Well…?
Thanks for keeping yesterday’s blog ‘On An Island’-free to allow as many birthday greetings as possible. Quite a few, weren’t there? Thank you all very much for your well wishes. David was touched by the staggering number of messages posted and would like to thank you all.
Some parts of the world are still waiting for the release of ‘On An Island’ (you poor, unfortunate people), but most of the planet has now heard it and we’d love to know what you think of it.
David and his band are, of course, performing tonight at the Mermaid Theatre in Blackfriars, London. If you will be there, then have a terrific night. We would appreciate it, however, if you could keep details of the concert to a minimum. The tour starts in its own right in Dortmund on Friday, and although we have no doubt that fansites will spill the beans before then, we won’t.
So enjoy, but please don’t spoil it for the many fans who, for their sins, like being kept in suspense. Thank you.
Don’t forget that BBC Radio 2 will have exclusive video footage of the Mermaid Theatre gig on Saturday 11 March. Please visit the website for further details. You will be able to replay this as many times as you can manage courtesy of the ‘Listen Again’ feature, which allows you to replay any programme a week after it is first broadcast. We’ll remind you of this on Saturday so that no one misses out.
hi,
I just want to express how much I enjoy the new cd. I have to admit, at first I was skeptical but, it is truely an amazing piece of work. Thanks Dave for putting this cd out! I just want you to know that you inspired me as a young boy to get into music. My only regret, is that I will probably never get to see you live.
thanks again,
Nick
Hi, Fed! Well, i didnt see my birthday greeting on the “Happy Birthday” blog yesterday, so I sent David an e-mail! Hope he got it! Wish him all the best tonight and on his tour starting in 3 days from now. About the release, I want to ask you, if you know, when the album is going to be released in Greece? It is being released here as EMI not Columbia. I went today at, probably, the biggest music store in Athens and the employee said that he didnt know a thing about the forthcoming release!!! Anyway, hope you will reply. Goodnight…
[I'm afraid I don't know when it's being released, Chris. I will try to find out for you. The blog wasn't updated last night, but all posts should be online now. - Features Editor]
Happy Birthday David. Brilliant new album.
It’s an honor to be the first to say that this album is fantastic! From beginning to end, solid work and absolutely beautiful. I expected nothing less. Bravo!! Thank you for this masterpiece.
Hello!
Is it okay to mention this, but please note that Sirius satelitte radio has been celebrating Mr. Gilmour’s birthday and the release of his new CD all week on their channel 16. In addition, an interview with Mr. Gilmour will be played today at noon and replayed at 6pm (Eastern U.S. time).
You can sign up for a free 3-day trial to Sirius if you care to hear this on you computer (no, I am not affiliated with Sirius, I am just another fan of Mr. Gilmour.)
[Just spreading the love. I hear you, brother. - Features Editor]
WOW! I, like many other lifelong fans, have waited too long for a new offering of music from Mr. Gilmour. The CD has finally hit the shelves here in North America and in my shaking hands I hold the cover and liner notes as I listen to the well crafted tunes from “On An Island”. I feel like a minister who must spread the gospel to not only my friends but strangers I will meet on the street about this CD. We have hungered for new music and I have lived to experience another release from one of the most talented guitarists in music history.Thank you Mr. Gilmour for allowing us another peek into your life thru your music. I am enjoying the music profoundly as I try to accomplish my tasks at work. Like the previous two solo works, I will most likely play this CD until it will not play anymore and have to buy another. Have fun on your tour.
Hobie
Awesome!
listening to On An Island for the first time was the shortest 50 minutes and 36 seconds of my life – gleeful. I listened to it three times through yesterday, such a geek. but it’s beautiful, and the hapiness and joyousness is positively tangible! the swooping guitar on The Blue… mmmmmmmmm! and the lyrics to This Heaven make me glow. anyway, enough rambling!
Manchester on the 26th of May will rock, I’m so looking forward!
I hope Mr. Gilmour had a glorious birthday.
Happy Birthday David!!! From what I’ve heard of it, your new album is great. My kids, 20, 23, and 27 are very excited you are touring as they have been very jealous that Mom and Dad had seen you tour back in the 80′s. Am going to catch your show at the Rosement in Chicago. See you there!!
On an Island is getting great reviews in all the norwegian newspapers! Congratulations!!
Here is one example (click my name):
Im very pleased with the album, Im sure it wont dissapoint other fans either!
Thank you!
What a wonderful change to the norm. OAI consists of such beautiful music and lyrics that tug at every forgotten romantic, joyous or even slightly sad recollection in your distant past, bringing it right out into a crisp 360 wrap around image in your consciousness once again. The music just sweeps you gently along in such a moving, thought provoking way. Heck it nearly even bought a tear to my eye….nearly! This is the best album I’ve heard in along, long time. Congratulations David and Polly! Now I’m off for a manly pint! Cheers FEd!
(Love the packaging)
Happy birthday David from a through lasting fan back from the Meddle days. The new album sounds really great.
Keep on – we love you!
Salut mon vieux David !
Joyeux anniversaire , happy birthday sir.David
from Montréal.I am a great fan of your music and so are the people of french Canada . I consider your creativity in music to equal those of the great impressionnist artists and classical composers as well. Thank you for a great new album . S.A
I just bought On An Island at Best Buy in America.They have an exclusive bonus disc which has the song Island Jam which isn’t on the On An Island CD.
