Customer Reviews

In the Skies

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

There are two CDs with similar names, listed as "In the Skies (Originals) [IMPORT]" and "In the Skies (Delta) [IMPORT]". Usually the same reviews appear for both of them.

But the first one is the original "In the Skies" by Peter Green (9 tracks, "In the Skies" through "Apostle"), and the second just an Anthology: "Peter Green In the Skies" (guitar an big letters on the cover; 15 tracks). It includes very few tracks from the original "In the Skies", which is a pity, 'cause I think Peter Green was never before (and after) as high as "in the skies". Not even when with John Mayall or Fletwood Mac. And not only high. High, wide and deep.

For me (the original) "In the Skies" is one of the most beautiful records ever (and I am not having just popular music on mind): truly amazing music from crystal clear guitars and (from time to time) dark blue(s) voices giving you some kind of forever dancing peace.

Music from another time(almost 25 years ago)and attitude. A kind of miracle, so real that I can still listen to my '79 vynil (besides the CD) almost as the first day, when tears of joy filled my eyes at the serene beauty of this music.

This re-release brings the so-called comeback album by guitar wizard Peter Green (released originally in early 1979) to the modern audience. It is mostly beautiful - lyrical guitar playing and interesting rhythms. My original album was played to much to be servicable and I am ecstatic about this release. Listen to In the Skies, Slabo Day (particularly), A Fool No More (much more reverbed guitar cf to the Fleetwood Mac version), Proud Pinto and Apostle to hear the brilliant phrasing and tone and texture of his playing. These tracks are worth the purchase. There is some not so compelling tracks such as Seven Stars (which apparently was a reflection of his brief marriage to to Jane Samuels and their shared bible reading. Good playing but pretty average. The original was released by a small company on a small budget after Peter rejected a million dollar deal with Warner Bros (negotiated by his then manager Mick Fleetwood). It was not promoted much because Peter became very ill on his return to the UK after living in LA (with his wife - a short marriage indeed). But it still achieved cult following then among original FM fans. As a working guitar player I get a lot of inspiration and learn a lot from these tracks. I recommend it to everyone who loves reverb, melodic and sparse guitar playing, and also at times really sharp, bottom pickup phrasing.

Peter Green's 1978 solo release is simply magnificent. Restrained but heartfelt vocals, velvety guitar, clean and thoughtful arrangements and engineering. Like the best of early Fleetwood Mac (don't miss the 6 disk Complete Blue Horizon sessions), but even better. Unfortunately this budget release isn't it - it's an anthology of his late Seventies and early Eighties solo albums, most of which are sadly not as good as "In The Skies." In fact, this CD is virtually the same as another collection, "Green and Guitar." It has a few great cuts, but really you're much better off paying more and getting the real "In The Skies," which you will not regret.

I still have the vinyl on this album and all of the other Peter Green records. One of the most under appreciated guitarists of his time. He was Fleetwood Mac in my opinion when they were a band of substance. Not that there's anything wrong with the direction the traveled after he left. Just not the same roots blues band when he started it. Peter Green should be in every blues or guitar fan's collection.

After disappearing from the music scene in 1970, Green came back with this album in the late 70's. Although his voice is a little rough, his guitar playing was spot on. His work on "fool no more" is fantastic and some of the instrumentals are great."Seven stars" is another standout track with an explosive solo in the middle. The album has a loose and relaxed feel to it. All in all, a great comeback from one of Britans greatest blues guitarists. Two albums followed this release and then he dissappeared again until the 90's.This was definately the best of the comeback albums. There were rumors that Snowy White, the rhythm guitarist on these tracks actually played lead for Green. You decide.

Peter Green finally emerged from retirement in 1979 and resumed his musical career, starting with this excellent and deeply moving blues-rock album. "Apostle" is as affecting and beautifully constructed an instrumental as the famous "Albatross" of Green's Fleetwood Mac era, and the instrumentals "Tribal Dance" and "Proud Pinto" are equally brilliant. The title track is a moving, powerful expression of spiritual faith that avoids the obvious trappings of religiosity and conveys real emotion.

This is the only one of Green's solo albums featuring his own compositions. The later recordings are made up almost entirely of songs written by his younger brother Michael, and while many of these are quite good, they aren't quite as powerful as Peter's work.

Now that Green has resumed playing again, one can only hope that he will be able to return to songwriting and that there is more gold to be mined from this vein. Highly recommended.

This is a brief entry regarding this CD. As a long time Peter Green fan, this is an extraordinary, melodic well produced album, with excellent vocal and guitar work. Having recently purchase the Import version with the "bonus postcards" I would urge any buyer not to bother, as the cards command a premium-they have nothing to do whatever with Green of FM, they are CD sized promos of the labels other groups such as Scorpion, and others, total marketing fraud, if you , as I implicilty would think they were realted to the artist on the CD. Otherwise, a great album, in any of its forms or prices.

Of all of Peter Green's solo efforts after Fleetwood Mac and before the Splinter Group, this is his most solid effort. His singing and playing are in good form. His writing here is still top notch. For collectors and hardcore Green fans, this is a must! Peter Green's story is very interesting and moving. Enjoy this cd, but do not expect Fleetwood Mac of the 60's here. Still, great stuff.

Back in 1979 i got caught out when i first purchased this one. On closer inspection you'll find that Peter hardly plays on these late 70s albums like "In The Skies" & "Little Dreamer". Snowy White was the guitarist who, very reluctantly, laid down alot of the lead work on Peter Greens directions during these days.
Snowy regrets having done this as his initial aim was to re-vitalise Greens career but when they got to the studio Peter just didn't want to play. He eventually did play abit on certain tracks but his quality was nowhere in comparison to his early Mac days.
Nevertheless Snowy White himself is one of the BEST Blues guitarists ever to pick up a Gibson Les Paul Goldtop and i don't regard this session as being a waste of time. There just isn't enough of Snowys playing to be heard these days. His style is almost inseparable from Peter Greens.
I can't believe this was done all those years back.

This is Green's 1979 solo comeback after pulling himself out of self-imposed exile and a destructive lifestyle. It is an absolute must for not only Green fans but any fan of the blues, although Green starts spreading out a bit, such as in the delightful "Funky Chunk," one of the 5 instrumentals on the album. The vocal "A Fool No More" is pure blues and is a showcase for Green's distinctive vibrato guitar style. Subsequent releases by Green, including those with the Splinter Group, unfortunately suffer somewhat by degradation of Green's voice, but you won't hear that here.