Returning quickly to the studio in the summer of 1973 with his Blueprint line-up, Rory was in a prolific and confident mood. Rehearsals for the album began at a rowing club in Cork city, which allowed Rory to develop the musical arrangements of his material at a leisurely, relaxed pace.
Tattoo’d Lady describes the fairground life style that had appealed to Rory since childhood and lyrically, he draws parallels between travelling entertainers and his own profession.
Rory was born, with a touch of irony, at The Rock Hospital, Ballyshannon. Rory rocked literally all of his life and this Cradle Rock is a rockin’ R&B cut that displays his exciting bottleneck style in full flight.
20:20 Vision features Rory on acoustic and highlights his fondness for Davy Graham’s acoustic style.
They Don’t Make Them Like You Anymore has a real cool jazz feel which is underscored with unison guitar and piano and some brilliant harmonics.
Livin’ Like A Trucker was written at a time when the band were increasing their touring activity in America, this number could have been a tour anthem, during his career Rory racked up over thirty long U.S. tours.
Gerry, Rod, Lou and Rory really lock in on Sleep On A Clothes Line which has shades of a riff Rory could have written for Taste.
Who’s That Coming starts with Rory playing his acoustic dobro in slide mode, the riff blends into Rory playing electric slide empahsizing Rory’s ability to play different blues styles from Delta to Chicago blues.
A Million Miles Away became one of the most loved numbers in Rory’s repertoire, it showcases the deep, introverted side of his emotions.
Admit It has a real jack hammer riff and is the perfect vehicle for a stinging Rory solo, Lou Martin lays down some great piano on this rock number.
Tuscon, Arizona by Link Wray (a then Polydor stable mate) is a colourful, laid back country track featuring some captivating lap-steel guitar.
by Donal Gallagher
Tracks
1. Tattoo'd Lady - 4:34
2. Cradle Rock - 6:15
3. 20:20 Vision - 4:02
4. They Don't Make Them Like You Anymore - 4:05
5. Livin' Like a Trucker - 4:19
6. Sleep on a Clothes Line - 5:13
7. Who's That Coming - 7:09
8. A Million Miles Away - 6:55
9. Admit It - 4:19
10.Tucson, Arizona (Bonus Track) - 3:47
All songs by Rory Gallagher except track 10 written by Doug Link Wray.
Musicians
* Rory Gallagher - Guitars, Vocals, Harmonica, Saxophone, Mandolin
* Gerry McAvoy - Bass Guitar
* Lou Martin - Keyboards, Accordion
* Rod de'Ath - Drums, Percussion
1971 Rory Gallagher (Japan Mini Lp replica)
1971 Deuce (Japan Mini Lp replica)
1972 Live In Europe
1973 Blueprint (Japan Mini Lp replica)
with Taste
1970 On The Boards (Japan SHM edition)
1971 Live Taste
1971 Live At Isle Of Wight
Free Text