My opinion on the album… hmm well lets just say it kicked an album from my top 10 desert island discs. Just take from me that it is quite an achievement, that top 10 has been solid for a long time…
The album struck a chord. That is what I like to see in an album and David delivered. Its great, thank you David, for giving us another part of your creativity.
I hope the tour will be an enjoyable experience on everybody’s part. See you soon!
Best,
Clemens
Ok, Tonight is Mermaid Theatre gig, and what about yesterdays Birthday (private) Gig. May fans from all over the world count for some brief insights.
Thanks a lot.
Shine on in the next 60.
[What's all this about a private birthday gig, then? - Features Editor]
I’m going to go out today and try and find it. Unless California is one of those unfortunate countries that it hasn’t been released yet.
Happy Birthday Mr. Glimour! I was so excited to find out that we share the same birthday! Thank you for all you your musical talent and your beautiful work. Words can’t even explain how I feel when I listen to your albums. Truly you are the blessed with an extraordinary gift of music.
I never thought that the opening of a concert with Shine On could be bettered but it’s my guess that DG will do Castellorizon and On An Island… We’ll see…. :-)
Caption Competition:
DG: Some git is setting off fireworks in here…just missed my head!
Or
DG: Look sunshine… yours may be bigger than mine but it’s quality not quantity.
This is one of those albums that get better and better each time you listen to it. It grows on you. Actually you can say the same about most of David’s music in the past, PF and solo.
So far “Take A Breath” is the one I’m connecting with the most. Great slide guitar. Absolutely fabulous. But “Smile” is growing more and more on me (even though I’ve already heard that one a hundred times on the DVD, but good gosh doesn’t Polly sound sweet), and actually all of the last half of the album seems to be growing more and more on me. It’s not the “rock” music we grew up listening to, but it’s damn good stuff. Easily David’s best solo album.
It looks like we’re working on day #2 at #1 on Amazon (US site). We should have an impromptu blog party when it hits #1 on the Billboard 200. BTW, when I went to billboard.com just a minute ago, guess whose mug was the first to pop up on their main Flash app. Hint: It wasn’t Roger Waters.
And BTW, the marketing for this CD has been fantastic, and the website and this blog have been spearheading the campaign, so the FEd and the main webmaster deserve an “attaguy” from us the fans and David and his band.
Hi Gents,
I´m Cesar Santos from Brazil. I would like to know if there is a chance to David Gilmour does some concert in Brazil !
Cheers
Cesar
[Not this year, Cesar. If there is any news, it will be here immediately. - Features Editor]
Thanx David!!! Thanx for create this music!!!
I’m on my second day of listening to 24-7 David and Floyd on Sirius while at work. I have avoided all meetings and inturputions as much as possible!!! The incredible interview with David just ended a bit ago. At Approximately 8:05 AM I had the CD in hand from the local B&N. I’ve also played it several times already! Life is grand!
David, the much anticipated OAI CD is brilliant, ingenious, breath taking, awesome, relaxing, soothing, inspiring, intelligent, transforming, deep, insightful, engulfing, satisfying, revealing, encapturing, fresh, touching, driving,…Need I say more? (Because I can keep going!)
Congratulations on such a stellar accomplishment…but most of all…THANK YOU!!!!
Fedmeister:
This may join the outstanding questions queue as opposed to the daily Fan Fare…
Was any thought given to making an SACD version of the album? Or is this something to look forward to or shall I just shut up now… :-#
[We get loads of these questions. Is the regular album not super enough for you?! - Features Editor]
Well even though I ordered a copy of amazon, I still went out first thing this morning to get a copy at the store. Driving home in my car I couldnt help to put it in the cd player. I had goosebumps, the album is brilliant. After doing a few things that needed to be done, I brought it home and cranked it up. Things were falling off the walls and the neigborhood was staring at the house. I couldnt be more happy with the album, thank you david, i hope your birthday was great, and I will see you in april
Hi!! Happy birthday genius!!! Thanks God for people like David Gilmour in the earth!!!I can´t say any more…y have no words to explain…my admiration and love for David, his guitar, voice and all he do!!!! Wonderfull de new album…and please…came to Argentina….all the people die for a David Gilmour Show!!!!
Thanks
Daniela
Caption Competition:
DG: Is that a glass harmonica in your hand or are you just pleased to see me?
[Rudders, your captions are so risqué! - Features Editor]
Hi,
Just listening to the cd now, wishing I was at the Mermaid theatre. My first impressions are that the music is both haunting and beautiful – I thought ‘On an Island’ and ‘Take a Breath’ were the two standout tracks – the opening of ‘Breath’ certainly harks back to a previous era. I thought the cd presentation was superb and felt really drawn to read the lyrics. Look forward to seeing David in London in May.
Cheers, Iain Walker
Do to an illness I usually sleep past 3, but my body woke me up at 9 excited to get the CD, still i had to wait a couple hours for a ride to the store. The CD seemed to fly by, and I’ll probably burn it out today.
todd
How can one 60 year old man have so much talent. To have come up with such a brilliant album is testimony to David being uniquely iconic. I haven’t been able to stop playing it all my waking hours since it’s arrival yesterday, it simply gets better and better with every play… it’s truely heavenly.
The orchestrations are sublime.
Was David’s saxaphone playing inspired by David Jason’s “FROST” theme?? (Of course not, I know I’m being a “plonker” – but it is reminiscent of it).
