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Leo Kottke — A Child Should Be A Fish
Album: Ice Water
Avg rating:
7.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1579









Released: 1974
Length: 3:45
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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(Instrumental)
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Saw him in Ottawa at the NAC with Lyle Lovett while filling in for John Hyatt. Crazy funny stories and virtuoso picking. Incredible musician. 
Posted 7 months ago by GregSilver    [ Reply ]
Kottke played the freshman orientation concert at UNC Chapel Hill in 1973. His playing was, of course, astounding. But how the hell does he tune  a 12-string guitar and tell funny, rambling  stories at the same time?  I've seen him many times since and it still baffles me.
Posted 1 year ago by fgreene    [ Reply ]
Fucking god on a guitar
Posted 1 year ago by tm    [ Reply ]
Fabulous tune from the Master that is Leo Kottke.

BTW, according to QI, there's no such thing as a fish!!
Posted 1 year ago by McBuggins    [ Reply ]
 lily34 wrote:

i don't understand the title.



Few of Leo's titles make sense to me, love him anyway!!
Posted 1 year ago by McBuggins    [ Reply ]
 lovelyhelicopter wrote:

I used to be a fish.



We all were.
Posted 2 years ago by surfool    [ Reply ]
Kottke's ability to lose his distinct fingerpicking in the crystal swarm of a D-tuned guitar is perfection.
Posted 2 years ago by Jamus    [ Reply ]
Sublime.  10 all the way.
Posted 2 years ago by steuss    [ Reply ]
Like a fish, seen and not heard?
Posted 3 years ago by kazoo    [ Reply ]
Nice way to ease in the first day of 2020. And to think this recording is going on 46 years old. Thanks Bill!
Posted 4 years ago by chinaski    [ Reply ]
I used to be a fish.
Posted 5 years ago by lovelyhelicopter    [ Reply ]
 lily34 wrote:

i like this explanation.
 
If your child is a fish, so are you.
Posted 5 years ago by dwhayslett    [ Reply ]
Ich liebe Leo mit seinem wundervollen Stil. Danke Bill & Rebeca Goldsmith für das Senden
Posted 6 years ago by peter.gerzner    [ Reply ]
Have not listened to this album in some time - 6- And 12-String Guitar tends to stay in rotation - but I'm glad to hear it. Thanks for the spin!
Posted 6 years ago by nagsheadlocal    [ Reply ]
As unique a style as this is there is nevertheless a tip of the hat to Joni Mitchell and Jaco Pastorius here...and a big thank you to John Fahey as well.
Posted 6 years ago by chinaski    [ Reply ]
Like a fish. Always in a school. Always learning. ^_^
Posted 6 years ago by Xstar    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

I think it has something to do with Abe Vigoda, from when he was on "Barney Miller".

 
{#Lol}
Posted 7 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

I think it has something to do with Abe Vigoda, from when he was on "Barney Miller".

 
i like this explanation.
Posted 7 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
 lily34 wrote:
i don't understand the title.

 
I think it has something to do with Abe Vigoda, from when he was on "Barney Miller".
Posted 8 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 kevdub wrote:
was that a snippet/sample used in "people in the middle" by spearhead? in the song ice water...

 
Yep, uncredited though, as far as I know…
Posted 8 years ago by DrLex    [ Reply ]
First heard this one shortly after the album's release back in '74, and knew I'd found the base definition of "guitar god;" Kottke will always occupy a high seat in that Pantheon - this one always elicits chills and tears...magnificent!
Posted 9 years ago by rev_cletus    [ Reply ]
Thought this was Adrian Legg for a minute there.
Posted 9 years ago by skyguy    [ Reply ]
Doesn't young Arthur have a turn as a fish in The Sword in the Stone?
Posted 10 years ago by colt4x5    [ Reply ]
Kottke is always amazing.
Posted 10 years ago by Piranga    [ Reply ]
 Megavolt wrote:

Yeah, his voice sounds likes a goose fart on a foggy night. That's what Leo says, anyway.

