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 am acquiring the British imports(I ordered them from an indy record store here in Florida) as Sony BMG in the US and Canada did delay the release of the remastered Gilmour discs AGAIN! As Yosemite Sam would call them, “NO GOOD BUSHWHACKING BARRACUDAS”
I love both solo albums but I first acquired David Gilmour self-titled and it is FANTASTIC!
My favorite song is So Far Away, the song is superb. I also love There’s No Way Out of Here and Mihalis.
About Face was great too. All Lovers Are Deranged is a great rocker. Murder and Near the End are also my favorites.
I first got the DG albums on cassette in 1988 and they were fantastic.
The original Columbia CDs in the United States had most of the original vinyl artwork although some pictures from gatefold of self-titled were removed to have the credits written. About Face was missing two pictures from original vinyl sleeve.
[Oh, he wouldn't get in the Liverpool team anyway... - Features Editor]
Yeah, not with Peter Crouch up front
[Exactly. - Features Editor]
Feat. Ed. got a ? for you. Were the albums not supposed to be re-released today? I went to a couple places and was told at both places that it was pushed back to an unavailable at the time date. Do you know anything about this? Did this just happen to me?
[It seems it's happened to many. There were a few fan comments on Friday about the albums not being available this week, but we were assured that they would be out as planned - albeit later than they should have been. I'm terribly sorry if I've personally passed on yet more false information as a result of someone clearly not knowing their arse from their elbow. - Features Editor]
Definitely David Gilmour…There’s No Way Out Of Here and I Can’t Breathe Any More stand out for me, but the whole piece is pretty perfect. Not just my favourite DG album, one of my favourite albums full-stop. Might just have to have a quick listen right now, in fact…
Kxx
The first solo effort by David 1978 “David Gilmour is Ausome. There are some very good songs on this album.Dave still gave us the Pink floyd feel on this album, but added some of his own feel to it to.
About Face is OK. I think at the time of this album, was a very difficult time as the crisis between Dave and Roger was at its peek.I mean lets face it this was put out the next year after the “Final Cut”.Murder is a great track however.
“On an Island” is Daves best work however it shows how mature and how good of a writer Dave realy is. The guitar playing is fantasic.The second ending solo on the title track is very sweet to listen to….simply amazing!!
Hello campers,
it would seem that we in the U.S. are in an indefinite hold pattern for the remasters. I’ve called 3 superstore chains (and visited one music shop) and found that both CDs are not in the bins, nor are they expected to be for the unforseeable future. What this means? anyones guess.
How is Canada fairing with this release? anyone?
Darren
Hye fed
i though i would add my little opinion on Davids solo work and say OAI is davids greatest solo work. This goes without saying hope i dont sound like im an unbalanced fan but OAI is a masterpiece you also have to take into account the 28 years or so of experience which has passed this truly shows OAI.
I always thought that the About Face album was David’s better composition.
Was going to wait and give my opinion on the two earlier solo albums after a fresh listen to the re-masters, but can’t seem to find them anywhere. Anybody in the U.S. having any better luck?
[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]
Not mine at all, I’m easy with filming, if it will be Ok if not no problem at all.I only wanted to stress media coverage of the gig.
Fed I will keep my fingers crossed for you to be in Gdansk
Tomasz
[Thank you. We hope to be able to reveal more about the Gdansk show soon. - Features Editor]
Well… it’s been a while… I’ve been missing the blog on my new job… though my new job is really interesting… and time consuming… my dear Cesar, I’m a telecomms guy too, and trust me… sometimes it gets really fun… I liked your post btw!
Regarding “David Gilmour”… I must say… it’s an album I really liked… I’m 23 years old and it presented to me some very new approaches musically and I must say specially from David’s artistic ways. I spent a lot of time listening to DG and AF before OAI’s release hoping to get in the mood for the concert and OAI… however; I was totally impressed by the huge difference there’s between each album. I was surprised on the poll because it seems everyone likes better “There’s no Way out of Here” as I do. When I heard it, I didn’t have a reference… it was enlighting to know we all DG fans have a similar musical taste… and that I can have a good opinion without being biased by the media
My dear Fed… how’s your life? I loved your [Coward!] answer btw… it really made me laugh…
Shine on you crazy bloggers!