The 29th of May can’t come quick enough… please play the WHOLE ALBUM, it’s exquisite.
Thank you David for sharing your magnificent gift with us lesser mortals on this planet….
[You're right about 'A Touch of Frost', mate! - Features Editor]
Bought OAI first thing Monday. Played it once on the old CD Player and first impressions were…good but! Then I listened to it again and again. It really is a grower and, I know I’m gonna be flamed for this, but I put it right up alongside Darkside. It is a phenominal work..so much depth and vibrancy! If you really want to give it the ultimate test, then listen to it on a set of decent headphones in a darkened room…Awesome and takes me right back to ’73 when I listened to Darkside for the first time.
Congratulations to David and the band foir producing a stunning piece of music. By the way FEd whe’s it coming out in SACD format?
P.S. Weeing myself waiting for Manchester..it’s gonna rock!!!!
Dear Fed Ed & David,
I got out of work early today for a home appliance repair and on the way I picked up my copy of “On An Island.” Well 2 copies to help make it the #1 spot. Good Luck and I have it cranking right now. Thanks once again. Your NY friend.
By the way, I hope you enjoyed your b-day yesterday.
God Bless.
Best Regards,
Stephen
NY, USA
Ok… I’ve finally decided what to wear!
I’ll be in the HRC, Yonge Street on April 9th before the concert and I’ll be wearing a black Fender T’shirt… don’t panic Fedmeister it’s not your 50th Anniversary Strat one! :-)
I would love to put some faces to names so if any of you can be there… the HRC is just North of Massey Hall on Yonge St.
Bought a copy yesterday and I gave it a few spins already. Thanks to the blessings of the internet (this site) the surprise was partly gone, but with my headphones on…I was totaly in awe. A brilliant piece of work in many aspects. It sounds really great!
One point though: I feel there is something missing in the lyrics. The lyrics used to have more depth and meaning, not only on the Pink Floyd albums, but also on Davids solo albums.
But hey…times change, don’t they!
It seems like Mr. Gilmour is a very happy man these days, having a different view on things in life and that is good.
But for me, I am more in songs with frases as
“The sweet smell of a great sorrow lies over the land. Plumes of smoke rise and merge into the leaden sky:
A man lies and dreams of green fields and rivers,
But awakes to a morning with no reason for waking” (Sorrow)
But still great music!!
Can hardly wait till 19 march!
Hello, David.
I just purchased three copies of On An Island first thing. I feel it is my duty to spread your work to everyone I know. I am just listening to track 6 (This Heaven) as I type this. I love how you are implementing various instruments in your new album…the harmonica, the soprano sax, did I even hear a banjo in the beginning of this track??? Your use of the Digitech Whammy in The Blue was absolutely beautiful. You definitely mastered that effect!
Ok, now Smile is playing…I love how you have added the slide guitar & did I read correctly that Polly is singing with you on this track?
I cannot wait to see you on April 19th at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles. My only regret is that I didn’t buy tickets for your Oakland, Universal city, and NYC shows as well. But then again, I am not greedy. Yes I am!
Thanks for sharing more of your music with me.
Dan Punch
[Hi Dan. Polly is indeed singing on 'Smile' and the banjo-type sound is actually a cumbus. - Features Editor]
absolutely brilliant…thats all i can really say im too busy listening to on an island. it is a great cd and you should be very pleased. keep it comming like this and we may forget about floyd…
[Surely not! Floyd fans forgetting about Floyd? If Fan Fare is anything to go by, then I think there's more chance of a Floyd fan forgetting how to blink than forgetting about Floyd! Still, that's quite a compliment. Thank you, Greg. - Features Editor]
The new album is great. I’ve listened to nothing else since picking it up yesterday morning. David’s guitar and vocals sound as sharp as ever and Zbigniew Preisner’s orchestrations deserve special mention; they add a wonderful sense of atmosphere to the music.
It’s been a long 12 years since David last released new material but the wait has been worthwhile, On An Island is fantastic. Please don’t leave it so long next time!
I am listening to “On An Island” right now. Wow! I am completely blown away by the beauty of this music. My favorite upon first listen is “The Blue”. I have always loved Mr. Gilmour’s music, but this is one of his best. I am even more bummed that I will be missing his tour when he passes through Chicago next month. I would love to hear live performances of these songs. Oh well, at least I have this wonderful new release.
I just listened to the album…wow! Very thoughtful, mellow, and beautiful. It really takes me back to some older material from Meddle and Obscured by Clouds.
Can’t wait for Radio City Music Hall, and now I have something to carry me through!
I received my copy in the mail yesterday. As many people do, I put the headphones on and listened to the CD from beginning to end. I must say it is awesome.
Happy Birthday Diamond Dave. Thanks for the music, especially for The Blue!
See you in LA.
I listened to it straight through this morning and I was really struck by how Un-Floyd it is. I think there will be some Floyd fans who are expecting same Floyd/different name – and I think they are going to be disappointed. But I think it’s great.
I’m going to get a little high-falootin’ here, so forgive me. The album gives off the feel of an aging rocker who has decided to leave his old life behind, open a little straw-top bar “on an island” and jam with friends until the wee hours. There were some sections that I didn’t like, but as a complete work it’s great. Because you can feel the personal satisfaction that David got out of it – free from the constraints of being part of a big monster called Pink Floyd. It was what he wanted to do, the way he wanted to do it and that’s what comes through in the music. I would have been disappointed if it was Division Bell Part 2. Instead it feels like the next logical step. The ghosts and shadows that he seemed to be putting to rest on the Division Bell are gone. He took one last look back in “High Hopes” and this is where his life is now.
