Gilbert O'Sullivan - Himself
by Tommy Gunnarsson
published: 27 / 10 / 2011
Label:
Select Label
Format: N/A
intro
Tommy Gunnarsson examines Irish singer-songwriter Gilbert O'Sullivan's 1971 debut album, 'Himself'
The first time I heard of Gilbert O’Sullivan was back in the mid-90’s, when one of Sweden’s biggest telephone companies used the song 'Alone Again (naturally)' in one of their TV commercials. Being a big Beatles fan, I thought I had heard a new Paul McCartney song, and was surprised when I found out that it was an old 70’s song by a man called Gilbert O’Sullivan. A few months later, I found the album 'Back to Front' in a second hand shop and liked it, but I soon forgot about him. Until now, that is. The ever productive label Salvo is now re-releasing thirteen of his albums, and they are naturally starting off with the debut, 'Himself', originally released in 1971 (which means that it’s the fourtieth anniversary this year). Apart from the original fourteen tracks, we are treated to eight bonus tracks, including some singles, B-sides and, more interestingly, some home demo recordings from 1967, all re-mastered of course. And we also get a lot of information in the booklet, with lyrics, photos, track-by-track comments etc. Looking at the track list again, it includes some of Gilbert’s most famous songs, among them of course 'Nothing Rhymed' and 'Matrimony', but strangely enough they have chosen to omit the aforementioned 'Alone Again (naturally)', a single that was included on the original album, but was released between “Himself” and the follow-up 'Back to Front', and was also included on the original US release of 'Himself'. Weird, if you ask me. But maybe Salvo intends to include it on the 'Back to Front' reissue instead. To sum it all up, this is a good album, and a very nice re-issue. I think it’s great that there are labels like this, which re-releases albums that the major labels would never dream of doing. So, thanks!
Track Listing:-
Band Links:-
https://www.facebook.com/gilbertosullivanofficial/http://www.gilbertosullivan.co.uk/
https://twitter.com/GilbertOSull_
https://www.youtube.com/user/gosdotcom
https://plus.google.com/109268794105769740905
favourite album |
From Genesis to Revelation (2012) |
Malcolm Carter reflects upon Genesis's 1969 debut album, 'From Genesis to Revelation', which has just been reissued in a remastered edition |
Back to Front (2012) |
reviews |
The Essential Collection (2016) |
Appealing new double CD collection from 1970's chart-topper Gilbert O’Sullivan features back-in-the day ballads, but also illustrates how his songwriting excelled thereafter |
most viewed articles
current edition
The Church - Interview with Steve KilbeySimon Heavisides - Destiny Stopped Screaming: The Life and Times of Adrian Borland
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #15- On Being Dignified and Old aka Ten Tips From Jah Wobble On How To Be Happy.
Secret Shine - Interview
Vetchinsky Settings - Interview
Repomen - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Jack Roscoe - Interview
Sami Sumner - Interview
Near Jazz Experience - Interview
Flaming Stars - Interview
previous editions
Heavenly - P.U.N.K. Girl EPPrisoners - Interview
Joy Division - The Image That Made Me Weep
Allan Clarke - Interview
Michael Lindsay Hogg - Interview
Jimmy Nail - Interview
Jonny Fluffypunk - Interview
Joy Division - The Image That Made Me Weep
Dwina Gibb - Interview
Bluebells - Interview with Ken McCluskey
most viewed reviews
current edition
Lewis 'Burner' Pugh - Bullets for BreadIan Hunter - Defiance Part 2: Fiction
Inutili - A Love Supreme
Kula Shaker - Natural Magick
Smalltown Tigers - Crush On You
Hillbilly Moon Explosion - Back in Time
David Cross Band - Ice Blue Silver Sky
My Life Story - Loving You is Killing Me
Beyonce - Cowboy Carter
Ty Segall - Three Bells
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart