Solo albums
David’s first two solo albums, 1978′s ‘David Gilmour’ and 1984′s ‘About Face’, are re-released this week. Digitally re-mastered by Doug Sax and James Guthrie, the sound promises to be the best possible.
Across Europe, both albums are out today and they’ll be available across North America, Australia and New Zealand tomorrow.
Which is your favourite of the two? Which tracks particularly stand out? How do these albums compare with ‘On An Island’ (which is considered by David to be superior to anything he’s done)?
We have a new poll for you and it’s about your favourite track from ‘David Gilmour’. Do cast your vote and let us know what you think. We’ll do the same for ‘About Face’ next week.
Not surprisingly, ‘Echoes’ ran away with the last poll. 52% of you voted it the best surprise of the tour. ‘Arnold Layne’ and ‘Wot’s… Uh The Deal’ polled 12% and 11% respectively.
Thanks to all who voted.
I prefer the first one from 1978, because it was during a very interesting and creative period for all the PF members.
I think David started setting up the Astoria houseboat just during that time, am I correct FEd?
Richard Wright’s “Wet Dream” is from the same period and is amazing, and extremely rare to find on cd.
Most PF fans will agree though that these works don’t reach the same level of the band albums at that time, and, yes, definitely, On An Island is N.1 !
[I'm not sure about Astoria. I believe that entered the equation a few years later. 'David Gilmour' was recorded in just a few weeks at Super Bear Studios in France. The 'Comfortably Numb' demo comes from this time, too. - Features Editor]
Hello to all that attended the Austria show(s). Please allow me to say that I am extremely jealous, given the surroundings of beautiful Austria, and the music of David and the band…WOW!! I saw David in Chicago and New York, and still remember his performance every day.
FeD, I was curious on a possible release date for the DVD. I haven’t ready any posts lately re: this and needed something to look forward to.
Thanks for everything!! This site is wonderful.
Shine on,
Billy (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida)
[There's no release date pencilled anywhere just yet. If you see one, it's a lie. - Features Editor]
ED: Just wondering if the packaging has changed from the first issue cd and vinyl as I have both.
POLL: Although a cover I voted for ” There’s no way out of here ” because David makes this song his own .
Rgds Geoff Duffy ( Dublin )
[I don't think there are any significant changes, Geoff. I haven't seen them yet. - Features Editor]
Wow, awesome question on every level!
I’d have to say that my first foray into solo Gilmour territory – the self titled album (1978) – is hands down my favorite of the three. (I owe a debt of gratitude to my fellow dj Mike Sciortino, of Potsdam State, for literally shoving this lp into my hands, exclaiming “listen to this… NOW!”)
Mihalis is easily my favorite, followed by There’s No Way Out of Here and I Can’t Breath Anymore. There’s a certain brooding nature to these songs, as well as an impeccable stylistic range and depth to this album, as if Dave had something to get off his chest (which he did, from the sounds of it!). Having followed the frustrating Animals recording sessions, he truly had volumes to say!
However, I can’t slight About Face. Different album (you can hear it immediately in the mix, as well as the song writing direction) but wrought from similar circumstances (frustration as to the mounting pressures from Waters/The Final Cut sessions). I love the Townshend penned songs (Love on the Air and All Lovers Are Deranged for obvious Who fan reasons)! Regretfully, I missed out 4 times (at last count) on seeing Mr Gilmour’s About Face tour as I was without a car in college, and usually at the wrong place at the wrong time.
I think that both albums are light-years away from this latest classic (On an Island) in mind set and musicianship. As an artist, David has grown on so many levels (arrangements, playing, word play, production). Furthermore, given that this album was some 22 years in the making since About Face, his life has taken him into a totally different direction; family matters more, bands (including Pink Floyd) matter to a lesser extent.
What seems to be the common denominator in all three albums is a then current commitment to form; expertise in writing, playing, and his soulful and careful skillcraft in creating each and every masterpiece at different phases of his life. Its THAT one thing that endears Mr Gilmour to me as a musician and artist, like none other.
Nuff said,
Darren
[Great post, mate. - Features Editor]
Excellent news. I’ve been waiting for these discs to reappear in the stores. I enjoyed “David Gilmour”, but have never heard “About Face”…
FEd: You previously pointed us toward the new photos in the gallery section. I refer you to the following image (click my name).
Do I spy a sneaky cameraman lurking around the back of the stage? A hint toward potential bonus footage, perhaps? ;-)
[You never know. Anything's possible on Planet Gilmour. - Features Editor]
I vote for the new poll but…as seems, my vote wasn’t so much original!!! But I have to admit that choose “There’s No Way Out Of Here” wasn’t easy. I think the other blogger had the same doubts! In fact, there are other songs that I love too. “Raise My Rent”, for example! I like it a lot…and it would have been a more original answer. Can I vote again, FEd?
See you
L!
[One vote only, I'm afraid. It's hard, I know... - Features Editor]
YAAAY! Great topic FEd! I’m a major flag-waving t-shirt wearing lover of David’s first solo album, “DG”. I’m sooo glad for the opportunity to spraff about some of David’s most under-listened high quality material.
I’d better say a quick word about “About Face” – personally I don’t like it, but that’s totally okay because it was an 80s album – and EVERYONE has some dodgy 80s skeletons in their musical closets. And to be fair, David’s is a lot less bad than a lot of his contemporaries! For me it just doesn’t press any of the Gilmour buttons.
However, “David Gilmour” is an entirely different animal imho. My absolute favourite tracks are “There’s No Way Out of Here”, “No Way” and “Mihalis”:
TNWOOH: This is pure Gilmour imho. It’s bluesy, bittersweet and builds in all kinds of beautiful ways. I love the keys, I love the way it changes from soft to hard, I love everything about it. For me one of David’s top 5 tunes, and that’s including all his solo and PF work.
No Way: “I’m hanging on, for a little while” will hang in your head for days. The melodies, the groove and again the keys, produce such a sweet sound as the context for really interesting lyrics. More on this in a mo…
Mihalis: I’m boring and predictable when I say how much I enjoy David’s instrumental work (told you!), and Mihalis is another of example of feelings that David can produce without vocals. It’s like the absence of lyrics focuses the listener’s mind on the feel…and because David is all feel it makes for a different (but fantastic) listening experience.
In a perfect world I would have loved David to have thrown in TNWOOH or No Way into the setlist of the recent shows. I know that you can’t please everyone, that there are many phases of David’s long career, but the solo albums were imho conspicuously absent (and I’d have been upset if he had chosen an About Face tune rather than a David Gilmour one!). I have often wondered why…perhaps they were written at a difficult time for David, and lyrically they mean things to him that he would rather not revisit? Or maybe he just doesn’t like them as much as other songs. Whatever the reason, they are amazing tunes that deserve listening to.
I envy any DG/PF fan that hasn’t listened to “David Gilmour” because you’re about to discover new material that you didn’t think you were going to get!!
“I won’t go down easy, that’s not my style” – who could leave that gem buried??!
N
I bought ‘David Gilmour’ on vinyl when it came out in 1978 and it still sounds as good today, if not better, than it did then. I like all the tracks but ‘Raise My Rent’ and ‘There’s No Way Out of Here’ are my favourites.
‘About Face’ doesn’t have quite the same appeal. It suffers from too much af an 80s feel for my taste, that said I really like ‘Murder’ and ‘Near the End’.