Really great. Sorry if I sound like a pretentious art guy, I’m really not. I swear. This is the gut reaction that this album brought out in me. And that’s an awesome feeling.
Wow! I am blown away by “On an Island!” I was at the store as soon as it opened today (first song they played as soon as they opened was “Take a Breath”. Discman in hand I payed for it and gave the album to full listens. I am in disbeleif, every time I listen it gets better and better and better. It’s hard to pinpoint my favorites, but the second half of A pocketful Of Stones just gave me goosebumps. David, thank you so much for the music, and Im really looking forward to your shows in Toronto!
I was fortunate enough to receive the new CD on the 6th in the US because I ordered it in advance through Sony. All I can say is that after reading the many articles regarding On An Island, it still exceeded my expectations. It isn’t often that one gets to experience for the first time a landmark recording like this one. I shall truly treasure the entire evening which was spent listening to On An Island, as well as the multitude of times that it will be played.
I anxiously await David’s arrival in Los Angeles, as I shall be in attendance both evenings.
Greatfully,
-Matt
This morning there was an hour long VH1 special on Pink Floyd and Mr. Gilmour, here in the US as means to promote the release of David’s new album. What a great way to start my day! After it was over, I went straight to the record store to get my copy of On An Island. I got late to school, but it was worth it. I love it!
Thank you Mr. Gilmour for this wonderful gift to your fans.
Can hardly wait to see you next month in Toronto!
Your giddy fan,
-ayako-
come on let us have a few teasers from the gig though ed…….please
I have refrained from commenting on here but I have been reading through on a very regular basis since the site was originally set up. I just wish to thank David for the amount of music that has genuinely moved me which he has been a major part in since I discovered the Dark Side of the Moon five years ago. The latest album is no exception to this, indeed as an University student, will be something to which I can relate and keep me going during the arduous time that is coming.
Many belated happy birthday returns and here’s to the brilliant relaxed guitar style that I have come to admire and love. I just wish I could play my old Strat as well as “Stravarious can play his Ukelele” (to adapt the words of a famous producer).
You never let us down, the album is stunning in every way. I had to wait until today for the release in the states as well, it was so worth the wait. I can’t say it any better than Hobie (above) but thank you so much for your work on this album and your willingness to include the US in your tour even for a limited number of nights. Waiting with bated breath for Radio City Music Hall…
just bought the new album today— one word: BADASS. it’s the greatest one of all… happy birthday fellow Pisces & hope you’re having a wonderful party.
P.S. PLEASE COME TO OKLAHOMA— i’d probably sell my soul on Ebay to be there [as would many, most likely].
[Not to mention all the tickets that would be for sale on there... - Features Editor]
Happy b-day David from Fort Collins, CO- USA. The new album is awesome!! See you in Chicago!
I had pre ordered the album but when it didn’t arrive on Monday morning I could not help myself and ended up buying it on the way to work. It played all day and then again in the car on the way home (all of a sudden my half hour drive to work has become sheer bliss). Arriving home it was there on on my mat (wahoo, two copies are now in my possesion).
Well……as you pose the question! – Its absolutly fanbloodlytastic! A sheer masterpiece if ever there was one. I can’t decide on a favourite track, I just love it all.
Really can’t wait until May to see David at The Albert Hall, to hear the album live with the aucoustics in the hall will be mind blowing.
Thank you Mr Gilmour.
Does anyone know if there is going to be a dvd of any of the live shows??
[No one knows yet. We'll let you know if there is to be one. - Features Editor]
Album is brilliant so well done David an’ all on all fronts. Very much looking forward to the RAH – even more so now.
Hope your tour goes well. Lap it up matey!!!!
I am pleased to be sitting at my PC listening to the first run through “On An Island”. The bits and pieces I have heard on radio sound even better from the CD. Thank you David for putting out yet another classic piece of work! I hope this album hits numer one on the charts. The fellow in front of me in the small music store in New Hampshire (USA) bought four copies!!
Now I am even more pumped for the April 5th show at Radio City Music Hall!
Well done David et al!! Gracious thanks also to the FEd for running such a great interactive blog.
Steve Drebber
I just finished listening to the CD it is absolutely fantastic, my hat off to everyone involved in its creation. When I close my eyes and listen to the cut On An Island I feel as if I am on an Island, which is my favorite place in the world to be, it is so beautiful and peaceful. I will be catching the show in Toronto on April 10, 34 sleeps to go!!
All I can say is wow. I just listened to the CD on the way home from Best Buy and in the driveway, and I am in awe.
This has to be one of the best albums I’ve heard in my life. It’s so beautiful words cant even describe it. During the stronger part of Smile, my eyes welled up with tears! It was with out a doubt one of the happiest moments of my life.
I want David to know this is the inspiration I have been searching for to get my GED, go to college, and get on with my life!
Thank you David, Polly and everyone else that worked so hard to make this album possible. You really have no idea how much this album means to me. I didnt get a chance to score tickets, but hey, I still hope you all have a wonderful time on the tour.
Happy belated birthday as well, David!
You Still got what it takes, ya Happy Birthday trouble.
