Frequently Bought Together
Product details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
Track Listings
| 1. Throw Out A Line And Dream |
| 2. Mr Connaughton |
| 3. The Girl from the Hiring Fair |
| 4. Choufleur |
| 5. Something the Matter With Mary |
| 6. Bridge of Sighs |
| 7. The Setting |
| 8. Little Actress |
| 9. Bad Girl |
| 10. Holiday Romance |
| 11. Dreams of You |
| 12. Words I Couldn't Say |
Product Description
Product Description
Originall released in 1986, BRIDGE OF SIGHS was Ralph McTell's first album of original songs in four years. Difficulties with his management at the time, however, meant it received little fanfare on release. Armed with a batch of new material, McTell assembled a crack team of muisicians to complete the recording. These included friends Simon Nicol, Gerry Conway, Dave Swarbrick, Richard Thompson, Dave Pegg and Maartin Allcock. Anothr key addition was Cat Stevens' former right-hand man, guitarist Alun Davis. Whilst most of McTell's previous studio vocals were recorded separately, on this album they were captured live, with the two guitarists playing face to face. The resulting immediacy add greatly to the songs' impact and overall feel. The bridge has long served as an apt metaphor for uniting separate parties. On this album, McTell presents us with 12 examples of people trying to connect on various levels. While these attempts vary in terms of success, they all serve to highlight McTell's keen understanding of the human condition and his ability to translate it into song. Tracks: Thow Out A Line And Dream / Mr Connaughton / The Girl From The Hiring Fair / Choufleur / Something The Matter With Mary / Bridge Of Sighs / The Setting / Little Actress / Bad Girl / Holiday Romance / Dreams Of You / Words I Couldn't Say.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
By R. A. Cross
Format:Audio CD
At last! The long awaited CD release of Ralph's legendary 'Bridge of Sighs' album. I say legendary for three reasons. Firstly, due to distribution problems at the time of its original release, it is the album most likely to be missing from many collection. Secondly, many of these songs have become concert favourites, 'Mr Connaughton' and 'The Hiring Fair' to name but two. Finally, no less than five of these track have not been available in any form since its original release in 1986; several others can only be obtained on long deleted compilation albums. Songs such as 'Little Actress' and 'Holiday Romance' are as good as anything Ralph has ever written, and their absence till now from the re-release schedule is little short of criminal!
As usual, Ralph is accompanied by a host of famous names, many of whom have at some stage been a part of Fairport Convention. Richard Thompson fans may like to consider buying this album, if only for his guitar solo on the title track!
The only low point to the album comes with the song 'Dreams of You', which was a re-recording of Ralph's other hit (yes folks, he had two!). Never one of his best songs (it charted soon after 'Streets'), the original was better. However, the original, though available on a couple of compilations, is now very difficult to obtain, so I guess that even this song will be welcomed by many of people. It is also slightly disappointing that there are no additional tracks on this release. (There was a single released about the same time which they could have included.) Nevertheless, the tracks they have given us are generally of such high quality that it would seem peevish to complain. This is Ralph at his best, and a must for anybody with an interest in his music.
As usual, Ralph is accompanied by a host of famous names, many of whom have at some stage been a part of Fairport Convention. Richard Thompson fans may like to consider buying this album, if only for his guitar solo on the title track!
The only low point to the album comes with the song 'Dreams of You', which was a re-recording of Ralph's other hit (yes folks, he had two!). Never one of his best songs (it charted soon after 'Streets'), the original was better. However, the original, though available on a couple of compilations, is now very difficult to obtain, so I guess that even this song will be welcomed by many of people. It is also slightly disappointing that there are no additional tracks on this release. (There was a single released about the same time which they could have included.) Nevertheless, the tracks they have given us are generally of such high quality that it would seem peevish to complain. This is Ralph at his best, and a must for anybody with an interest in his music.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I'm no authority on singer songwriter material and apart from Streets of London knew little of Ralph's work.
I came by this album many many years ago when a friend, who has all of Ralph's work, lent me his LP copy of Bridge of Sighs to put on CD for him since the latter wasn't available.
I was very reluctant to give the album back - he wouldn't sell it to me either! As a collection of songs to be played all the way through I really like this record. It's not just a disc to add to the collection of an ardent fan of the artist in my opinion.
The CD transcription is very similar to the original LP - Ralph's voice comes over as rich and mature albeit with a touch of echo effect. Now if a 180g Vinyl version became available.......
I came by this album many many years ago when a friend, who has all of Ralph's work, lent me his LP copy of Bridge of Sighs to put on CD for him since the latter wasn't available.
I was very reluctant to give the album back - he wouldn't sell it to me either! As a collection of songs to be played all the way through I really like this record. It's not just a disc to add to the collection of an ardent fan of the artist in my opinion.
The CD transcription is very similar to the original LP - Ralph's voice comes over as rich and mature albeit with a touch of echo effect. Now if a 180g Vinyl version became available.......
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Paul Carney
Format:Audio CD
My first wife used to be a 'member' of the folk club scene in the 60's and she knew McTell from those days and introduced ME to his music.
This is a great recording which shows that he hasn't lost his touch at all and is filled with (sometimes poignant) messages.
This is a great recording which shows that he hasn't lost his touch at all and is filled with (sometimes poignant) messages.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Far from boring
I nearly didn't buy this CD after reading the last review. This is Ralph McTell at his best. I have been a fan for years and I am now catching up on Ralphs' back catalogue. Read more
Published on 14 May 2011 by KevL
2.0 out of 5 stars
Boring
Very disapointed as I am a fan of Ralph's since the 60's; but this is awful. Boring tuneless songs a real waste of time! Read more
Published on 9 Feb 2010 by P. M. G.
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Listmania!
Look for similar items by category
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