I’m not sure I could choose a favourite between ‘On an Island’ and ‘David Gilmour’. They’re very different but I love them both.
It will be great to hear the remastered versions of the two albums. Its a shame that David chose not to include any material from either of them on his tour this year. They are both great.
Deciding which one I like better is a tough call. I’ve gone back and forth on this at different times over the years depending on my moods.
On the one hand, you have the first album, which always sounded to me like a solo album – meaning an album from a guy who has a full time job in another band who was just stepping out for a bit. The songs are great, but it doesn’t seem to have been given a full-on approach. However, this is actually part of its charm. Its an album by a great guitarist doing his thing with a few friends. My favorite tracks on this one:
Mihalis
Short and Sweet
There’s No Way Out of Here
On the other hand you have About Face. Again, great songs but a different approach. This time the album seems to have been recorded by a solo artist as opposed to being a solo album. There seems to have been a more thoughtful approach to the song style, songwriting, production and even the sleeve. It has a more complete feel to it, but ironically that sometimes comes across as its weakness to me.
It seems like there was too much of an attempt to “launch David” with this record, which may have caused him to get away from just “doing his thing.” For example, Blue Light is a great track. It was one of the highlights of the About Face Tour, but I cringe when I think of the video with David in the white suit – that is not the image I ever had of him, nor did I think it served him well. In fact, all of the songs came across great in live performance (which is why I push for the re-release of this concert on DVD – sorry F*ed).
My favorite tracks:
Near the End
Until We Sleep
Murder
I guess right now I’m more partial to David Gilmour. I just like hearing straight guitar playing at the moment. About Face seems a little too 1980s right now. But ask me again tomorrow.
Cheers!
Mike from Connecticut
david gilmour is my favorite of the two. it’s more raw, less polished, and more fun i think. it may have a lot to do with the time and what was happening in his life, but we’ve been listening to this for years. i love there’s no way out of here, mihalis, raise my rent, and there’s no way.
on about face, i really like murder, cruise, and near the end.
i think on an island is a superior record, but it’s different from the other two. different time, different life, new experiences and such. can’t wait to hear the remastered records.
cheers.
O, I will be out of town tomorrow when these hit the shelves in the U.S. But I am going to still try to pick them up. I love the David Gilmour release and I have not heard About Face in a very long time. Can’t wait to get these.
Are these better than OAI? I think each one is different and each has its pluses. Kinda like the whole PF catalogue, I can’t seem to just pick one to be my favorite – each one is my favorite at different times.
Andrew
[Coward! - Features Editor]
i believe david gilmour to be a very good album. not sure which is better between it and OAI. too close to call in my opinion.
Dear David, You are perfect.
I love your voice.I need see you
Come to Brazil
I usually rate “David Gilmour” slightly higher than “About Face” just because of the fact that it has “There’s No Way Out Of Here” (that Dave Wyndorf of Monster Magnet covered on their last album and said something like “the last fantastic track that the Floyd did”)… On the other hand “About Face” has “Murder” and “Cruise”.. Hmm… Tricky one!
All in all I agree with the fact that “On An Island” is David’s best solo album!
Best,
Nicholas
Personally I think that “David Gilmour” is the best of the 3 albums by a country mile. Standout tracks “There’s no way out of here”, “Cry from the street”, “No way” and “I can’t breathe anymore” eclipse much of the material on the later albums, with the possible exception of “Take a breath”. Not an opinion that will be popular on this site I expect…!
[But that's what makes life interesting. - Features Editor]
Hello,
Great news that there is no further delay in releases of David Gilmour and About Face.
I agree with David about On An Island, but from the first 2 I personally more like David Gilmour. Best song is of course There’s No Way Out of Here which I voted for in the poll. And from time to time I have Raise my Rent in my head.
I found very interesting interview with Leszek Mozdzer which can be found in Press section (Teraz Rock). It is in Polish, but I plan to translate this tommorow for everyboy here.
Gdansk update
It looks really big at this time, biggest stage ever build in Poland 18 m high, 36 tons of equipment 7 huge LCD screens Mr David Mallet and his 38 person team to shot the gig. Can’t wait…
btw Fed are You coming to Gdansk? (I expect positive answer, of course)
Best regards
Tomasz
[Sorry to spoil the party, but David Mallet isn't shooting it. There won't be 38 cameras. These are incorrect rumours. As for Gdansk, then I hope to be there. I'm not sure yet. - Features Editor]
I was really surprised to see David and his wife strolling through the streets of Venice last Thursday (10th August). I was with my wife on our honeymoon.
I attended the first gig on Friday and was then fortunate to be able to hear all the Saturday night show from my hotel which was behind San Marco square just to the left of the stage.
Both nights were fantastic and will never be forgotten.Thank you.
I am ashamed to say that i have never heard the first “solo” David Gilmour…
I want to participate to the new poll so I am going to buy the CD…..
[You won't be disappointed, I'm sure of that. - Features Editor]
i love them both, but ‘david gilmour’ is just ahead for me. some great guitar work.
i’m also with nicholas in saying that ‘on an island’ is the best of the three.
Before you throw your pointy sticks on me, it’s not my fault, you asked: from the three solo albums, I slightly prefer the first one over the rest. Perhaps I’m being partial and I’m not taking into account only the music but also the moment I got into it.
I bought David Gilmour in a small record shop in Paris in 1992. Neither internet nor the blog existed for me at that time, so I was not aware about the record. It was a cassette and I had to wait until the night to listen to it at home.
Inbetween, I was in love with a girl and we made the “final approch” that day in Paris. I remember myself laying in bed that night, ecstatic, joyful, enjoying every note of the album; another special moment in my life linked to David’s music.
From all the tracks, the one I love the most is “Short and sweet”. Actually, I can’t explain why, but everytime I listen to the live version sung by David together with Roy Harper, my eyes get wet. I must be getting older (and wiser…)
Sorry for all my long posts today, but the blog makes me feel alive in this crappy job. Anyone willing to employ a telecom manager?
By the posts so far, I guess I’m in the minority, but I prefer “About Face” to “David Gilmour.” It is more diverse, IMHO, and really shows off David’s WIDE range of talent. I’d have to agree with David though, OAI is certainly his best masterpiece thus far.
My favorite tunes off of “David Gilmour” are “There’s No Way Out of Here” and “Raise my Rent”
I LOVE the rift on “Cry from the Street”
~Erin
Tomorrow is the big day =(
So I’ll talk to y’all*, hopefully around the end of the week. Will your little “project” be ready by then Fed?
*REDNECK LESSON #1: Y’all – used when talking about a group of people. Like saying “you all”
=) Sorry, couldn’t resist . . .
[It's on the back-burner for now, so it might turn out to be another prolonged 'P.U.L.S.E'-type episode. All the best for tomorrow. - Features Editor]
My favourite of the two is definitely ‘David Gilmour’. My favourite song on it is ‘There’s No Way Out Of Here’, and it looks like a lot of people agree, by lookin at the poll! In fact, this song is my 2nd favourite Gilmour solo song of all time, after ‘On An Island’.
One question, did David tour with this album? I know he did with About Face and have seen the documentary on it, but have yet to find anything on the earlier album, except the live studio versions.
Peace, David.