CARRY ON ON ON.
Best
Monkey
Happy Birthday Mr. gilmour sorry this is a day late but better late then never. Today “On a Island” goes on sale, I called my local store which will sell this and had them pull one for me at 7:oo this morning, I wanted to make sure I recived one, they only recived 13 copies. My wife and I are looking foward to your April show in L.A. at the Kodak. This will be one show we will never forget. THANK YOU SO MUCH for sharing your music with us, and sharing your music with world. We need it!!
Had the album for about 36 hours, we have been absolutely stunned by it’s sheer beauty. 10 tracks is just not enough should have been a double album.Wonderfully presented in a unique cover,fantastic production with a contribution from so many. A big thank you to all involved, life just got a little sweeter.
David, I hope you’re not too hung over today. Time to get ready to hit the stage my friend. Break a leg on the tour.
peter
ps: still wating for that e-mail from amazon that says ‘your order has shipped.’ This is a p*sser.
on an island is a lovely album , a nice mellow listen !! can’t wait to hear it and see David live.
I wasn’t sure what to expect after reading the various reviews, but of course, you have to make up your own mind!
My initial reaction after the first listening is…superb!
David’s voice and guitar have never sounded better. My favourite (always subject to change) is The Blue.
Congratulations on a fine album!
I was very pleased, entering into my cd shop in small town Ontario, to see a prominent display that was right out front! You couldn’t miss it!
The new album is just awesome. A feast of audio delights and technically brilliant too. loved every second of it, thanks to Mr Gilmour for making it
Hey Fed,
Just recieved my CD, UPS second Day, What an awesome piece of Davids work, let alone if all CDs were packaged as beautifully as this one I wouldn’t miss buying albums.
Fantastic job, and hope you had a great Birthday.
I was going to wait until after work today to stop at the Tower Records near my house to pick up the CD but couldn’t stand the anxiety so I went out on my lunch break and got it instead. My truck doesn’t have a CD player so I ran home after that and downloaded it onto my IPOD and listened to it in the truck outside of work in the parking lot!! Even just listening to it once all the way through I am truly impressed. I know that in a very short time I will develop favorites that I hope will be on the setlist at Radio City Music Hall. I like the way that some of the songs are smooth and rolling where others have them sharp biting clean guitar screams that make me smile on the inside. Can’t wait to leave work so I can listen again, and again, and again,….
I hope the people lcky enogh to get tickets to the gig at the Mermaid (5 minutes from where I work) have superb time. I am sure they will.
I have now listened to the On an Island CD many times and it grows on you.
The production quality is outstanding and of course the music is sublime.
As I have mentioned before, I have great tickets for the RAH gig and I and more excited now than before.
Good luck to David and the team for tonight and the rest of the tour, see you in London.
Peter
Been listening to the CD and my first impressions are that it’s really terrific and quite moving. I’ve read a few reviews and many mention the over-riding sense of contentment. I get that, but there are certainly strains of melancholy and even though much has to do with love and affection for another, I also get feelings and associations of what Huck Finn would perhaps refer to as “lonesomeness.” It’s not a negative feeling, more like an intuitive, emotional sympathy with the vastness of the universe and the fleetingness of our time on this planet (hunh?). For me Pocketful Of Stones and The Blue in particular lend themselves to this state of mind.
Been following the Floyd and your solo career over the years and though I’ve very much enjoyed the music you’ve made in the 80s and 90s (including the Final Cut), this is my favorite since the Wall.
Have to say, I believe it’s the first time I’ve ever heard a song about a lighthouse!
Stephen
Village Vanguard
NYC
wow!!! and even thats an understatement. I love the album, David! I bought a few copies for myself and some friends at the midnight release last night and didnt go to sleep untill about 4 am just listening to your album over and over again. It fills me with great joy and happines that a young fan like myself had an oppertunity to listen to new music from you. Thaank you so much for everything David!
Arthur Shchiglik
Los Angeles
In North America, the retail chain of Best Buy is selling the CD and it comes bundled with a promotional disc that has the track “Island Jam” on it.
Don’t know if that’s common knowledge or what, but there it is.
Best Buy has “On an Island” for $9.99 (the label reads $13.99, but it rings up as $9.99) with a BONUS DISC featuring the “Island Jam” song. I think thats the best deal out there. So anybody who hasn’t bought it yet, go out and get it!
Yay!
I got my CD today!
I think I listened to it 5 times!! Great!
Thanks for the most inspirational and amazing music!
-Christian
Just got the Cd today, Excellent!!!
Besy Buy includes a bonus CD with Island Jam
One suggestion; Pull a Pink Floyd and play the whole new album start to finish to open the show.
Then a set break and come back and blow our minds with an assortment of older stuff.
see ya’ll in NYC
I live in America and just picked up Davids new album from my local store when they opened at 9:30am, and I love it. From start to finish the whole cd sounds great. The guitar solos are amazing and David Gilmour still has a great voice. I don’t play guitar or know much about it but there is just something about Davids style thats so good. There is not much new music that I can listen to. I think instrumentals are the best parts of songs and most of the music that comes out today dosn’t have enouph. Davids new album is amazing, every single piece of it, and I really hope that this is not his last album.
Thank you so much for this wonderful new music.
My seven years old kid has told me he likes your new songs very much, and is looking forward to see you next Thursday in Paris…
I’d just like to say the new album is one of the best things David has ever done in my opinion, I love it.
