I've thought for at least 20 years that this should be made the national anthem. It's truly beautiful and awe-inspiring -- and honest. Ditch that old English drinking song with the lyrics about the fort being attacked that nobody can sing.
The original is a classic, and this version is also a classic. Why is that such a difficult concept for so many to accept? Why is there this constant "either/or" mentality -- "I love this, so I hate that"? There's nothing wrong with appreciating lots of different, disparate styles; that's what RP is all about! At the risk of sounding ridiculous -- hell, I'm assured of sounding ridiculous -- that mentality is exactly what grows into, or out of, the GWB "if you're not with us, you're agin' us" mindset. As Paul Krassner said around 1970 in a glorious moment of drug-induced clarity on Steve Post's old WBAI (NY) Midnight show, The Outside, "Imperialism begins at home."
One of the all-time favorite radio beds -- instrumentals talked over by djs far and wide. Add it to Booker T.'s "Green Onions," Fleetwood Mac's "Albatross," and ELO's "Fire On High," among many others. I believe it was used as filler back in the late 60s-early 70s on the great WNEW-FM in New York, back when they had news on the hour and djs like Pete Fornatale had to kill some time. Yep, those were the days...records cost $3.98, flying cars were just a pipedream and we used to watch a little box called a teevee. Now pardon me while I call the nurse to get my walker and colostomy bag...and GET OFF MY LAWN, YOU ROTTEN KIDS!
Absolutely one of the all-time great cuts off one of the all-time great albums.
(Embarrassed to admit it, but to this day whenever I go into the city I still say, "wow, New York, just like I pitchered it!" That line is etched in my head forever.)
Another incredible cut from this album that's played far too little is "As."
It's so hard to tell the difference between a deliberate tribute and a stolen (or "borrowed") lick -- the borders have been completely obliterated since sampling became an accepted practice -- but it's hard to imagine this wasn't meant as an homage to George.
While I don't have a problem with playing Bob Seger's work, this song comes from that part of his portfolio he no doubt will use to get that gig at the Holiday Inn "Traveler's Lounge" in ten years or so.
And when he does, do you think he'll come in shakin' off the cold, and hear the same old cliche, "Is that a woman or a man"?
Anyway, I like The Fire Inside. Just not as much as the Fire Down Below. Smokin' O.P.'s, anyone?
One of those songs that's been around for so long and become so familiar that I didn't even realize I didn't know anything about it until I read the comments here. (Curious that posts make reference to not realizing it was an elegy to Nick Drake, but I don't see that original post anywhere.) That it was produced by David Gilmour is also something that may or may not have been floating around in my head. But for some unknown reason I harbored the belief that it was actually by the Pet Shop Boys!
i think maybe we're hearing a superficial bit of "madman across the water" in the chorus there - anyway, great stones song
If you're hearing Madman Across the Water, then it was Elton who lifted it, because this came out first.
But Madman is one of my favorites, and this is one of the lesser-played but best Stones songs. It's a win-win!
I doubt many people become fans because of this song. But Cure fans generally find it (and the whole album) to be incredible. The singles from that album pull you in (Lovesong, Pictures of You, Lullaby, Fascination Street) and then the rest of the album wraps you in velvety darkness and finally leaves you listening to the light rain at 10:00 AM whilst reading the note on the pillow next to you...
"Don't forget to pick up my shirts at the dry cleaner."
I Love The Sound of Breaking Glass
Gotta start listening with headphones.