[I think the live studio versions are all that you'll find. - Features Editor]
Both albums have their strengths. In all honesty, David’s work in them is far superior to the contributions of the respective guest artists. My favorite track, out of all, would have to be, “Cruise”. The melody is deceptively soothing given the nature of the words. The lyrics show the wisedom of age. Not so much from an artistic point, but recognization of the loss of pragmatism in military politics.
-Leo
Is david doing any more shows in the UK at the end of the tour?
For me On an Island is the best of all three albums and reading between the lines so dose David as he played none of his solo old material on this tour and focused upon OAI and PF material
[David isn't doing any shows after Gdansk. If that changes, we'll let you know. - Features Editor]
About face is my favourite one…I like it beacuse it’s different from any pink floyd (like a solo album should be) “reminiscence”.I am really proud to hear again the superb drum playing by Jeff Porcaro.
ciaooooooooooo
[One vote only, I'm afraid. It's hard, I know... - Features Editor]
Tyrant!!! However, the worse has still come: choose between “Murder” and “Cruise”!!!!
L!
FEd, great parties in the Barns around! But…where is the suprise on the blog? Even if, everyday is a surprise here! I’ll vote “Excellent” again, if I could vote again! Unfortunatly I ONE VOTE ONLY also for you and the blog!!!
[It probably won't be ready for a few weeks yet, sorry. - Features Editor]
[Coward! - Features Editor]
I’m the one getting on a plane tonight while many others have cancelled out due to what is going on.
I’d like to say that I’m more diplomatic.
Andrew
[Fair enough. - Features Editor]
Out of 10:
On An Island: 9
David Gilmour: 6
About Face: 3 [Blue Light is just so awful]
The late 70’s were an interesting and explosive time for both David and Rick W.
With Roger at the helm of PF, I think there was a lot of creative frustration on both their parts which culminated in a need to show that they could stand out as individuals.
As a result of this came the two best solo PF efforts period. Rick’s Wet Dream and David’s self titled debut.
You can easily see both sides of PF’s music in each. Rick’s was the mellow kinda languid side and David’s was rockier with darker lyrics. Lyrics BTW very much in the vein of Roger’s.
So which is my favourite solo David LP?
As you could probably guess it is the first one by far. I love it to death. There is not a single dud track which is a real achievement for any artist. I love the edge on this both musically and lyrically which is missing on a lot of his work afterwards both PF and solo. This includes, I am afraid, OAI. I think he could have started his recent shows with Mihalis. What a barnburner beginning that would have been. I agree with an earlier comment about his instrumentals being so expressive.
My other favourite track is I Can’t Breathe Anymore. I looove the vocals on this and the lyrics are some of the best he has ever written. The transition from dreamy first bit to slide guitar heaven is awesome.
Cheers, Howard
I have both of them in vinil. What I think is that pressure is not a good friend for DG, so I think he gives his best relaxed like in David Gilmour and On an Island. About face is not my favorite of course…I managed to forgive Blue Light just after On An Island and 2 live performances. One of those songs ( and I saw the video too…arghhhh) that makes you think “what was he thinking about?”. Apart from this I have to say that “Murder” stands alone not only like one of his best songs for me, but absolutely his best lyrics so far. No question about it.
Two things. About “David Gilmour”.
1) recording fast and “friends surrunded” it is good for him.
2)”Raise My Rent” is the mother of “What do You Want From Me”. Anyone noticed? The live version of WDYWFM has the same guitar parts! I like it!
Good topic. I was 12 when “David Gilmour” was released and I played it to death back then (and still listen to it quite often). It is a gorgeous record – so sincere and so gentle. It rocks with such subtlety – I think that is its strong point. I can never tire of it.
“Raise My Rent”, “Short and Sweet”, “So Far Away”, and of course the Unicorn cover “There’s No Way Out of Here” (which I am happy to see a lot of folks citing as a favorite since I am such a Unicorn devotee) are probably my favorite tracks on that record.
I think “About Face” was a lot more polished and perfected. I love “You Know I’m Right” – fantastic track (“we really seem to have a prob-lem here”)! “Near the End” is a favorite too as it is a lot looser (less production) and sounds like an outtake from the 1st LP. The acoustic guitar solo is also amazing on that. This album clearly was an ‘about face’ for David (despite claims to the contrary in interviews from the time – sorry, David!). Oh, and “Cruise” was a brilliant song as well.
“On an Island” is just a five star record. It astounds me that after all the years David Gilmour’s talent is not only still there, but better than ever. Oddly, everyone keeps citing “Take a Breath” as a stand out, but for me it is the moodier tracks that knock me out like “Where we Start” “Red Sky at Night” and “The Blue”.
All in all, I’d have to say that my favorite DG solo LP is the 1st one – although “On an Island” is a close second.
I grew up with that first one. I have a lot of memories in that music. I used to listen to it in the backyard of my house daydreaming by the pool on hot afternoons a lot, speakers up to the windows…Plus it still sounds so fresh and not dated at all. Poor “About Face” is gonna have to take 3rd place but I still dig it. It’s just a different animal, that’s all.
I love _About Face_. I was 14 years old when the record came out and I rushed to buy it – on sale for a kingly sum of $5.99 (those were the days, hein?). And, I couldn’t believe David Gilmour’s performance of ‘Comfortably Numb’ on that tour, which left my heart in my mouth.
At the time, I should remember, Pink Floyd seemed to be in the past tense and the former bass player (um, what’s his name) had just put out a solo outing – and it was a momentous dud. By contrast, Gilmour’s LP sounded magnificent and passionate – very much ‘Pink Floyd’ itself.
Honestly, I would have loved to have heard ‘Murder’ on this tour – especially with Rick Wright playing Hammond organ on it. What a beautiful song!
fave track?? that has to be ‘(lets get) Metaphysical’
I love the orchestration and the build up of this track, the funny thing is tho’ how much Davids guitar sound has really shaped up since then! back to basics with the effects to valves from transistors i suspect!
I’d love to hear this piece played now, possibly with the London Philharmonic in the Albert Hall??????? (Come on David you know you want to!)
Gareth
OAI is obviously the best of the three, but of the other two I would give David Gilmour a slight edge. Though I think that ablum is better on the whole, About Face has Murder which I think is still his best solo song. But one song does not an album make. And anyway I absolutely love Short and Sweet as well, which I would rank as his #3 song, behind On An Island.
I think it’s important, in context, to remember how anonymous the members of Pink Floyd were in the 70s. We all had the records, but almost no one (it seemed) knew their names, much less what they looked like. It was part of the band’s mysterious appeal. When the 1st DG album came out in ’78 I was amazed. *This* was the guy who made that incredible sound! The voice! The trademark guitar! Who knew?
“David Gilmour” is a great album for its simplicity and directness. I think of it as “pure” Dave, put out as a statement of his love for straight, blues-based guitar rock, and a platform for his moody, expressive singing – not as a calculated thing designed to launch him as a solo artist – which About Face and even OAI sound like to me.
I wrote in here 3 or 4 months ago, inquiring about the rumored re-release of the 1st two David solo records. Tremendously pleased to see them out!!!
[It probably won't be ready for a few weeks yet, sorry. - Features Editor]
I’m curious about what your and your collegues minds have thought! Some brilliant ideas or…are you teasing us????!!!
Have a wonderful evening, mate
L!