[I've had better days, mate. I do hate being given incorrect information and made to look like an idiot, not to mention wasting the time of so many fans who went out especially to buy albums which weren't even on sale. Again, I'm very sorry to everyone who has been messed around. - Features Editor]
I consider ‘on an island’ to be Davids best solo album to date. Unfortunatly I have to respectfully disagree with David when he says that OAI is far superior to anything he has ever done (unless David was referring only to his solo work, in which case I most certainly agree).
Between ‘David Gilmour’ and ‘About Face’ I think ‘David Gilmour’ is stronger overall.
About Face IMO is more an album of high and low points.’Near the End’ for example is one of my all time favourites. Very very good song.
I had hoped this song would be revived for the tour (it also scored pretty high in one of the first blog entries), of course I am not complaining since David has given us extraordinary surprises (Echoes for example) for which I am very greatful.
More importantly I got the chance to see David play. I think David (and band) is brilliant in live settings. Little and tasteful variation in songs and overall quality is something rare nowadays. Rock on David.
Best,
Clemens
[Clemens! Where have you been hiding? - Features Editor]
FEd,
Your Calendar is looking rather empty after 26/08. You don’t seem to have pencilled in a date for the OAI DVD release date yet.
Or a reminder to self during December, to dispatch Christmas cards to all your bloggers… ;-P
[It's terribly dull, isn't it? - Features Editor]
I have to agree with you Fed, It is hard to pick a single song off the first album by David. But we have to play by the rules, When voting. For I really enjoy No Way & Short and Sweet to. I can’t wait to see what song the fans like from the 2nd solo album. This would be a great way to have a contest, Find out from David what is his all time favorite song that he has written from the Beginning to now. Then see which one of us can pick it.
Thomas
KenF wrote: There’s one [photo] in particular on the inside back cover of the booklet which is sure to get the ladies gushing…
Damn! Some marketing ploy: target us poor lovesick women. Okay, I see I’ll still have to put that Nutella on hold once more and buy the album as soon as payday arrives.
xo
Deborah
HELP!!!
Fed or anyone,
Can you give me an idea of how long it takes to receive tickets from Ticket-One? I paid for my Gdansk tickets on Aug.4th. I’m not sure if I should panic just yet, but I shot them an E-mail yesterday and have received no response yet. I do feel a little anxiety creeping in.
Melissa(*_*)
If I don’t get my tickets……
[Has anyone purchased tickets for Gdansk from TicketOne? If so, please let us know. - Features Editor]
[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]
I absolutely agree, I was lucky to be able to listen to Enrico Caruso (new transfer from vinyl,digitally cleared version) of Je Crois…. which was followed by David’s In Concert version in Polish Radio few months ago. David can be really proud of his interpretation. There is a contest for Top 20 David Gilmour tracks (with noticeble David input, no further instructions were given) and I decided to place that one on 18th spot.
If anybody is interested this is my 20, which I sent last Monday:(it was not easy to decide, but everyone is forced to make decissions)
1 Comfortably Numb
2 Echoes
3 Dogs
4 Sorrow
5 Shine On You Crazy Diamond
6 High Hopes
7 There’s No Way Out Of Here
8 On the Turning Away
9 Wish You Were Here
10 Don’t
11 Time
12 On An Island
13 Marooned
14 One of These Days
15 Raise My Rent
16 Cruise
17 Fat Old Sun
18 Je Crois Entendre Encore
19 Murder
20 Wot’s…the Deal
Tomasz
[Thanks for that, Tomasz. You'll soon see that the rest of your post makes up the next blog entry (and I'm thinking of a better place for your translation, which we thank you for). - Features Editor]
on David Gilmour my favorites are:
So Far Away
I Can’t Breathe Anymore
There’s No Way Out of Here
And on About Face :
Let’s Get Metaphysical
Near the End
Out of the Blue
(actually I like them all, but these are my favorites)
Stopped at three music stores on the way home today – none had the remasters! (OK, so it’s not a HUGE deal; I’ve had the original CDs and the LPs for years, but still….) Just got done ordering them at Best Buy’s website, which also says “Backorder”. What’s up with that?
