Liner notes from the Japanese Greastest Hits CD!
As with all GOS Japanese CDs, the liner notes are written in the native language. After many attemps and false promises, I made contact with a Japanese GOS fan, Makoto Kagaya, and he agreed to translate the liner notes to the latest Japanese release. He did a marvelous job and I've placed it here for all other GOS fans to read and enjoy. Makoto and I are not responsible for any erroneous material as the original material cannot be verified. Also, the liner notes may have lost "something" in the translation, and I must confess, that I've altered a few words. Makoto I hope you can forgive me. Arigato!!!
Gilbert O'Sullivan / The Greatest Hits (KTCM-1098) CD
Original Japanese Liner notes by Isao Hirami
What kind of music should be handed down from generation to generation, without being easily influenced by the fashion of the times? It's very difficult to define and I don't believe I can. But my definition of that kind of music is the one which reflects inner feelings and people's emotions. In other words, music which the songwriter puts heart and soul into the melody he/she creates. This kind of music can be found regardless of the category (Pop or classical). In the case of pop music, we have the Beatles, the Carpenters and so on. Gilbert's music should be added to it.
Although born in Ireland on December 1, 1946 and raised in Swindon, England, Gilbert considers himself as basically an Englishman. Gilbert spent much time listening to the radio as a kid and he had a great interest in the music he was listening to. At that time, people believed that one could be a musician without having formal music training. Then, being influenced by the appearance of the Beatles, Gilbert started to write songs because he thought he could. He made his recording debut with the single "Disappear" in 1967, and then he released two other singles, "What Can I Do" in 1968 and "Mr. Moody's Garden" in 1969. Unfortunately, these singles were unsuccessful. After meeting Gordon Mills in October 1970, Gilbert made his second recording debut with "Nothing Rhymed", which became a smash hit single.
In 1971, he released his first album "Himself" and three other singles. In 1972, "Alone Again (Naturally)" was released and "Clair", "Get Down" all which made him very famous. Especially, "Alone Again (Naturally)", released in the US in May 1972, was a smash hit and he became a household name throughout the world. He released his second album in 1972, "Back To Front", "I'm A Writer Not A Fighter"in 1973, and "A Stranger In My Own Backyard"in 1974. In 1975, no album was released but two singles and the "Greatest Hits"album were released in 1976. After releasing "Southpaw" in 1977, Gilbert did a UK concert tour. In 1976, Gilbert started having artistic differences with his producer Gordon Mills and, in 1979, he sued Gordon Mills for the royalties on his songs. After a Five-year lawsuit, Gilbert won the case. "Off Centre" (in 1980) and "Life and Rhymes" (in 1982) were released. It took Gilbert seven years to release the album "In The Key Of G" in 1989.
Gilbert did not perform live for almost thirteen years (from 1978 to 1991), giving an impression that he stopped musical activity. But Gilbert knew better. He regarded himself as a songwriter so he thought it was okay not to release records or do concert tours so long as he wrote songs. Although this was not well known, he wrote songs for other singers. For example, he wrote "You" and "Come on Home" in 1967 for Tremeloes, "Come To See Me Yesterday" in 1970 for Tom Rush, and "My Advice To You" in 1971 for Leapy Lee. Up to now, Gilbert wrote over 190 songs except for one song written together with Takao Kisugi. Although he is basically a songwriter, he covered several songs written by other writers. He sang "Do You Know The Way To San Jose" in 1973 with Burt Bacharach, which was very well done.
After releasing "In The Key Of G", he resumed his concert tours. In 1991, Gilbert perform in concert, a musical play, dealing with his career. In 1993, "Sound Of The Loop" and "By Larry" (in Japan, entitled as "Little Album") were released. "The Best Of Gilbert O'Sullivan Live In Japan" was released in 1995. Please note that "By Larry" recorded in 1985, included songs from his early years, such as "Mr. and Mrs. Regards" and "My Front Door Is." In 1997, he released "Singer Sowing Machine", recorded at his newly built home-studio. His latest album has a modern rock influence and he is planning to record the next one. During his live (December 1997) Japanese concerts, Gilbert introduced his new song called "All In The Mind" which is to be included on his next album.
I think we should keep a close eye on Gilbert's future activity, but now let us listen to his Greatest Hits Album, which clearly traces his music career. Is "Alone Again (Naturally)" his only song? Absolutely not. By listening to this album, you will know that Gilbert is such a powerful songwriter, creating various types of music. And I hope you will pick up and listen to his original albums after listening to this Greatest Hits.
