How Doris Day did psychedelic before it was cool

The other night I found myself watching 'Pillow Talk', a schmaltzy 50s movie with Doris Day and Rock Hudson. At one point in the movie Doris Day gets to redesign Rock Hudson's apartment. Now, she hates him, so she puts together the most godawful room she could think of. For 1959 standards that is. Because in a couple of years this flamboyant and colourful style would be all the rage.

Two men walk into an apartment...

... look around...

... and find themselves lost. Gentlemen, would you believe that this is the future of America? That your (future) sons and daughters will sleep in rooms like this? That this revolution will happen quicker than you think? Even before your hair will start turning gray? 

The room itself is a feast of color and styles. Eastern influences, shag carpeting, grandma's old grammophone and just straight up weird stuff. Love it.

And a cat too. Can't leave out the cat.

Doris Day turns out to be a psychedelic interior decorator! She no doubt made some good money in the sixties, catering to rock stars and all that. Good on ya, Doris. 

Oh, and Pillow Talk is not a bad movie. It's one of the better/funnier Doris Day movies. A good watch if you're feeling under the weather and you're still waiting for Mad Men to return... 

John Martyn - London Conversation (1967)

If you're into folk music, don't pass up listening to John Martyn's first album London Conversation from 1967. I found out about this album two months back, and I played it a lot since.




Give this record a spin if you're into the likes of Nick Drake, Donovan, Damien Rice if you want a modern equivalent. A real soothing acoustic album, with lyrics that make you think. Great for those dark winter evenings. My favorite tracks are Sandy Grey, Rollin' Home and his cover of Cocaine.

You can find this album on CD, original LP and recently re-released LP. Prices are reasonable.
Martyn went on to have a prosperous career in music. He would play, record and release albums up until his death in 2011.