By the way, I way playing Unicorn’s version of “There’s No Way Out Of Here” while I was driving. It’s a great track all around, and David’s version is definitely my favorite track on his first album.
On “About Face”, I’d have to say my favorite track is “Near The End”. I could play it a million times and it’d still blow me away like the first time I heard it.
FEd,
Now seems like a good time to refer people to the “News” section, with the advent of David Gilmour & About Face re-issues…
It’s a pity it doesn’t stretch back as far a ’78 though…
Just noticed some more excellent piccies by Polly From Vienne & Florence…
Which member of the band has taken to injecting “Wino’s Delight”? (Gallery 20/Pic 4)
The first David Gilmour record has been for many years one of my favorite albums. I was introduced to it by my freshman roommate in college, and it continues to blow me away–the power of the guitar, the clean melodies, the energy of genius removed from clutter…I particularly love “Raise My Rent.”
About Face is also magnificent. “Near the End” is dark and quietly gorgeous. And On An Island is certainly a masterpiece. I didn’t understand just how magnificent it was until I saw it live, and I think that when the new DVD eventually comes out it will be hands down David’s best work.
What strikes me in re-listening to each album is the significance of Polly’s lyrical contributions to On An Island. Polly is an extraordinary writer, and I think her presence on On An Island makes the album feel whole…maybe more whole than the previous two albums, both of which are excellent.
F.Ed. Not to be a pain, but could we have a day where we say thanks to Polly, as we’ve done for each member of the band?
[Of course we can. I think that would be fitting. - Features Editor]
Fed, I have been looking forward to these in a major way.
Apparently, Sony BMG in the US and Canada apparently have delayed the release of the David Gilmour remasters for a reason I cannot gather why.
I have been looking forward to these and what is wrong with Sony BMG. You know what is up with Sony BMG USA and Canada’s delay is?
[I'm sorry, I wish I did. - Features Editor]
[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. - KenF]
Thanks Ken,
No doubt I shall buy both and add them to the pile .
Rgds Geoff Duffy ( Dublin )
Heelo Fed and other bloggers, can you help me out and let me know from which record/year is the song Dark Globe. Have to admit I do not know all records ever released, so…but do love the first solo LP of David. Bought it when it came out and since then was fascinated by the great mans’ guitar play
cheerio, Robert
[It's from Syd Barrett's 'The Madcap Laughs' (1970) album, Robert. You can also find a version of it on the 'Opel' outtakes/alternate takes compilation. - Features Editor]
Hi, FEd
Just wondering this morning… just in the same way as you did for OAI, would it be possible that you uploaded in davidgilmour.com any promo videos, soundclips or whatever is available from the time DG and About Face were released? I think it would be an interesting add-on for the fans and of course another mean to promote the sells of the albums…
Have a nice day!!!
[Good point. I don't think there are any plans to. - Features Editor]
Hi FEd, and all,
I went yesterday to my local Bestbuy store, in Miami, Florida, to buy the album David Gilmour (since I already own a copy of About Face) and to my huge disappointment, it wasn’t there. I asked someone for help and he did a search on the store’s database and found out that Bestbuy will not carry either one of David’s re-mastered albums… BAH!
I checked online and amazon.com has it but it ships in 4 to 7 weeks! How come? T_T
I’ll go to one of the FYE stores near my area later today. I really hope they have the albums there. If not, I will order it from amazon and will have to wait at least a month before it gets here. Booooooo
Has anyone been able to find these albums at stores in the US? Please let me know where, if you have… Thanks.