[It's just one thing, and it's not exactly "brilliant", but I think it could be good. - Features Editor]
Sorry for being a bit off-topic, I understand that the poll is about the first two albums, but I must say that I *really* love David’s version of “Je Crois Entendre Encore” from the “Meltdown Concert” DVD.
My parents are FANATIC about opera, I spent my entire youth following them to concerts and listening to operas, and I personally know many top-level singers and musicians.
Believe me, David’s performance in a *very difficult* piece like that is UNBELIEVABLE. And beside the technical aspects, his personal rendition and interpretation of that “aria” is (in my opinion) artistically PHENOMENAL. Many classical musicians could learn a lot listening to it.
If you want to make a test, please buy the opera, choosing whatever good orchestra and tenor you like, and compare it to David’s version. Musically, not also technically. Let me know!!! :-)
Nicola
My picks are, Mihalis, and Murder. The guy who wrote Blue Light is awful is nuts. It is lively,and uptempo,with great background guitar.
Of the 3 DG solo albums, it has to be On an Island…for (fairly) obvious reasons, yes? Considering the other two albums, I think they are quite different but near equal in my mind. Just depends what you’re in the mood for.
Standout tracks from David Gilmour include (of course) the Floydian-sounding, There’s No Way Out of Here, Short and Sweet, So Far Away (interesting tune), among a few others. As for About Face, I like Murder (among his finest works), Near the End, Out of the Blue…
Looking at all three albums one can clearly see the changes and evolution of David as a songwriter. Without a doubt, On an Island is the most personal and perhaps Pink Floyd-sounding.
The production of each album is distinctly different as well. David Gilmour (from 1978) has a very 70′s ‘classic rock’ vibe – though almost a tired, and waning element – as if the decade (of the 70′s) has taken some sort of toll on him. About Face is sprightly in comparison and definitely portrays David as a very mainstream 80′s fixture.
They’re all great…and all worthy of much discussion.
-Kevin
I never heard either of the albums before. But ive been working for about 14 hours to save up to get these albums. As soon as I get them I will post my favourite one. Cannot wait to hear more excellent music from David.
Hello, F.Ed,
It sounds like the concerts were superb, that is great.
David’s first 2 albums… I have About Face, but I must confess I have not heard David Gilmour. I am looking forward to it, though.
Of the last 2 albums, in my opinion, OAI is a better work of art, and it’s a very solid and deep album musically. AF is a solid album as well, but it borders on a bit too ’80s pop for me. I like Lets Get Metaphysical probably the most from AF.
Speaking of AF, I was totally surprised to hear Love on the Air played on some radio station while I was driving through the middle of Indiana corn fields awhile back.
Without hearing DG, I would have to go with OAI as my favorite.
To help answer Gian Luca’s question, the Astoria didn’t come into the picture until the mid 80′s. A Momentary Lapse of Reason was the first album to be made largely on the boat, as far as I know.
Have a great day, all.
Mike
I have to say I’m partial to ‘About Face’ myself. It’s the first album I bought after I woke up and realized there is Floyd beyond R.Waters. I love “Out of the Blue” which still gets singing time in the shower to this day….
Actually, the “About Face” concert tour VHS is the first concert I ever bought.
In regards to ‘David Gilmour’, I like “There’s No Way Out of Here” and “Short and Sweet”, but I’ve found myself listening to “Raise my Rent” quite a bit since discovering David apparently pulled this tune/lead melody off the rack for ‘The Division Bell’ to create “What Do Yo Want From Me”…
That of course is my humble opinion and not rumor from somewhere, so no one go start asking for sources.
Give a listen for yourself and see what you think?
So Far Away, although There’s no way comes a close second from the first album and Out Of The Blue from About Face – it’s the most beautiful, honest and true song I’ve ever heard.
I’m saving up the pennies to get “David Gilmour” on CD. Its definitly one of my all time favourite albums and I’ve only heard sample snippets of it on the internet since we moved onto a boat and I had to get rid of my vinyl.
I suppose “There’s no way out of here” has to be my vote for best track but its a pretty close run thing.
While I love the new album I’d put the first one level with it, it’s beautifully simple and straightforward as far as the arrangements go.
I’m afraid I’ve never managed to listen to About Face all the way through, I was so looking forward to hearing it and it was as others have said an “80′s Mistake”, such a disappointment!
I first got a cassette tape of About Face around 1995. My favorite song is Out of the Blue. I was kinda hopeing David would have done that one on the tour. I thought Caroline Dale would haver done wonderful on that track.
I do prefer David Gilmour over About Face. I also like the song Near the End. Mihalis, and Theres No Way Out of Here.
So the best of Davids song until On an Island are:
Out of the Blue
Near the End
Theres no Way Out of Here
Mihalis
On an Island is better than both of them, but they all kick total ass!!
Cory
I’m excited to finally get David Gilmour since I’ve been looking for it for quite some time now. From the reviews and comments, it looks like it trully is a great album. I’ve seen video clips of “There’s No Way Out of Here” and “So Far Away” somewhere around the net and I really enjoyed both songs.
So tomorrow, when it hits stores in the US, I’ll be first in line to get my copy.
Cheers!
-ayako-
Hmmm….Voted Short and Sweet as my fave. David Gilmour is a far better album, overall, than About Face; however, that being said, I think About Face has some pretty good songs like Murder, Until We Sleep and Near The End.
It is a bit over produced in that typical 80s style (someone else’s Radio Kaos suffers from the same thing). And Blue Light is bloody awful (sorry, but someone has to say it). And the lyrics on Cruise are a bit sophomoric (what is it you say in Britain…sixth-formish)?
I’ll be picking up my copy of David Gilmour tomorrow. I’ve only owned it on cassette until now. Great way to start off my vacation. I hadn’t thought of purchasing About Face because I already have it on CD from a previous issue. But I noted in the news that About Face had some tape edits on its original master. Does that mean that some songs were cut down from their original length? If so, I might reconsider getting the better quality CD.
I couldn’t choose which album I liked better. I like them equally for the same reasons.
The poll was a harder choice. I picked Mihalis because of all the things I like about David. His music, the arrangements, the vocals, etc. Now Way Out of Here and Deafinately were close seconds. I really liked the searing guitar solos in those two.
About Face was great. Murder, Blue Light, Out of the Blue and Let’s Get Metaphysical are favorites. I think musically some songs on there prefigured OAI. But OAI really stands out as David’s best work to date when you (I) compare the three.
Does anybody remember the 1984/1985 VHS/video of David Gilmour in concert back then. I remember Roy Harper coming out to sing Short and Sweet with David and they complemented each other so well I thought that Roy had sung on the album, but apparently he didn’t. Nick Mason came out to play drums on Comfortably Numb, if I’m not mistaken. It would be nice to see that reissued on the DVD format in the future. We’ll just have to wait and see. 《;^ 自
My favourite of David’s solo work is “Out of the blue” and “Let’s Get Metaphysical” from “About Face”. Apart from it I like his voice on that album more than on the others. So I give my vote to “About Face”.
On this poll I voted for “There’s no way out of here”.
I like all the albums. I think I will go out and by them. Maybe I will buy them for my sons birthday. HAHA!!
Well hope everyone has a great week. With love from sunny and hot Fontana, Ca
Erin good Luck tomorrow
oh BTW my kids soccer season starts this week. Cool huh?
Renee B.