1. Clair
"The happiest thing in my music career was that this song became Number One in the UK", Gilbert said in an interview. Clair is one of Gordon Mills daughters, his producer. Clair was three years old at that time, now 29. She lives in her hometown with her two daughters and her mother. Gordon passed away in 1986 due to cancer. In May 1997, Clair appeared on a BBC radio broadcast, talking about her recollections regarding Gilbert and the song "Clair." Here's the story behind the laughing voice at the very end of the song. Gilbert wanted Clair to join in the song and her mother picked her up and brought her to the recording studio. Clair was playing with her friends in a swimming pool. Everybody in the studio tickled her and that is the laughing voice. "Uncle Ray" in the song is, of course, Gilbert himself. His real name being Raymond Edward O' Sullivan.2. Alone Again (Naturally)
No explanation or comment is needed for this song. This is not only his most popular song (number one for six consecutive weeks in the US in the summer of 1972), but also a pop standard. I guess most of you know Gilbert by listening to this song. Most Japanese think that Gilbert O'Sullivan is "Alone Again (Naturally)". Gilbert himself understands it and he mentioned at his first concert in Japan in 1972, "Many of you came here to listen to this song, so you may go home when the song is done."3. Get Down
This song, subsequent to "Clair", became number one in UK as well as in Germany. Gilbert had a great success with this song, trying to capture his new perspective. Gilbert says "The most popular song is "Alone Again (Naturally)" in Japan and the US, "Clair" in UK, "Get Down" in Germany."4. Houdini Said
This tune is from the first album "Himself". This would be one of the best songs in the album, blending a good arrangement and mellow melody. Despite its quality, no Greatest Hits album, so far released in the various parts of the world, picked up this song.5. What's In A Kiss
This is the first single from his 6th album "Off Centre" in 1980. "What's In A Kiss", a mellow pop tune, proved that Gilbert was still a great songwriter. This reached 19 on UK charts and was featured in a Japanese TV commercial. There are four different versions of this song and two of them are released on Japan under Kitty label.6. Nothing Rhymed
You may believe that this is Gilbert's debut song, but he had three singles Prior to "Nothing Rhymed." For Gilbert, this song has a special meaning because it was his re-debut song, making him successful. It reached number 8 in UK.7. Ooh Baby
Another single cut out from his third album "I'm A Writer Not A Fighter". Although it reached number 18 in UK chart, this is the song, in which Gilbert stepped into his new music area such as rock or soul music.8. If You Ever
Taken from his fourth album "A Stranger In My Own Back Yard". Many "Greatest Hits" albums were released in Japan but every album has different selections. Many "Greatest Hits" albums did not leave out single smash hits deliberately, but did include the songs which were not so catchy.9. Happiness Is Me And You
A single released in 1974. Gilbert had returned to his ballad type songs after "Get Down" and "Ooh Baby". A certain part of the melody of this song reminds me of "Alone Again (Naturally)". A Japanese singer covered this song and made it a smash hit in Japan.10. I Wish I Could Cry
This was released in 1969 as the B-side of his third single "Mr. Moody's Garden", before he met Gordon Mills. Another version of the song was released in 1971, coupled again with "Mr. Moody's Garden" as the B-side. And in Japan, this was released as a single in 1973. For Gilbert, this is one of his favorites. He played this song in his second live concert in Japan. The re-make version was released in the album "Every Song Has It's Play" in 1995. Included here in this CD is another re-make version, released only in Europe last year.11. If I Can't Have You All To Myself
This is a pick-up from his fifth album "Southpaw" in 1977. Many have the image that Gilbert O'Sullivan is a ballad songwriter such as "Alone Again (Naturally)" and "Clair", but that is not true. Listening to this one, you may understand Gilbert is charming when playing rock-flavored tunes. In " Southpaw", the musical arrangements and "sound" were different from his previous albums, because he produced the arrangements himself. This album was dedicated to the arranger of all of Gilbert's previous MAM albums, the late Johnny Spence.12. Victor E
Same as Track 8, this is from his fourth album. Like this one, his fourth album contains many songs, which are short but melodious. The fourth album was recorded in the US and Phil Ramone was credited as Engineer.13. Heaven's Above (New Version)
This is from his latest album "Singer Sowing Machine" released last year. When you listen to this song for the first time, you may get the impression that Gilbert has changed a lot. But I think he has kept his style all the time and he digests new elements of contemporary music. The version here is not released before in Japan. Different from the album released in Japan, all songs in "Singer Sowing Machine" released in the UK were re-mixed. The UK album contains more numbers compared with the Japanese one.14. Lost A Friend
This was originally included on the album "Frobisher Drive" which was released in Germany in 1987. This album was released in UK in 1989 and in Japan in 1990, entitled "In The Key Of G." Just like "Miss My Love Today" on the album "Southpaw", this is another stylish small piece.15. Tomorrow Today
Another selection from "Southpaw." This became a smash hit in Japan in 1992 when this song was featured in a TV drama series. The younger Japanese generation is more familiar with this song than "Alone Again (Naturally)."16. So What
More than ten different versions of this song from "In The Key Of G" exist. 7 inch single, 12 inch single, remix of these singles and so forth. The B-side of this single is "In A Nutshell" which is not yet released in Japan. Almost all Gilbert's B-sides are not available on CDs. I do hope that these songs are released in CD in the near future.17. Christmas Song
This was released in 1974 in UK, and in November 1975 in Japan. Gilbert played this tune at his live concert in Japan last December. At the concert, Gilbert referred to this song as White Christmas by Bing Crosby. Gilbert talked to the audience that "you may sing " I'm dreaming of a white Christmas" but I will sing "I'm NOT dreaming of a white Christmas." This showed his sense of humor.18. I Have My Coat To Keep Me Warm (unreleased new song)
Gilbert takes care of Japanese fans very much and he offered his unreleased song such as this one to Japan only. Gilbert has many unreleased songs and we can listen to some of them on the album "Rare Tracks" released only in Japan in 1992. The oldest unreleased ones are "Don't Dedicate" and "Not This Time But Maybe The Next." These songs were recorded with Rick Davies (of Supertramp) when Gilbert was an Art college student. Gilbert plans to release these old songs, which he played drums as well as sung the vocals.I would like to thank Tsuyoshi Yamada, Jim Pickford and Paul Yates for their giving me valuable information.
April, 1998 by Isao Hirami|Home||Music||Lyrics||Multimedia||Images||Links||Biography||FAQ||About Us||Email|