-ayako-
Hello,
Just coming back to my favourite site, because of wonderful holiday in Symi (wow, looks very like Castellorizon, I think !) and because of technical connexion problems to internet !!! but now all is OK. I missed the blog, I missed you, I missed Fed,…What did I do before this blog ???
Out off topic, of course, but I would like to say that David’s concert in Vienne was amazing, incredible, very special, I can’t say exactly why, I did enjoy it far better than previously at Paris, David and friends in great shape, very relaxed, David laughing at us (the audience) by telling us : ” j’espère que vous n’aurez pas trop mal aux fesses !” (can’t translate that in english ) since we were sitting on the ancient old stoned steps…, David telling us about his love and use of “Beaujolais” wine ( while starting Shine on …). The Beaujolais wine comes from a region close to Lyon…
And the magic of the venue !!! I’ll never forget this night ! and the weather, very stormy, but without rain, so, perfect for the atmosphere…
But, what a pity, I had to leave before the encore, because of the flight in Brussell…, I couldn’t miss it !
I have had no time to read the blog, I’ll try to do it later because I have to leave again for some days…
“un petit coucou” to Ikkar, Tim, Lucia, les deux Sylvie, Ralph, … and of course to you, Fed, A bientôt, dès que je peux, je reviens, promis, j’en ai très envie…
Fed, excuse me, but you remember my prize ??? I haven’t yet received it …maybe it’s because I live on France ? Don’t forget me, please…
Michèle
[I'm very sorry, Michèle. I thought it would have been sent out by now. - Features Editor]
Oh mates, “David Gilmour”…we were in 1978 ,in the70s,…my golden years ( I was about 18.. )
I think 1978 was a good,not excellent, period for the band.
A lot of creativity,but very low wish to stay and write “together”.
I prefer a little bit “About face” because the sound is not too far from OAI and the blue-concept is a presence already. Anyway, the guitar has the same sound of the Heaven we know so well!
Have a great day you all
diana
Morning.
I think the blog gremlins were out last pm. I couldn’t open it (gloom and despair).
Fed, thoes new pics in the gallery(20-21), they are even better than the last. I especially loved #2&3 on pg 21. If you look at the top stage light for a minute, it starts to look like David’s back gets closer and closer to the screen. Or at least it did to me last night *_*
Don’t know about anyone else but,it appears to me like David is the “crazy diamond”. I have always felt this way, hope you guys understand what I mean. Pic #3, let me just say the caption should read “THE MAN”. That is such a humble photo. I think it may suite David very well.
Polly girl, what would life be like without your beautiful pics. Big round of applause everyone…….
Melissa(*_*)
[The blog gremlins were out in force yesterday, unfortunately. - Features Editor]
what a result…… just got the two reissues for 10 pounds for both cds.
what a bargain.
[How do you say "Bloody hell! Turn that racket down!" in French? - Features Editor]
[Ah..the French aren't like that F.E.(wink wink.)But if they were, it would be something like "Fermez vos gueules maudit Anglais!"..I think Michele has already said this to me in so many words..Heehee...Just kidding Michele.Just threw that in for a joke. John]
Oh, yes, John, also the french are like that…
“fermez vos gueules…” wow !, how do you do to read in my thoughts, John ? waf, waf, waf…just kidding, I missed that during my holidays…çà fait du bien de revenir…
Sorry, Fed…
Michèle
Hi everyone,
I voted for “No way”, this is one of my favourite ever. In second position, but very close, I would choose “Raise My Rent”.
It’s hard to choose if I prefer “David Gilmour” or “About a Face” because they are so different and I like both, but thinking which of them I listen to more frequently, well the first album wins.
ciao ciao
Roberto
The 1978 is by far a better album. About Face is just… umm… well… :-\
MICHELEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
Welcome back, my dear! I missed you! I hope you enjoyed on holiday…glad to hear from you again!
L!
