April A to Z – My Vinyl – Gabriel the Great!

Today there will be little talk, a few snips and photos and that’s that! Oh, and the clue for Monday’s post. Peter Gabriel… one of the best! We were lucky enough to see him live a few years ago so the photos are genuine… from that show!

The two clips are from the Secret World Tour… a show in Italy! The show has enthralled and captivated me… from the first sighting! I love watching it… I’ve worked myself through two videos and now have a copy on DVD.

Good golly gosh!! This is surely one of the best live shows ever! Yes… I have Peter Gabriel on vinyl… “So” being one of my favourites! Here’s a suggestion… if you have an hour or so to indulge yourself.. draw the cork… let the red breath for 30 minutes… pour a long glass and watch the Secret World Live show. A note of warning… you may need another bottle for the third showing! Yes, it’s that good!

Monday? H for hot… H for Humble?? I’m not sure… yet!

PS – There is one song Peter Gabriel should get over… time has moved on and it’s about time he creates something new to protest about the current situation in South Africa…

April A to Z – My Vinyl – F for Fleetwood and Frampton on Friday!

Yep… I’ve managed to wade myself through almost a week’s music trawling… and saying it’s been fun will be an understatement! However, at times I wish this month’s challenge was over. Yes, I get myself tied in mental knots… trying to select the acts and music. So… as it’s Friday I think we need to liven up the scene. Why don’t we get the show going with the skinny, bare-chested curly blond who turned live into LIVE?!

What a dresser… complete with chain and crucifix! I think more girls of that era had posters of Frampton on their walls than lads actually owned the LP! Anyway, I’m sure you’ll have played the odd Frampton song at a party.

Talking of party playing, how about throwing in a real toe-tapper? When it comes to Fleetwood Mac it seems that most folk got stuck at Rumours. I didn’t. Tusk, the LP and I, spent many an hour together. I raved about it while many of my friends and acquaintances at the time didn’t get it. So, that means I’m giving you Tusk… but a more recent clip. Shows, these lads and lasses still have the energy to pull it off!

Only two songs today? No… how could I not give you one of the most recognisable tunes ever? Peter Green is credited as the founder of Fleetwood Mac… he’s also credited as one of the fathers of British blues. How could I neglect giving you a bit of ‘real’ Fleetwood Mac?

Aha… now you’re in a mellow Friday mood so, I’ll challenge you to guess who will fill the ‘G’ slot – English, still at it… still great, eccentric in a band also beginning with G! While you drift away on the wings of the albatross I’ll leave you with a snap of a seagull… only because I don’t have a snap of an albatross… yet!

Happy Friday… have fun! Remember, don’t do what I wouldn’t!

April A to Z – My Vinyl – the Eagles Live

I’m not going ask where you were or what you were doing when you first heard Hotel California. Does it really matter? What I will ask if you bought the single or were you one of more than 30 million LP buyers worldwide who thought it wise to support the Eagles endeavour to eternal fame?

I’m not going to retell their tale of excess and breakup or how we managed to see them in Dublin during our first summer in Ireland. I’m also not going to include the iconic Hotel California… but I’ll add the last song on that LP. Before I get there, I’ll share a few of their other tracks that have special meaning for me…

Pity I can’t find a good live clip. However, now that I’ve got your attention and you’re relaxing… I’ll keep you in that laid-back state. My pleasure, courtesy of the great legacy these lads left for us to enjoy.

One of the shortest songs ever done by the Eagles… and also one of the few covers they ever did, yet… one of their most memorable harmonies. Tasty… and for me, it will always raise a goose-bump or fifty. I can include so many other songs but before I go I’ll leave you with the last cut on side two of Hotel California… this song left it’s mark on me… it’s always a reminder of the ill’s mankind brings upon their environment and fellow man.

Pity there isn’t really good quality live cuts… I could easily include full live shows but I’m sure you can find those for yourself if you feel like doing a nostalgia trip…

Bliss… and the mood for summer to roll around so I can sit on a beach and enjoy the music and the views!

PS – Tomorrow’s Friday special? Pre-Brexit… pre-punk… pre many other things but great. I couldn’t make up my mind so I’ll be giving you two choices… a solo and a group… with US of A influences… both!

PSS – This post accidentally went live on Tuesday evening, Irish time. Thanks to the sharp folk who noticed my slip of the finger!

April A to Z – My Vinyl – Dylan for KING!!

I was going to eulogise about the great Budokan show but there’s just too much Dylan to only want to concentrate on that one show. (Anyway, many slated the show.) I’ve heard it said that you can go to one Dylan show and be utterly disappointed and then to the very next and you’ll be mesmerised and a devotee for life! I have yet to see the man live but I think that will change next month when he visits Dublin! So, where does one begin?

This first song is sure to take you back a week or two. Can you imagine seeing this show back in 1964? And to think… he’s still at it! Imagine sitting there and wondering where you’ll be in 2017. I’m also wondering… how many of today’s so-called musicians will still be remembered in twenty years time. Not to mention 50 years down the line. Talking of remembering… I’ve always asked that the following song be played at my final party! Yes, because I believe I live on in my children and their children and so on…

Most of all… I live in hope of my most favourite concert becoming a reality… yes, in my mind these two often sing together… and sing… and sing! Maybe it’s time I catch a wake up and grow up! Maybe not!

Sorry… couldn’t resist sharing the mini concert! Really, I don’t think you mind. So… just to confuse you a little more, or take you back to a pretty place where one can ponder the magic of inspiration blowing in the wind, I’ll throw in a reminder of a Dublin sunrise…

Tomorrow? Another of the great American super groups… yes, they made it back before the warm place cooled below zero!