Dave Stewart & Barbara Gaskin – Spin (1991) [Prog-Pop] @256K

In contrast to the dense, layered textures of ‘The Big Idea’, ‘Spin’ is a lighter album with more of a pop sensibility, but the musical depth and imagination which runs through all Stewart/Gaskin’s work is there in abundance. Starting with a somewhat mad, harmonically twisted but still funky version of the old Rufus Thomas R & B hit ‘Walking The Dog’ (beloved of Dave since his schooldays), the album contrasts tender, haunting ballads like ‘Star Blind’ and ‘The Cloths Of Heaven’ (the latter based on a poem by W.B.Yeats) and Joni Mitchell’s ‘Amelia’, with cheerful, up-tempo songs like ‘The 60’s Never Die’ and ‘Trash Planet’. There are affectionate (if irreverent) versions of some great 1960’s singles (8 Miles High / Cast Your Fate To The Wind / Louie Louie), plus a sad but lovely tribute to the legendary record producer Joe Meek (England’s Phil Spector), ‘Your Lucky Star’. Throughout, Barbara Gaskin gives some of her best ever vocal performances, delivering the ballads in her distinctive soft, breathy style, but also belting out the rockers like a good ‘un.

Tracklist:

01. Walking The Dog
02. The Cloths Of Heaven
03. 8 Miles High (Sample in right panel)
04. Amelia
05. Trash Planet
06. Golden Rain
07. Your Lucky Star
08. Cast Your Fate To The Wind/Louie Louie (Medley)
09. The 60’s Never Die
10. Star Blind
11 – Fear Is The Thief (Bonus)
12 – McGroggan (Bonus)
13 – The Curve Of The Earth (Bonus)

Dave Stewart: Keyboards, Programming, Vocals (bckgr), Producer
Barbara Gaskin: Vocals
Sam Ball: Vocals, Voices
Gavin Harrison: Percussion, Drums, Programming
Jimmy Hastings: Flute, Clarinet (Bass)
Dexter James: Vocals
Victor Lewis-Smith: Vocals
Roger Planer: Bass
Andy Reynolds: Guitar, Keyboard, Bass

(High resolution covers included)