I’m really surprised that no one likes the song Murder off the About Face album. I heard it on VH1 classic, and its awesome. The Blue Light music video is tastefully 80′s.
I think David’s first album is the better of the two between that and OAI. Can’t compare it to About Face, because all the music stores here in the states say its on backorder.
FED
Regarding us in N.America not finding the re-masters…
Chin up. No one’s blaming you!
[Thanks, mate. I know that, but we shouldn't give out false information. - Features Editor]
“un petit coucou” to Ikkar, Tim, Lucia, les deux Sylvie, Ralph
et tu, Michelle. Glad you made the flight
It’s good to see you’re back, Michèle!!
Ikkar, with love
Overall, I prefer the 1978 album – the production on “About Face” is now rather dated. But “Let’s Get Metaphysical” is one of the best things David’s ever written. And “Near The End”.
But “David Gilmour” works better as an overall selection of songs I reckon. I don’t really know why. It’s great to have them on CD – I’ve worn my vinyl crackly.
Having read the news on the delayed release outside the UK I guess you should know that down here in the good old land of OZ the albums are slated for release in late September. Not only that they have been listed at the full price of AUD$30. Luckily mine are winging their way from the motherland as i hit the keystokes.
[Damn! Some marketing ploy: target us poor lovesick women. Okay, I see I'll still have to put that Nutella on hold once more and buy the album as soon as payday arrives. xo Deborah]
Nutella is no substitute for David, Deborah.
I’ve got a spare jar of Marmite though, if that helps… ;-D
[Thanks Ken, No doubt I shall buy both and add them to the pile .]
My pleasure Geoff, glad to oblige…
Hi Fed, well i rec’d a email today from Sony/Bmg regarding the David Gilmour remasters & this is what my contact stated > ” Columbia is still waiting for approval on the masters from James Guthrie so there is no release date for N. America (Canada & USA) yet” So i would not blame Sony/Bmg
As I write this post i’m listening to the 1st Gilmour CD which sounds pretty good. Luckily, I have the 2 Gilmour CD’s when they first came out.
So, if people are impatient (do you blame them?)you could order them directly from the UK, which i did myself yesterday.
If i receive a official date of release i will pass it along
Hopes this helps our fellow US/Canada bloggers
thanks, joe from Canada
[There are a lot of stories, aren't there? - Features Editor]
OK. So based on the home page there is a delay in the release of the prior solo albums outside of Europe. And if I am reading it correctly, it is due to a quality control issue. Does that mean that the ones that were released in Europe are inferior in quality?
Andrew
[No, they sound pretty good to me. - Features Editor]
Fed,
I made a mistake. I did not purchase my tickets to Gdansk from TicketOne. It was TicketPro.
Still don’t have them.
Melissa
When I listen the first solo album song no.6 “Raise my Rent” then the first guitar solo sounds like “What do you want from” from The Division Bell.
I would choose the first David Gilmour album. It’s long been a favourite of mine,having bought it when it was released.
Difficult to choose a favourite track from such a consistent album. I’ll only end up changing my mind!
However,I’d like speak up for the excellent (and maybe under-rated?) ‘So far away’. A superb piece of songwriting,beautifully crafted.
For those who find it difficult to choose one album over the others,imagine introducing a newcomer to the definitive Gilmour sound:
Now which one would you pick?!
more CDs to pick up and add to the collection!
dont know if you ever get the chance to read this Mr Gilmour, hope you do…
just wanted to say thanks for everything you’ve done, meant a lot to me as a 13 year old kid and more as a 40 year old kid, you and the others helped out so much when I needed it the most back then so thank you!
I hope to get to see you, in what ever form you and the guys decide, at some point before I’m too old!
how I wish I was there
andyx.
FED, I just saw on sonymusicstore.com that the David Gilmour remasters were now pushed to September 12 here in the US and Canada.
Please assure me FED that it is the final release date as those dudes have toyed with my brain for the last few months.
