Pink Floyd guitarist and vocalist David Gilmour's second solo album entitled About Face was released in March of 1984 in both the US and UK. The album reached #32 in the US and was certified Gold by the RIAA. The album was co-produced by Bob Ezrin and David Gilmour. All songs, except as noted were penned by Gilmour himself. Two songs were co-written by The Who's Pete Townshend.
|
Album Description
David Gilmour, renowned as the guitarist and vocalist of the iconic rock band Pink Floyd, embarked on a solo endeavor with his second album, About Face. Released in March 1984, this 12" vinyl LP album showcases Gilmour's exceptional songwriting abilities and musical prowess, solidifying his position as a distinguished artist in his own right. Co-produced by Bob Ezrin and Gilmour himself, About Face takes listeners on a captivating journey through a diverse range of musical landscapes. The album opens with "Until We Sleep," a haunting and atmospheric track that sets the tone for the introspective nature of the album. Gilmour's soulful vocals and masterful guitar work weave together to create a captivating musical experience. Following this, "Murder" takes a darker turn, delving into themes of love and betrayal with its haunting lyrics and brooding instrumentation. Continuing on Side One, "Love on the Air" introduces a more upbeat and melodic sound, incorporating elements of pop-rock while retaining Gilmour's signature guitar sound. The introspective "Blue Light" showcases Gilmour's lyrical prowess, exploring the complexities of relationships and the emotional turmoil they can bring. Concluding Side One is the enigmatic "Out of the Blue," a track that showcases Gilmour's ability to craft captivating melodies and evocative guitar solos. Flipping the record over to Side Two, the album takes a dynamic shift with "All Lovers Are Deranged." Co-written by The Who's Pete Townshend, this song channels a rebellious energy and features powerful guitar riffs that complement Gilmour's emotive vocals. The album continues to captivate with "You Know I'm Right," a track that combines Gilmour's poetic lyrics with a driving rock sound, showcasing his ability to create anthemic songs. "Cruise" offers a sonic respite with its dreamy ambiance and ethereal instrumentation, allowing listeners to momentarily drift away. The album then takes a thought-provoking turn with "Let's Get Metaphysical," a track that delves into existential questions and invites listeners to ponder life's deeper meanings. The album reaches its conclusion with "Near The End," a beautifully melancholic song that reflects on the passage of time and the fleeting nature of existence. David Gilmour's About Face is a testament to his musical prowess and artistry, showcasing his ability to craft intricate compositions that transcend genres and resonate with listeners on an emotional level. With a blend of introspective ballads, powerful rock anthems, and thought-provoking lyrics, the album offers a diverse sonic landscape that reveals Gilmour's willingness to explore new musical territories. Throughout About Face, Gilmour's signature guitar work shines, captivating listeners with his melodic solos and emotive playing. His lyrics delve into profound themes of love, loss, and self-reflection, inviting listeners to join him on a personal and introspective journey. The album's cohesiveness is a testament to the collaboration between Gilmour and co-producer Bob Ezrin, who expertly balanced Gilmour's vision with the album's overall sound. Although About Face didn't reach the commercial heights of Gilmour's Pink Floyd work, it solidified his status as a respected solo artist. The album's critical acclaim and its Gold certification by the RIAA speak to its enduring appeal and the recognition of Gilmour's artistic contribution.
|
|
Music Genre: Rock, Pop |
|
Producers: Produced by Bob Ezrin and David Gilmour Bob Ezrin is a highly acclaimed Canadian music producer and songwriter. Born on March 25, 1949, in Toronto, Ontario, Ezrin has made significant contributions to the music industry over several decades. He is known for his diverse body of work and his collaborations with numerous prominent artists.
Ezrin gained prominence in the 1970s as a producer, working with rock bands such as
Alice Cooper
and
Pink Floyd.
He played a pivotal role in shaping the sound and direction of both artists' albums. Notable albums he produced during this time include Alice Cooper's "Billion Dollar Babies" (1973), "Welcome to My Nightmare" (1975), and Pink Floyd's highly successful concept album "The Wall" (1979). Ezrin's production style often involved incorporating elaborate arrangements, theatrical elements, and innovative studio techniques to enhance the overall impact of the music. His attention to detail and ability to create conceptual cohesion within albums helped define the sound of the artists he worked with. Beyond his work with Alice Cooper and Pink Floyd, Ezrin has collaborated with a wide range of musicians and bands. He has produced albums for artists such as Kiss , Lou Reed , Peter Gabriel , Jane's Addiction, and many others. Each collaboration showcased Ezrin's versatility and ability to adapt his production approach to fit the artist's unique vision. Aside from his production work, Ezrin has also contributed as a songwriter and musician. He co-wrote songs for Alice Cooper, such as "School's Out" and "Only Women Bleed," which became significant hits. He has also played keyboards on various albums and made guest appearances with several artists. Throughout his career, Bob Ezrin has been recognized for his exceptional contributions to the music industry. He has received numerous accolades, including several Juno Awards (the Canadian equivalent of the Grammy Awards) and has been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. His work continues to inspire and influence generations of musicians and producers, solidifying his status as one of the most respected figures in the music industry. |
|
Album Packaging: Original custom inner sleeve with album details, lyrics and photos. |
|
Record Label Information: Harvest 1C 064 2400791 |
|
Vinyl Format: 12" LP Vinyl Gramophone Record |
|
Year and Country: 1984 Made in Germany for distribution in Germany and the Netherlands |
Band Members and Musicians on: PINK FLOYD'S DAVID GILMOUR ABOUT FACE |
David Gilmour (Full-name: David Jon Gilmour) is an English musician, singer, and songwriter, best known as the guitarist, co-lead vocalist and one of the main songwriters of the rock band Pink Floyd. He was born on 6 March 1946, in Cambridge, England.
