A new album-length playlist, this week including Steve Hackett, Shane MacGowan & The Popes, Galahad and more ...
This is the Gems album playlist for 08/12/2023 - new and classic tracks, with listening notes, curated by Ian Sharp of LP
Welcome to Gems, my weekly playlist of recommendations, ranging across new and classic tracks. In keeping with the theme, each playlist is 40-45 minutes long - think of it as the playlist equivalent of a sampler LP from the 1970s.
Each Gems playlist includes listening notes (below), giving the source, release date, and something notable about the song or artist.
Gems. Albums, not algorithms.
Or, if you know someone who might enjoy Gems, and/or my music writing, it’s easy to give as a Christmas present …
Side 1 (21 mins)
Galahad - Everything’s Changed (from The Long Goodbye, 2023)
Galahad has been active since 1985. They’re one of many prog bands that have been quietly producing excellent music long-term, yet go unrecognised in the bigger picture. This is a track from their excellent new album, drawing on their influences and experience while retaining their distinctiveness as a band.
Steve Hackett - People of the Smoke (from The Circus and the Nightwhale, out Feb. 2024)
The next Steve Hackett album, following hard on the heels of his live version of the Genesis album Foxtrot, and squeezed in before he tours with Lamb Highlights is his first concept since his first solo record Voyage of the Acolyte in 1975. This track is the first sample of what promises to be an epic, part autobiographical, adventure - all sound effects and trademark guitar. There’s also an atmospheric video - see below.
Siouxie & The Banshees - This Wheel’s on Fire (from The Best Of, 2002)
The first of three tracks in this week’s list I’ve included after forgetting how good they are. This was included in a BBC TV show compiling Bob Dylan cover versions. I enjoy the way they have altered the melody of the chorus slightly. It might seem audacious to play a Dylan song in this way, but he rarely sings a song the same way twice.
Trevor Horn & Steve Hogarth - Drive (from Echoes - Ancient and Modern, 2023)
Horn’s new album is a reworking of classic songs. He’s succeeded in creating a consistent mood, despite using a diverse cast of guest singers. This song will always remind me of the way The Cars original was used at Live Aid. Here, it’s beautifully sung by Steve Hogarth of Marillion; still casting the melancholy mood while bringing a new sound to the song.
Side 2 (20 mins)
Roy Harper - You (from The Unknown Soldier, 1980)
Yes, you are hearing Kate Bush dueting with Harper; one of Bush’s recordings that rarely seems to be discussed anywhere. Harper, himself, never gets the recognition he deserves, despite singing on Pink Floyd’s Have a Cigar and the existance of Led Zeppelin’s Hat’s Off To (Roy) Harper. This track is a gorgeous ballad by Harper and David Gilmour; the inclusion of Bush is both logical and stunning. The entire album is well worth your time if you enjoy this. This is the second of my forgetful three …
Shane MacGowan & The Popes - Haunted (from The Snake: Expanded Edition, 1994)
… and this is the third. While we mourn the passing of Shane MacGowan, one of the many articles published to celebrate his life mentioned this track, sung as a duet with Sinead O’Connor. I was sure I’d overlooked it completely and I’ve not listened to The Snake yet, but I do recall the song - it must have been released as a single. It’s another of great MacGowan song, and another O’Connor guest appearance enhancing a track, as always. It’s heartbreaking to be using the past tense for both of these artists. It was tempting to follow this with Fairytale of New York.
There’s a great chapter in
’s book The Sound of Being Human (aff) discussing why we feel the death of musicians so deeply. We really do.Storm Deva - Alchemy (from Storm Deva, 2023)
Storm Deva are singer/songwriter Carollyn Eden and guitarist Stuart Clark. From their website: “Storm Deva combines rock, classical, folk and world influences to produce a set of unique songs, with lyrics rich in natural imagery.” Ships and storms are the metaphors here. There are also some interesting music projects on Eden’s own website - I’ll be investigating.
Dusty Wright - Ghosts (from Songs Vol 1, 2023)
closes this week’s Gems with a beautiful, heartfelt, song, full of imagery that not only connects with me on a personal level but also fits with one of the sub-themes of this playlist. Full disclosure, Dusty is a valued subscriber to LP, but this is, of course, included on merit. Just listen to that guitar sound.Video Gem of the Week
Here’s Steve Hogarth again, this time fronting Marillion: the slowly building White Paper.
Steve Hackett’s People of the Smoke
From time to time, I’ll be curating special editions of Gems - themed double albums. In fact, the last Gems of 2023, due next week 15th Dec, will be a ‘best of’, with the single album free as it always will be, and the double deluxe for paid subscribers. Now would be a good time to upgrade if you’re tempted!
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Fun mix as usual, cheers!
I wasn’t familiar with the Roy Harper song. Amazing. Thanks for sharing!