Barratt Band - Playing In The City (re-issue)

Wednesday 1st April 1998
Barratt Band - Playing In The City (re-issue)
Barratt Band - Playing In The City (re-issue)

STYLE: Rock
RATING 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 3765-455
LABEL: DML DMCD1054
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1
RRP: £15.99

Reviewed by Tony Cummings

The old maxim that what was great music in one decade remains great in a new one is proven by this first-time-on-CD re-release. Back in 1981 'Playin' In The City" was voted the album of the year by Britain's CCM buffs and the following year Norman Barratt and his fellow Midlands rockers played a truly smouldering set to a delirious 25.000 at Greenbelt. Today the music, remastered but thankfully unmessed around with, comes through with the same blistering power that it did 17 years ago. From the pogo-tempoed '"Only One " to the breathtaking "Never Seen Your Face" the years fall away as the superbly light band crack through a series of energised songs crammed full of tuneful hooks and spiritual insights while the haunting "Voice In The Night" is a true classic of the genre. Timeless.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Reader Comments

Posted by Roger King in Russell kS @ 18:47 on Mar 12 2011

WOW,,i have been looking for this band forever:
how can i buy a copy of this cd???

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Posted by Boaz in Israel. @ 15:25 on Sep 14 2006

Gravy Train were an early 70's proto prog band.
the band had a certain quality, authentic - wich i could never capture.
Norman Barrate, the band leader - was imho one of the best song writers ever.
what a pleasant surprise it was for me to listen to this amazin album. i am not a religious man - but the music touches a nerve.

beutiful.
wonderful.
thank you mr. Barrate !
Boaz.

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Posted by Bill Krouwel in Shepton Mallet, Somerset @ 18:30 on Mar 1 2006

The CD is a faithful reporduction of the excellent "Playing in the City" from the Warrington-based band led by ex Alwyn Wall Band axe-man Norman Barratt. As well as a life of its own, the band acted as backup unit for many a Chapel-Lane act (including years on the road with Larry Norman). On this album the band display their versatility, moving from hyperactive new wave, through John Miles-ish sympho-rock to acoustically-based pieces (e.g. "Your LOve"). For my money, it's still one of the best CCM albums of the eighties; buy it and marvel!

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