Thanks for the great new music
Just picked it up!!! Listening now- THANK YOU!!!
Tears realy run down as I heard the new On An Island CD….wonderful: THIS IS A MASTERPIECE!!!!
I am playing it VERY loud over and over again and I’m loving it!!
Mr Gilmour, this is the best (“solo”) album to date…absolute fantastic!! Thanks so very much for making it, as I too was hungry for some REAL music. GREAT!!!
Hi gang,
After yesterdays celebrations I’m sure there are a few sore heads in your immediate vicinity so I’ll keep this brief. I have been listening to the album non stop since last thursday and I have to say I think it surpasses Divison Bell and MLOR. It is so well crafted from Castellorizon to Where we start its crazy. Castellorizon will definately be a show starter . Very much in the Shine on / Marooned mood it’s perfect. I think Pocket full of stones would stand alone on any Floyd Album regardless of who is at the helm. On an Island could easily slot into the Wish you were here album and thats a bold statement I stand by. In other words this album is an instant classic .
Rgds Geoff Duffy
Happy belated birthday to you, David. may I wish you many more and express my sincere gratitude for this album- just when my faith in music starts to slip, you come out with this masterpiece.
As a life-long Floyd fan, I’m very excited to be attending the Aussie Floyd gig (Waterfront, Belfast) for the third time later this month. I only wish you’d come to Belfast too!!!
Again, thank you so much for this album- rest assured there will be plenty of in-depth discussions about it tomorrow at work.
The sensuous nature of the album is disturbed midway with a couple of heavier raucous pieces that, on their own are fine, yet I’m tempted to edit out tracks 4 & 6, re-burn & create an occasional alternate-mood version of 8 superb pieces, in particular ‘Then I Close My Eyes’ …… Robert Wyatt’s delicate cornet playing is lovely in this very unusual and standout track. It wins it for me.
Technical Dept.
Approx 15 seconds into Smile, I can briefly hear, on headphones, very faint scuffing noises. I took my first disc back as I could see physical scratch marks on the surface of the disc, yet the replacement disc, which is spotless, has the same faint scuffing noises in the background. Should these be there?
[..... Earth wobbles on it’s axis as everyone moves to check their CD @ 0.15 into Smile.....!]
Artwork.
Superb package. Would’ve liked to see more studio recording shots but would’ve perhaps not complimented the ‘feel’ of the album. There I’ve answered my own question.
I can hear harmonica on The Blue [not credited] & yet can’t hear harmonica on Then I Close My Eyes [credited]. Am I listening out for the right sound in the latter? There is a lot in there. Surely not an issue for the Error Dept.?
Curious Coincidence
CD sleeve notes thank ‘Neil Warnock’ and just below, Design & Artwork, by ‘Blade’. The nickname of Sheffield United FC is ‘Blades’ and their manager is a ‘Neil Warnock’.
Hmmm…still a bit unsure of This Heaven & perhaps Take A Breath.
Dave Carlin, Sheffield
Fedmeister!
The blisters on my finger from pressing F5 repeatedly to refresh this page are fine ‘onest!
‘Twas only at 10:30 p.m. (your time) that I realised you were at the Mermaid shakin’ your thang! It was a busy day at work and I was having a blonde moment (That’s Germans, Americans and now Blondes he’s upset – I was going to mention that I thought Liverpool was the European Capital of Hubcaps but that was taking it a bit too far so I didn’t)
Fellow Bloggers – Read the entries in the Fan Fare and you’ll know what I’m going on about :-)
I’m definitley one of the “please don’t tell us anything and let it be a surprise” brigade but I’m lucky enough to have a ticket so I wonder if the next Fan Fare banner should be “Don’t look if you don’t want to know” so then at least you can tell our ticketless brothers and sisters (How’s the foetus going to gestate? In a cardboard a box?) some snippets of info…
And I promise not to look… well…. maybe just to do a Caption Competition but I wouldn’t read any text… ‘onest! 8-}
[We do need to reach a decision on this. I honestly haven't been to the Mermaid Theatre tonight, though. - Features Editor]
Just got back from Mermaid gig – stupendous. Won’t give too much away as requested but be in no doubt that the new album works really well live as do the reinterpretations of some Floyd classics as well. Really knocked out by the band. Fab. Thanks so much for running the competition it was a privilege to be there. Our European friends are in for a real treat.
[Glad to hear that you enjoyed! - Features Editor]
Dear FEd,
I’m gutted beyond words – I arrived at the Mermaid at 7.30pm to be told by the doorman that I wasn’t allowed in because there were no seats left, despite having my name on the list. Apparently 60 seats were used by the BBC for their cameras, and a number of us were turned away at the door….we weren’t late, there just weren’t enough seats for those that had tickets/were on the list.
I can’t tell you how bad it feels, especially having come back especially for it from Holland. My plane was delayed 2 hours in Amsterdam, so it was a mad dash from Luton Airport to Blackfriars, in the rush hour and miserable rain. We made it in time and then were still refused entry! At first it was disbelief, then anger, then pure disappointment and depression.
