Label: DCC Compact Classics (US), GZS-1075
Style: Pop Rock, Soft Rock
Country: Scotland (16 April 1947 - 4 January 2011)
Time: 53:44
Format: Flac Tracks 16/44,1 kHz
Size: 311 Mb
Charts: UK #6, AUS #3, AUT #9, Ger #3, NL #5, NZ #6, SWE #9, US #1. UK: Gold; US: Platinum; Australia: 2x Platinum.
01.
The Ark opens the album with a beautiful mellow folk tune that builds
into a slow soft rock number before returning to its roots. It’s
magnificent, with a dreamy chorus, and sets the tone for the entire
album.
02. Baker Street is the most well-known song from City To City
and Rafferty’s career. That distinctive saxophone solo, courtesy of
Raphael Ravenscroft, is where the magic truly happens for as exceptional
as the song is, it wouldn’t be a landmark release if it had not been
for that introductory solo that reappears throughout. Of course, that
shouldn’t detract from the other aspects of the song, particularly the
guitar solo, that are just as noteworthy. Ultimately, Baker Street is so
perfect that it very well could be a textbook example of how to write
and record music. Incredible!
03. Right Down The Line has a Clapton
feel to it but besides that correlation, Right Down The Line is a great
tune and one that, similarly to Barker Street, was well received upon
release. The only disappointing element is that the fade-out comes in a
little too early and is too brief. Some may not mind that, but I find
that it detracts from an otherwise perfect tune. While I’d love to hear
Eric Clapton cover Right Down The Line, Bonnie Raitt’s version, from
Slipstream, is a lovely modern interpretation; although the original is
hard to beat.
04. City To City has corny components, particularly
thanks to the use of the harmonica and other atmospheric elements such
as the train-inspired sounds, but its arrangement is so thoroughly
enjoyable that I can’t help but appreciate this title track.
05.
Stealin’ Time slows down the album with a bluesy guitar riff
accompanying Rafferty’s soulful vocals. It’s such an incredible tune and
is a core reason why City To City, as an album, is essential for all
music lovers.
06. Mattie's Rag has a Beatles’ influence and while
some may lament that aspect, the Fab Four did forever change music and
the subsequent complementary tip of the hat should be taken as a gesture
of respect. That aside, Mattie's Rag is a fun little tune that works
well with not only Rafferty’s style but within the context of the album
itself.
07. Whatever’s Written In Your Heart is pure musical bliss.
Rafferty’s vocal is magnificently performed and the harmonious backing
vocal is the perfect addition to the mix; an otherwise simple
composition that ensures the focus is on the song’s lyrical context.
Whatever’s Written In Your Heart is another of those hidden gems that we
love here at Subjective Sounds for it is music such as this that
reminds us why we love the music we do.
08. Home And Dry is the
perfect album track. It isn’t a standout and you’re unlikely to be drawn
to it outside of the album structure, but it’s so good. It’s songs such
as Home And Dry that require no fanfare but take an album from a
collection of haphazardly collected songs to the coveted album
experience.
09. Island is another solid album tune that’s simply
lovely. As you may have already ascertained, sometimes that is all
that’s needed for every song doesn’t need to be a hit.
10. Waiting
For The Day is a high-energy bookend to City To City and I couldn’t
imagine a better song from Rafferty’s catalogue to close the album with
as it encourages repeat plays. While the uptempo styling is fantastic,
it’s the slower elements throughout that ensure Waiting For The Day is
memorable as it gives the senses a chance to breathe and appreciate the
music.
From start to finish, City To City is flawless. While it’s
Rafferty’s greatest musical achievement, it is also amongst the greatest
albums released in the 70s and is, without doubt, one of the very best
releases from 1978; an incredible year for music.
(subjectivesounds.com/musicblog/gerry-rafferty-city-to-city-album-review)
01. The Ark (05:41)
02. Baker Street (06:10)
03. Right Down The Line (04:31)
04. City To City (05:07)
05. Stealin' Time (06:00)
06. Mattie's Rag (03:31)
07. Whatever's Written In Your Heart (06:40)
08. Home And Dry (04:59)
09. Island (05:18)
10. Waiting For The Day (05:44)
No comments:
Post a Comment