One of my favourite bands of the early and mid 80s. A brilliant live band, had the good fortune to see them in concert 5 times. Recall one gig at the old Powerhouse in Birmingham when the opening 4 songs included this one (complete with lengthy guitar break / freak-out), "Hollow Horse", "Evangeline", and "Love is a Wonderful Colour". Not sure I've ever been quite the same since.....
Lost count how many times I saw this band in the 80's - the highlight was always the Christmas show at Liverpool Royal Court. In an era of the synthpop and big hair they never crossed over into the mass market but that was almost their strength - great musicians and exceptional songwriting, not to mention one of the all time great drummers.
Utterly brilliant song! Rushed out to buy the single version in '85, playing it to death! I don't know the reasons why the "I W", were never totally massive! I saw them live back in 1987, and they were really awesome, and Ian McNabb will always be one of Britain's best singer/songwriter.
I stupidly lent somebody my tape containing this version of this fabulous song, and that was years ago, so its fantastic to hear this masterpiece again. Thanks so much
They are still playing with Ian McNabb leading. I saw them Saturday night and they are still great live. Well worth checking out his solo stuff too. Their tour is into next year so you can get tickets in the UK.
The sad thing is ..there are just too many words ....they don't understand ...they want easy words like oohh, lalala ,nonono & yeah yeah repeated constantely ? .
Paved the way for those shoe gazing bands (with weak vocals) of the 90s - Icicle Works melodies so strong. People talk about anthems these days...They have no idea!
Where dreams are swallowed whole, the whirlpool that's the west..... Spot on. Timeless lyrics, perfection is timeless. Yet another gem from my friends in the UK.
Oh wow.... Thanks so much for sharing. I have kept all my vinyl but nothing as yet to convert them. You forget how marvellous this was (and still is)....
I was in the queue with McNabb for the '79 Wings gig at the Royal Court in Liverpool. I swear to God, he had a tape recorder in his underpants with the mic on a lead going down the length of his arm. Great days. It's that simple.
I've seen Ian McNabb live a couple of times, this is just one big singalong, especially "one by one they all fell through". Chris Sharrock's drums are so good on this.
So good to hear the original - the 92 version is ok (even prefer the guitar solo) but I don't think you can whack the jangle and the grandeur of the original. Thanks for making an old man very happy.
I didn't think anything could sound richer than the original but this sparkles and rocks all at the same time! Brilliant band, brilliant song, brilliant playing... what more can I say? Really wish they were still playing... they were a legendary live band...
Ian McNabb is a song writing genius! Love the Icicle Works and love his solo stuff too. Never stop writing Ian.
One of my favourite bands of the early and mid 80s. A brilliant live band, had the good fortune to see them in concert 5 times. Recall one gig at the old Powerhouse in Birmingham when the opening 4 songs included this one (complete with lengthy guitar break / freak-out), "Hollow Horse", "Evangeline", and "Love is a Wonderful Colour". Not sure I've ever been quite the same since.....
Lost count how many times I saw this band in the 80's - the highlight was always the Christmas show at Liverpool Royal Court. In an era of the synthpop and big hair they never crossed over into the mass market but that was almost their strength - great musicians and exceptional songwriting, not to mention one of the all time great drummers.
Just watched them live in Leeds last night, and they sound still as fresh as the 80's . Absolutely amazing gig, Ian you are a fucking scream !!
Utterly brilliant song!
Rushed out to buy the single version in '85, playing it to death! I don't know the reasons why the "I W", were never totally massive!
I saw them live back in 1987, and they were really awesome, and Ian McNabb will always be one of Britain's best singer/songwriter.
This was, and I think will remain always my favorite song, and I cannot explain why.
"What we have is not the worst, but so far from the best"...that lyric has stayed with to this day. Sums it all up
Thank you for saving me from digging out the vinyl. This is indeed far better than the 1992 version.
I stupidly lent somebody my tape containing this version of this fabulous song, and that was years ago, so its fantastic to hear this masterpiece again. Thanks so much
loved this band - very underrated, did some fantastic songs
Very true. Their first two albums saw me into my twenties :)
They are still playing with Ian McNabb leading. I saw them Saturday night and they are still great live. Well worth checking out his solo stuff too. Their tour is into next year so you can get tickets in the UK.