 

I'll take it any day!
Posted 10 years ago by Aud    [ Reply ]
one of the most intense and all-immersing acoustic guitar playing I've ever seen on stage, outstanding performance.
Posted 10 years ago by moodfood    [ Reply ]
 Kokoloco53 wrote:
This is one of the few albums that Kotke sings on that I've ever hear, on "Me and Pamela Brown" . What a great guitarist, deep voice.

 
Yeah, his voice sounds likes a goose fart on a foggy night. That's what Leo says, anyway.
Posted 10 years ago by Megavolt    [ Reply ]
Love "Mr Plastercine Fingers" as a good mate once described him. {#Guitarist}
Posted 10 years ago by janac13    [ Reply ]
 lily34 wrote:
i don't understand the title.

 
Exactly. I don't either. I suppose that's the beauty of an instrumental. You can use any obscure phrase or title to represent it. I suppose it's not too surprising that it's Leo Kottke. Though a brilliant instrumentalist...his porch light seems to be flickering.
Posted 11 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
was that a snippet/sample used in "people in the middle" by spearhead? in the song ice water...
Posted 11 years ago by kevdub    [ Reply ]
I used to call my daughter "Fish". Not sure why. She doesn't like it anymore, but she's OK with "Squid" or "Squidling". Go figure.


Posted 11 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]

very cool...
 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
This is one of the few albums that Kotke sings on that I've ever hear, on "Me and Pamela Brown" . What a great guitarist, deep voice.
Posted 11 years ago by Kokoloco53    [ Reply ]
 expatlar wrote:
Where I live it absolutely NEVER rains in February. We woke up last night to hard steady rain and it's been doing it for hours, right in to our late morning coffee. Didn't want to interfere with the rain sound, but I finally turn on the radio to...Nick Drake and Leo Kottke. Life is good.
 
Wow... where do you live? Where I live, it ALWAYS rains in February.

(and November, December, January, March, April, May, June, September, October...)
Posted 11 years ago by Krispian    [ Reply ]
Beautiful tune. And an amazing set with more awesome jangly guitar than you can shake a stick at. And that's quite a lot.
Posted 11 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]

Must resist urge to sit on deck and drink beer, looking at the mountain-curse you RP!
Posted 12 years ago by skyguy    [ Reply ]
Something very not of this place, this daiy routine of A to B.  To me this tune takes me somewhere else, neither here or there, and I like it, and so the good people did cheer . . . "Hoo Rah".
Posted 12 years ago by wenatchee    [ Reply ]
i don't understand the title.
Posted 12 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
Well, the selection is magical, Leo. But the title ... really. Cheapens things a little.
Posted 12 years ago by michaelgmitchell    [ Reply ]
Where I live it absolutely NEVER rains in February. We woke up last night to hard steady rain and it's been doing it for hours, right in to our late morning coffee. Didn't want to interfere with the rain sound, but I finally turn on the radio to...Nick Drake and Leo Kottke. Life is good.
Posted 12 years ago by ExpatLarry    [ Reply ]
Never enough Leo Kottke on RP.
Posted 12 years ago by cmplus    [ Reply ]
 Mita wrote:
Most kids I know are fishes. Maybe Leo has something else in mind...
 
Kids were better in the olden days, they say. Fins ain't what they used to be :o)

I'll get me scales...


Posted 12 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
Most kids I know are fishes. Maybe Leo has something else in mind...
Posted 13 years ago by Mita    [ Reply ]
 Carl wrote:
I, too, am a bit sleepy but it could also be the big Thanksgiving dinner earlier with turkey, potatoes & gravy, lamb & spinach manja topped with homemade yogurt, and many other sides, wine & more wine, desserts, after dinner libations, and chocolates... Nah!

 
Bring on the recipes for all that yummy food. (And I'm still trying to roast the perfect turkey. Please - PM me with the recipes for ALL of that bounty.  And please, do it to this song, because it's rather awesome...)

Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
This guy is truely amazing.
Posted 13 years ago by Bleyfusz    [ Reply ]
 ziakut wrote:
I like this...but I'm falling asleep....Zzzzz
  I, too, am a bit sleepy but it could also be the big Thanksgiving dinner earlier with turkey, potatoes & gravy, lamb & spinach manja topped with homemade yogurt, and many other sides, wine & more wine, desserts, after dinner libations, and chocolates... Nah!

