Here's the new playlist. Listen to Bowie, Gabriel, King Crimson and more

An hour of classic rock from the writer of 'LP'

Aug 10, 2025

I post an LP>Live Play of the Day in Substack Notes. Notes are short posts that are displayed in a feed – think social media without the advertising. You only see posts from publications you are subscribed to, so subscribe and then follow my Notes here.

LP>Play #054

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Listening Guide

Greenslade, ‘Cakewalk’ [2000] (from Large Afternoon (2025 expanded and remastered edition)

Greenslade were active in the early 1970s before they split in 1976. In 2000 they reformed for long enough to make a new album, which has now been reissued in expanded form. The expansion is primarily the addition of a live show from 2001, along with the remaster. ‘Cakewalk’ is a synth anthem, perfect to open a playlist.

Peter Gabriel, ‘I Go Swimming’ (from Live at WOMAD 1982)

Gabriel's latest archive release is the show he played in the Showering Pavilion in the Royal Bath and West Showground when he was attempting to get the World of Music and Dance off the ground and suffering financially. He previewed some songs from PG4, but this track is one he’s never included in a studio album. The band are energetic, as is the song.

XTC ‘Helicopter’ [1979] (from Drums and Wires)

There’s a new Steven Wilson remix of Drums and Wires (is there going to be a Wilson remix of everything eventually?). I haven't written enough about XTC yet, although I did post about English Settlement in my early days on Substack. ‘Helicopter’ is a lively pop song which, as usual, could only have been written and recorded by XTC.

Kate Bush, ‘Suspended in Gaffa’ [1982] (from The Dreaming) (2018 remaster)

‘Suspended in Gaffa’ next because, well, here’s a lively pop song which could only have been written and recorded by Kate Bush. The Dreaming is sometimes misrepresented as her ‘mad’ album, but it’s brilliant. Yes, it’s overshadowed by the next release, Hounds of Love’, but what wouldn’t be? ‘Gaffa’ is a way in to The Dreaming. Give it a few listens if you like Kate’s music but have never been sure what she was doing here.

Thea Gilmore, ‘All Along the Watchtower’ [2011] (from John Wesley Harding)

Thea Gilmore’s first seven albums have been reissued in a box by Cherry Red. One of them (all terrific) is her cover of the Dylan album. She brings her own vocal style to ‘Watchtower’ and leads us in neatly to Jimi Hendrix, who brings his unique approach to Dylan’s original.

The Jimi Hendrix Experience, ‘May This Be Love’ [1967] (from Are You Experienced?)

I read an interview with Bill Nelson of Be Bop Deluxe recently, in which he commented he was going for the feel of Hendrix’s ‘Little Wing’ or this track, ’May This Be Love’, when he wrote ‘Sister Seagull’. Somehow I don’t listen to Hendrix enough, possibly because his archive has been mined too extensively in barrel-scraping exercises. This takes us back to the beginning, when he was fresh and on The Who’s label, Track, in the UK, as well as being a rival to Pete Townshend’s stage act at the time.

Be Bop Deluxe, ‘Sister Seagull’ [1975] (from Futurama)

Another boxed set reissue, this time of the first three Be Bop Deluxe albums. Bill Nelson wanted the band to play across genres, which meant they could never be pinned down for marketing purposes. They underperformed, in terms of sales, for that reason (with the exception of a couple of minor hit singles), but, as ‘Seagull’ proves, they were adept at guitar-based bluesy rock (and so much more).

Terry Reid, ‘Dean’ [1973] (from River)

Terry Reid passed recently. As I commented to

Brad Kyle

(who has written a very extensive post about him), he’s one of those artists I was aware of, aware he was highly regarded, and yet didn’t really listen to fully. He’s known for not being in Led Zeppelin (his name came up before Robert Plant got the vocals gig), but there’s a reason he was considered, as this track demonstrates. Rest in peace, Terry.

Dr Feelgood, ‘Down at the Doctors’ (live) [1976] (from Stupidity 2025 remaster)

Another album that has been reissued with bonus live tracks (it was already a classic live record). One of those bands that were authentically playing the music they were born to play. In terms of ‘maximum R’n’B’, they can give The Who a run for their money, and I don’t say that lightly.

Wilco Johnson & Roger Daltrey, ‘All Through the City’ [2014] (from Going Back Home)

So, if Dr Feelgood could challenge The Who live, what could be more suitable than Roger Daltrey teaming up with Wilco Johnson? Going Back Home is probably the type of Who album Daltrey always really wanted to be making, but Townshend’s ambition and approach to songwriting extended beyond narrow confines.

David Bowie, ‘Wood Jackson’ [2002] (from I Can’t Give Everything Away)

One of Bowie's story songs that are both charming and disturbing. This was recorded for Heathen but didn’t make the album, instead appearing as the B-side to ‘Everyone Says Hi’. Now it can be found in the latest super deluxe edition, covering Heathen, Reality, The Next Day, Blackstar, and assorted extras.

King Crimson, ‘Lark’s Tongues in Aspic Pt. 2’ [1973] (2023 Elemental Mix) (from Larks’ Tongues in Aspic 2023 Elemental Mixes)

The King Crimson archive is increasingly well served. The Elemental Mixes are made up of parts of the original multitracks that didn’t appear on the final release, alternate takes, and channel separation differing from the first ‘official’ version. Some people are not keen on changes to the music they have grown with over the years, but why not? If the original remains available, there’s nothing to lose.

Red Sand, ‘Wake Up the Child’ [2024] (from Paint Box)

Red Sand are a Canadian prog band, a three-piece in the studio and with a bassist for live work. Heavy, guitar-based prog with great use of light and shade. The drums are well recorded, and the song is a melodic introduction to the album.

'LP' by Ian Paul Sharp

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