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Post by Helmut83 on Jul 1, 2015 22:52:01 GMT
Ah, the tough life... Well, being fair is a subjective concept when it comes to music. What you know already is that I don't make much of an effort to be kind when reviewing a CD of the week (if I don't like them, I just say it) so if I tell you I liked it, it's because I liked it. Yeah, I didn't really get "Baker Street". Bon voyage!
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Post by Chippa on Jul 3, 2015 20:45:56 GMT
Ok, here goes...
The Ark - Interesting Celtic opening bit. Very laid back, indeed. To me, it sounds like a mix of Beck's "The Golden Age", and Pink Floyd's "Wot's ,Uh, The Deal?".
Baker Street - An absolutely iconic song. That sax is instantly recognizable. If you haven't, check out the Foo Fighters version, too. Very faithful to the original.
Right Down The Line-Another one of his major hits. I love the slinky rhythm of this one, especially that bass. City To City- The opening reminds me of ELO's "Down Home Town". I like this one! Good summer driving tune.
Stealin' Time- I like the steel guitar/electric piano pairing that kicks it off. Very chill vibe on this song. It sounds as if it should have been a it single.
Mattie's Rag-This sort of reminds me of Harry Nilsson, for some reason. Very catchy, and again, has some nice Celtic sounding fiddle thrown in.
Whatever's Written In Your Heart- Hymn-like ballad, with some nice piano. Not crazy about the bulk of the song, though.
Home And Dry-Another one with some ELO-like bits. Good harmonies, and bass. Very 70's, but not in a bad way.
Island- This immediately reminded me of some of George Harrison's lesser solo work. Think "Gone Troppo" or "Here Comes the Moon". Not great, but not a total loss, either.
Waiting For The Day-Kind of a generic, upbeat rocker. Nothing to really get excited about.
Big Change In The Weather-I can see why they left this one off the original release. Totally forgettable. Sounds like background music to some bad late 70's movie.
Overall, I give this a 7/10. The bad moments aren't enough to make you forget the truly good moments on the album.
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Post by jrmugz on Jul 5, 2015 3:18:03 GMT
Late review comin' tomorrow!' Jim
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Post by queenofthehours on Jul 5, 2015 14:24:54 GMT
The Ark – A nice Celtic-style opening. I love the piano on this track; it works well with the bass and drums to make this a very nice song gentle song. Excellent guitar solo and even a few fiddles.
Baker Street – A classic. The best place to have this track is here on the album – close enough to the beginning to hold attention but not the lead which dominates the album. The Ark is the better opener. Apart from the sax, I forgot this song had such a good guitar part.
Right Down The Line- Another nice gentle song. Great production. City To City- Great upbeat track – lots of harmonica!
Stealin' Time- Reminds me of a track from Face The Music. It has that essence.
Mattie's Rag- Little bit of an ELO sound here with the rhythm and backing vocals. Jolly little song with great fiddle.
Whatever's Written In Your Heart- Lovely opening piano. One of my favourites.
Home And Dry- Another with a slight ELO-ness about it.
Island- Nice exotic-sounding sax. Relaxing song with great backing vocals.
Waiting For The Day- I like the guitar here. That’s surprised me most about this album – the quality and subtlety of the guitar. Great drums too.
Big Change In The Weather- Another excellent track – lovely subtle guitars and great drums.
What I like about this album is that it gets better as it goes along, unlike many other LPs! I didn't think I'd enjoy it but I did, very much. Although I'd never have listened to it by choice . The album is totally consistent - the tracks don't all sound like 'Baker Street' but they all have the same "vibe".
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Post by jrmugz on Jul 5, 2015 15:22:04 GMT
OK, unomusette, here is my review of Gerry Rafferty, "City to City".
01. "The Ark" - Love it. Nice Celtic pop song. Bold to have a ballad type song for an opening; but it's perfect! 02. "Baker Street" - Classic epic pop song with a classic sax riff. Love the guitar solo as well. 03. "Right Down The Line" - Almost too light of a pop song, but saved by a decent enough melody, and a pretty good chorus. 04. "City To City" - Love it, everything from the beep beep rhythm, to the cool chords, etc. 05. "Stealin' Time" - Oh, wow, why didn't I know this song before. Just fantastic. Such melody, such vocals, such feel. 06. "Mattie's Rag" - This guy is as good as The Beatles! 07. "Whatever's Written In Your Heart" - Very soulful, sounds really good 08. "Home And Dry" - Yeah, when we had the 8-track my brother would play this one all the time. Great great song. Forgot about the great "gotta see you, gotta be with you", etc. 09. "Island" - Beautiful song, beautifully arranged! 10. "Waiting For The Day" - Great tune, love the "water of life" part, it's very deep. 11. "Big Change In The Weather" (bonus track) - Cool bonus track, got my kids son dancing to it. Maybe can use a little more of a developed chorus.
Star Rating: 4.7 out of 5 Prime Cuts: "Mattie's Rag", "City to City", "Home and "Dry", "Stealin' Time", "Right Down the Line" Bottom Line: Amazing album from an amazing talent. One of those great artists like The Beatles and Jeff Lynne.
Thanks for sharing unomusette, it was great to get more familiar with the deep cuts on the fantastic album. I have you marked down for two months from now.
Jim
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Post by unomusette on Jul 6, 2015 13:10:27 GMT
I am entirely chuffed by these reviews, both for myself because my love for it has been proved mostly right, and on Gerry Rafferty's behalf - thanks! Considering how production has probably moved on since it was recorded the fact that it still impresses a modern listener is praise indeed and well deserved in my humble opinion. Once again it's so interesting to see someone praise a track and someone else to find that same track dull or throw-away. I shall listen with a new perspective in future, just like all my previous CDOTW's. You lot are simply fab! Until you universally hate one of my faves, of course, then you know what will happen...
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Post by jrmugz on Jul 6, 2015 13:34:15 GMT
...Considering how production has probably moved on since it was recorded the fact that it still impresses a modern listener is praise indeed and well deserved in my humble opinion. ... Good point, now that you mention it. Jim
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