Fontana, Ca USA
It is hard for me to choose a favorite because I find it hard to be critical of such perfect work. However, in fear of being labeled a coward, I will decide my favorite by placing them in sequential order listing from my absolute favorite, my second favorite, and my third favorite.
On An Island, David Gilmour, About Face.
Now let me clarify, everything on “David Gilmour” 1978 is astounding. The voice, the guitar, the lyrics. It all just comes together and flows through the perfect musician. I am at a loss for words at how David has transitioned from perfect to more perfect on “On An Island”. His voice quality is amazing and his guitar playing just blows me away.
As for favorite tracks:
Raise My Rent (DG)
Near the End (About Face)
The Complete OAI album
I think the one thing that I really appreciate about David Gilmour as a musician is that he is not afraid of stepping beyond his normal sound. He is willing to face the comments “well, it just doesn’t sound like his normal stuff”. My response to that is let him do what he enjoys. Whatever he does musically is done to perfection.
Rob
I’ll be trotting along to get ‘David Gilmour’ shortly! Thanks for the info on the release.
After having built a few LP collections, then a few Cassette collections, it’s nice to see music settling down. Geez, must have bought over a dozen copies of DSOTM alone in varying formats. Wouldn’t like to count up how many PF LPs, Cassettes and CD’s I’ve bought in total. I sure hope music stays in its current format for a while now
What a great question!
I love all three solo albums, I`m always playing them in my van as I go from job to job. But there are certain tracks when the volume gets raised a little, and they are in no particular order;
1.so far away
2.there`s no way out of here
3.murder
4.out of the blue
5.the whole of on an island
My aprentice once commented on hearing Mihalis for the first time, that it sounded like backing music to a porn film. He did however sport a black eye for a day or two for that comment!
About Face is a great album, i have the video (now transfered onto DVD) which is really good apart from the Bass players fairy boots.Long live Guy!!!!!!!
I vote “No Way”, vocals and the slide guitar are fantastic, it could easily come from “On An Island”.
“There’s No Way Out Of Here” is a cover from K. Baker of Unicorn, I love it but I wouldn’t vote it.
The eponymous album is by far my favorite. I like the feel of it and how it does not feel forced. I do not listen to it often anymore, but I always enjoy it when I do. I find it plays particularly well when I am a bit under the weather, as strange as that may seem. Grade: 8.
I liked About Face when it came out, but don’t believe it has aged well. Grade: 6.
Frankly, I have little use for On An Island. When I listen to it, I crave a tempo change that never seems to come. I like the songs individually, but together it puts me to sleep, and not in a good way. Grade: 5.
Question: Was a snippet of Deafinately once used in a Ford advertisement in the US? I could swear it was, but I can not prove it. It would have been some time ago, like 15 years.
[Good question. I don't think so, but maybe. - Features Editor]
FE, another question my friend!
As Nick Mason stated, Roger was invited to play one song at the last night of the Royal Albert Hall gig. But, what song would David have chosen for them all to perform?
I’ve always pondered on that. Lets hope the pondering doesnt go on.
I read that Comfortably Numb was supposed to be a release on David’s first solo album, but Roger convinced him to put it on the Wall. It is interesting to wonder if it would have had the mass appeal it’s had had it been on his solo album.
I’m afraid I’m also ignorant of David’s first two albums – I’ve heard a few tracks in isolation and been underwhelmed by them.
OAI is clearly in a different league – clearly david has something to say instead of trying to think of something to play.
I’m interested to see what my fellow bloggers like though – it might point out the ignorance of my ways…
[Just wondering if the packaging has changed from the first issue cd and vinyl as I have both. Geoff Duffy at August 14, 2006 01:31 PM]
Geoff,
The only visible difference seems to be with “David Gilmour”, which has some additional photos of David from circa ’78. There’s one in particular on the inside back cover of the booklet which is sure to get the ladies gushing…
“About Face” looks very much like the original.
The front of each CD has a black & silver image of David on them.
Just listening now to DG, for the 1st time in yonks, bought that & About Face today.
“No Way” sounds to me as though the back end of the track has been “tweaked” a bit from my recollection of the original, but I may be wrong.
Does anybody else agree?? Answers on a postcard please… c/o FEd @ davidgilmour.com
Will have to give About Face a listen before I decide on the merits of how that & DG compare to OAI….
I love David’s first solo album, but comparing it (and “About Face”) to “On An Island” is like apples and oranges (don’t say it!) and erm… blueberries. Yeah. That’s it.
I’ve been watching David’s in-studio Super Bear performance of his first album (don’t come at me with that pointy stick, Edwina!), digging the vibe and the honestness of the music. “About Face” eventually grew on me (yes, I dance around to “Blue Light” now; so sue me) and has some great tunes on it, but as others have said, does sound a bit dated now and then. Nevertheless, David Gilmour solo = heaven.
And just as an aside, if you pick up Guitar World’s Classic Rock Legends poster issue, there’s a cool poster of David in it. I was shopping for Nutella but put it back on the shelf and bought the mag instead. One must keep one’s priorities straight, mustn’t one?
xo
Deborah
[Thanks for letting us know, Deborah. - Features Editor]
Between the first two, I tend to favor the self titled. Not that About face is bad, however you can tell David was trying something different, and there is nothing wrong with that. It just shows how versatile he really is. On an Island is my favorite, but not by much.
I’d have to say Raise my rent, Mihalis, and There’s no way out of here are my fave’s off that album.
A while back I was watching The Weather channel’s local forecast and the backround music was Mihalis. I thought that was pretty cool.
Amedeo
Well, having just given David Gilmour & About Face one play each (so far) to re-familiarise myself with each. I have to agree with Erin, I prefer About Face. Probably helped by the fact that I saw it peformed at the Hammersmith Odeon(I’ve still got the T-Shirt to prove it!!! No, I’m not a minger.)
Despite the fact that it’s from the dreaded 80′s, there’s a really diverse collection of styles and moods, which were quite refreshing at that time. It proved David had the courage to strike out on his own, after “The Final Cut” had virtually rendered him a session musician. Even if some of the lyrics were rather venomous towards Roger (can’t really blame him though, things were a bit grim back then).
David Gilmour is a fine effort for a 1st solo album and has some great tracks, Mihalis, TNWOOH, Short & Sweet, Deafinitely, but my vote goes to “No Way”, IMO it seems to encompass David’s acceptance that all is not well in the camp and that he has to consider charting his own destiny. DG certainly accomplishes that.
However, both DG & AF are left standing by OAI.
OK, so there’s 22-years worth of material to select from, but there’s no escaping the fact that the intervening period has only made for a more mature, discerning masterpiece.
Or is it just that absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Like a fine wine, David’s voice is now velvety smooth and rich. His guitar playing soars higher than ever, then dives deep into your soul. OAI has the power to transport you into a dreamworld of peaceful tranquility and leaves you begging for more…
I only hope it’s not such a long wait until his next classic.
Sometimes… when the inspiration strikes, I can get down with the best of them… BLUE LIGHT.
I was flicking through the old blogs, and came across a five best songs from PF or David on December 28th I think. Bit late but here you are!
1.Comfortably Numb
2.Wish You Were Here
3.Run Like Hell
4.Another Brick In The Wall
5.Money
Better late than never!
Hi Fed, i was talking with Sony/Bmg in Toronto, Canada today, as far as they are aware, these 2 remasters will not be in stores in Canada on Aug. 15. So this is Sad news. I will call tomorrow & read them your latest news update about the remasters. So if anybody buys them in the USA on Aug 15, please let me know.
