From Bruges to Gent

In his 1961 hit song “Marieke”, the Belgian singer, Jacques Brel sings about a Flemish girl, Marieke, whom he once loved and lived “between the towers of Bruges and Gent. It is the only song where he sings both in his native French language and in Flemish. Towers played an important part in medieval life.  …

Formentera Lady

Houses iced in whitewash guard a pale shore-lineCornered by the cactus and the pineHere I wander where sweet sage and strange herbs growDown a sun-baked crumpled stony road. These opening lyrics to the 1969 song “Formentera Lady” by British band, King Crimson helps to explain why many musicians have found inspiration on the tiny island …