Customer Reviews

Secret Policeman's Third Ball

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While the cause of Human Rights is noble, it doesn't always work as the central theme for a musical program. Maybe that's why self consciously political songs from Lou Reed, Peter Gabriel, Bob Geldof and Jackson Browne on Secret Policeman's Third Ball seem a bit forced at times. On the other hand, cuts from Joan Armatrading and Kate Bush and a guitar duet by Mark Knopfler and Chet Atkins that don't consciously try to follow the human rights theme are more enjoyable. Bush's 'Running Up That Hill' is outstanding with Dave Gilmour accompanying on guitar but the real gem here is from relatively unknown(in the US) singer\songwriter Karl Wallinger. Together with his band World Party, Wallinger gives an incendiary performance of 'Ship of Fools', a straight ahead rocker about colonialism no less! At least for five minutes or so music and the human struggle for freedom come together perfectly. This one's worth it just for Kate Bush and World Party.

What can I say, forget your political views, and enjoy the music. This version of "Running Up That Hill" is the best ever! Kate Bush was a Goddess to me in high school (Even met her in London, in a supermarket.).The fact that David Gilmour is playing guitar is a win/win situation. She almost never sounded this good live........well almost. Nik Kershaw's "Wouldn't It Be Good" WOW! And don't forget World Party's "Ship Of Fools".Karl Wallinger is fantastic! Gabriel's "Biko" is hauntingly eerie as a live version. Lou Reed, Jackson Browne, what more can you ask for in a live CD. Great cause, even better CD!

"The third installment of music from shows benefiting Amnesty International (following albums in 1982 and 1984) preceded the 1988 tour and includes several artists who were featured on that jaunt. Jackson Browne contributes an earnest reading of his "For Everyman" and Peter Gabriel's staple, "Biko," with Lou Reed and Youssou N'Dour, is solemn and stirring (as always). Kate Bush, in a rare live appearance, is in fine voice on "Running up That Hill,". Other tracks include Bob Geldof's sparse "This Is the World Calling," Joan Armatrading's wry "(I Love It When You) Call Me Names," and a lovely version of John Lennon's "Imagine" by Mark Knopfler and Chet Atkins." - Tom Demalon

In 1982, Amnesty International, the UK branch, assembled several rock musicians on the cutting edge of fame: they included multiple unplugged and joint contributions by Sting, Phil Collins, Eric Clapton and others. It quickly became a highly sought after LP classic. Even now, the original version has never made it to mainstream cd for somehow hard to understand reason. They called this conglomeration of stars: The Secret Policeman's Ball.

In 1987, The Secret Policeman's Third Ball was presented to anxious UK fans. This explains why most of the US fans aren't aware of this great series of music. I think the original new wave and punk fans know how special the Balls are since they owned the original albums. The Third Ball included: Lou Ree, Kate Bush, Duran Duran, Peter Gabriel, Mark Knopfler, Jackson Browne, David Gilmour and Joan Armatrading.

The songs are all moving and powerful piece carefully selected to evoke compassion for others or to painfully illustrate the need for improvement, worldwide. Can't fault the motives! The results are stunning: From the understated Jackson Browne song, to the great anthem of Joan Armatrading . Knopfler (of Dire Straits) merges with Chet Aktins and cranks on an acoustic version of John Lennon's "Imagine."

This particular cd isn't difficult to find, but well worth the 5 biscuits it will probably cost you. You won't regret it since the performances are all topflight and have an edgy quality to them.

Jeff Feezle of Macafeez