Album Info
| Artist: | The Dream Academy |
| Album: | The Dream Academy |
| Released: | Australia, 1985 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Life In A Northern Town | 4:16 |
| Backing Vocals [Additional] - Derek Adams, June Lawrence | ||
| Cello - Jo Walton, Lucia Skidmore | ||
| Percussion [Additional] - Luis Jardim | ||
| Timpani, Percussion - Benedict Hoffnung | ||
| A2 | The Edge Of Forever | 4:20 |
| Cello - Adam Peters | ||
| Producer [With], Engineer - Gary Langan | ||
| Tenor Saxophone - Gary Barnacle | ||
| Timpani, Percussion - Benedict Hoffnung | ||
| A3 | (Johnny) New Light | 4:19 |
| Backing Vocals [Additional] - Colette Walker, Derek Adams, June Lawrence, Sandrae Lawrence | ||
| Percussion - Luis Jardim | ||
| A4 | In Places On The Run | 4:28 |
| Bass - Guy Pratt | ||
| Vibraphone, Percussion [Assorted] - Benedict Hoffnung | ||
| A5 | This World | 5:05 |
| Bass - Pino Palladino | ||
| Drums - Dave Mattacks | ||
| Timpani, Percussion - Benedict Hoffnung | ||
| B1 | Bound To Be | 3:07 |
| Backing Vocals [Additional] - Caron Wheeler, Sam Brown | ||
| Bass - Pino Palladino | ||
| Cello - Adam Peters | ||
| Guitar - David Gilmour | ||
| Producer [With], Engineer - Gary Langan | ||
| B2 | Moving On | 5:11 |
| Backing Vocals [Additional] - Ingrid Schroeder, June Lawrence | ||
| Bass - Guy Pratt | ||
| Drums - Jake Le Mesurier | ||
| Percussion - Bosco De Oliveira | ||
| B3 | The Love Parade | 3:44 |
| Engineer, Mixed By - John Hudson | ||
| Producer - Alan Tarney | ||
| B4 | The Party | 5:06 |
| Acoustic Guitar - David Gilmour | ||
| Bass - Mickey Féat | ||
| Drums - Tony Beard | ||
| Engineer - Stephen Short | ||
| Organ [Hammond] - Gregg Dechert | ||
| Twelve-String Guitar [Rickenbacker Electric 12] - Peter Buck | ||
| B5 | One Dream | 2:30 |
| Double Bass - Chucho Merchan | ||
| Engineer - Stephen Short | ||
| Trumpet - David Defries |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne's North (Australia)
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Description
The Dream Academy's self-titled debut album, released in 1985, is a unique blend of folk, rock, and classical influences, marked by lush orchestral arrangements and ethereal soundscapes. The British band, consisting of Nick Laird-Clowes, Kate St John, and Gilbert Gabriel, crafted an album that stands out for its cinematic quality and introspective songwriting, epitomized by the hit single "Life in a Northern Town."
"Life in a Northern Town," the album's most recognizable track, is a haunting tribute to the late Nick Drake. Its distinctive African-inspired chant, combined with a rich tapestry of acoustic guitars, orchestral elements, and layered vocals, creates a nostalgic and atmospheric piece that resonated with audiences worldwide. The song's success propelled The Dream Academy into the spotlight, showcasing their ability to merge diverse musical styles into a coherent and captivating sound.
The album also features tracks like "The Edge of Forever," which further illustrate the band's penchant for dreamy and evocative compositions. The song's use of synths and woodwinds, alongside Laird-Clowes' reflective lyrics, contribute to the album's overall mood of wistful contemplation and poetic imagery.
"Bound to Be," another highlight, showcases the band's folk influences, with its acoustic guitar-driven melody and harmonious vocals. The track's simplicity and warmth offer a counterpoint to the more lush and orchestrated pieces on the album, highlighting The Dream Academy's versatility and depth as musicians.
The production of the album, helmed by David Gilmour of Pink Floyd and Nick Laird-Clowes, is characterized by its attention to detail and the innovative use of classical instrumentation within a pop framework. The orchestral arrangements, provided by St John's oboe and cor anglais, add a layer of sophistication and elegance to the band's sound, setting them apart from their contemporaries.
Critically, The Dream Academy's debut was well-received, with many praising its rich sonic landscapes and the emotional depth of its songwriting. The album's ability to blend various musical influences into a distinctive and immersive sound was seen as a testament to the band's creativity and ambition.
Commercially, the success of "Life in a Northern Town" helped to drive interest in the album, making it a commercial success and defining The Dream Academy's legacy in the music world. The track's enduring popularity, bolstered by its use in various films and TV shows, has ensured that the album remains a beloved piece of 80s pop culture.
In retrospect, The Dream Academy's debut album is celebrated for its artistic vision and the timeless quality of its music. Its blend of pop, folk, and classical elements, combined with the band's evocative songwriting, makes it a standout release of the 1980s, showcasing the power of music to evoke emotion and transport listeners to another place and time.