As for my pick, i prefer David’s 1st solo LP, but have i them both
Thanks again, for all you do
joe from Canada
[Please let us all know! Thanks for that, Joe. A few fans expressed doubts about the release date last week, but we are assured that the dates haven't changed. Let's see. - Features Editor]
I got to see David play the Beacon Theater in New York in 1984. I was in the tenth row, which means little when the theater had so many empty rows. I found the About Face album to be disappointing, and since he was playing to half-filled theaters I had to conclude that other people felt the same way about it at the time. Please, no pointy sticks.
The opening band (called The Icicle Works) was dreadful, 80s British synth punk without the passion. David’s band, which included Raff Ravenscroff, were very good. There was no light show, just music including David taking turns on the piano. I found the musicianship (on the album and the during the concert) to show David at his best, but for me the songwriting is seriously lacking. This album simply doesn’t have much to say to me. Again, please don’t turn your pointy sticks towards me… I am simply stating a personal opinion.
David’s self-titled first album is far better, in my opinion. It’s got a raw, emotional intensity and (of course) AMAZING guitar work. I was 12 when it was released, and so I did not see David play live at this time.
I did see Floyd play The Wall in 1980, just after my 14th birthday. It was one of my first concerts, and I still consider it to be the best live performance of any kind I’ve ever seen. They literally built a wall between themselves and the audience during the show, and David played “Comfortably Numb” standing atop that wall. Lit with a spotlight from behind, David’s shadow was cast larger-than-life on the audience directly at the back of the arena, and it is this shadow that comes to mind whenever I hear “Comfortably Numb” on the radio. This is the work that my fond memories of David Gilmour are made of!
This may have something to do with my disdain for the stripped-down “About Face” show I saw just four years later.
Floyd, in 1987, blew me away when they played at Madison Square Garden. That was an impressive show, even if “Momentary Lapse” is not Floyd’s best effort.
I wish I had been able to attend David’s show at Radio City in April of this year. I love “On an Island”, and it now holds a place in my heart above even some of the Floyd albums.
David has certainly grown as an artist and as a musician in the years since About Face. Bearing this in mind, I know where David is coming from when he chooses not to play his earlier solo efforts in this 2006 tour. He wants to play the music that shows where he’s at now, not where he was in 1984 or 1978.
As for classics like Echoes, well certainly David wants to showcase the finest music of his considerable career. He probably just doesn’t feel the need to play his previous solo work, which is not in the same league.
I have to saw that I really like Davids first two albums, For I still have both of them on vinyl. But for the best song on the first album, I have to say I can’t Breathe anymore. Now I’m wondering which song off the first is your favorite Fed.
Thomas
[One vote per person is just so unfair, isn't it? I voted for 'I Can't Breathe Anymore' yesterday, but I could easily have voted for any one of them. 'No Way' stands out. 'Short And Sweet' has such great lyrics. 'Deafinitely' is a trip... Yeah, one vote per person is absurd. - Features Editor]
my favorite david song – MURDER
I haven’t written on the blog for a while but have been reading regularly.
It’s great to see David get the solo recognition he deserves. Let’s face it he’s brilliant.
All these tour dates, up to 30 now I think. I wonder (and hope) that he’s having enough fun to continue doing more shows for a while longer.
Cheers
Bob Mitchell, Victoria, BC, Canada.
I still own the original releases of Davids solo works on vinyl, and own cd’s of both releases. The cd release’s I have came from one of those music clubs and the packaging was pretty cheap, so I will probably go out and buy new copies.
Well “On an Island” is the best, in many ways, lyrics, guitar work, musicians, theme, flow, art, and the mind set. However, I am fond of the first solo album, and have many memories of that time.
Something that hasn’t been mentioned about that period was, that it was almost impossible find anything reguarding the band at that time. The Pink Floyd did not do to many interviews and there were no pictures of the band since the free poster in the Dark Side of the Moon album. So when David released his solo album, you got this great foldout like a double album, with alot of great pictures of him. That in it self seemed like a statement, and the music followed the same.
The best track out of the first two albums would be “deafinately”…… And I am shocked! nobody has mentioned it……what a great track. Absolutly love that one, but I also enjoy the other song’s everyone else has mentioned.
The second album has it’s moments, and I like the song “Murder” alot. But the lyrics are a little drastic and actually had me worrying about David’s mental being. I have a copies of the “Love on the Air” picture disc hanging in my Rock and Blues room.
When’s the next album comming out?…(smile)
Recently, while discussing music with an old friend of mine, we came around to the inevitable topic of The Great Guitarists. After a few minutes of debate my friend said something I found quite amusing: “Why does Eric Clapton get all the props, anyway? Old what’s-his-name from Pink Floyd is probably the best English rock guitarist ever!”
My friend has never been a Floyd fan (shame on him) but he does have good musical ears. So just in case anyone was wondering, the inscrutable Pink Floyd Mystique is still alive and well out there….
Anyway. I think “On an Island” is miles ahead of David’s previous two albums, and it’s easily up there with the best work he’s ever done.
Choosing between “David Gilmour” and “About Face,” I’d have to go with “About Face.” Yes, it does have that big glossy 1980s sound (which I’m not fond of), but I’ve always felt the songs on “AF” are tighter and more cohesive than those on David’s first album. Better melodic hooks, a wider range of playing styles, and definitely a stronger vocal delivery.
“Murder” and “Near the End” are still two of my personal favorites from David’s entire catalogue.
Nearly everyone dumps on “Blue Light” but I think it’s a fun little song. (Just because David’s in Pink Floyd doesn’t mean that every song he records has to be epic, slow, and deadly serious, does it?)
“David Gilmour” is a very enjoyable album as well: “There’s No Way Out of Here”; “Short and Sweet”; and “No Way” are all great tunes. But overall I have to give the nod to “About Face.” I think David had a lot more passion happening for “AF” and I can hear it in the performances.
And by the way, I would also like to cast my vote for a DVD release of the “Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour” concert video from the Eighties. My old VHS copy is getting awfully creaky!
The two new remasters are awesome! I have always regarded the first album to be some of David’s best work ever and the new remaster really gave it justice. There are details I’ve never heard and even some of the dull fadeouts have been fixed, making the songs slightly longer.
A lot of fans will probably disagree, but in my oppinion David Gilmour is better than On an Island… with About Face in third.
People always loved both of 2 albums…They are so different and there’s an ultimate energy coming out of them.I prefer: There’s no way out of here, So far away, I can’t breathe anymore, Until we sleep, You know I’m right & Near the end.
Good Morning FED.
Yesterday I bought the first solo David Gilmour and this is my opinion:
“David Gilmour” mark 7 and the best track is “there is no where out here”
“About face” mark 6 and the best track is “Murder”
On an Island mark 9 1/2 all the tracks are fantastic!!! and in a live show OAI become a masterpiece!
And why this difference? why OAI is a masterpiece? For me the answer is very easy…Polly Samson! Polly is the Muse of David and with her love David (From the Division bell tour) has become the best artist in the world! David holy immediately!
David’s 1st solo album is just so “straight from the gut” featuring unchecked pure desire to just let off steam… in this testosterone driven and very natural… “exhale”!