Gilmour began playing guitar at a young age and formed his first band, Jokers Wild, in 1962. He later joined the band Bullitt, which also included future Pink Floyd member, Roger Waters. In 1968, he was invited to join Pink Floyd as a replacement for the band's original lead vocalist and guitarist, Syd Barrett, who had become increasingly unreliable due to his use of psychedelic drugs.
Gilmour quickly established himself as an integral member of Pink Floyd, contributing to the band's songwriting and providing lead vocals on many of their songs. He played an important role in the band's success, particularly with the release of their critically acclaimed and commercially successful album "The Dark Side of the Moon" (1973), "Wish You Were Here" (1975) and "The Wall" (1979)
In addition to his work with Pink Floyd, Gilmour has also released several solo albums , including "David Gilmour" (1978), "About Face" (1984), "On an Island" (2006), "Rattle That Lock" (2015) and "No One Home" (2020)
Throughout his career, Gilmour has been recognized as one of the greatest guitar players of all time and has been awarded with numerous accolades, including several Ivor Novello Awards, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Pink Floyd in 1996. He continues to perform and record music, and remains an influential figure in the music industry
He is the first child of Douglas Gilmour and Sylvia Wilson.
On 7 July 1975, he married Virginia "Ginger", Hasenbein. He married Polly Samson in 1994. He was 29 years old when he married Virginia "Ginger", Hasenbein. He was 48 years old when he married Polly Samson. He got divorced from Virginia "Ginger", Hasenbein around 1994.
Ray Cooper (Full-name: Raymond Cooper) an English percussionist and drummer who has worked with a wide range of artists in various genres of music. He is known for his work with Elton John, having played percussion on many of his albums and tours, as well as for his collaborations with other musicians such as George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and The Rolling Stones. Cooper has also released several solo albums and is known for his unique style of percussion, which often incorporates unconventional instruments and sounds.
Jon Lord, whose full name was John Douglas Lord, was a highly talented British composer and keyboard player. He is best known for his exceptional performances with renowned bands such as Whitesnake, Deep Purple, as well as his successful solo career.
Jon Lord was born on 9 June 1941 in Leicester, Leicestershire, England, United Kingdom. He was the first child of Reginald Charles Lord, born on 18th December 1907, and Miriam Hudson, born on 16th October 1912. Sadly, when Jon Lord was 54 years old, his mother Miriam Hudson passed away in 1995. The following year, when he was 55, his father Reginald Charles Lord also passed away in 1996.
In terms of his personal life, Jon Lord was married twice. He first married Judith Feldman in 1969 when he was 28 years old. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1975. Together, they had a son named Sarah Lord. Later in the same year, at the age of 34, Jon Lord married Vickie Gibbs, and they had a son named Amy Lord.
Jon Lord's professional journey as a musician began in 1968 when he joined the band Shades of Deep Purple. He was 27 years old at the time. The following year, in 1969, he continued his musical career as a member of the band Self-Titled (Mk I), also known as Deep Purple, when he was 28. Throughout the 1970s, he contributed his musical talents to various Deep Purple albums, including "In Rock" (1970), "Machine Head" (1971), "Fireball" (1971), "Made in Japan" (1972), "Who Do We Think We Are" (1973), and others. Additionally, during this time, Jon Lord released solo albums such as "Windows Continuo On Bach" (1974) and "Sarabande" (1975).
In the mid-1970s, Jon Lord expanded his musical horizons by working with Whitesnake, joining them in 1978 for their album "Trouble." He continued his collaboration with Whitesnake on the album "Live in the Heart of the City" (1980). In the early 1980s, he released another solo album titled "Before I Forget" (1982). Later, he reunited with Deep Purple for albums such as "Perfect Strangers" (1984), "The House of Blue Light" (1987), and "Slaves and Masters" (1990).
Tragically, on 16th July 2012, Jon Lord passed away in London, England, United Kingdom at the age of 71. His remarkable contributions to the world of music, both through his performances with Deep Purple, Whitesnake, and his solo work, left a lasting legacy. In 2012, he was laid to rest in Hambleden (St. Mary) New Churchyard, located in Hambleden, Wycombe District, Buckinghamshire, England. Jon Lord's exceptional talent and unforgettable compositions continue to inspire musicians and fans alike, ensuring that his impact on the music industry will never be forgotten.
Photos of the LP's cover: PINK FLOYD'S DAVID GILMOUR ABOUT FACE |
|
|
| Album's Back Cover |
|
|
|
Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ). |
Harvest 1C 064 2400791 , Harvest 1C 064 2400791 , Germany
"About Face" opens with "Until We Sleep," a haunting and atmospheric track that sets the tone for the introspective nature of the album. Gilmour's soulful vocals and masterful guitar work weave together
Learn more
EMI , 2006
This limited edition 7" vinyl features David Gilmour and David Bowie's powerful live rendition of Pink Floyd's iconic "Arnold Layne," a tribute to Syd Barrett.
Learn more
EMI Harvest 1A 038-1575131 , 1978 , Netherlands
David Gilmour's 1978 self-titled solo debut revealed his soulful guitar work and introspective songwriting outside of Pink Floyd. The Dutch vinyl LP offers rich sound and iconic cover art.
Learn more
HARVEST 1C 064-60 774 , 1978 , Germany
David Gilmour's 1978 self-titled solo debut, released in Germany with a distinctive gatefold cover, marked a pivotal moment in music history.
Learn more
Harvest 5C 062-60774 , 1978 , Netherlands
This is the Dutch release of the self-titled ( solo ) debut album by David Gilmour
Learn more
Columbia AL 35388 / PC 35388 , 1978 , Netherlands
This is the American release of the self-titled ( solo ) debut album by David Gilmour
Learn more