Posted 13 years ago by Carl    [ Reply ]
I like this...but I'm falling asleep....Zzzzz
Posted 14 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
This guy is fantastic in concert {#Music}
Posted 14 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
Cant stand a whole album. But one song from time to time is fine!
Posted 14 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
Wow, that was really beautiful.
Posted 14 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
What is it about Leo Kottke's music that brings out the goofy in us all? {#Roflol}  I love this song - I love his music.  Truly, he's one of the most inventive (and quirky) guitar players alive today... {#Notworthy}
Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
Pretty song but can't resist

And a shoe should be a taco.  Mmmm ... shoes.
Posted 14 years ago by Bad_Art    [ Reply ]
Just when I'd given up and logged out, you play this! Redeemed!
Posted 14 years ago by gatorade    [ Reply ]
A child should be a fish . . . just not in the Gulf of Mexico . . . or anywhere else near a BP oil rig!
Posted 14 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
fish child

Posted 14 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
 WayUpNorth wrote:
Child & Fish
 
Made me laugh! I so hope Meryl wins the Oscar.
Posted 14 years ago by gatorade    [ Reply ]
Superlative.
Posted 14 years ago by audiolizard    [ Reply ]
I heard this and without looking at the screen I knew it must be Leo Kottke. RP is teaching me. {#Smile}
Posted 14 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
I've seen him live many, many times, always a great show.
Posted 14 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
Paradise is seriously lacking in Kottke rotation...please sir, may we have more.
Posted 14 years ago by biomedvgh    [ Reply ]
8 > 9
Posted 14 years ago by paraclete    [ Reply ]
I was a fish.
I crawled out of the water and stood up.
I want to go back to the water. 
Posted 14 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
Nobody plays enough Leo Kottke anymore. My CD collection lists leeward with his music.
Posted 15 years ago by cmplus    [ Reply ]
Recognize that genius guitar sound anywhere.
Posted 15 years ago by gjeeg    [ Reply ]
Leo Kottke - A Child Should Be A Fish
Heather Nova - Beautiful Storm
Tom Petty - Time To Move On
The Derek Trucks Band - Down In The Flood


hee hee

Posted 15 years ago by btilrn    [ Reply ]
Child & Fish
Posted 15 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
Ah, so that's where the Spearhead sample is from!

Sweet.

Posted 15 years ago by spaceman    [ Reply ]
God bless Leo-what a gift to mankind.

Posted 15 years ago by fuh2    [ Reply ]
Almost anything from Leo Kottke is good stuff. He can even sing, though he doesn't think he sings well, he's sings with nice strength and intonation. Thanks Leo.
Posted 15 years ago by Kokoloco53    [ Reply ]
This is sooo nice. I haven't listened to Leo Kottke for a long time.  This is different, and really great!
Posted 15 years ago by tkosh    [ Reply ]
Longtime Leo fan, but I don't think I've heard this one before. I'm not used to hearing him play chords this rich and lush. May just be my new favorite Kottke song.

Posted 15 years ago by tg3k    [ Reply ]
 caregiver wrote:
Thanks Bill. My feet are smiling.
 
{#Yes}

Posted 15 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
I always have loved the sound of an amplified acoustic guitar.
Posted 16 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta    [ Reply ]
Very nice.

