere or someone else.”

“Jack Tarr the Sailor” by The Byrds

“I really like the conversion of old folk songs into the rock tradition, and Roger McGuinn of The Byrds does a very good job of it, particularly with sea shanties. With this song, he makes the atmosphere very eerie and droning, like that of the sea. I admire that ability to create atmosphere.”