Crest of a Wave: The Best of Rory Gallagher

I'm not a fan of compilation CDs, DVDs, whether the artistic form is rock, blues music, classical music, film, TV drama. It brings out the worse [sic] in those involved behind the music scene, for example, record companies, marketing, distribution. In essence - everyone - except the musician(s) who created and recorded the music in the first instance. This is not the first compilation to be made using Rory's name - brand - if you like.

"The Best Of Taste" - Amazon: Price: £3.98 - 16 tracks (What will happen to the "Isle of Wight " footage of Taste is anyone's guess?)

"Big Guns: the Very Best of Rory Gallagher" - Amazon: Price: £2.98 - 15 tracks

"Crest of a Wave: The Best of Rory Gallagher" - Amazon: Price £16.09 - 24 tracks

The current double disc "Greatest Hits" highlights Rory's passion, tremendous musicianship, and outstanding guitar playing. However, in the music industry these attributes don't always equate with happiness and success.This catalogue may introduce a new generation to Rory, but I somehow doubt it. Rory was a cult hero to his fans. However, he never reached the pinnacle of success he sought, or deserved. It takes courage and extreme energy to write the songs, sing the songs, play lead guitar, and to be the main focus of a band over decades.

I'm thankful Rory received a degree of success, but the music industry has a darker side. It must be hard to survive in the business for so long without great moments of despair.

I'm thankful for the Internet; sites like YouTube where people can share and watch footage of Rory live in concert, and keep his memory alive. In another ten years' there may not be CDs or DVDs, but Rory's music will still get through.

CD1
1. Follow Me
2. Shinkicker
3. Do You Read Me
4. Bought & Sold
5. Loanshark Blues
6. In Your Town
7. Calling Card
8. A Million Miles Away
9. Walk On Hot Coals
10. I Fall Apart
11. Tattoo'd lady
12. Crest Of A Wave

CD2
1. Bad Penny
2. Overnight Bag
3. Philby
4. Shadow Play
5. Moonchild
6. They Don't Make Them Like You Anymore
7. Edged In Blue
8. Wheels Within Wheels
9. Out On The Western Plain
10. Out Of My Mind
11. Barley & Grape Rag
12. Lonesome Highway

Product details
Audio CD (25 Aug 2009)
Number of Discs: 2
Label: Eagle/Eagle Rock Entertainm
ASIN: B002HWUU6I