It’s not like these are seats that I paid for, but to charge back for it in the pouring rain as excited as one can get, only to be refused entry – well, it was literally heartbreaking. So, instead of hearing my musical idol performing I caught the 2nd half of the Chelsea Barcelona game
From being the luckiest guy to the unluckiest guy, in nanoseconds. It would have been better to not have had any tickets at all, rather than to have my hopes shattered at the door. I know it’s not anyone in particular’s fault (esp. not you FEd – this is just an outlet..had to say something), and they were a total gift, but it just hurts so badly… I missed a unique opportunity to see DG in as small and as intimate a venue as I’m ever likely to. I’ve still got a ticket for the RAH show, but I so badly wanted to hear the new material BEFORE the new album, and in that tiny venue. The frustration and sadness is palpable.
The time is gone, the song is over, thought I’d something more to say
N
[Oh Nick, I am so sorry to hear this. I can't comment any further tonight, because I don't know the facts and can't get any answers at this late hour, but I will find out what's happened. For what it's worth, I am so very sorry. As you say, it would have been better not to have had tickets, rather than have your hopes dashed in such a cruel way. We will get to the bottom of this, I guarantee it. Not that it can compensate for the disappointment caused. - Features Editor]
hi DG fans
well the household has listened to the album to death for the last 2 days and the verdict is excellent save for 2 songs – take a breath and This heaven, the chants on the former being a bit naff and the latter a bit too far removed from what we pastoral Gilheads are used to!!! love the return to floyd 70 styles, and also love the occasional Bjork like flourishes with the big orchestra!!! very mature listening.
3 years Dave and you’ve gotta go again for us!!! too much talent not to big fella
top 4
On an island
The Blue
I close my eyes – gorgeous humming!
Pocket full of Stones
[I'm not having that! I won't have a bad word said about 'Take A Breath' or 'This Heaven', thank you very much! - Features Editor]
Evening FEd,
Just had to say tonight was absoutely amazing. David and co were on fine form and the concerts are going to be brilliant.
Thank you so much for organising thme and i heartily recommend everyone listens to it on Radio 2 as you” love it.
Thanks for a wonderful night
vicky
Hello,
Hearing the whole album every free minute since friday. It was awesome the first listening turn and it grabbed me more and more. The whole album breathes out that relaxed Castellorizon feeling… and that voice and those guitars. Lovely… Well done you all, thanks!
So I try to imagine that I’m lying on the Castellorizons beach, music all around, my hand in my wifes hand, the children playing and lauching at the background… sun shining and slowly the moon slides slowly before the sun…
Enjoy it!
Nick from the lovely South of the Netherlands.
PS1 March 29th 2006 could be that day. (…and the sun is eclipsed by the moon…)
PS2 Thoughts from a crazy Dutchman: I almost wrote: “maybe it could become a new DSOTM” (the best album in our history…), and maybe that would become reality (so as I can speak for myself). DSOTM has more bombast, that belongs to the concept of that record: a young musician that reaches fame and is running in the wheel of fortune, an artist that must catch up with the sun… and then 30 years later, he is on age, he can put things in perspective, now he knows what is really important. What would he write; “On An Island”, no more no less.
It becomes time for a beer and some fantastic music “OAI” I guess.. cheers…
hope the gig was fantastic.
i love it. my favourites are ‘on an island’, ‘the blue’ and ‘this heaven’. the lyrics are so personal, which is such a brave thing to do, but it just goes to show how happy david is with his life, which makes me feel so glad. david, you deserve every happiness! this is a happy album, but not in a sickly cheery way. it’s real and it’s bare. i love that. hats off to david and polly.
Dear Features ed,
I know it is not your fault, but when I arrived at the mermaid tonight I was turned away at the door, no one was interested that I had won my tickets!
I`ve just arrived home from London, and the feeling of dissapointment is overwhelming,it took five and a half hours to get there(through traffic), and I`ve lost half a day`s pay and the cost to get down to London, just to be told I`m not welcome!
I`m sorry to moan.
adrian
[Moan away, Adrian. I'm so desperately sorry to hear this - and very surprised. I can't comment further, because I don't know what's happened and can't get answers at this time of night, but I will find out why this has happened to both you and Nick. I truly am sorry. I can't begin to imagine how disappointed you're feeling and no token words are going to help matters. We will investigate, I assure you. - Features Editor]
The album is awesome. It has a laid back, classical sound to it, which is not the type of music I would normally like. However, my taste in music has been improving and I think this is an excellent piece of work.
I can’t wait until April 10th, Massey Hall, Toronto (but I guess I’ll have to.) I was 12 years old the last time Pink Floyd toured and I didn’t know what good music was yet. I have never had the opportunity to see David solo in concert either so this is very exciting for me.
Fantastic album and happy 60th, man.
Who are the people on the beach in the photograph, on the page with the “On An Island” lyrics??
Wow, I’ve just got in from the Mermaid concert and I was totally blown away! Thankyou so much FE, and to the BBC for putting this together. I was about 5/6 rows from the front, dead centre, so close to my hero! I wont give away the set list, but the new stuff sounded out of this world, and the ‘golden oldies’ were spectacular as you would expect. The band that David has put toghether is amazing. Rick Wright was getting into the music in his usual way ( I hope I can headbang like him when I reach that age! well, its more of a backwards headbang, if you know what i mean!). The overall sound was PERFECT, and his guitar sounded immense. We all sang happy birthday to David at the end, which was a nice touch, and a lady in the audience gave a cake to him! All in all, it was a spectacular evening, the greatest night of my life so far, never again will I see my hero in such an intimate venue. Thanks again! I’m never going to forget this…
An added bonus, Polly and a few of their children sat 3 rows behind me! And after the concert I managed to get her autograph on my On An Island album! How cool is that?!
