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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.
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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.
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Music Genre: Rock, Pop |
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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. Recorded by Andrew Jackson and Kit Woolven at Pathe Marconi Studios, Paris Assisted by: Robert Hrycyna, Simon Sullivan, Mark Frank and Kevin Whyte Mixed by: James Guthrie at Mayfair Studios, London Assisted by: Bob Parr, Ollie Fitzjones, Robert Hryczna Orchestra recorded by: Eric Tomlinson at Abbey Road Studios Mastered by Doug Sax and Mike Reese at the Mastering Lab, Los Angeles Photography by Davies Starr, Jill Furmanovsky Design and Production: STd |
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Album Packaging: Original custom inner sleeve with album details, lyrics and photos. |
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Record Label & Catalognr: Harvest 1C 064 2400791 |
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Vinyl Format: 12" LP Vinyl Gramophone Record |
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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 |
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.
Photos of the LP's cover: PINK FLOYD'S DAVID GILMOUR ABOUT FACE |
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This is the front cover of David Gilmour’s second solo studio album, About Face, released in 1984. The artwork prominently features a close-up image of Gilmour looking to the left, with a thoughtful expression. He is wearing a brown leather jacket over a white shirt, and his hand is raised, pointing with his thumb. The text ‘David Gilmour’ appears in the upper right corner in white, along with the album title ‘About Face’ positioned just below it, also in white. The warm, golden tones of the background complement the earthy colors of the leather jacket, giving the cover an introspective and reflective feel, in line with the album’s themes. |
| Album's Back Cover |
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This is the label of the vinyl record for David Gilmour’s About Face. It features the iconic yellow and green design of the Harvest Records label. The large Harvest logo with its circular abstract design is displayed prominently on the right side. Surrounding the label are the standard copyright and manufacturing notices, including ‘All rights of the producer and of the owner of the work reproduced reserved.’
The top left includes the catalog information, such as ‘LC 1305,’ ‘STEREO,’ and the German ‘GEMA STEMRA’ copyright designations. The Harvest logo and branding are displayed in green text across the lower-left portion. The record side is marked as ‘Seite 1,’ along with catalog numbers and other identifiers like ‘1C 064-2400791.’ The text is printed in black, and the label specifies that the album was produced by David Gilmour and Bob Ezrin, with original sound recordings made by Pink Floyd Music Ltd. |
Harvest 1C 064 2400791 , Harvest 1C 064 2400791 , Germany
David Gilmour’s About Face (1984) showcases the Pink Floyd legend’s soulful vocals and guitar mastery. Featuring introspective ballads, rock anthems, and collaborations with Pete Townshend, this Gold-certified album captures emotional depth and creative brilliance. With hits like ‘Until We Sleep’ and ‘Blue Light,’ it’s a must-have for fans of timeless rock and iconic musicianship.
About Face 12" Vinyl LP
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.
Arnold Layne 7" Vinyl Single record
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.
David Gilmour - Self-Titled (Netherlands) 12" Vinyl LP David Gilmour - Self-Titled (Germany) 12" Vinyl LP David Gilmour - Self-Titled (Netherlands) 12" Vinyl LP David Gilmour - Self-Titled (USA) 12" Vinyl LP