David second guesses himself on his second outing with a great updated sound, and individual performances. “Blue Light” still makes me wince. “Let’s Get Metaphysical” still makes me weep even when I’m trying not to.
On An Island hits with unapologetic maturity, confidence, and finesse. The passion is still there, with the confidence to just be what he is.
Can’t wait to hear the completion of the next set of home grown snippets. No true fan of David’s really should care if he “sleeps with the ex-wife” again (i.e. plays or records with Roger)
O.K. David Gilmour & On An Island are tied for first, and About Face is a close second.
(…didn’t want to be accused of cowardice)
tom from san diego
“David Gilmour” is a car driving album, it’s a Sunday afternoon album, it’s a late night album.
It gets my vote. It is easily my favourite solo album of all the members (and former members) of PF.
So satisfying. There is this smoothness to it, earthiness…there are more spaces in the sonic texture that lets one get comfortable with.
And for me being a guitarist, it’s also a case of “ToneSpotting”. All hail the Electric Mistress!
For the sheer wackiness of Deafinitely, soaring lead lines of Mihalis, the crunchy riff-o-rama intro of Cry From The Street, The “D” pedal tones of Short And Sweet (a precursor to RLH?) and many other shining moments make this album enjoyable.
Plus, I think DG really stepped up his game and gave great vocal and guitar performances in The Wall recordings and, in a way, I think we can thank this 1978 solo album for it.
Deafinitely picking up the Re-released 1978 solo album!
No problem for Henry (David) and for Gerrard (FED) WE ARE GOING TO BUY RONALDINHO….!
[Oh, he wouldn't get in the Liverpool team anyway... - Features Editor]
I was in venice saturday.Except for the rain and for some mistakes of the band such as guy pratt in “wish you where here”,or the intro of “time” with percussions totally out of time,not mentioning something about David
well the show was wonderful also for piazza s.marco as stage
saturday was the first time i listening david in a live concert.I was waiting for this moment about for 10 years.Saturday one of my dreams has been satsfied.i hope i’ll see again
Love On The Air!!!
only one question.is possible to know if is expected a dvd or a cd of this wonderful on an island live tour?? it’s the only way for have new versions of “fat old sun” or “arnold layne” and many other songs.the ’70 versions are too much old with a low quality of sound and performance
I’m happy for new release of david gilmour and about a face,but i think that a live cd is more important than two old cd, because the last live cd of david is “pulse” 1994
[There will certainly be a DVD, Andrea. We'll let you know how it's coming along over the next few months. - Features Editor]
The older Albums are very good as well. My favourites are “there’ no way out of here” and “Blue Light”
Does anyone remember the live performance of ” Blue Light” in 1984 (I think) Together with Pete Townshend and the “Deep End Band” in Montreux? Simon Phillips’ drum solo was absolutely great. “Kick Horns” absolutely perfect. One of the best Live Performances I’ve ever seen.
I totally agree with everything that Nicola De Bello said.
I Love the “David Gilmour” album, which I’ve had on vinyl for a LONG time. Difficult to pick a favorite track, but I will say that the version of “Short & sweet” on this album is far superior to the Roy Harper version (can’t remember the album it’s on).
Never really got into “About face”; It’s just not as cohesive & involving as the others. It’s not a bad album by any means, but “David Gilmour” & “On an island” are just so bloody good it can’t really compete next to them.
[It's from Roy Harper's 'Unknown Soldier' if anyone's wondering. - Features Editor]
They are all good. :0)
My favorite tracks on “David Gilmour” and “About Face” are:
So Far Away
No Way
Cry From the Street
There’s No Way Out of Here
Near the End
Out of the Blue
Until We Sleep
…and my guilty pleasure – Blue Light
not to say I don’t enjoy the other tracks as well, but the above get played a wee bit more than the others.
xo
Deborah
Hi FEd
Long time, no post from me.
You ask : “Which is your favourite of the two? Which tracks particularly stand out? How do these albums compare with ‘On An Island’ (which is considered by David to be superior to anything he’s done)?”
Well, my favourite of the two solo albums has to be Gilmour’s debut album with my all time favourite guitar solo featured in ‘Raise My Rent’ closely followed by ‘Mihalis.
About Face is completely different from the first album but it is, of course, still good. My favourite from this album is: ‘Let’s Get Metaphyscial’. The song: ‘You Know I’m Right’ is fun to play on the guitar.
How do these compare to ‘On An Island’?, you ask. Well that is a hard one as the aforementioned albums are totally different. They are all so different in their own way.
I must say there is just something about ‘The Blue’ though. It is great. As a matter of fact, ‘On An Island’ grows on me during every listen. ‘A Pocketful of Stones’ is McCartneyesque and us growing on me too.
I think I might have mentioned before that ‘On An Island’ reminds me of my favourite era of Floyd which is the 68-72 era.
However, if I was only allowed to pick “one” all time favourite from the above, it would have to be ‘Raise My Rent’ or would it be … !
Have a good day.
Regards.
Julie
Outstanding!!
Yes, Please go and get David Gilmour 1978. Words cannot describe how good this record is!
I love a few tracks off about face too, but Self titled is superb from start to finish. Cry from the street got my vote because I think the solo at the end is phenomenal!
I think Murder is the best track on about face. fantastic vocals here.
“About Face” is one of my favourite Pink Floyd albums!
It has always sounded to me like the obvious predecessor of Momentary Lapse. “Murder” is a standout and I would have loved to have heard it on David’s current tour.
cheers, Ben.
I voted for ‘Mihalis’. It’s one of three fantastic instrumentals. I can’t believe ‘Deafinitely’ only has 2% of the vote right now. As Ed says, it’s a trip.
Like most people here, DG ranks just above AF for me. There is an 80s sound to parts of AF and the Kick Horns ruin ‘Blue Light’ for me. Imagine that song without the horns and it’s not a bad track at all. It’s not a bad track now, it’s just that David’s bar is set so high, it’s noticeable when something is slightly below par.
I don’t think it deserves the stick it gets. ‘Radio KAOS’ is 80s all the way through.
I think OAI is the best solo work David has done. He’s deafinitely not as stressed as he seemed to be during either of those two albums.
David Gilmour – David Gilmour I think was the better of the first two solos. Musically and lyrically. But I really love About Face as much, musically its great with some wonderful lyrics thrown in as well.
Favorite tracks on David Gilmour are: I love the entire album, but the ones that stand out the most, Mihalis and I Can’t Breathe Anymore, Cry From the Street, and the rest of ‘em too.
Fave. Tracks on About Face: Murder, LOTA, Blue Light (loved the video too
, OOTB, Cruise, Let’s Get Metaphysical and Near the End.
First of all, I hate to be critical about anyone’s hard work, but “On an Island” gets my vote for best solo album. It seems more complete, musically and lyrically. All of the best parts of David, in one spot.
Each album is good in it’s own way. David’s “David Gilmour” was extremely overlooked which is probably due to the fact that the time period was flooded with stoner type music. Most people wanted to be taken away from reality not faced with it. I think all of Pink Floyd’s music was about reality, but it was presented in an elusive (smokey haze)kind of way. Thoes who listened but did not hear, didn’t get it.
David took a different turn, he was trying to be real to himself. I would say some PF “fans” did not like the change. For me, I think it is a great piece of work. The one song I could honestly say I feel alienated from is “So Far Away”. (IRONIC) I am not sure why. I’ll have to ponder that for a spell.
