- German Release with Gatefold Cover
David Gilmour's 1978 self-titled solo debut, released in Germany with a distinctive gatefold cover, marked a pivotal moment in music history. As the guitarist and vocalist of Pink Floyd, Gilmour's decision to explore solo ventures showcased his artistic versatility. The album's production, featuring collaboration with HIPGNOSIS and recording at Super Bear Studios, France, reflects meticulous attention to both musical and visual elements. This release remains a testament to Gilmour's ability to shape a unique artistic identity.
The self-titled debut album by David Gilmour, released in 1978 in Germany, stands as a remarkable piece of musical history, not only for its artistic merit but also for its contributions within the context of the time period.
David Gilmour, renowned for his role as the guitarist and one of the lead vocalists of Pink Floyd, took a bold step into the solo realm with this album. The decision to embark on a solo career during a period when Pink Floyd was still active demonstrated Gilmour's desire to explore his musical identity beyond the confines of the iconic band.
The album's production holds a significant place in Gilmour's career. Taking on the role of producer himself, Gilmour ensured that every aspect of the album reflected his artistic vision. This level of control allowed him to experiment with sounds and arrangements, showcasing his versatility as a musician.
The contribution of the English Art Design group HIPGNOSIS in crafting the album's visual identity is noteworthy. HIPGNOSIS, known for their work with Pink Floyd and other prominent artists, played a crucial role in creating an album cover that visually complemented the music within. The gatefold cover, a distinctive feature of this German release, adds an extra layer of aesthetic appeal, inviting listeners to engage more deeply with the album.
The choice of Super Bear Studios in France for the recording further adds to the album's historical context. Super Bear Studios, renowned for its state-of-the-art equipment and serene surroundings, provided an ideal setting for Gilmour to bring his musical vision to life. The studio's influence on the album's sound quality and overall atmosphere is a testament to the importance of selecting the right recording environment.
The collaboration with sound engineer Jon Etchells also played a crucial role in shaping the sonic landscape of the album. Etchells' expertise contributed to the clarity and richness of the recordings, allowing Gilmour's musical nuances to shine through.
Album Description & Collectors information: This album "DAVID GILMOUR - Self-Titled (FOC)" has been released with gatefold cover and non-gatefold cover. This issue is with the gatefold cover The album design was by the English Art Design group HIPGNOSIS. Hipgnosis was an English art group founded in 1968 by Storm Thorgerson, Aubrey Powell, and Peter Christopherson. The group was known for their innovative and creative album covers, which became iconic in the music industry. Hipgnosis worked with some of the most influential musicians of their time, including Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Yes. The group's name, "Hipgnosis," was a play on the words "hypnosis" and "hip." They believed that their art had the power to hypnotize people and transport them to another world, which was reflected in their album covers. The group's style was surreal and often incorporated elements of fantasy, science fiction, and the occult. Their designs were highly detailed and often required extensive planning and preparation. One of the group's most famous album covers was for Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon." The cover featured a prism refracting light into a rainbow, which became one of the most recognizable images in rock history. The design was so successful that it became synonymous with the band and their music. Another iconic design was for Led Zeppelin's "Houses of the Holy," which featured a group of naked children climbing on a rock formation. The image was highly controversial but helped to solidify the band's rebellious image. Hipgnosis also worked with a number of other influential musicians, including Peter Gabriel, Black Sabbath, and Genesis. They designed the cover for Peter Gabriel's first solo album, which featured a photograph of Gabriel wearing a mask with only his eyes visible. The image became another iconic design and was later referenced in Gabriel's music video for "Sledgehammer." The group's success continued into the 1980s, with designs for bands such as Scorpions and Styx. However, the rise of digital technology and the decline of album sales led to the group's decline. Hipgnosis disbanded in 1983, but their legacy lives on in the countless album covers they created. Hipgnosis was not just an art group, but a collective of artists who had a significant impact on the music industry. Their innovative designs helped to define the visual style of rock music in the 1970s and 1980s. Their work was not just a complement to the music, but an essential part of the overall experience. They created a world that fans could enter into and lose themselves in, just like the music they were listening to. Here is a web-page with a gallery of album covers created by Hipgnosis |
Music Genre: British Rock |
Album Production Information: The album: "DAVID GILMOUR - Self-Titled (FOC)" was produced by: David Gilmour Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Jon Etchells This album was recorded at: Super Bear Studios, France Album cover design: Hipgnosis and David Gilmour Album cover photography: Hipgnosis |
Record Label Information: HARVEST 1C 064-60 774 |
Packaging:Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design with artwork / photos on the inside cover pages |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record in Gatefold coverTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 280 gram |
Year & Country: 1978 Germany (Gema) |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: DAVID GILMOUR - Self-Titled (FOC) |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "DAVID GILMOUR - Self-Titled (FOC)" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "DAVID GILMOUR - Self-Titled (FOC)" is:
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Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).
"David Gilmour" Yellow Colour with Green Lettering Record Label Details: HARVEST 1C064-60 774 ℗ 1976 Pink Floyd Music Ltd Sound Copyright
Harvest 1C 064 2400791 , Harvest 1C 064 2400791 , Germany
"About Face" opens with "Until We Sleep," a haunting and atmospheric track that sets the tone for the introspective nature of the album. Gilmour's soulful vocals and masterful guitar work weave together
Learn moreEMI , 2006
This limited edition 7" vinyl features David Gilmour and David Bowie's powerful live rendition of Pink Floyd's iconic "Arnold Layne," a tribute to Syd Barrett.
Learn moreEMI Harvest 1A 038-1575131 , 1978 , Netherlands
David Gilmour's 1978 self-titled solo debut revealed his soulful guitar work and introspective songwriting outside of Pink Floyd. The Dutch vinyl LP offers rich sound and iconic cover art.
Learn moreHARVEST 1C 064-60 774 , 1978 , Germany
David Gilmour's 1978 self-titled solo debut, released in Germany with a distinctive gatefold cover, marked a pivotal moment in music history.
Learn moreHarvest 5C 062-60774 , 1978 , Netherlands
This is the Dutch release of the self-titled ( solo ) debut album by David Gilmour
Learn moreColumbia AL 35388 / PC 35388 , 1978 , Netherlands
This is the American release of the self-titled ( solo ) debut album by David Gilmour
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