Could someone tell me who is "Stone", the person who wrote the song "Plain Gold Ring" included in the Live Seeds album? I would also like to know if Nick Cave has recorded a studio version of this track or, if it is a cover, where can I find the original version.

OK, "Stone" is either incorrect or a pseudonym. This song was written by one Earl S. Burroughs (he wrote Fujiyama Mama, and co-wrote Great Balls Of Fire...I kid you not). It was first recorded in New York in Dec. 1957 by Nina Simone for her debut LP "Little Girl Blue" on Bethlehem Records. The LP came out in 1958 and in 1959 a single from the album "I Loves You Porgy" was a big hit, lauching Nina's career. Another song on this LP was a major UK hit in the 80s: "My Baby Just Cares For Me"

This LP has been reissued on CD in the US and UK several times, under various titles including the original. Nina's version is incredibly good, in my opinion, and I urge you to hear it.

Yours historically,
Kim Beissel