Gilbert O'Sullivan
Biography
Singer/songwriter Gilbert O'Sullivan successfully combined a flair for Beatlesque popcraft with an old-fashioned musichall sensibility to emerge as one of the most distinctive and popular new performers of the early 1970s. Born Raymond O'Sullivan in Waterford, Ireland on December 1, 1946, he went on to attend art school in Swindon, England, writing songs throughout his formative years and sending out demo tapes to little avail. After graduating he went to work in a London department store; one of his co-workers there was under contract with CBS, and soon O'Sullivan was signed to the label as well. Early singles like "What Can I Do?" and "Mr. Moody's Garden" were released to little attention, however, and so O'Sullivan sent his demo to impressario Gordon Mills, whose MAM label was home to superstars like Tom Jones and Engelbert Humperdinck; the gambit worked, and his first single for MAM, "Nothing Rhymed," became a Top Ten UK hit in late 1970.
The wit and craft of O'Sullivan's music aside, much of his early success was predicated on his unusual image -- at the peak of the hippie movement, he resembled nothing so much as a Depression-era street urchin, complete with pudding-bowl haircut, short pants and flat cap.
Selected Discography
The Best Of Gilbert O'Sullivan
1991
Back To Front
1972
O'Sullivan was and is definitely an artist I really enjoy. Sounds good now too. Also isn't it is nice that we have all the great equiptment like Mp3 players and CD Players? In the old days I never could have believed that things would ever be more wonderful than the old LPs, but now look -- the sound in better and you can listed without dragging the old fashioned LP 33 rpm machines around that were the size of a kitchen sink. I remember a fellow dorm resident making fun of the sound of my old RC
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This is deep music, no doubt it is depressing (dealing with loneliness and hopelessness ) , but ultimately, comforting to a certain extent. Probably because of a combination of musical/harm o n i c elements, smooth voice timbre and quieter dynamic range, and lastly, an overall nonchalant, calming emotional approach to especially troubling subjects. There is a masked sorrow in the emotional tone, so this song should be followed by something more optimistic (for those who have a greater tendency to b
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Gilbert O'Sullivan's works continue to live decades after his debut because he had not only an incredibly distinctive voice, but was prolific in his catchy, well conceived lyrics and stylistic music composition (he was a very gifted composer). I've often thought Gilbert's music demise was because his talent was ultimately above his audience who, within that era, had the attention span of a 5 year old. Now that we're potty trained 30 years later, we can finally appreciate his genius. Thanks Tim!
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As a teenager I listened to Gilbert O'Sullivan every day. I waited with huge anticipation for each new release. I have Every album in vinyl that he ever thought about recording. I have tried to find all of the albums to buy on cd format but cannot. I adore him. Any ideas? For the zoo song person - I know that song but until I can peruse the albums I won't remember the title.
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I am trying to find a song about the zoo or animals that I only heard once and I am pretty sure Gilbert sang. Does anyone know it?
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I remmember being 10 years old in the summer of '72 and going in to my sisters room and listening to her brand new stereo and hearing alone again and all those great hits of that year wishing my youth could last forever. What a time the 1970;s, the best era for music.
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Gilbert put out some great songs,sure brings memories of days gone by,I use to listen to him over and over,in fact heard him sing "Alone Again" just yesterday being played on a local radio station,so he is still being played...Tha n k s Pandora
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