Chris Rea

I think Auberge is one of the best recorded. Sadly the same cannot be said for my favourite album, Shamrock Diaries.

Blue Guitars (11 cd's + dvd) has had rave reviews from friends who like Chris Rea. It is a bit of a "bargain" at £30.00.

The Blue Jukebox sounded good when I heard it as well - miles away from the MOR that he used to peddle, more Tom Waits territory (well maybe not, but you get the idea).

I agree with Yeldarb Shamrock Diaries is a decent album let down by the recording quality - unless they have remastered it? I had this on cassette and it sounded better than the CD!

Steve

The Blue Guitars album is superb, but it probably isn't for straight ahead Chris Rea fans because it is uncompromised blues. I was sceptical when I first heard about it, but I just had to buy it and I love it, and the recording is excellent too.
It's a bit like Billy Joel coming out with Dark Side Of The Moon.

Blue Guitars Chris aptly sums up: "Blue Guitars" is something I have loved to create, and has been eighteen months, seven days a week, twelve hours a day in the making and I have enjoyed every single second of it. The research, the recording, the writing has inspired me and I hope the enjoyment and fun I have had comes across. "Although I have been inspired by the blues, this is not a series of albums that is meant to educate. This is a collection of songs that, even if you have never even thought of the blues as being close to your heart, you can still enjoy because the roots of Motown right through to metal have their roots somewhere in the blues. I hope you enjoy it." The eleven CDs are titled as follows: "Beginnings"; "Country Blues"; "Louisiana and New Orleans"; "Electric Memphis Blues"; "Texas Blues"; "Chicago Blues"; "Blues Ballads"; "Gospel Soul Blues and Motown"; "Celtic and Irish Blues"; "Latin Blues" and finally 60's and 70's. Amazon.co.uk

While grubbing around I also found this:


Guitar Legend Chris Rea brings the curtain down with his final European tour in 2006

Due to his well-documented recent illness, Chris Rea has decided that his 2006 European tour will be his last.

In addition he has decided that he wishes to return to his musical roots and hence will not record under the name of Chris Rea after the release of his new 11 CD set ‘Blue Guitars’, due out in October. Instead Chris will be part of a new three-piece band called ‘The Fire Flies’.

With record sales well over 30 million and having successfully toured for over 25 years, it is a turning point in Chris’ career - a sad moment but also a new challenge.

The 2006 tour will therefore be his farewell tour and a celebration of old and new. The last time that his fans will be able to hear his classic hits live.

Chris Rea comments:

“I don’t want to be hindered by my health, I love touring - it’s the best job in the world, if I had a different body. My health is hard to forecast and I can’t guarantee things aren’t going to get any worse so this will be the last time I tour as Chris Rea. I need to find a different way of working”.

So as that tour has finished that's it!

Do you know which pressing of Auberge sounds best (US, UK, Japan, or elsewhere)? Thanks!

I fundamentally disagree with the views on Chris Rea's late material. Once he became a rich, Ferrari owner he lost all creative spark. Much better in my opinion were the albums he produced in his early days, when he was still 'hungry' ie 'Tennis', 'Whatever Happened To Benny Santini', etc.

Inspired by this thread, I've just played a bit of old Chris. I'd forgotten how good it was. Thanks
Gary

quote:

Originally posted by bob mccluckie:
I fundamentally disagree with the views on Chris Rea's late material. Once he became a rich, Ferrari owner he lost all creative spark. Much better in my opinion were the albums he produced in his early days, when he was still 'hungry' ie 'Tennis', 'Whatever Happened To Benny Santini', etc.

Exactly why his new and old audience are a different crowd entirely. I never did the 80's stuff.

quote:

Do you know which pressing of Auberge sounds best (US, UK, Japan, or elsewhere)? Thanks!

The CD I have is SN 9031-73580-2 and the disc says "made in Germany". I have no idea whether any other pressings sound better or worse, I like this copy.

Brad

I was lucky enough to see him at the Hammersmith Odeon -sorry, Apollo- on the farewell tour earlier this year. He was really excellent. Played guitar and banjo with huge energy and skill. Played blues and plenty of old favourites. He's giving up major tours because of his health issues but will still make records and play lower profile gigs I believe.

quote:

Do you know which pressing of Auberge sounds best

the original VINYL which I have says made in Germany...
BTW "Shamrock Diaries" ain't half bad on original vinyl either. I guess I am showing my age

quote:

Once he became a rich, Ferrari owner he lost all creative spark.

His musical output should now be absolutely excellent then, as rebuilding the 'shark nose' F1 car and his foray into opera left him in financial ruin?

Good luck to the guy, he has not had it easy of late.. and some of his stuff is rather good.

quote:

Originally posted by Gazzer:
Inspired by this thread, I've just played a bit of old Chris. I'd forgotten how good it was. Thanks
Gary

Like you Gary, I'm revisiting 'Dancing Down The Stony Road' (2002). I didnn't realise there was a documentary with CD1, very good too!

Denis

quote:

Originally posted by Steve2701:

quote:

Once he became a rich, Ferrari owner he lost all creative spark.

His musical output should now be absolutely excellent then, as rebuilding the 'shark nose' F1 car and his foray into opera left him in financial ruin?

Did that movie project burn a hole in his pocket?

Does anyone know why Chris Rea never made it big in the US? He had only 1 hit in the late 70s and that was it.

For those interested he is guest on Johnnie Walker Sunday 1st October 17:00 - 19:00 Radio 2.