An hour of prog rock from ‘LP’ inc. David Gilmour, Marillion, and Rush
LP>Play list #059 also features Chris Squire, King Crimson, Public Service Broadcasting and five equally outstanding tracks.
The YouTube playlist uses the same songs, but some tracks are live versions. There’s a bonus track of David Gilmour & David Bowie’s version of ‘Comfortably Numb’.
Listening Guide #059
Rush & Aimee Mann, ‘Time Stand Still’ (Rush 50)
Some Rush fans think they shouldn’t be touring with a different drummer. Some think they shouldn’t employ a female drummer. Well, they are doing both of those things, with Anika Nilles, on their Fifty Something tour. They’ve worked with a woman before and here’s a track to prove it. As a Who fan, I’ve seen the arguments stating a band shouldn’t continue when they lose a drummer (Led Zep fans over to you, too).
David Gilmour, ‘Comfortably Numb’ (The Luck and Strange Concerts)
There always seems to be something different to bring to ‘Comfortably Numb’, no matter if it’s played by Pink Floyd, David Gilmour solo, or Gilmour with a guest vocalist (there’s a great one featuring David Bowie - the link goes to it, or visit the YouTube version of this playlist). It’s such a terrific song, and the guitar solos take it into another dimension. This is from Gilmour’s new live release. It’s sheer enjoyment, from the gentle dancing of the singers to the close-ups of the smiles in the audience and their passionate participation. And if you want lasers …
Marillion, ‘No One Can (Live)’ (Remains of the Weekend Friday)
Although Marillion became less commercial when Fish departed, they still had a hit in them with this moving song. This live version was recorded at their weekend gathering in 2024. Marillion wrote the textbook on remaining engaged with their listeners and were one of the first bands to demonstrate a DIY ethic wasn’t only for the punk era.
King Crimson, ‘Cirkus (inc. Entry of the Chameleons)’ (Lizard)
The albums Lizard and In the Wake of Poseidon have been given the 50th anniversary treatment, with new ‘elemental’ mixes and more. Lizard was their third album and it was time to mix things up, as Robert Fripp was often to do. In came Mel Collins (flute and sax), Gordon Haskell (bass and vocals) and Andy McCulloch (drums), joining Fripp’s guitar, mellotron, electric keyboards and devices as well as Pete Sinfield with lyrics and a little VSC3 synth work.
Chris Squire, ‘Lucky Seven’ (Fish out of Water)
Chris Squire is not only near the top of most ‘greatest bassist’ lists, but Fish out of Water must be the best solo album made by a bassist if there are any such lists (John Entwistle made some good albums, but none to touch this). This isn’t an album by someone pretending not to be a bassist, either, because his playing is characteristically melodically rumbling throughout. It’s an astonishing album, from which this track is just an appetiser.
Gordon Giltrap, ‘Heartsong’ (Perilous Journey)
Something to lighten the mood from Giltrap’s second album. According to his website he doesn’t regard his early albums as his best work, even though Perilous Journey, along with Visionary and Fear of the Dark are minor prog classics. This was a hit single in 1977. It’s worth exploring his website because he continues to be involved in various musical projects.
Cosmique Hypnotique, ‘Fuschre’ (Cosmique Hypnotique)
This is new and intriguing. I can’t do better than their Bandcamp page: “Cosmique Hypnotique is a lush new exotica ensemble led by multi-instrumentalist Andy Catlin, conjuring dream states through vibraphones, bongos, and velvet-toned arrangements that echo the golden age of lounge while floating freely into psychedelic reverie. Joined by a rotating constellation of collaborators—the group fuses classic tiki instrumentation with shimmering, hypnotic grooves.” Definitely a project to keep an ear on.
Public Service Broadcasting, ‘Towards The Dawn - Alex Silva Remix’ (Night Flight - The Last Flight Remixes)
PSB have given their newest fifth album The Last Flight a second life by releasing an album of remixes. Their approach is interesting because this is not just a selection of randomly different mixes, but each track is given a night time mood. The original concept was the story of the final voyage of America’s pioneering female “aviatrix” Amelia Earhart, so these remixes focus on the night stages of that flight.
Thea Gilmore, ‘This is How You Find the Way’ (Regardless)
Thea Gilmore’s first seven albums have been gathered into a limited edition boxed set with the collective title My Own Private Riot: 2008 - 2015 (I’m reviewing it for The Progressive Aspect). Her range of music, both covers and her own songs, means there’s always something to hold my interest. She’s also just started a new musical project called The Echo Line which promises to create ephemeral, emotionally meaningful songs (they will not be released or even archived).
Martin Orford, ‘The Time and the Season’ (The Old Road)
This playlist’s long track is by the keyboard player from bands such as Jadis, the John Wetton Band, a couple of Big Big Train albums, and the founder member of IQ, Martin Orford (the link is to an interview with Orford by Lisa Wetton). As well as being a track that stays both energetic and reflective about the old ways throughout ten minutes, it is just one of a number of brilliant songs on Orford’s only real prog solo album, released in 2008. He did release another record, Classical Music and Popular Songs in 2010, before retiring from the music industry. He’s one of those musicians who are held in high regard but don’t get much wider recognition; guests on The Old Road include Nick D’Virgilio and Dave Meros (Spock’s Beard), Steve Thorne, John Mitchell (Arena/Frost*/It Bites), Gary Chandler (Jadis), Dave Oberle (Gryphon), David Longdon (Big Big Train) and Andy Edwards (IQ/Frost*).
Ten more tracks I hope you have enjoyed. Which one was your favourite? What are you listening to most currently? Should Rush be touring with a new drummer? What else is on your musical mind?
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Coming next on LP
LP>Play #060 will be with you in early November. Before then, the next post in ‘LP’ is, indirectly, about Mike Oldfield and will be live before the end of October.
If Alex and Geddy think Anika Nilles is up to the task, it doesn't matter what I think. Based on the R40 show I saw toward the end of that tour, I'm more concerned about Geddy's voice.
Some listening ideas for me