[I'm really pleased to hear that you enjoyed it, David! - Features Editor]
We have just returned from the Mermaid Theatre after a 90 minute set from the Birthday boy + 1 day.A good mix of both the new cd and some Floyd classics.Happy Birthday was played by the band and sung by us the audience!
Please listen to this show on Saturday.
Happy belated birthday David!
Seattle, Washington, USA based radio station KMTT 103.7 will be airing the entire disc tonight at 8PM Pacific Standard Time.
Can hardly wait to get a copy tonight at the store and see you in California next month!
Cheers!
Glenn
Seattle, WA, USA
Well what to say? Just got back from the Mermaid and, respecting the wishes of the good old F’ed I’ll say absolutely nothing…………except, thanks David for a great night!! Waaaay too short but one assumes that the set will be somewhat longer out in the ‘real’ world……and enjoy your birthday cake!
Thanks to all here for allowing us lucky peeps the chance to be there tonight – it was a very special evening.
Now wheres that cd………
Pudders
[Glad you got in and could enjoy it, Pudders. - Features Editor]
En lisant les commentaires d’hier, quelqu’un a dit qu’il n’y a pas beaucoup de commentiares en français. Donc pour vous, Sylvian, j’en écris en français (je suis un anglais à Paris). Le nouveau album est super surtout “On An Island” et “Smile”. Je suis vraiement désolé si mon français est nul mais c’est la vie, n’est-ce pas?!? Alors, à la semaine prochaine (Le Grand Rex, le 15 mars).
Dominic.
Had the day off from work and got a copy right away this morning. Absolutely love it, it brings back memories of an Island vacation..except for us it is Madeline Island, apostle Islands of Wisconsin. Just as beautiful and relaxing a place. Cannot wait to go camping there again.
Congratulations David and a very happy (belated) birthday!
Ok, so I was WAY excited when I saw Best Buy is including a single CD of Island Jam… I had been very disappointed when I heard this song wasn’t on the CD. Yeah Best Buy!!! I’m glad I cancelled my pre-order from Amazon!!! Now I have the CD in my hot little hand… ok m-u-s-t s-h-o-w restraint… m-u-s-t wait until Wednesday morning when no kids are around and I can listen without interuption! Do you know how hard this is to wait when I HAVE the cd??? Can’t wait to be able to write my own review! Til tomorrow!!!
P.S. I did my part to make OAI #1! I picked up 2 copies- one for me and one for a buddy at work!!!
Tim
Hi Fed,
Once again a big thank you from the wife and I for the tickets for tonight’s show. Just got back from a ‘pinch me’ evening – phenomenal seats being the result of 2 hours freezing outside, a small price. Got my OAI CD signed by David, Polly, Guy and Dick afterwards – how nice of them to do that – and how nice too that the gig was so very intimate and ‘chatty’. I feel so bad for the guys that were turned away and hope that they’ll enjoy the RAH or other gigs. I hope they’ll forgive this guy’s enthusiasm for what was a memorable evening. No doubt the tour set list will be considerably longer – can’t wait. Fed, you do a phenomenal amount of work here, and it shows. Thank you.
[Thanks, Robert. Sounds like it was a great night. - Features Editor]
Mermaid gig in a word…Fantastic! My lips are sealed as regards the set list. Polly and her family sat in front of me and was touched by the fact that they were as excited as I was!!
Thank you for giving me the chance to go (my mate was knocked out too!)
Having had such a fantastic evening am only wishing I’d managed to get tickets for the tour. Is there any chance that there will be any additional dates? Do you know of any further ticket sales (OK it was a stupid question!!)
Cheers, Paul
[Glad you had a good night, Paul. There are no additional dates, unfortunately. - Features Editor]
it was a fantastic concert. very possibly the best I have ever seen. thank you.
I could say a lot more, and I have done elsewhere, but I’m not going to plug a website, that would be a tad cheeky.
Sometimes there are no words. If words were enough, we wouldn’t need or want music.
My Best Wishes For You Today!! My Husband And Son Who Also Play And Sound Just Like You Also Wish You A Great Day!!I Just Wish We Could See Your Show But The Only Way To Get Tickets In Brooklyn Is To Pay 2500.00 Dollars a Ticket From E-Bay or Sclappers.And To Get Your C.D.Is Now A Wait of Over A Month And Get On The Best Buy List For It.
Day 2 with OAI…I’m speechless. WOW is all I can say. With Division Bell ranking at the top of my list of favorite albums…it makes me wish that Polly could have worked with Pink Floyd sooner. Her lyrics are beautiful, sometimes uplifting and sometimes haunting…and they absolutely work so magically with David’s soulful music.
Also…David…well done with your saxophone on “Red Sky At Night”. Reading thru the credits on the album…I did not realize how many instruments David is able to play…Amazing talent. You continue to inspire me to develope my creative talents and live my life doing the things I love with meaning and purpose. Happy 60th again…Hope your day was everything and more! See you in Chicago!
Off work at 4pm. First stop..my favourite record store. Second stop…pick up wife at her place of employment. Third and final stop..Home…Rush to stereo and join David on his island and ignore wife all night. Awesome David. Thanks so much!!!
Just kidding about the ignore wife part. She loves David as much as the rest of us and didn’t mind that she came second to the record store.