Saw them in Aberdeen a couple of weeks ago. Sensational live. Still got the magic in spades.
I agree. Fantastic and should be really well known and valued. Still. Their music really translates into the modern music era really well too.
No one produces songs like this today. Everyone is too busy looking at their bleeding smartphone.
That's what I'm doing watching these guys and reliving my youth x
The sad thing is ..there are just too many words ....they don't understand ...they want easy words like oohh, lalala ,nonono & yeah yeah repeated constantely ? .
@@rockinrollinntrollin616 as a 14 yr old i disagree
You are just objectively wrong.
That comment was,2 years ago....it’s even worse now
Love this band ,I'll never forget awesome thanks guys
I love this version. Superb song from a wonderful songwriter
Marvelous saw them many times in Camden in the eighties excellent live he was a musicians musician top drummer as well 😀
Yet again, another underrated group.
One of the best songs of all time, and certainly one of the Icies' very best!
Paved the way for those shoe gazing bands (with weak vocals) of the 90s - Icicle Works melodies so strong. People talk about anthems these days...They have no idea!
The best!
Where dreams are swallowed whole, the whirlpool that's the west..... Spot on. Timeless lyrics, perfection is timeless. Yet another gem from my friends in the UK.
, fantastic.....and it was always the live favourite at all those gigs late 80s!
Oh wow.... Thanks so much for sharing. I have kept all my vinyl but nothing as yet to convert them. You forget how marvellous this was (and still is)....
A massive favourite of mine, what a song man, what a band!!!
In the 80's I ve had bought all Icicle Works Albums.
And now i will listen to them anytime.
Great Music!
I was in the queue with McNabb for the '79 Wings gig at the Royal Court in Liverpool. I swear to God, he had a tape recorder in his underpants with the mic on a lead going down the length of his arm.
Great days. It's that simple.
remember seeing them doing this on old grey whistle test . was blown away. nice to hear this again
The greatest song ever... FACT
REALY FABULOUS SONG
u have made the world a much better world by this wonderful magical spell!!!!!
Icicle works are incomparable
Bloody awesome
The most amazing male vocal of all time. When it all comes down!
Icicle works are touring at the moment .Briliant
what a great band so underrated music of my teenage years
We're all messed up in different ways...what a true saying that is. Great song an band
brilliant
Brilliant. Scott Walkerish vocals. Saw them do this for the first time in 85 at the Albert Doc Lpool. Super gig. anyone remember it?
I love the outro of this song............
I've seen Ian McNabb live a couple of times, this is just one big singalong, especially "one by one they all fell through".
Chris Sharrock's drums are so good on this.
Glorious
I used to love full fat, now the docs got me on skimmed, sod it i'll risk a heart attack and hit repeat
EPIC !
So good to hear the original - the 92 version is ok (even prefer the guitar solo) but I don't think you can whack the jangle and the grandeur of the original. Thanks for making an old man very happy.
This is scouseonification personified…….my lyrical hero Sir Ian Mcnabb
An EXTREMELY UNDERATED BAND
fantastic nothing more needs saying
agree so so much!
No one can touch em !
I didn't think anything could sound richer than the original but this sparkles and rocks all at the same time! Brilliant band, brilliant song, brilliant playing... what more can I say? Really wish they were still playing... they were a legendary live band...
They are! Still awesome
Class
the master s of new wave
Genius
Fabulous voice but I overlooked the awesome guitar, drums that makes this song
Who can compare with these lads today? A rhetorical question I think.
They were a great wee punk rock outfit from Glasgow late 70s seen them in the burns howff excellent gig… I mean take me down…..
The zips
As great as ever it was.
hay alguien que hable español? y escuche esta maravillosa musica
This is my God farther ya no hahaha x
When your in shit marriage this song when played loud pics me up
Get out of it. Life is too short.
Who are the three utter wankers who gave this a thumbs down?!?!.... Tools!
They should be somewhere else x
Maybe searching for the 92 version (Why?)
Well said. This band should of been global and I guess they just don't appreciate good music and lyrics
when English music was powerful ... now I'd better shut up
American boys?
Scousers from Liverpool mate :)
Very bruce springsteen.