Tag Archives: Paul Carrack

Music Monday: April 24, 2023

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to another edition of Music Monday.

Bruce quote 2023

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Today’s song is an unmistakeable classic from the 1970’s and one of my all time favorite songs. It features an incredible base line, great lyrics and a fabulous vocal by one of the best blue eyed soul singers out there.  He is also sadly underrated despite being the voice behind groups like Ace, Squeeze and Mike & The Mechanics.  

Singer, songwriter and musician Paul Carrack was born on April 22, 1951 in Sheffield, Yorkshire, England. According to his website, he started touring as a musician when he was 17. That puts his career at 55 years and counting. He started 2023 with the release of a new album, Don’t Wait Too Long, and is currently gearing up for a European tour which will begin next month.

Carrack is one of the vocalists I have loved forever due to his smooth yet incredibly soulful delivery on nearly every song he sings. He has sung today’s song many times over the last five decades in a number of different ways. Yet to me, nothing beats the original. But the version from his 1995 album, Blue Views, comes very close.

Happy birthday, Paul Carrack.

“You said that you never intended
To break up our scene in this way
But there ain’t any use in pretending
It could happen to us any day“.

Top: Paul Carrack (far left) with Ace circa 1974. Bottom: Carrack circa 2022. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Ace: “How Long” (1974, written by Paul Carrack).

Paul Carrack: “How Long” (1995, written by Paul Carrack).

Stay safe & well.

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Let’s Take A Moment Day 402

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Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

May 2021 blog

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are still facing a serious situation but a new year gives us hope for the new days, seasons, opportunities & moments ahead. Still, music is something that will never change for me. It is my refuge, the most comforting part of my life & the one thing I consistently count on. So until a more normal semblance of life returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

Today is the 70th birthday for one of my favorite blue eyed soul singers from across the pond. Paul Carrack was born on April 22, 1951 in England. Despite providing lead vocals in three bands-Ace, Mike & The Mechanics and Squeeze-he is still unbelievably underrated as a singer, songwriter and live performer.

I have been in love with him since the first time I heard “How Long” (Day 14) and followed him in all his other endeavors. He has done session worked with acclaimed artists like B.B. King, Elton John & Roxy Music & toured with superstars like Ringo Starr and Eric Clapton. In 1995 Carrack released his fifth solo album, Blue Views, which is where today’s song is from. I absolutely adore everything about this man’s incredibly beautiful soulful voice.

“People may say you’ve had your chance
And let it slip away
But hard as they try
There’s a dream that won’t die“.

Paul Carrack

Paul Carrack circa 2000. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Paul Carrack: “Eyes Of Blue” (1995, written by Paul Carrack).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 97

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Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

Kerouac

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day.  And if this helps anyone else, even better.

My dad liked today’s song because it reminded him of his father.  Now I like it for the same reason.  Happy Father’s Day to all.

Mike Mechanics

Mike & The Mechanics circa 1988 L-R:  Paul Carrack (lead vocals), Adrian Lee (keyboards), Mike Rutherford (guartarist), Peter Van Hooke (drummer) and Paul Young (bass).  (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Mike & The Mechanics:  “The Living Years” (1988, written by Mike Rutherford and B.A. Robertson).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 14

Posted in Music by

Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

music heart

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

Today’s song was my first introduction to the lead singer, Paul Carrack, and it was spectacular.  Despite the fact that the group he wrote it for and recorded it with was a one hit wonder, he went on to to sing with and find more success with other groups like  Squeeze (he sang lead vocal on “Tempted“) and Mike & the Mechanics (he did the lead vocals on “The Living Years” & “Silent Running“).  He also co-wrote several songs including the Eagles hit, “Love Will Keep Us Alive”, among others.  As great as his songwriting skills are, it is his voice that he is well known for, even though he is one of the most underrated singers out there.

ACE_HOW+LONG-656900

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Ace:  “How Long” (1974, written by Paul Carrack).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.