Doghousesmall
Doghouse
8704
City to City
(1978)
Gerry Rafferty
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Label: Liberty
Duration: 53:42
Genre: Rock

Gerry Rafferty is a huge talent, but a reluctant star. Management struggles and sundry other hindrances limited his output, but couldn't avert the Scot from releasing two legendary singles -- the Tarantino-ized "Stuck in the Middle With You" and the unforgettable "Baker Street," the latter included on this record. Just a glimpse of John Patrick Byrne's cool cover art lets the listener know City to City houses Rafferty's day in the sun as he conquers the world one metropolis at a time, his guitar and amp in tow. Setting out in his apocalyptic "Ark," each song radiates the confidence of a master craftsman cruising in his prime, constructing brilliant pop confections with top-flight support while awaiting the crunch of civilization. The dreamy reality check "Baker Street" rightfully remains one of the greatest cuts in pop history. Forever-lost B-side "Big Change in Weather" further demonstrates Rafferty was on a rare roll. Domestic valentine "Right Down the Line" snugly followed to the height of the charts, and third release, "Home and Dry," while not of an immortal status, stands as a quality song. He even stomps out a smooth hoedown on the title track. Rafferty's turns of phrase and tight composition skills create a fresh sound and perspective all his own. Any diverse style (and he attempts many) filters through his unique mindset, resulting in a classic platter buoyed by many moments of sheer genius. "Whatever's written in your heart, that's all that matters."

by Doug Stone
allmusic.com


TrackDuration
Ark
Baker Street6:10
Right Down The Line4:31
City To City5:07
Stealin' Time6:00
Mattie's Rag3:31
Whatever's Written In Your Heart6:40
Home And Dry4:59
Island5:18
Waiting For The Day5:45
Original Release: 1978-01-01
Composer: Gerry Rafferty
Producer: Hugh Murphy, Gerry Rafferty
UPC: 762185141724, 77774604925