Posted 16 years ago by AlienRelic    [ Reply ]
good song ...great guitar...a 9 ?
Posted 16 years ago by Huey    [ Reply ]
Makes me want to fall down just at the sheer joy of it.
Posted 16 years ago by NHMick    [ Reply ]
OMG, WTF was I thinking?!? 3 8
Posted 16 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
Thanks Bill. My feet are smiling.
Posted 16 years ago by caregiver    [ Reply ]
YYaaahhhh!
Posted 16 years ago by freejgar    [ Reply ]
so nice.
Posted 16 years ago by joanie    [ Reply ]
Hannio wrote:
Yes, as long as he keeps his mouth shut.
I assume you refer to his singing ability. Leo might concur and thinks his voice is pretty much "duck flatulance". I'd rather hear him twist the strings too, but I heard him say that his aggressive playing has forced him to relearn a new style or be crippled from carpel tunnel. He could have just retired. On the other hand when he "opens his mouth" between songs his dry humor and storytelling is mesmerizing. Go Leo.
Posted 17 years ago by slartibart_O    [ Reply ]
Dahlia_Gumbo wrote:
Kottke = Great.
Yes, as long as he keeps his mouth shut.
Posted 17 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
sukilau wrote:
coulda sworn this starts out like a Joni Mitchell tune...
for sure...
Posted 17 years ago by davie70    [ Reply ]
coulda sworn this starts out like a Joni Mitchell tune...
Posted 17 years ago by sukilau    [ Reply ]
Kottke = Great.
Posted 17 years ago by Dahlia_Gumbo    [ Reply ]
Ahhhhh Leo, The sun's just going down and this is sounding really good right about now.
Posted 17 years ago by sharkartist    [ Reply ]
Stunning!
Posted 17 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
Wow, I love Leo but have never heard this. BEAUTIFUL! I've seen him a few times and he's hilarious - he sounds half-asleep and sits on-stage languidly bitching about this and that, then rips out the most energetic and incredible guitar sound you could ever hear. Total fire and ice.
Posted 17 years ago by DoctorHooey    [ Reply ]
10 - amazing
Posted 17 years ago by audiolizard    [ Reply ]
Wow.
Posted 17 years ago by steeler    [ Reply ]
trekhead wrote:
The song...for NAF.
Damn, you beat me to it.
Posted 17 years ago by winter    [ Reply ]
skyguy wrote:
um... look at the date.
I'm guessing you would have to put forth some effort to find a release date and I am not going to let that get in the way of a joke.
Posted 17 years ago by Geecheeboy    [ Reply ]
Geecheeboy wrote:
Maybe that title was inspired by the Nirvana cd cover.....
um... look at the date.
Posted 17 years ago by skyguy    [ Reply ]
I like most Leo K- it's nice to hear him picking before he develooped carpal tunnel and went to his more rythmic stuccato style.
Posted 17 years ago by skyguy    [ Reply ]
Maybe that title was inspired by the Nirvana cd cover.....
Posted 17 years ago by Geecheeboy    [ Reply ]
ice water ... ... yum!
Posted 17 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
All Kottke all the time. Well no not quite. But still, a master.
Posted 17 years ago by Zep    [ Reply ]
Kottke...blowing me away since the mid seventies. I had forgotten how wonderful this album is. Need to get the CD. Damn you, RP! (I'm headed for Amazon.)
Posted 17 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
I love this album. Deams and all that Stuff, is one of my favs too.
Posted 18 years ago by frednic    [ Reply ]
Pretty.
Posted 18 years ago by slowhand    [ Reply ]
The song...for NAF.
Posted 18 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
I'm really startin to like this guy. Hadn't heard of him before I stumbled onto RP. good stuff
Posted 18 years ago by ndfan75    [ Reply ]
woozurdaddy wrote:
This one is a 12....if you've never seen Leo live, make the effort...he doesn't disappoint...
Except when he opens his mouth. I usually like deep, masculine sounding voices, but something about his grates me. His guitar playing needs no vocal accompaniment anyway, as far as I'm concerned. I saw LK sometime around '72-'74 at the Armadillo World Headquarters. Great show.
Posted 18 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
Bought LK's 'My feet are smiling' back in the day ('74?) and he still doesn't disappoint.
Posted 18 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
Posted 18 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
I love this!
Posted 18 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
Not bad.
Posted 18 years ago by Gish05    [ Reply ]
I little on the dull side for Mr. Kottke. He's an amazing musician, but I think he's got lots of stuff that I like better than this.
Posted 18 years ago by byrd    [ Reply ]
OK, that's a freaky song title. At a certain moment I thought Bill was doing an incredible segue into Spearhead's "People In Tha Middle", but apparently that song just starts with a sample from a guitar slide from this one...
Posted 18 years ago by DrLex    [ Reply ]
Beautiful acoustic piece. More Leo Kottke is a welcome thing. The interesting title only makes it better. I particularly appreciate the time he takes making music. No rush, just enjoying the music to its fullest.
Posted 18 years ago by betterdaze    [ Reply ]