[Let's hope so. - Features Editor]
[We've had some trouble with our server, sorry. - Features Editor]
Don’t need to say “sorry” FEd! I was just worried for you! Because I’m a sweet heart and London is a city full of temptations! ;-)
Hope the server starts working again soon.
Take care!
L!
[Absolutely. I'm glad I don't live there. - Features Editor]
[Absolutely. I’m glad I don’t live there. - Features Editor]
YOU ARE A GREAT TEMPTER!!! You know I have the instict to do questions…and if you write “I’m glad I don’t live there” I have the instinct to ask “And where do you live?”…but I won’t ask you that!
I just want to underline that today we discover, after all these months, that the problem about “private questions” was not my fault, but your, my dear tempter Features Editor!
And so, I’m acquit!!! I can listen also the hammer of the judge which beat the dock! ;-)
Take care again!
L!
[The same to you. Have a lovely weekend. - Features Editor]
Thanks for intercepting our please FEd!
Guess we, fans from outside Europe, are gonna have to patiently wait for the remastered issues to reach us.
In the meantime, I’m going to listen to About Face and OAI.
Have an eventful (or not, depending on your preference) weekend.
-ayako-
[OK. So based on the home page there is a delay in the release of the prior solo albums outside of Europe. And if I am reading it correctly, it is due to a quality control issue. Does that mean that the ones that were released in Europe are inferior in quality? - Posted by: Andrew at August 17, 2006 02:11 PM]
Andrew, I hope this answer helps:
“We do try to work closely with all the factories around the world so that the pressings from both Sony and EMI are to the highest standards achievable via commercial pressings.
Mastering does audibly change the sound on the disc, but most individuals can’t tell any further change in sound quality imparted by the CD pressing process. However, James Guthrie is able to analyse differences, so we take his input very seriously, in pursuit of the best possible quality.
Sony pressed up a test CD at their own plant, which James didn’t feel able to approve. Now that they’ve moved production to a third-party plant with a different specification, we should be able to achieve optimum quality via the commercial pressing process”.
[No, they sound pretty good to me. - Features Editor]
You lucky, lucky FEd who gets to listen to these re-released gems now. Good on you.
I also appreciate your formal answer to my question which you posted. I can always appreciate a commitment to quality. If James felt it was inferior, then I’m more than happy to wait for the best possible product.
Thank you.
Andrew
[No problem. I don't always get answers, but when I do, they are added here. - Features Editor]
Well even though I didn’t have the solo releases to enjoy last night, I did have a PF reunion concert. Well sort of. I put on the P.U.L.S.E dvd and shared the experience with my daughter. She knows some of the songs but I think she also got more of an appreciation on why dad is such a nut about David and all of his music.
On a separate note, I had another idea for a rainy day blog that would be perfect for when things slow down just a bit.
[...]
[Interesting... - Features Editor]
Wow, I feel so fortunate to have both, no all three solo works – We bought the Albums of David Gilmour and About Face, as we didn’t have cd players yet. Of course the cd’s were added once available.
David’s writing, imo, is deeply reflective of his current emotional state, often revealing both painful wounds and deep inner strength. It is part of what makes his songs so appealing to me.
Both David Gilmour and About Face can be little more than catchy or pleasant if heard at a most superficial level, but also offer poetic depth for those who chose to listen more intently to his powerful lyrics… and he plays guitar very nicely, too :¬}
Choosing a favourite song on David Gilmour is difficult because the entire album is a real work of art – naming one song is like saying I like the use of Monet’s use of green in paintings his garden… but if pressed-Short and Sweet, was my vote for favourite song (today).
Visually, I like watching his behaviour on the So Far Away video – not that you asked… but there is a moment when he looks toward the girls, or maybe Matthew, and appears to be taken aback that others are watching him – It’s a right charming, shy smile!
Cheers – jo
I like the DG album better as to me it feels more personal, more gloomy and I’m all about the gloom…
Grumble, I just wish a well known -river like- mail order firm would actually deliver my albums. I want to comment also. (whine)