Melissa (*_*)
Hell, I’m listening to ‘Until We Sleep’ right now !
Just a little after five o’clock here, having a Peroni and just chilling in room today. Trying to recharge my batteries before I fly back to Boston.
‘Murder’ is great too. ‘Mihalis’, fantastic as well.
Both are great albums.
FED…? What are you trying to do break up the camp and divide us into divisions here ?
But between you and me, FED, while it IS a difficult call since both albums are very good, I will have to say that David Gilmour’s eponymous album is the benchmark that David had set for himself, which then lead to the development of ‘About Face’. What with David being out there on the scene and guesting with other musicians. David Gilmour is truly THE Journeyman for our times. He has worked so much. Where was the time for relaxation ?
David seems tireless, but of course he’s but just one man beneath the stars and he’s a humbling person to be around with I believe. Sure, I’ve wanted for David Gilmour to come out with new material. But, I’ll tell you while it took 22 years since his last solo ‘About Face’, ‘On An Island’ is definitely the culmination of his excellent chops.
His first solo album is the winner.
‘On An Island’ seems to be the destination (for now). ‘About Face’ was the bridge, Meltdown…I could go on…what matters is that He’s out there working and living. And raising a family too, let’s not forget.
BTW, FED, I would like to be able to post some of the photos I want to share next week. I fly back tomorrow a.m.. It will be nice to have my own bed again.
Best track on ‘DG’: ‘Short & Sweet’
Best Track on ‘AF’: ‘Near The End’
Best Track on ‘OAI’: ‘A Pocketful of Stones’
God, I am going to be so needing a vacation just to recover from this one !
Cazart !
Yay!!! Now I can get my hands on those first solo albums.
I’m a late comer to the whole Floyd phenomenon. I was still listening to teeny bopper stuff in high school (10 yrs ago, man I missed out!). I gradually introduced myself to Floyd a couple of years ago, but even then all that I knew existed was The Wall.
My first two PF Cds were MLoR and Wish You Were Here (unfortunately some jerk stole them). Since then I have found my only true addiction.
This site gave me access to some of the best music I’ve ever heard. Of all of the PF music I have experienced so far, David’s work is by far my favorite.
I am working on a collection of PF and solo albums as I get the money. I have been pacifying myself with copies of my brother’s CDs. Sorry, but this is how you get access to good music when you’re poor (at least he’s my own flesh and blood). OAI was the first of this new collection. I was so excited when that box came in the mail on March 6th. I hugged Nick Mason’s book when it arrived a couple weeks later (who does that?! :-D) Oh, don’t let me get started on PULSE!
Hey FED! Whoever apologized for the lateness of David’s re-releases shouldn’t have to be sorry for putting quality and care into a much anticipated project. Maybe that’s English courtesy. We’re not very good about that over here. Anyway, thank you for keeping us posted.
Thank David, Polly and everyone else on the team for all of their amazing work!!
[Bless you, Julie. - Features Editor]
Wouldn’t it be sweet to hear Let’s Get Metaphysical in Poland, the orchestra is there, why not give it a go David? What an inspirational song, the build up and climax with the strings. Definitely a classic.
Dear Feature Editor
My sincere apologies.
While I was killing time at the airport, I had been looking over some old blogs and I stumbled across your entry from April regarding the very logical and sensible site rules.
I unintentionally violated said rules last week by submitting a URL for your review along with my real e-mail address – and you have my sincerest apologies.
The rules you established are just good sense for a professional and credibile web community.
Take care,
Flying Pig
[Don't worry about it, mate. We do want your real e-mail addresses, but we don't want them on the blog, so to speak (posted in the Comments field for all to see). Many people submit fake e-mail addresses each time they post, which isn't a good idea because we may need to get in touch with you should you win one of our competitions, for example. For the record, we wouldn't dream of using your e-mail addresses, so they're perfectly safe. - Features Editor]
Hello,
I’m an old fan and I saw you at the two concerts OAI in Paris. Wonderful.
During a long time, I listened “David Gilmour” and “About Face” on LP vinyl (jaquet signed by David, but I don’t know if really authentic. (I hope yes)
Last year, I found them on CD, on Ebay from Canada.
I prefer:
David Gilmour
-There’s no way out of there
-No way
-Raise my rent (nice solo guitar)
About Face
-Murder
-Out of the blue
But I think On An Island is the better. I listened it much times than the two others !
Cheers all
Gilles, Paris
I am on a roll here Features Editor – by apologizing for violating the Site’s rules – it becomes obvious I am violating them again:
“No adding comments relevant only to old blog entries to the current entry (please put them where they belong).”
I seem to be in an infinite loop here!
So that I don’t re-break the rules by apologizing for apologizing, I’ll go ahead and post a follow-up post to this topic.
I have not really spent any time listening to “David Gilmour”, but “About Face” is a great album and seems to represent a transitionary point in his career musically between the Wall Period and Momentary Lapse of Reason period.
I look forward to next week’s poll where I’ll be better qualified to participate.
[I'll forgive you. - Features Editor]
My personal favourite is the ‘David Gilmour’ album. I’ve not heard ‘About Face’ for quite some time, but I seem to remember there were two quite outstanding tracks on it.
Still a little disappointed that David didn’t play one or two of the songs from these albums on the OAI tour….sounds like a good enough reason to re-release the About Face tour video on DVD (but after the OAI DVD release, please!)
I am gonna pull out my pointy sticks for Dan, but only because he dissed The Icicle Works at the Beacon Theatre show in ’84.
I was also at one of the Beacon shows then and I happened to be a fan of the poor Icicle Works who were pretty much booed by the majority of the audience. I felt so bad for them. Ian McNabb is a great songwriter and Dan, you should give them a re-listen. Some of their tracks (their b-sides were better than their commercial-appeal-attempting a-sides) were sublime.
People screamed at them to get off the stage and kept yelping “Gilmourrrr!!” – I was embarrassed (as I was at the recent RCMH gigs) to be in among that crowd that night. Ian from the band finally told the folks in the crowd, “Look kiddies, David won’t be out for another hour so why don’t you all F on up to the bar”. I am sure of my memory of this as I have a tape of that show.
David probably chose the band which is more reason to show them some respect.
The drummer’s dad passed away during that tour and they had to cancel some of the remaining dates that summer. When I saw the show in Holmdel, NJ in July, David opted to go without an opener and stretched some of the solos out. It was a nice and looser version of the About Face tracks.
Prior to Icicle Works – indie groundbreakers The Television Personalities opened a few shows for DG. I met them once and asked the leader of that band about the experience. He said that David “didn’t like having the piss taken”…in reality they were giving out Syd Barrett’s address to members in the audience who asked after they performed their Rough Trade single “I Know Where Syd Barrett Lives”. They shouldn’t have done that…speaking of Syd, in the UK Mojo, Uncut, Record Collector, and NME have all had cover tributes. In the US David Fricke wrote a nice piece for Rolling Stone.
Anyway, it is release day today for “DG” and “AF” so I’m off to the record store now….
Since you asked FED, I went to two different places this morning to try and buy both cd’s. No luck. I’ve just ordered them from Amazon.co.uk. Sigh, I so wanted them today. Oh well.
Silly question about the new pictures in the gallery. Where was Polly for some of them, in the rafters?
Great shot as always, Polly!
[It seems that way, doesn't it? - Features Editor]